Total War Encyclopaedia

In Rise of the Samurai the shirabyoshi is a traditional dancer who performs for nobles on formal occasions. Dressed as a man in formal Shinto clothes and white powdered make-up, the slow, rhythmic dances she performs in veneration of the gods, also involve poetry, singing and musicianship. The shirabyoshi's main skill is seduction, which convinces her target to join her lord's cause. Shirabyoshi are able to entertain the nobles of friendly castle towns in order to boost their growth and entertain friendly generals in the field, which increases their loyalty to the family and counteracts the efforts of enemy agents to bribe or seduce them into changing sides. She can also distract enemy armies with her alluring performances. Shirabyoshi can be recruited via the clan chain of buildings.