| Safety Manual by Catherine Gross |
| and not thud and this is my safeword. However, other negotiations may last for months. Depending on how intensely you intend to play or how well you know someone. Negotiations will vary. The basics areas that should be addressed are: Medical history & medications Safeword (Have you (has anyone who played with you) ever safeworded? If so, why?) Emotional history / hot buttons Areas of experience |
| Negotiation is a cornerstone of the SSC dogma. It is one of your most important tools as a player. This is where two or more people discuss their desires, goals, wishes, hot buttons, limits (what they will not do), and medical history in order to provide each other with enough information to have a satisfying mutual scene. Some negotiations are very brief. For instance, if you are at a gathering and only wish to have a flogging, it may not be necessary to say more than, “This is where I like to be flogged. This is how heavy I can go. I like stingy sensations |
| Areas of interest Solid limits (absolute no’s) Implementation experience Mentoring / Learning Experience Mutual goals of playing Sexuality (will it or will it not be involved) Fantasies You have to talk about what you want and expect. Good communication can be the difference between a superbly satisfying scene and a tragedy. Speak freely about what you want and need before, during and after a scene. |
| Negotiations: A Primary Tool |
| Good Planning |
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| Your environment is extremely important to the success of your endeavor. You should be aware of lighting, placement, stability and temperature. Lighting You want to make sure you have adequate lighting for all activities. Low lighting is frequently used to set a “mood” or help relax the bottom. Make sure that the lighting isn’t too low that you would be unable to discern reddening skin. Colored lighting is at times used to achieve an emotional affect or be decorative. Be aware that red lighting in particular will tint the color of the skin and not allow one to see a true pigment. Make sure the light isn’t placed so it would create a blind spot. Placement Be aware of your surroundings. Know the location of tables, other pieces of furniture and objects so if your bottom faints they won’t fall and injure themselves. Most injuries which occur during fainting are due to striking an object while falling. Be aware of hanging objects or anything that might obstruct your path or fall while you are scening. Stability Before utilizing any equipment such as crosses, spanking benches, slings, any and all furniture-like dungeon equipment, one should test the equipment. You need to pull, push and check the stability of all pieces. Run your hands along the surface that may touch your bottom, make sure there aren’t rough spots, splinters and such. |
| .Temperature You want to be aware of the temperature around you. A bottom will not last long if it is too hot or cold. If it’s too cold, the bottom may not be able to stay “in scene” too long. They will also experience sensation differently as cold effects the muscles and how a bottom will react. It lowers pain thresholds as well. It’s not recommended for extended periods of time. Extreme heat is also dangerous. A bottom could be overcome by heat stroke. They could faint, become dizzy, or nauseous. If they do, give them plenty of water. Try placing ice on the back of the neck or on the inside of the wrist. This will help the body cool at a faster rate. Hydration Staying hydrated is also a very important element to any scene. It’s advisable to drink 16 oz of water thirty minutes prior to any scene. The heavier the scene the better the hydration level. Keep water on hand during a scene also. Sound Music is also an effective tool to enhance or control your immediate enviroment. It can create many different types of mood. Set the volume at a level that allows clear communication. With a bit of forethought, you can help insure that your scene has all the necessary elements to provide a solid foundation. |