Etiquette Primer...

Many new to The Mark, new to the concept of a “professional dungeon,” or new to the “public” lifestyle have questions regarding how to act or what to expect once here.  The following general guidelines have been assembled to help:

· Always observe the “safe, sane, and consensual” rule.  The safety of everyone is paramount and is also the responsibility of everyone in attendance.  If in doubt, err on the side of caution; or consult the Dungeon Monitor (DM).  All DMs have been trained and are Red Cross certified in First Aid and CPR.  The Dungeon Monitor is there to assist you as needed; as well as enforce the Party rules.  If the Dungeon Monitor asks you to stop an activity, you must do so at once.  If you disagree with her/his appraisal of the situation, you may discuss it later, but a DM’s call in the Gallery is non-negotiable.  You may be asked to leave The Mark for disobeying the rules.  Remember to negotiate all scenes before you play!

· Respect should always be accorded to every individual and their possessions.  If someone is submissive it does not mean that they will be submissive to you; likewise, if someone is dominant, it does not mean they are required to dominate you!  Avoid bias, presumptions, and stereotypes regarding gender and sexual orientation... and please do not make assumptions regarding roles.  Remember, someone may be new to the scene, or have fetish interests other than as a top/switch/bottom or dominant/submissive and we are open for everyone.

· Be honest and objective when describing/negotiating a potential scene, but do not take it personally if you ask someone to play and they turn you down.  There are many reasons why people choose with whom to play and when to play.

· Ask permission before touching someone, as some people are very sensitive about their personal space, or may be under orders to avoid bodily contact.  Likewise, ask for permission before handling toys or equipment that belongs to someone else.

· Some D/s players prefer formal Dominant/submissive behaviors, so be aware of verbal, behavioral, or visual cues such as formal body stances, eyes to the floor, strict attention to the dominant, etc.  For example, a submissive with a leash handle in their mouth is not available for conversation.  If a submissive does not respond to you, do not be offended as they may be under orders not to speak or interact.

· If a dominant or submissive is obviously occupied, do not interfere; and never try to participate in a scene unless you are invited to do so.  Please watch scenes quietly and respectfully.  Remember that scene-space can be fragile and easily destroyed; so avoid crowding an ongoing scene, limit conversation of any kind, and speak in a quiet tone of voice in any area where play is occurring.  The front space is the designated conversation area at The Mark.  Please be mindful of what is happening around you.

· If you are playing, try to limit the space you need for a scene and do not monopolize the major equipment, as someone else may be waiting to use it.  Also, make sure you have enough room for play without hitting bystanders with equipment or toys!  Keep track of your gear and always ask permission before borrowing toys.  Clean any borrowed toys after use and return them promptly.  Please be considerate and clean up any messes you make.

· A bottom should never be left unattended during a scene. If there is a need for the top to leave, he/she should appoint someone to watch over the bottom, preferably an experienced player or the Dungeon Monitor.

· Please do not hesitate to ask for help with unfamiliar equipment or techniques.  If you are playing with a new partner, you may wish to inform the Dungeon Monitor so they can assist you as needed.  Experienced players know their partners; it is not up to us to place limits on them as long as they are following established etiquette and protocol, and are “safe, sane, and consensual.”

· The formal (and rather verbose) CPI policy and rule set for The Mark is available on-site for your review.