Pinned to the walls, and cork board of the docks was a flier written in golden ink upon an aged parchment and sealed with the Cobra's crest in black wax at it's bottom. It read as follows:
"Lord and Ladies, Masters and Mistresses. It has been a long desire of mine to share with the isle the culture of my homeland, specially given how our land and the isle share a common staple of our daily lives; Slaves. In this Multi-part event I will be divulging the secrets of the sanharen traditions of slavery, sharing not only our processes, training methods, and handling methods. But also how we forge the relationship dynamics we do with our collared property, and shape them into jewels worthy of any harem. So even if you are an experienced trainer, Respected owner, or someone fresh to the trade who wishes to learn how to indulge in this unique experience I hope you, and your slaves shall enjoy what I have to offer." - Levinth
What is this?
I'm glad you asked! Due to the interest of individuals wishing to learn how to handle/own slaves, in addition to people who desire to learn how to further build good m/s dynamics I've decided to hold these Seminars! A multi-part event which will take place each saturday (or the following if we have short attendance that week) levinth will be sharing the traditions, methods, and laws which has helped establish, maintain, and turn The sanharen desert into one of the most successful slave-dependent societies in Dracia. His methods however, are not the tether's methods, and offer a different type of 'way to do things' for those who want a fresh, new, and character development driven experience for both Master and Slave! Made similar in the TED talks model, the event will open with a lecture to cover 'points' in a curriculum, before opening the floor for questions from the crowd. Each week, we will advance further into various topics starting from the basics, and leading into more complex dynamics with a gradual yet steady learning curve. These are the very same methods Levinth uses day to day as a handler of the tether!
Rules
- All patrons are welcome to attend
- Slaves can attend either with owners, or alongside NPC guards
- Disruptive Slaves, or unruly patrons will be escorted out
- Questions are more then welcome! There will be a Q&A Held at the end of the end of each seminar
Lecture Notes Additional notes will be added week, by week. Think of them as a heads up as far as what we'll cover that day
I. Introduction - Transcript Below
1. The Sanharen Culture - An Overview
2. The Social Structure of the City
3. The Importance of Slaves
4. How Slaves are Processed
5. How Slaves are Sold
II. The Responsibilities of a Master - Transcript Below
1. How one becomes a 'Master'
2. How a Master's hand reflects within the health of his flock
3. The basic needs of a slave. (Purpose, Place, Duty, Food, Shelter, Protection, Water, Care)
4. Fairness in judgement (Punishment/Praise)
The following will be covered in the next lecture.
5. Adding to the Value of a slave
6. Encouraging Growth, and further development of a Slave.
III. Loyal Submission - The Master and Slave Dynamic - Scheduled for August 1st
Last edited by Levinth on Sat Jul 25, 2015 6:32 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Sanhara, the great desert, the home sands, though it goes by many names the vast desert from which I hail has very little to it's name. Stretching from coastline, to coastline, it has little in terms of bounty to offer it's people, and in turn we find ourselves carving out an existence through any means possible. Perhaps that is why, of all the things a nation can be known for.. we have a reputation for only two. Steam powered technology, and slavery. Our lives are difficult as it is, but made even more so by the mercenary minded vil'seth who are the dominant species of the sands. Coin, is the only voice that holds weight in conversation, and wealth becomes a matter of presence, power, and the strength of one's grip on their possessions. Before I can teach you the -how- of our way of doing things. You need understand the why. Which is what I'm covering tonight. You see.. unlike the isle, we do not have the luxury of an abundance of slaves, we do not have the luxury of wasting our time in training them, and we do not have the luxury of wasting potential.
The Social Structure of the City
There are only Four types of people in the social structure. The mercenaries, our military muscle and who go out, capture, and return 'slave stock' for us to sell. The engineers, who work tirelessly to keep the tech that allows us to drink, eat, and survive in the merciless sands running. The outcasts and exiles that make up it's meager base population, of which I am a part of. And slaves. Slaves are the foundation of our society. From our workforce, to our leisure, from entertainment, to our pleasure, from our blood sports, to our apprentices and merchants. Without them, well.. we wouldn't have much of a city at all. And with so many working and doing so many things, under so many people, and needing to not only trusted to carry out their tasks but to not fail in them. We've had to design methods of slavery that maximize the output of every individual thrown into the cogs.
The Importance of Slaves/Slavery
Given the importance of slavery, and the slaves, only select individuals, are able to become Slave Owners. The titles Master, and mistress, are not easily given. To become one, an individual must prove that they are not only capable, but financially able, to invest in a proper flock and ensure that every collared individual that comes into their care, serves the whole of the city correctly, and with or without that master's presence. These, are the types of people I will be teaching you how to be. Men and women, who do not simply call themselves such because they own property, but because of so much more. Masters, mistresses, trainers, handlers, that will not only be recognized for their skill, but undeniable in their position within the eyes of their collared lambs. But Levinth.. What's stopping me from just -buying- a slave, really, that's all there is to it. I am Master simply because I -own- property.. Here.. that may be the case, back home? You would be mocked.. for it is not a privilege, but a position. You do not call yourself a smith just because you can bang a hammer on metal, you do not call yourself an engineer because you can spin a gear on the tip of a metal rod. You do not call yourself a cook just because you can throw things in a bowl and eat it. Such is the same for Slave Owners. We are what we are because we are artists in our own right, we take slaves and shape them, mold them, plant them, grow them, cut, and polish them into treasures. We put passion, coin, time, and sacrifice into ensuring what we produce is a product of the finest quality we can provide.
How Are Slaves Processed?
However...We do not provide slavers unworthy materials. IN Val'kesh.. slaves are in short supply because it is the mercenary raiders who deliver them. From lands beyond the desert, some even from exotic places further away then you can fathom. They are taken from anyplace they can be taken, and all brought back to the city to be processed. Fresh off the ships.. they are divided into different 'grades'. Those with subservient personalities, and have accepted their lot in life, and even wish to make the most of it. Are sent directly to market. Those who do not, are sent to work as a labor force and keep the city running. While the violent, the rebellious, and the prideful, the... unbreakable.. Are sent to the pits. An arena where they are forced to fight to the death for the amusement of the city. Until they die, earn their freedom, or request of their overseers to be given a chance at a better life. If the latter, they are re-valuated, and if accepted, go to market. Thus, Slave owners are provided with stock that is like an ingot of metal, or a slab of stone. Unmarked, but holding vast potential. Which leads me to how they are sold..
How Are Slaves Sold?
Markets are... less of what you may think. They are restricted area's that are accessible -only- to slave owners who have been permitted to purchase property. Cages exist, yes, but they are filled with maybe one, or two slaves per. No one speaks, the masters.. do not converse with the property but rather survey them as they would items at a silent auction. Information about the slaves are provided in the form of papers which can be browsed and are attached to the cages. Such as species, gender, age, health. The basics. But also interests, hobbies, known skills, talents, and most importantly. What they have the potential to be best at. When I purchased Tahirah from the Val'kesh markets she was not even a -fraction- of what you see now. She was plucked from a foreign land, the spoils of a raid on a village, and marked reasonably because of her young age. She was noted as Subservient, a passionate learner, though was slow at mastering skills. Her potential? Attendant, and basic servant. She was seven when I bought her. Now, she is a highly trained companion, musician, entertainer, and one of my highest earning slaves within my establishment. Her loyalty is also without question, if I gave the word, she would cut the very wings from her back without question. Thus the thought of her not serving to my standards at any point in time, does not even cross my mind. Slave owners... become specialists. Mine, is Companions, and courtesans. Thus I look for things such as good social skills, and slaves with interest in the areas I teach. As well as subservient, personable personalities. Others, depending on their specialty, will look for slaves with other potential and skill lists that will offer the highest success rate for what they desire to. Churn out. Aside from this initial auction however, a slave will never see the market block again. For after that, they are exchanged hands only through private sales with other owners. I know some who've made a killing just taking slaves with base potential, teaching them some unique skills, and then selling them at quite a mark up to the right specialist.
Tonight's Q&A Discussion
So were there ever any Masters with previous history as a slave, that became a master of a certain talent they had and thus sold slaves with their own talents they had gained as slave?
"Though it is rare for a slave to earn freedom to begin with, it is not uncommon for them to earn rights to own slaves afterwards. IN my time as Master, I have seen this happen only three times. The first was the slave of a trader, who went on to produce slaves that were skilled in foreign trade policies, accounting, and how to tell genuine from forgery in terms of trade-goods, as well as quality inspections. The second, was a gladiator who went on to train shepherds. Slaves trained in combat, and for use as bodyguards and guardians of a master's slave stock. The third, was one of my own companions, who now churns out high quality entertainers."
you mentioned that the Subservients and Masters/Mistresses do not speak to one another at the Market. I understand that papers detail everything a slave has training in, and potential, but why is that so?
"The reason the markets are silent. Is because slavers are... competitive. Sometimes, a slaver will be tempted to 'buy' a slave out from under another one for spite, or if a bid war breaks out over a slave, it can quickly result in needless violence. Thus, all bids are made privately and without the other slavers knowing if they may, or may not have competition for a slave on sale. It's also to prevent bias.. or slavers from persuading other slavers not to invest in a slave because of silly reasons."
is your homeland ruled by these Mercenaries?
"My homeland is ruled by these mercenaries yes. The vil'seth are ruthless, lawless, and the seat of power is constantly being handed to whomever has the most power, men, and money at the time. As you can imagine, the seat of power is constantly changing. Which is why it's the master's council, rather then the mercs, who determine the laws of slavery. They are selected from the most experienced, and established slavers in the city. I am one of it's council. Which.. I can tell you, was both a surprise honor, and no easy achievement.."
how does your arena system work? Do people bid coin on slaves?
"As for the arena system? It's doors are always open, day or night, and runs on bets made by the patrons. It's the largest entertainment venue in the city."
So, if simply owning a slave is not enough for someone to be a Master where you come from, what else does it take? I imagine where you come from one needs to possess a great deal of time and money in order to even get started, right?
"One has to apply for a permit of rights. To obtain one, you have to show that you have the time, resources, and wealth to pour into producing suitable quality slaves. Been the apprentice and gain recommendation of an existing slave owner, and take the Masters Oath. Which, if broken, will have you stripped of your property, denounced as a master, and banned from having interactions with slaves. A heavy, heavy price. I obtained my permit of rights when I was eighteen. I'm now thirty six, and have over eleven hundred slaves to my name. before that, I worked as a peddler, and black market trader, and apprenticed under A vil'seth slave owner who specialized in prostitutes, Artisans, and Slave labor. We do not hand slaves to just anyone, as every slave who looses it's ability to serve harms the city, and is one more slave we have to replace."
Do you plan on perhaps putting some of these standards of your homeland into Tether?
"Perhaps, but that is honestly up to management to decide if they wish to implement some of these practices into the establishment. However, I openly encourage individuals, who are interested, or even desire to practice these Sanharen methods to do so as openly as they like. It's why I opted to hold these seminar's to begin with, especially after seeing how positively the slaves were reacting to the methods in the pens. I feel the slavers who do so will see a productive change in the slaves they handle, and produce a higher quality product in the end, or simply own a slave that reflects and earns the respectful reputation of a Sanharen Slaver."
That should be it! Let me know if I missed anything! Thank you to everyone who came!
Those of you who were present last time, should recall when I spoke of my homeland and how I ended the lecture on the requirements a patron must meet to become a Master, and the importance slave owners hold within our culture. Tonight, I am moving forward into the responsibilities expected of a slave owner, before they can even go about selecting their first slave. These fundamentals, form the foundation of a Master's.. Well, if we were speaking about horses, what I'm covering tonight would be you building your stable, and preparing it for your new pets.
How a Master's hand reflects within the health of his flock.
I think I speak for all slavers.. when I say that for us.. our reputation is one of the most important things to us when it comes to slaves. Our reputation, is what will have individuals decide what we are before they even meet us, and form opinions about us even if we never cross paths with them directly. Thus, as master's ..we must ensure our slaves not only honor that reputation, but reflect it. We are, after all, artisan's of flesh, and lives. So we must showcase our wares, even those we do not intend to sell, in the best light possible, no not only encourage business, but show how we handle our property. Think.. for a moment, how the tether shows off the slaves within it's cages..? How we ensure they are fed, bathed, clothed, healthy, that their injuries have been seen to. How we tech them how to act, present, and speak correctly to their betters? That is because the islands reputation, shows within it's stock. We too need to have this same mentality. If we neglect, if we starve, if we maim, torture, abuse, or otherwise abandon our slaves.. it will show, and in a way that will harm us, more then help us. For who would come to a slave trainer for business in training their own, or to buy one of our flock if their damaged, sick, and unruly?
The basic needs of a slave. (Place, Purpose, Duty, Food, Shelter, Protection, Water, Care)
Thus, I shall bring your attention, to the first things we must ensure our 'stable' provides. A slaves basic needs; Food, Shelter, Protection, Water, and Care. For the physical needs. But also Purpose, place, and duty which are their mental needs. I have noticed the first mistake many make is to focus only on the physical, and then wonder why their slaves are not functioning to their expectation. To deny, or ignore the mental.. is almost as bad as physically disabling a slave.. I know a common punishment for a slave who acts up, is to deny them things. Like starving them for a day or two, or not giving them water, or leaving them to deal with their injuries without the proper means to do so. These, are considered poor punishments. As they do more harm to a slaves mental health then good, and causes more damage to the dynamic you forge with your slave. Then good.
Take food, for example. Instead of starving them, make it unappetizing. A far cry from their usual meals, but still giving them the requirements needed of their diet. If the slave refuses to eat it? And starves themselves? That is on them, not you. You are still fulfilling their basic need, they just don't like how your doing it.
This same principle, can be applied to the rest of the basic needs. And in my own deployment I can tell you in good faith that they are so.. so very effective. Specially when that slave eventually earns their way back into proper graces. Their grateful for what was previously 'the standard', and makes falling from grace.. when you give them higher, or better quality versions of these needs and then drop them back down to the punishment variants. More ground shaking for them.
Shelter, for example. Do you allow them within your home? Make them sleep within the basement rather then your bedroom, or a cage instead of your bed. You are still providing them shelter, but not in the way they like it.
Same also applies for place, one of the slaves mental needs. Are they usually viewed as a harem slave? Now their an untrained slave, to be taught such until they earn their previous position back from you. Yet, despite their place changing, you are still -providing- them, with that need for placement, a spot in your life for them to occupy.
There are however, a few needs we must -never- disregard. and that is the following: Purpose, Duty, Protection, Water, And Care. Above all, a slaver must value the dynamic we have with your slaves. At it's most basic, is that we will provide for our slave, and they will in turn serve us. To invalidate, or betray this basic concept.. is to set our slave up for failure, as they will become confused, lost, and act up or make mistakes more often because of their confusion. To punish them for our mistakes, will damage the strength of the bond, and is what turns slaves into disobedient, disloyal creatures and will be more likely to stab you in the back then stick by you when it matters most.
Water, Protection, care. These are the core physical needs.
You cannot deny a slave water, or they become sick, and in some cases will die depending on their environment. You can reward them with better alternatives to drink of course, but you must never punish them so far as to deny them water entirely. Protection, as a master we provide this service automatically. We do not allow anyone to just up and damage our property as they feel like it, we do not put a slave in a dangerous situation without us there to ensure things don't go too far. Many masters, who've thrown their slaves to the wolves as punishment, have found their bond shattered entirely, and their slave mentally and physically damaged beyond repair as a result.
Punish, but do not simply break a slave because your mad at them. Care, is another. When our slave is sick, wounded, or otherwise. We as masters are sworn to see to this need the moment they come under our collar. This is especially important after punishment. After we've done putting them back into their place, we must be there to see to not only the physical damage so that it heals properly. But the emotional, ensuring that they know what they did wrong, why what happened happened, but also reassure them that they have a place at our side. Such is why.. I have my slaves -thank- me for my punishments. I could have just re-sold them, but instead I value them, and thus took the time to correct their behavior, and still have a place for them when it's all said and done. It's reassurance.
Purpose, for a slave. Is a basic mental need. And one I feel very few slavers acknowledge along with duty.
These are the foundation upon which your slave stands, and if you rip this metaphorical floor out from under them. You are again, doing more damage, then good for your dynamic. Purpose, is the -why- you purchased that slave to begin with. I admit, I myself have seem slaves in the pens sometimes that have made me gone 'I want that' but we -must- prevent ourselves from becoming collectors. We have to ask ourselves 'why would I purchase them, what purpose would they have in serving me'? Once you purchase a slave for a specific purpose, even in punishment, you must never take this purpose from them. Did you buy a slave to serve you personally? Then even in punishment, they must continue to care for you in some fashion. Did you buy them for the arena? Then do not take them away from that purpose, continue to have them train for their next match. Hell, make them train additional hours as punishment. Did you buy the slave to make you coin? Then ensure, even when punished, they continue to be lucrative in some fashion. This gives a slave stability, reassurance, and confirmation of their place. This is what I am to my master, this is what I was purchased to do.
Which directly ties into duty, keep a slave busy. A slave exists to -serve- so even when punished, they shoudl be doing so. Punishing a slave by having them not serve, brings their existence into question, but also sends them into a panic. are they going to sell me? Are they going to kill me? What am I supposed to do? This mental 'panic' often causes slaves to try and do things for their masters when they arn't supposed to, as a means of trying to please them. And are thus punished for it, and it only causes -more- damage. My personal recommendation, is if you wish them not to serve you anymore? Then sell them. Do not risk damaging them needlessly, and just sell them. Selling them is quick coin, and less time that slave will remain in a blind panic. Being re-sold is a quick and less damaging pain, then being without purpose, or duty for a prolonged time. And -then- sold.
Fairness in judgement. (punishment/praise)
Which, brings me of course to punishment and reward. With slaves, you need to think on an individual scale. No two slaves may have the same reaction to a punishment, or will that same punishment hold the same weight, or be as effective as it might on one of them. This is why getting to know your slave mentally, and physically is so important. learning your slaves likes, dislikes, loves, hates, interests, hobbies, all paves the way for you to exploit them to your advantage. For example gyp here.. 'play' is an effective reward. While what you saw earlier, moving her status down from a well trained slave, to an untrained slave via swap of collar. Which is a system of 'rank' within my culture. Was an effective punishment.
We -want- our slaves to strive to please us, and in turn give them rightful reward for their efforts. As that in turn fuels them into wanting to please us -more-. By using positive, encouraging, and supportive reward and behavior to them when their doing what we want. We let them no clearly "This is good, this is very good, your on the right path' and when we punish them, we want to knock them off their feet a little. Make sure the punishment isn't something they shrug off, something that tells them clearly. 'you've disappointed me, this must not happen again, you do not like this, you do not -want- this happening again'. That is the principles of the reward, and punishment system.
For example gyp here.. 'play' is an effective reward. While what you saw earlier, moving her status down from a well trained slave, to an untrained slave via swap of collar. Which is a system of 'rank' within my culture. Was an effective punishment. We -want- our slaves to strive to please us, and in turn give them rightful reward for their efforts. As that in turn fuels them into wanting to please us -more-. By using positive, encouraging, and supportive reward and behavior to them when their doing what we want. We let them no clearly "This is good, this is very good, your on the right path' and when we punish them, we want to knock them off their feet a little. Make sure the punishment isn't something they shrug off, something that tells them clearly. 'you've disappointed me, this must not happen again, you do not like this, you do not -want- this happening again'. That is the principles of the reward, and punishment system.
Tonight's Q&A Session
Regarding masters who have made it clear that their ownership of a slave is temporary, do you believe it is still necessary to maintain such stable bonds like you have described?
That is a very, very good question. With temporary ownership, which is common when a slaver wishes to simply train, and re-sell a slave. I find it is effective when you tell the slave from the start the intent to re-sell them eventually. This lets them know that eventually, when they are sold, it is not because they have failed their owner. But a mere eventuality. However, yes, it is still necessary to maintain the stable bond. As for the length of time that they are under your care, does not excuse a master from their responsibilities. I've also found that unless these bonds are honored, the slaves do not use the time they spend beneath that person to their full advantage, and thus their training does not go as far, as it could. Or take much longer then expected. Mind you of course I am speaking about slave owners, renters and patrons only have that slave in their care for as long as they pay the coin. Thus they are not that slaves master, and thus that slave is not their responsibility.
I'm a complete novice in this field, what would you most like new slavers like myself to take away from this seminar?
'm glad to see you here and present, specially given that your so fresh to the trade. I wanted to hold this series for both newcomers, and established slavers alike. What I want you to take from my lessons, is a firm concrete understanding of the master slave dynamic, how to succeed as a slaver, and add meaningful development to the slaves that fall under, and come from your hand.
I find I have trouble controlling my temper. This is no fault of the slave, but a weakness that may be taken advantage of. How can I be sure that my punishment is fitting, and how should I handle a slave that purposefully incites anger?
Very good questions, that tells me right away that your slave is manipulative. And that can be a very dangerous, frustrating, and problematic feature to deal with. Ironically, I often find such behavior among harem slaves. Their clever, and will often manipulate inexperienced masters into giving them what they want, and when. I would recommend you ask yourself, is this slave a right fit for me? Do I have the time, patience, and mental control required to train them out of this behavior? or is this slave too much for me? The latter should never be an injury to your pride. Every slaver is different, and every slaver can provide different things to their slaves. Where one is capable, another might be incapable. Learning those strengths, and weaknesses is how you learn what type of master you are, and what slaves thrive beneath your hand. A lot of the time this is learned through trial and error, and over a long period of time.
As for figuring out what punishments are effective, get inside their heads. Learn more about them, either through speaking to them or observing their behaviors and focus on their likes, dislikes, loves, and hates. Don't be afraid to test the waters and see how effective a punishment might be, by experimenting with different variants of ideas for minor infractions. As for manipulating you. You need to train yourself to not fall into their trap, once you wrest control out of their hands, they will be less capable, and thus more open to your methods. This however, means you'll have to face, and defeat your own inner demon before you can proceed, and expect results.
