ThirdFriday DM Guidelines

    ThirdFriday DM Guidelines    

 

Click here for a Printable (MS Word) version of the ThirdFriday DM Guidelines.

General Philosophy:

ThirdFriday's general philosophy is one of a hands off policy as much as possible. We believe in treating all people as mature adults, able to make decisions for themselves in a responsible manner. We want to try new concepts and allow things that might have not been allowed in the past at certain parties to be tried here.

We want to encourage our DMs to answer any and all questions posed by both spectator(s) and participants alike.

Specifics:

What is a ThirdFriday Dungeon Master (DM):

A ThirdFriday DM is quite simply a party traffic cop/lifeguard. You are there to make sure that the party flows smoothly and safely. The DM is there to maintain crowd control, enforce the party rules, monitor equipment safety and scene play, answer questions and act as a general security escort when requested by participates. All of this is to be enacted in a friendly and courteous manner. The ThirdFriday party rules give DM's a wide-ranging authority while acting under the supervision of the Head DM. This authority must be used wisely and with compassion.

How will people know I'm a DM?

A ThirdFriday DM wears a bright orange vest, to make themselves visible in a crowd and signify that the DM is working. The DM will also carry scissors and a flashlight. The scissors are to cut rope or other items in case of an emergency. The flashlight is for the change of lighting around and within the party area.

DM Responsibilities - Before, During and After the party:

Before the event begins it is the responsibility of the Head DM to do a walk through and briefing with other DM's. The Head DM will instruct the other DM's as to the location of the first aid kit, phone, address of the party location, and location of any special equipment (such as the exam room). Part of the initial walk through is to allow everyone to check the equipment and toys to make sure they are properly placed and in good working order. It is best to find out that something doesn't work before a guest plays on the toy and finds out themselves...the hard way. [NOTE] If you find damaged equipment, notify the head DM immediately and place a sign on it. During the briefing and walk-through, duty areas will be assigned. The area(s) are not hard and fast patrol stations; they are general areas to keep in mind when on duty. This will provide even coverage of the entire venue. We do not want to leave an area unattended or have too many DM's in one spot.

When a DM is relieved- it is his/her responsibility to brief the next DM of everything going on in their area(s). Make sure the new DM is fully aware of any special request(s) by a guest, (ie., type(s) of activities currently underway), or any problems you have encountered with individuals or scenes. After this is done, please turn over your vest, scissors and flashlight and enjoy the rest of the party.

After the party has ended a final walk through is done to make sure that equipment is returned to its proper place, any lost items are collected and given to the play space staff, and all DM vest(s), scissors, and flashlights are returned to the Head DM.

Basic Crowd Control:

In a play party, once a scene begins, the DM's need to monitor the traffic flow. You will need to watch for potential problems between spectator(s) and player(s). Often you will need to move the crowd back to allow room for the bullwhip to be used or prevent interested spectators from encroaching on play space. At other times you will need to move spectators that have occupied an unused play area to keep the space free for the next player. This is the type of general situation that DM's encounter. By keeping the crowd and players organized you facilitate uninterrupted space for the player(s) and allow spectators the opportunity to see the action without getting hurt or in the way. On occasion you will encounter spectators who are talking too loud or are attempting to intrude on an on-going scene. This is where a DM needs to act to protect the players by preventing spectator(s) from interrupting the scene. At a ThirdFriday party we actively encourage participants to be social and enjoy themselves but at the same time we always prioritize play. The needs of an active scene are more important than the crowd. It is your job to strike a balance and keep the party fun for everyone. All of your interactions with the crowd should be polite. Most of the time spectators won't realize they are causing a problem and the situation is an honest mistake on their part. Simply asking someone to move or hold their voices down in a polite manner will do the job. It is rare to have a situation where anything more is necessary. In some cases a DM will need to position themselves between the crowd and a scene. A good example of this would be bullwhipping. A long whip requires room; by standing at the end of the required area, you have the ability to keep people behind you and at a safe distance. It also puts you in a position to keep someone from casually walking through the area.

Organizing Play Space:

For the most part play areas are very obvious and self explanatory. On occasion you may have scenes that require a bit more prep on the part of the player and some forethought on the part of the DM. In the rules we ask that before any heavy scenes, (blood sports / needle play, or fire play) begins, that the players notify a DM. The reason is to allow the DM a chance to place the scene properly and to make sure the requisite equipment is available. For scenes involving blood, the DM will make sure that the player has brought their own sharps container, plastic sheeting, and biohazard disposal bags. You also need to make sure that the scene is properly placed within the party. Play of this type needs to be located in a manner that maximizes the player's ability to concentrate and reduces the chance that a spectator could dangerously interrupt the scene. In the case of fire play, the players should be properly equipped with a fire extinguisher and blanket. These items should be positioned close to the play area. The scene should be located in such a way as to prevent accidental spreading of the fire should something go wrong. [i.e. keep the scene away from all curtains, etc.].

Observing Play and Enforcing the ThirdFriday Party Rules:

It is extremely rare to have unsafe or non-consensual play at a party. DM's are there to observe play but should not intercede in a scene unless it is obvious that life and limb are at risk or that the party rules are being violated. We must keep in mind that sometimes things are not as they appear. We don't want to interrupt a scene without due forethought. If something doesn't seem right, please observe carefully and then consult with another DM if possible. Some things might be obvious indicators that there is a problem with the scene. Example: the bottom has safe worded and the top is not changing their course of action or stopping, the bottom has passed out and no one is assisting, a bottom has been left unattended while in a restrained position that could lead to physical distress. In the case of party rule violation a quick and subtle word with the top can correct the situation without breaking the scene completely. In most cases a party rule violation is due to an honest mistake or being carried away in the heat of the moment. The ThirdFriday philosophy is to grant the widest possible latitude to the player(s). Keep in mind that they are responsible, consenting adults and take full responsibility for their own action(s).

Safe Sex:

Please encourage safe sex at all times, and inform participants that all doors to the rooms must stay open at all times. No exceptions to the rule!!

Sanitation of Equipment:

The cleaning of the play equipment: a light wipe down before a scene begins with the simple green cleaning solution that is located near the play equipment.

A Note on Bondage / Circulation:

Be alert for blue lips and fingernails. If a submissive is wearing lipstick and / or nail polish, the DM can't see the blueness. Tactfully check for cold skin and numbness. For example, if you see a bound submissive whose hands appear bluish, wiggle your flashlight beam on the floor to get the Doms attention. This, using the beam as a "pointer", shine it on the submissives hands to indicate your concern. Any Dom will appreciate your attentiveness. Be particularly aware of breathing, ie., no bondage rope around the neck, without the proper slip knots/quick releases.

General Rule Enforcement in the Crowd:

The ThirdFriday parties allow drinking of alcohol. It is rare but someone may become intoxicated or be in an impaired state. If this happens contact the Head DM immediately, as this person(s) may have to be removed from the party. Again, on rare occasions you may have to intercede on behalf of a party goer who is being harassed. If this happens, having a subtle word with the offender in a non - confrontational manner is the best course of action. If you have to intercede, tell another DM or the Head DM. This helps to keep you out of a confrontational situation while letting the others know what to look for should something happen again.