In the past, I have often been posed the question "What is a slave?" and "What is a Master?". I tend to answer these questions in the same brush stroke, with how I had my current slave graduate into a fully fledged slave, and how I learned a lot about what it meant to be a master.
What I am about to outline is what has become known as boot camp, this is designed to test the resolve of both Master and slave aspiring to create a 24/7 relationship.
This is in no way a sexual setup, and should not be viewed as a play activity unless that is what really gets you off. It is hard work, for both parties and should not be taken lightly.
It is not designed for everyone and I am just sharing this, should anyone else wish to make use of the principles of how I did it, I am in now way claiming something like this has never existed before.
One of the fundamental tenants in a 24/7 M/s dynamic in my opinion is the fact that everyday activities are all privileges, the slaves only rights are to that of nourishment, water and medicine. Boot camp seeks to enforce this state of mind in both Master and slave.
For a starting period of 1 week, the slave would have all privileges removed that would not compromise her position in her family or professional life, however all things should be attempted to the point at which they possible, even if it is greatly inconvenient.
I arrange this by enforcing a new set of rules:
1) The slave is to be awake by X time, and be in bed, in silence by Y time.
2) The slave is permitted nothing to drink but water. The use of glasses is also a privilege so this should be taken from a bowl on the floor.
3) The slave is to sleep on the floor.
4) The slave may sit on no furniture.
5) The slave may only take one 5 minute shower in the morning, using no hot water at all.
6) Communication of the slave may be limited, limited time on the internet (if at all), possible restrictions to third person speech, ensuring that correct nomenclature is used when typing in chat (capital letters on You, Master etc)
7) Being contactable at all times, including during the night in order to serve if required.
8) Reduced play time/no sex
9) The slave will be dressed in an appropriate manor and ready for use while at home.
10) No physical contact with sister slaves (if appropriate)
This is simply a few examples of what I used when carrying this out, but I feel it gets my point across.
The thing with boot camp is it is not simply a hard task for the slave, it is a test of faith for the Master as well. He has to sit and watch his slave suffer on the bare minimum of requirements, to enforce it when all you want to do is give them a hug and let them lie next to you in bed.
It is important for both sides of this to maintain their requirements throughout and I guarantee it will make you both stronger in the long run if you both survive it.
One important question is how do you punish the slave if something goes wrong, especially when you have already taken so much away? My answer to this is simple, do not resort to play punishments (spankings, etc) take away the one thing that should matter most to your slave, her privilege to talk to you, ensuring she knows how much that will hurt you as well.
After one week I would suggest reviewing the things you have taken away from the slave, and introduce ones back in that you feel are appropriate, from experience sometimes the slave gets used to certain aspects and you may wish to keep them as part of your dynamic. Every 24/7 M/s is different and should all be reviewed on individual merit.
But in order to answer the original question, I feel that if the slave can survive a week of doing this for the one she wishes to serve, and that can get her through it, that is the essence of being a slave.
Happy to take comments and questions.
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