Forms of Address
Speaking with a Master
Greeting other slaves
Forms Of Address
Masters. Any Master is addressed by a slave as "Master" or "Sir" at all times unless the Master has specifically directed some other form of address. In referring to an absent Master (as in addressing someone else), the slave may add the Master's given name or preferred name, such as "Master Shack," or even the full name if necessary for clarity. The words "Master," "Sir," and all pronouns referring to a Master are normally capitalized in written communications.
slaves. slaves may use the first person in speech as needed for clarity and naturalness, but they should strive to reduce their dependence on "I" statements as much as possible (see below on how to ask questions). The phrases "this slave" and "the slave" may be used for self-reference if no ambiguity results. The phrase "Your slave" may be used, if desired for emphasis and as a sign of affection, when a slave addresses the Master to Whom he is in service. A slave in Our household is recognized as a living being and normally will not be depersonalized by using the term "it."
Other slaves. A slave should address and refer to other slaves as "slave [name]," "slave brother," or by such other designation directed by that slave's Master or required for clarity. slaves normally may talk freely with each other even in a Master's presence, so long as their conversation is not distracting, does not compete with what the Master wants to express, and can be interrupted immediately and easily by the Master.
Respect for all. A slave addresses all persons with respect and courtesy. If an adult is neither a Master nor a slave, he or she should be addressed as "Sir" or "Ma'am" (or "Miss" as appropriate) at least once in each conversation. This applies as much to salesclerks and deliverymen as to business executives and elderly aunts. It is not that a slave is "beneath" everybody else, but that a slave sees all persons as part of something greater than any individual and deserving respect.
Speaking With A Master
A slave normally does not speak to any Master unless spoken to or otherwise invited to speak, as by a nod, a word, a look, or other gesture. When he feels the need for a Master's attention, he comes into the Master's awareness and waits to be addressed. Exceptions, of course, are made for emergencies or situations where it may be necessary for the slave to speak first, otherwise the following protocol for addressing a Master assumes that the slave has already come into His awareness and has been invited or ordered to speak.
The Master might also invite the slave into conversation with a sign, a word, a look, or a nod that indicates the Master's order to speak. In that case it is not necessary to ask permission before asking a question or making a comment, as long as the slave frames his statements respectfully, does not interrupt the Master, and does not impose on the Master's time or attention.
Every statement or question a slave addresses to a Master should begin and end with "Sir" (multiple statements or questions may use only a single "Sir" between them). "Sir, ... , Sir" is the default form. Do not overuse the honorific term "Sir." Its use should be natural and should not impede the normal flow of a conversation. (Note that not all Masters follow this protocol, but slaves should assume that a Master does follow it unless told otherwise, and all Masters and slaves in the house will follow it when in the dungeon or other designated play spaces.)
The proper form for questions regarding any possible action by a slave is, "Sir, do You wish me to [description of action], Sir?" It is immaterial if the word "wish" is replaced with "want," "desire," "intend," and so on, or whether the action is simple, complex, or a prelude to further conversation (asking if the Master wishes the slave to tell Him something). What matters is that instead of the slave expressing his own desire and asking the Master to approve or reject it, the slave presents a possibility, without investing himself in it, and waits for the Master's instruction. Living in obedience goes beyond just doing as you're told; it means that you also want only what your Master wants.
Calls of nature. The normal form for questions pertaining to any use of the bathroom, taking prescribed medication, and other personal hygiene or grooming needs is, "Sir, do You wish this slave to take care of himself by [description of action], Sir?"
Since a Master's response to a slave's question is in effect an order, the standard response by the slave to any instruction, acknowledgment, correction, explanation, or information conveyed by a Master is, "Sir, yes, Sir! Thank You, Sir!" The same form is used whenever a slave answers a question in the affirmative. If the slave's answer is negative, he says, "Sir, no Sir! Thank you, Sir!" Occasionally these forms may be varied by using"Master" ("Sir, yes, Sir! Thank You, Master!"), but the basic form is invariant.
A slave is never wrong to ask for clarification of orders given him or to offer to inform the Master of something that is troubling him—or something that is giving him joy!—but leading questions and argumentative expressions of opinion must be avoided. Masters and slaves may discuss any matter at all, at the Master's discretion, but they do not debate!
Apologies. "Sir, would You grant this slave Your pardon, Sir? [then explain why pardon is needed]" is how a slave expresses regret for an accidental mishap. A slave never says "Sorry" or "Excuse me," as these forms imply that the slave acted of his own will.
