COLLARS

COLLAR OF CONSIDERATION
This Collar is traditionally given at the very beginning of a potential relationship. There are many
variations on how a collar may be represented in actuality. It can be by a bracelet, waist chain, anklet or
other choice. This is sometimes determined by the situation of the slave, such as job requirements, etc.
Sometimes it is dictated by the Master's personal taste. The traditional or customary representation of
the Collar of Consideration is a leather collar in some shade of blue. The actual shade of color is not as
important as the color itself.

By offering this collar to the slave, the Master is expressing an interest in pursuing a potential
furthering of a relationship with that slave beyond the range of a casual acquaintance or even the
relationship between a Top and bottom. This collar is offered seriously and with intent. In accepting
this collar from the Master, the slave is equally serious in their understanding that their relationship has
moved into a different stage. The existence of the Collar of Consideration indicates to other Master's
and slaves that the Master and slave are forming a potentially serious relationship. It's existence acts to
openly present to other Master's that this slave is 'off-limits' for the duration of the 'consideration'
period and that honorable Masters should not pursue this slave in any manner. It is understood that new
relationships are fragile and vulnerable to both parties involved. Respect for new relationships is shown
by adhering to the presence of collars and their underlying meanings. The Collar of Consideration does
not indicate a lifelong commitment between the Master and slave, but might be better considered to be
similar to a pre-engagement ring.

Should either master or slave decide after a period of time that the relationship or connection is not to
their desire then either may politely withdraw from the offer or the acceptance with "no fault" to either
side. If a slave is uncollared then it is considered important for that slave to physically remove the
collar and place it within the hands of the Master personally. If extensive attempts have been made to
do so unsuccessfully, then and only then should the slave retain the collar. In other words the collar is
the property of the master. It should be purchased, acquired, or made by the master, for the master.
Upon the severance of the relationship it should be rightfully returned to it's owner. Objects given as
gifts to the slave should be clearly defined as becoming the slaves property and not expected to be
returned should the relationship end. To keep the collar is considered to be extremely disrespectful.

For any Master to 'actively' approach a collared slave is considered an extreme breach of protocol and
it should be noted that such action can have serious negative impact on that Master's real life
reputation. The traditions of our community should be given the same honor, dignity and respect of any
other. Those that actively diminish or devalue what is precious to us should be aware that such
diminishment identifies you as being external to our community or a parasite upon it.

TRAINING COLLAR
The Training Collar represents the second collar exchanged between a Master and a slave. The
Training Collar is offered by the Master after they have engaged in a period of time where they have
held extensive conversations with the slave and explored characteristics, traits, interests, desires and
lifestyles to see if they consider themselves to be a good match in enough areas to move into a
relationship of deeper commitment. They will generally have engaged in many of the vanilla aspects of
the relationship as well as commenced with some light sceneing to explore the beginning limits that the
slave may possess.
 The traditional Training Collar is often made of leather. It is generally very plain and may be either
red or black. Many Masters alternatively offer a Training Collar in chain. This is based on personal
preference, requirements dictated by issue's in the slave's life and other factors shared between the
Master and the slave. The acceptance of this collar by the slave indicates that the slave agrees to pursue
a much deeper relationship with the Master which will involve serious feelings, emotions,
commitments and responsibilities. It can be equated fairly well to an engagement ring. When a
relationship reaches the stage where a Training Collar is offered, it tells other Master's and slaves that
the Master and slave have grown much more serious and that they are actively bonding and attaching to
each other with considerations of a potentially long term full time relationship. At this point the actions
of the slave are reflected upon the Master and the slave should become acutely aware that behaving in a
manner becoming to the training of their Master is a reflection of their personal devotion and
commitment to that Master.

When a Master reaches this stage with a slave they will often move into areas of training and
discipline which are much more severe and strict. The foundations of later interactions are often based
on how well the Master and the slave construct or shape their relationship at this stage. Both recognize
that they are a reflection of each other or openly connected to each other and will actively work to
make that representation solid and deep. Most Masters and slaves enter deeper emotional stages at this
point and may begin to express true devotion, love, honor and mutual respect. In many ways this is
where the relationship is truly tested physically, mentally and emotionally.

In many cases the Master and slave may consider or try living together actively. The exploration of
in-scene elements will generally intensify as they get to know each other better and the depth of trust
begins to grow. It is at this stage that adaptation problems generally occur the most. The newly-wed
stage is over and in many cases people tend to express themselves in a more open fashion. It is at this
point that many slaves find themselves 'acting-out' against their Master as they attempt to reconcile the
internal conflicts of true commitment and submission. A Master in this stage can struggle with feelings
of resentment, excessive responsibility and a reduction in personal freedom, primarily as it relates to
the open exploration of other people. This is a natural shifting from non-commitment to commitment.
Both will find that they may test their partner strenuously to see if their partner's commitment is solid
and strong. There is always an element of fear in the creation of relationships and insecurities and
doubts. Facing these and overcoming them is necessary before the Master and slave can even consider
taking their relationship the final steps toward a full collar, often identified as a 'Slave Collar'.

FORMAL OR SLAVE COLLAR

The Formal Collar (frequently called the Slave Collar) is the representation of the final stage of
commitment between the Master and slave. This collar is offered after the Master and slave have
progressed through the Collar of Consideration and the Training Collar. The Formal Collar is offered
by the Master with the intent to formalize the bond and attachment between themselves and their slave.
It is a recognition of commitment, deep emotional feelings, devotion, mutual respect and consideration.
It expresses a belief that the Master and slave share similar ideals and a genuine and growing desire to
share each others lives over perhaps the rest of their lives. With many couples this collar is given in
conjunction with a proposal of marriage. It's weight within the community is equivocal to the wedding
ring. The acceptance of this collar by the slave is an open, voluntary offering of their complete
submission to the Master from that day forward.

The traditional appearance of the Slave Collar is a collar made of black leather or metal which is
adorned by brass or silver objects or designs. This collar is created specifically for the individual slave
and is often an original design. The presentation of this collar often involves a joyous celebration
including an exchange of vows, benediction by a minister, the singing of a mutually admired song etc.
Many couples write their own poetry, vows and promises to each other which are exchanged publicly
as they dedicate themselves to each other. In addition, many people choose to engage in the placement
of permanent body markings upon the slave at this time. This can be via tattoos, piercings, brandings,
cuttings, etc. Some ceremonies will include a carefully designed public scene so that the guests can
visually enjoy and participate in this union and bond by watching the permanent marking in its
application. This is a serious decision by both people often arrived at after years of searching and in
many cases after living together for a long period of time to make sure that their choice is sound.

At this stage in the collaring process often the Master and slave feel the same deep love that any
vanilla couple might feel coupled to the trust, respect and commitment so crucial in the M/s lifestyle.
To be invited to attend an M/s Formal Collaring is similar to being invited to a wedding. A gift is
appropriate, attire as specified in the invitation should be followed and protocol should be observed
regarding the manner in which other members of the community are addressed. If you are invited to a
collaring but are not very familiar with the participants then be polite, courteous and respectful.

Wait until the completion of a scene to address the Master. It is often considered proper to
congratulate the slave independent of the master after such a collaring after you have congratulated the
master. If you are in doubt as to this protocol then take the opportunity to ask the Master when you are
congratulating them if it is permissible to congratulate their slave. Remember that if the slave has just
scened, been pierced, branded or tattooed they may, and probably will, be in sub-space. Be gentle,
friendly and kind and forgive them if they are wobbly, spacey and a bit out of it . By the way - the
Master may be a bit shaken too, so a good hug or two is generally not unwelcome (this depends on the
temperment of the Master of course!)

Often an open play party commences after such events. Do NOT drink if alcohol has been present if
you intend to scene later. A final note - in many cases the Formal Collaring is recorded on video tape
and in snapshots. If you are concerned about being in these shots choose seats outside the ones closest
to the event. In most cases the photographers try very hard to capture just those officiating and
personally involved but if it is a concern of yours then take the steps necessary yourself without
disturbing the ceremony in any way.

Each of the collars is generally presented during some type of formal ceremony. Often the Collar of
Consideration and the Training Collar may be presented privately or during a small gathering of close
friends. The actions of collaring are considered quite serious and most often great care is taken to make
the moments memorable for both people. Many Master's and slave exchange vows or poems they have
created during such ceremonial occasions.