House Rules

by Aramock Nanuck

February 1977

General Terms & Conditions

Guests and visitors must be over 18 to attend any “Dark Castle-SIN” function.
The house Dominant reserves the right to refuse entry to any party at its sole discretion.
Guests enter the venue's premises and attend the event entirely at their own risk. They may be asked to sign a waiver upon entering the event.
Guests accept full responsibility for their actions and are liable for any damages or injuries they may cause to any party.
All equipment in the venue is considered novelty items only, and Guests' use of any equipment is entirely at their own risk.
Guests accept responsibility for checking the suitability and safety of any equipment and the immediate environment for its intended use before using it.

The Dark Castle-Sin, House Dominant, and staff accept no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss or any other outcome caused by any means.

If Guests bring their kit, they do so at their own risk.
Dark Castle is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property.
Conversely, anyone caught stealing or damaging property while on Dark Castle premises will be charged.

Lifestyle Etiquette

The decision of the House Dominant is final.
No means No! Being asked to join an activity is a compliment. Continuing to ask them after you get a "No, I'm not interested, but we can be friends" is harassment. Show good grace. Predatory behaviour at “Dark Castle-SIN” will not be tolerated.
Touching someone in the BDSM community is a controversial subject. The house rule is that no individual may touch another without the consent of the owning dominant or the individual in question. If individuals are solo subs at events, this means it is a private arrangement between the sub and the interested party, provided the House Dominant agrees.
NEVER interrupt, speak to or touch any participants in the middle of a scene. Interrupting a scene will probably destroy any energy they have been striving to achieve. If a submissive is in bondage in the middle of the floor by him/herself, their Dominant is without doubt nearby watching over their safety (or should be).
You may notice things happening that you feel are in danger or socially disturbing, etc. "No" is not a safeword – neither is begging. Many people prefer to protest or, worse, interfere while observing an activity. A submissive crying, screaming or struggling is not grounds for breaking in on a scene. If you are in doubt that someone is safe during a scene (fetish activity), then inform the House Dominant, and if necessary, they will intercede.
Observe discreetly from a safe distance. When people are active, there is likely to be a 'backswing' (of floggers, etc.). Please be aware of this & stay back to avoid being hit by it. The dungeon space is intended primarily for participants, not spectators. Inadvertently hitting bystanders who are standing too close during a scene can upset a Top.
Bystanders must bear all responsibility for their actions and will be held safe; no one else is liable if the bystander inserts themselves into the active area of a scene.
Common courtesy is required; don't stare and don't comment on an individual’s body. Don't talk to women's chests. Don’t follow someone around or stare at them all evening, as this can make them uncomfortable. Nakedness and activity can make people feel vulnerable.
Collars have different meanings to individuals. Many unowned submissives wear collars to signify their submission. Some owners of submissive partners don't wear collars at all. The safest assumption is that if it's got a collar, the individual has a Dominant responsible for them during an event.
Complaints to the staff of “Dark Castle-SIN” are given great weight and investigated thoroughly. The House Dominant will talk to the involved parties. The Dominant may request that the parties involved leave.
Toys are essential and quite personal items. Touching someone's belongings without permission is a serious breach of protocol. “Borrowing” toys that are “lying around” is viewed as a violation of one's person. Anyone caught stealing toys will be banned from attending any future "Dark Castle-SIN" event.
Novices, don't be shy – speak to the House Dominant and staff if you are unsure at any time. Don't assume you know what is going on; take the time to learn and explore.

Behaviour

“Dark Castle-SIN” is a friendly, safe and sane way to experience the lifestyle without the burdens of social conscience or restrictions. The rules posted are to ensure this level of “safe” environment but subject to change as the need arises.

The premise of establishing the rules is to act as responsible, consenting adults. There will be strict enforcement of all of the house rules. Basically:

Respect the participants during scenes
Be sensible with your activities
Take care of your, others and the house toys
Protect yourself (and others, if necessary),

Respect

As a guest, act like one and in a responsible manner while at any “The Dark Castle-SIN” event. Always show respect and understanding of all types of activity going on at “The Dark Castle-SIN” event.

Be mindful of the attitudes of others present, as some may not be comfortable with some forms of activity, but remember that any of them may have an equal discomfort with yours.

YKINMK (Your kink is not my kink) and
YKIOK (Your kink is OK).

We reserve the right to refuse entrance to anyone or ask anyone to leave if they ignore dungeon rules or engage in unsafe, exploitative or non-consensual behaviour.

Specific House Rules

The club's safeword is "Ocean," which means cease all activity immediately.
Drugs are prohibited.
We do not tolerate Drunken behaviour – drink within the bounds of sobriety. If it is observed that you are exhibiting a drunken manner, you will be asked to leave.
Guests agree not to cause any bodily harm to another individual or themselves, which was not specifically and previously negotiated between participants in advance. All activity is to be consensual.
Any extreme activity must be discussed with & agreed to by the House Dominant before the scene starts, including:
- Single tail whip,
- Takedown, or
- Loud, unusual, disruptive, or potentially messy activity scenes.
Guests shall wipe down equipment after use and prepare it for the next participants. Do not sit on or leave your toys in the activity equipment. You cannot “reserve” equipment during community events. No locks are allowed on any cages. Cages must be able to be opened with no keys or tools.
After-care is a must, and if not provided by the guest, it will be administered by the House staff.
Masturbating when not participating in a scene is seriously discouraged.
A separate dungeon/activity area is available; however, it is not suitable for socializing while scenes are in progress.
Please refrain from having loud conversations during scenes to avoid distracting participants.
Distractions can cause submissives to exit subspace, and a simple laugh, conversation, or running commentary on an activity can easily do so.
No loud conversations in public areas or outside common areas.

Non-Commercial

There will be no “touting” for business or professional services offered or money exchanged for services during events without the express permission of the House Dominant. To be very clear – while there may be “Guest Dominants,” there will NOT be any Pro-Dommes conducting or touting for business at any “ Dark Castle-SIN” event. The same applies to Photographers, Models, etc. “Dark Castle-SIN” is a place to enjoy, not to drum up business.

Privacy Protected

No outside cameras, including camera phones, are allowed without prior permission to maintain the privacy of our guests.

The house can provide limited photography and taping, but will only give copies to the participants.

Those who wish may use the equipment for their private sessions.

Dark Castle-SIN does have surveillance cameras, but they are wiped clean every 24 hours. We do not retain any footage unless there are security or safety issues, such as personal injury or theft of property.