Category: D/s, Power Play
Subcategory: Power exchange / Protocol

Marking

Marking involves the dominant leaving visible signs on the submissive's body that indicate possession or recent activity. These marks may include hickeys, rope marks, handprints from spanking, welts, or temporary writing on the skin. Unlike permanent modifications, these marks typically fade over hours or days.

The appeal of marking centers on the visible evidence of the power exchange. Submissives often find satisfaction in carrying these physical reminders of their experiences and their dominant's control, creating a continued connection even when apart. Marks can trigger memories of the encounter, prolonging the psychological impact. Dominants frequently enjoy seeing their handiwork displayed on their partner's body as a sign of possession and influence. For both parties, these temporary marks serve as intimate souvenirs of their shared experiences and the dynamic between them.

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This is a description of an activity in the BDSM checklist (also known as a 'kink list'). Want to discover what (more) kinks you might have? Maybe share them with a partner? Start the checklist!

About the category D/s, Power Play

Dominance and submission (D/s) and power play revolve around the consensual exchange of control between partners. This dynamic can manifest in countless ways—from bedroom-only scenarios to comprehensive lifestyle arrangements—all centered on one partner taking a controlling role while the other yields authority within negotiated boundaries.

People are drawn to power exchange for diverse reasons: the freedom found in surrender, the thrill of exercising control, the deep trust required, and the opportunity to explore aspects of themselves not expressed in everyday life. Unlike physical BDSM activities which focus on bodily sensations, D/s emphasizes psychological connection and the erotic potential of power differentials, creating experiences that many find deeply fulfilling on both emotional and sexual levels.

About the subcategory Power exchange / Protocol

Power exchange protocols establish formalized patterns of behavior between partners that reinforce and express their D/s dynamic. These may include specific language requirements, postures, rituals, or rules that symbolize and maintain the consensual power differential between participants.

People engage in protocols for the structure and clarity they bring to power exchange relationships. These practices create consistent reminders of roles, deepen the psychological aspects of submission and dominance, and provide a framework for expressing devotion and control. For many practitioners, the mindfulness required to maintain protocols creates a meditative focus that enhances connection and satisfaction beyond what more casual power dynamics might offer.



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