Positions
Positions
The twenty best-known protocol postures: how to take them, what they say, how to hold them without getting hurt.
There is nothing magical about a position: it is a code agreed between two people, which says “I am here, I am listening”. Names vary from one group to another: each entry gives the English name, which serves as the reference in communities, followed by other names in use. None of them should hurt: a cushion under the knees, a chair when the knees protest, and you get up slowly. Each entry can be sent as a remote play card.
Plate IAttentionStanding, feet together, arms by your sides, chin raised: the crispest stance, the one that awaits an order.
Plate IIWaitStanding, feet apart, hands joined behind your back, head upright: the stance of someone waiting for what comes next.
Plate IIIAt Your ServiceStanding, feet together, hands joined in front of you, eyes lowered: ready to be of service.
Plate IVInspectionStanding, fingers laced behind your head, elbows open: accepting being looked at.
Plate VWallFacing the wall, hands flat above your head, feet apart: still, with your back to the other person.
Plate VICornerStanding facing the corner of the room, still and silent: time to reflect, or to wait.
Plate VIIBend overStanding, upper body bent forward from the hips, hands braced: a spanking position, negotiated beforehand.
Plate VIIIKneelKneeling, sitting back on your heels, hands flat on your thighs: the basic position, the one that says “I’m here”.
Plate IXNaduKneeling, knees spread wide, palms up on your thighs: a deliberate openness.
Plate XTowerKneeling, knees and thighs pressed together, wrists crossed in front of you: the closed version of Nadu.
Plate XIReady to PleaseKneeling, knees apart, hands on the floor in front of you, head raised towards the other person: eagerness to do well.
Plate XIICollar MeKneeling, arms raised, hands behind your head lifting your hair: your neck bared to receive a collar.
Plate XIIIOfferKneeling, arms held out, wrists side by side towards the other person: an invitation to be bound.
Plate XIVLeashKneeling, back turned, wrists crossed behind you, chin raised and head turned: presenting the ring of the collar.
Plate XVHeelKneeling right next to the other person, on their left, head lowered: staying in your place, within reach.
Plate XVIHumbleKneeling, forehead on the floor, arms stretched out in front of you, back arched: lowering yourself, and staying there.
Plate XVIIObeisanceKneeling, forehead on the floor, palms flat on either side of your head: the most emphatic salute.
Plate XVIIITableOn all fours, hands under your shoulders, knees under your hips, back flat: the position from which you move along the floor.
Plate XIXStoolKneeling, upper body folded, back flat and horizontal, forearms on the floor: a back that serves as a footrest.
Plate XXFloorLying flat on your belly, arms stretched out in front of you or along your sides: the lowest position.