Masters and Mastery

I have thought long and hard about how to present this entry. This entry would not be possible without the lesson offered by Infernis Sir, and the majority of this post is based on the concepts laid out by Him, with His permission. I thank Infernis for His assistance!

(PS: I apologize for the -length- of this entry, but it is worth it, I swear!)

The Four Elements Of Mastery
Mastery, in this context, is differentiated from Ownership. Being an Owner is defined by Imperial Law as possessing living property as recognized by the Imperial Slave Authority as a slave. The concept of Mastery extends beyond a simple signed piece of paper, a collar around the neck.

The Master, it is contended, may be defined by a proper balance of the Four Elements. Perhaps a philosophical theory - but one would contend that Mastery is, itself, a philosophy. Below, I shall describe each of the Elements, and how each of three stages of that Element - too little, balanced, and too much - reflect in an Owner's ability to be a Master.

• Element One - Confidence

Confidence, specifically in oneself, is the first of the Elements. Confidence also draws in the concept of consistency. If You find yourself wavering in Your decision making, if You find yourself having different responses to the same situation, your Confidence may need examination.

Low Confidence - The Waffler
The Waffler doesn't know what he or she wants. Easily swayed by other's opinions and even unsure of their own desires, the Waffler does not make good Master material. slaves belonging to a Waffler will often find themselves left to fend for themselves.

Balanced Confidence - The Confident
The Confident knows what he or she wants - but acknowledges that he or she is not ALWAYS right. The Confident's responses can usually be predictable, and their slave can rely on their support and strength of self to bolster the slave's own.

High Confidence - The Egotist
The Egotist believes themselves to be infallible. This can lead to problems when others' - or even the Law's -  belief differs from the Egotist's. The Egotist's slave can expect to come second in everything - even when it comes to issues directly involving them.

• Element Two - Wisdom

Wisdom, in this case, does not come from books and study - observation, willingness to listen, even to one's property. The slave will be the first in most cases to notice a Master's mistake - and if she is taught well, she will say so in a way such as to not embarrass the Master.

Low Wisdom - Bull-Headed
The Bull-Headed will not accept external input from their actions, expecting instead the world to fit their outlook. The slave of the Bull-Headed will often be ignored, even to the point that they feel the need to seek others to share their thoughts with.

Balanced Wisdom - Wise
The Wise Master understands that the nature of a Master/slave relationship is one that travels in both directions - his orders will be followed, but he learns what his slave needs, from their actions and words. He listens to others, their reactions informing him how they view his property - whether for pride or punishment.

High Wisdom - Mobber
The Mobber shares many qualities with the Waffler - others opinions weigh heavily in their decisions, and it could be said that the slave is in fact in control (known as Topping From The Bottom). Public opinion matters heavily to the Mobber.

• Element Three - Self Control

The Golden Rule of Self-Control: You Cannot Master Another Until You Master Yourself.
If You as a Master cannot control your own emotions, your own doubts, your own inhibitions and jealousies, You simply cannot expect to be able to control another's. So many clues and indications exist to tip off others that one lacks self control that it is easy to create fear or resentment in a slave.

Low Self-Control: Explosive
The Explosive is liable to fly into a rage at the drop of a hat, leaving their slave wondering when the next verbal or physical assault will befall them when they leave a saucer out of place or fail to properly genuflect before their Master's entrance. A dangerous type of Master, indeed.

Balanced Self-Control: Calm
The Calm Master Controls their emotional state of being. When the need arises, they unleash their emotions in a proportional measure. But likewise, they are able to dismiss the trivial and unimportant, saving their energy for more important things.

High Self-Control: Stoic
Getting emotion from a Stoic Master is like blood from a stone - you can really expect nothing. Masters of this type breed Rebellious slaves - their inability to produce the proper emotion is taken up by the slave, which can only end poorly for both.

• Element Four - Determination

Determination is defined in this context as one's ability to stick to their own rules and goals - and to continue to pursue them, even if applying discipline should hurt. There will, inevitably, come a time when the Mastery of a slave requires punishing them. A good Master accepts this fact, and applies what is necessary to ensure the slave is properly corrected.

Low Determination: Quitter
The Quitter will try something once, often halfheartedly, and when it doesn't turn out the way they had hoped for whatever reason, gives up on it. A Quitter, quite obviously, does not make a good slave Master, unless they are very friendly with the ISA and have a constant stream of new slaves.

Balanced Determination: Focused
The Focused has the persistence to see a goal through to the end, while remaining flexible enough to allow for differences in others' abilities and habits. They are strong enough to complete what they start out to accomplish, regardless of what it is.

High Determination: Obsessed
The Obsessed is focused only on completing their goal. Nothing else matters. As stated earlier, this goes against the nature of a Master/slave ownership in that it focuses purely in one direction. This type of Master is most likely not to care about their slave's wants or goals, which makes the experience undesirable.

• The Fifth Element

"What??? you said there were only four!". Yes, I did. But there IS a fifth element. This element is not measured on a scale, as the others are - You either possess it, or you do not. The Fifth Element defies a one-word name. It is the spark within the individual (character or player) that determines whether that person can be a Master (or a slave - this spark applies equally!). Being a Master is not something that can be forced, not something done casually - you either are, or you aren't. Those that lack the Fifth Element will find their experiences lacking of enjoyment, which bleeds through into all the other Elements.

Evaluating oneself for these elements can be tricky - and something best done in collaboration with others. (And if you're being Wise, the slave is probably the best one to look to!) - No Master is perfect. Achieving Mastery is a process, and once it's achieved, it is a constant effort to maintain it. The rewards, for both you and your property, are well worth it.