Sword Play

In much contemporary Master/slave play the whip or crop is used as a symbol and instrument of authority and domination. The Master carries a whip or crop and uses it to assert domination over the slave. Commonly, the slave is struck or flogged as a normal part of play.

This is not the case in Code d’ Odalisque. Odalisque slave play looks to different traditions of slavery and a different symbolism. In Code d’ Ode the symbol of authority is not the whip but the sword – a slave is said to be “under the sword”. Her captivity is “under the sword”. She lives “under the sword”. In this Code d’ Ode looks back to the romance of the slave-taking pirates of the Barbary coast who would raid ships and galleys and carry off captives to the slave markets of the east. Code d’ Ode retains symbols and conventions from this colorful period of history. The whip, crop or cat-of-nine-tails evoke the dungeons of the French Revolution. Code d’ Ode evokes different historical models. There is an element of historical fantasy in odalisque slavery – this is most evident in the use of the (pirate) sword as the symbol of the Master’s authority over his odalisque.

Any sword can be used but the preferred sword is the pirate’s cutlass, the Errol Flynn style swashbuckling sword. When a man determines to become a Slavekeeper under Code d’ Odalisque he should purchase for himself an appropriate sword as the emblem of his authority and as a toy to be used in slave play. It need not be an expensive historical artifact; any credible replica will do. At a pinch, a cheap stage prop will do. It need not be sharp – for safety reasons it is better if it isn’t – but it should be metal and have some weight.

The typical way of deploying the sword is to use it as a threat when forcing the slave to confess her servitude or when instructing her. The slave is forced to the floor on hands and knees. She is then forced to move her hair aside and to expose the nape of her neck. Her Master then lays the cold steel blade of the sword on her neck. In this position of submission he then demands that she confess to being his slave with it implicit that should she disobey she loses her head. He makes her confess: “I am my Master’s cunt!” or other admissions of sexual obedience. The cold blade on the back of her neck tells her of her servitude. She is a captive slave living “under the sword” – the cold blade on her neck tells her that if she disobeys or tries to escape she will be beheaded, the traditional punishment for errant slaves.

This game can be developed in many directions. Sword play can be very creative. The touch of cold metal on the slave’s skin can be very exhilarating. As well as the nape of the neck, the sword can be lain on over parts of her body: her breasts, her inner thighs. This can be very effective if the slave is blindfolded. As well, the slave can be made to do obeisance to the sword. She might be made to kiss the sword, or to lick its blade, for example. Experienced players might also use the point of the blade, gently prodding into the skin, as part of their rituals and play. The point of the sword prodding into the slave’s sternum between her breasts is a very powerful gesture. Sword play is an area of erotic creativity. The sword can be incorporated into many aspects of odalisque play. 

Here is an example: 

A slavekeeper of our acquaintance requires that his slave go to his saray and kiss his sword whenever she returns from sojourn. This is a small ritual he has established for the slave's transition from sojourn to occlusion. When she returns home, she goes to his saray and kisses the sword. 

When the Master’s sword is not being used in play it is customary for it to be mounted on the wall of his saray (play room) or in some other visible place where it acts as an emblem and reminder of the Master’s power and the slave’s predicament. Then, play takes place literally “under the sword”.

In all cases, of course, every care must be taken that no one is injured. Blades can be dangerous. Under no circumstances should a sword ever be used to break the skin and draw blood. The first rule of sword play is to use common sense, put safety first and not  be reckless or stupid.