So I want to be a Dungeon Master.

[Mr. Bootie]

What do I need? How do I go about getting a license and props. For those of you that go to dungeons. What do you like about the atmoshere?? How would you like it to be set up? What toys do you like to play with. I am seriously thinking about investing in this and creating a fun place for adults to play in. Any and all suggestions welcome.


Thank You.

 

[thickspear]

T

 

[MysCynthia]

If you want to be a D/M there are usually classes given by local BDSM groups.
If you want to start a paying business I suggest that you first check with the local groups as to the need for a public dungeon. Most areas have many private places to play, you just have to know the owners.

Large cities usually have at least one "pay for play" dungeon. Talk to the owners of those businesses. One of the largest and most well know in Atlanta, The Santuary, just shut down after what I think was a five year run. I don't think it would be an extremly profitable business unless you yourself was "in the scene" and knew people who wanted a private place to play or if you could combine it with a shop that sold good leather goods and toys.

Remember that you can't advertise in the phone book easily and the "adult" papers, where you can place ads, are usually only available at 24 Hour News stands or adult video shops. It's a great idea but an uphill battle.

 

[rosco rathbone]

My first level troll can take out your illusionist/magic user any time.

 

[MissTaken]

That is a big task, bootie man.

For me? I want everything. Every piece of furniture, every toy, every possible little thing to add to the atmosphere and choices.

Oh, and lots of mirrors.

 

[Netzach]

Throw a couple of parties first at your expense, charging a nominal amount for a ticket to cover costs.

Didja break even?

Now multiply this by a lot.

Why there's usually only ONE pay to play open public space per major metro.

 

[hurtme]

an illusionist would be a specialist wizard, silly...and a troll? Are they even a playable character class?











that was a joke....ha

 

[Red Menace]

The easiest license to obain would be a regular business license and classify your establishment as a private club where members pay a monthly fee in exchange for entrance to private parties. This is not very profitable... the most popular dungeon in our area is set up this way, has a membership list of over 3,000 people and has been steadily been running in the red for over 5 years. The owners both have day jobs and get a tax write-off for running a business that is not showing a profit. They consider this a hobby and a service to the community.

An adult entertainment license would allow you to run a pay-to-play dungeon and have Pro-Dommes on staff. This would probably show a profit in a couple years but depending on zoning ordanances in your area, would most likely be limited to an M zone which is usually the seedy area of town and not attractive to many people who would want a club where they could attend play parties. You can get around this by having your Pros on a contract basis so that all negotiations are between them and the client and they pay you an hourly fee for the rental of the space.

For either license, simply go down to the city hall and fill out a bunch of paperwork, pay their fee and you're in business.

You'll probably need to find a commercial real estate agent to find you a space and it will most likely require some tenant improvement construction. The agent should be familiar with zoning issues and can help you find a suitable location. Somewhere around 2 - 7,000 s.f. is a good size depending on how much equipment you want to purchase and how many guests you project attending a party on any given night. You can expect to pay anywhere between $2 - 10 a square foot for your lease.

An architect or interior designer will be able to take care of the tenant improvements and will be knowledgable with code requirements, will pull all the necesary building permits and coordinate the various trades involved. This will be the most expensive part of your venture and could cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars on up. At minimum you will need a few restrooms. Depending on your budget, some stations with running water, kitchen with a referigerator and freezer, and front reception area would be nice.

Equipment can be purchased on the internet or custom built if there are any kink-friendly furniture makers in your area. Most dungeons include a few st. Andrew's crosses and spanking benches. Spider webs, catherine's wheels, suspension stations, racks, stocks and pillories are also nice additions. None of this will be cheap. I have a friend who makes beautiful custom furniture like this and his pieces usually run about $1 - 2000 per unit.


This is a huge undertaking but not inconceivable if you are really motivated. A small business loan would be highly recommended unless you are independantly wealthy. Good luck with your project.

 

[James G 5]

One of the largest and most well know in Atlanta, The Santuary, just shut down after what I think was a five year run.

It was a bit more than 5 years
And they closed down for reasons having less to do with finances and more to do with the owner's life-partner passing away
My friend Warren has opened a branch of Club Kink in Atlanta to compliment the South Florida club tho
And Warren doesn't make a lot of $ doing it, he does it out of love for D/s and a desire to support the scene

 

[D's mariposa]

What do I need? How do I go about getting a license and props. For those of you that go to dungeons. What do you like about the atmoshere?? How would you like it to be set up? What toys do you like to play with. I am seriously thinking about investing in this and creating a fun place for adults to play in. Any and all suggestions welcome.


Thank You.

Okay, I was gonna stay out of it but.. You also need to investigate your state prostitution laws. For instance, in the state of Arizona it is against the law to flog anyone under a fee agreement. This goes three ways. If you pay someone to flog you, you are soliciting prostitution. If you are the flogger, you are a prostitute. If you are not flogging anyone, but are providing ANY services to facilitate the arrangements between two people, you are now pimping. Laws vary from state to state so do your homework and be sure you have bail money just in case. I forgot the name of the author, but there is a book out there called "Working" and it's about working sex. The author reccommends having aprox $1000 in the bank and being sure that your lawyer or trusted family member can get to the funds if needed.

The third instance would be the one you need to be concerned about. Because you will be providing a space for the acts to take place.

Other than that, have fun, and save your pennies. You're gonna need them.

 

[Red Menace]

Good point, D's Mariposa. I hadn't even considered prostitution laws including sweet and innocent things like flogging.

I was going to add that liability insurance, if not a requirement, would certainly be a damn good idea. And that if you elect to go the pay-to-play route as opposed to a private membership club, I'd be almost positive there's some kind of adult entertainment governing body which will want to inspect your facility prior to obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the city and then crawl up your butt with a magnifying glass on a regular basis thereafter.

Private membership is definitely the easiest and least profitable way to go. If you can find an already conditioned space that more or less meets your needs, you can save some money by skipping the construction and permit part and just move some furniture and decorations in.

 

[BlueSugar]

::can't resist has played AD&D for yeeears::

I'll let you borrow my whip +2, and my strap of holding +6, if you let me be level 6 when we start the SL!!

 

[James G 5]

Re: Re: So I want to be a Dungeon Master.

Okay, I was gonna stay out of it but.. You also need to investigate your state prostitution laws.

State laws PERIOD
In Massachusets, consensual assault is still illegal, so you can't beat anyone even if they ask you

 

[hurtme]

hmm...how bout we trade instead...I have a +3 dagger of throwing for your whip....

 

[D's mariposa]

Re: Re: Re: So I want to be a Dungeon Master.

State laws PERIOD
In Massachusets, consensual assault is still illegal, so you can't beat anyone even if they ask you

I stand corrected.. D also pointed out that the way the law is worded here it's not flogging... It says "torture"... The statute is still listed under the prostitution lws, though, even though it's been applied to some non sexual criminal cases lately. Horribly ironic, isn't it? This stupid statute is in the wrong spot.

 

[BlueSugar]

hmm...how bout we trade instead...I have a +3 dagger of throwing for your whip....

::wrinkles nose in thought:: nah ... :ets whip::
ok, i'm not going to make a mockery out of this thread anymore.

And I wish luck to the Dungeon Master to be !!

 

[Mr. Bootie]

Hmmmmm???? Thank You for the posts.

I will have to give this some consideration. I think it may require a lot of work, time and money. Now I know why the club scene is so private.