In this series, I am going to talk about things that I think every good dungeon should have. Of course your mileage may vary.

When you’re playing at home, it’s easy to find an aftercare space; usually a bed or couch is at hand. But if you’re playing in a dungeon, aftercare spaces can be at a premium. Many dungeons at large parties don’t have an aftercare space for various reasons — most of them probably because it costs extra to book another room in the convention area. Other dungeons might not have a convenient space that can be used for aftercare — maybe they have couches, but those couches might be in the main part of the dungeon itself. 

After a scene, it is helpful for both parties — the top and the bottom — to take a moment, relax, and decompress. Not everyone needs this; I’ve played with people who can jump right into a new scene, and I’ve seen other tops do it as well. I’m not talking about a light scene that takes ten or fifteen minutes; I’m talking about the more involved scenes that take half an hour or more. Although even a ten- or fifteen-minute scene can certainly be intense and require aftercare. 

Aftercare spaces should be away from the main part of the dungeon, preferably far enough away that they can be quiet and relaxing. Couches, beanbags, and the like are big pluses. So is the lack of music or other noises. When in an aftercare space, keep your voice low; there may be other people who need more cooling down than you do.

Previously:

• Tables
• Normal Lighting