#corrections

We here at Sufficiently Large Ndustries pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to factual accuracy in all things.

Recently, it has come to our attention that certain details of this post, hereinafter referred to as the "Fuck Yeah Stick-Elf" post, or FYSE, seem to contradict the canon established by internationally-known author Jonald Ronald Rolkien Tolkien (h/t @elodieunderglass for explaining his full name).

Because of our unwavering commitment to factual accuracy in all things, we cannot possibly have made any mistakes, so we wish to issue several corrections to your understanding to demonstrate that we were correct all along:

Question: Don't the Gondorians call him Mithrandir?

Answer: Not all Gondorians.

Canonically, Tolkien notes that the people of Gondor use the Sindarin name Mithrandir (from mith "grey" and randir "random", hence "some random grey guy") for Olórin. However, Tolkien's references to this are always about Gondorian nobility or royalty, who did indeed call Stick-Elf Mithrandir. This is because they were kind of pretentious, like native English speakers who insist on correcting anyone who doesn't pronounce "Paris" as "pair-REE".

When six-year-old Faramir had nightmares and ran to his father calling out "I'm scared!", Denethor would correct him, saying "No, you feel echais", because he was a dick. Part of the reason why Gondor lost a lot of its ancient glory is because it had centuries of leaders who were like this.

The average Joeromir Schmoeromir on the streets of Gondor, however, just called him Stick-Elf.

Question: If this is set in the past and Éodan is from Rohan, how could Gondor have a king?

Answer: It's not that king.

Suzannethor (the Archivist) mentions that Stick-Elf brought fireworks for the king's birthday, but Gondor's last king, King Eänur, died in T.A. 2050, almost five centuries before Rohan was founded in T.A. 2510 (special thanks to @thinkinginquenya for pointing out this discrepancy).

The answer is that FYSE is set in T.A. 2703, well after Rohan's founding; When the characters refer to "the king", they're not referring to royalty, but rather to the famous Númenórean musician Aarondil Préslion, often called "The King of Chant and Lyre" or just "The King" for short.

At this point there weren't many Men with enough Númenórean blood to have the sort of longevity that Aarondil had, leading to rumors that he was secretly an elf, hence his stage name, Elvish Présli.

Some of his most famous songs, like "Jailhouse Dirge" and "You Ain't Nothin' But a Warg Dog" are still popular today. Olórin was particularly fond of "Blue Steel Shoes", a lively jig about plate mail maintenance, and this is why he brought fireworks to Présli's 90th birthday party.

Question: Why does Elrond say "here in the North" in Gondor?

Answer: Elrond is a very sleepy boi.

In FYSE, Elrond says "Here in the North", even though generally most surviving texts of Middle-Earth are Gondo-centric and use "The North" to refer to lands north of Gondor, like Arnor/Eriador or the Forodwaith.

However, Jenniforomir just woke Elrond up from a nap (she didn't realize this because elves sleep with their eyes open), and he's still slightly disoriented. He says "Here in the North" because he was dreaming about a pub he visited once in Annúminas (and he is slightly shaken because in the dream he had forgotten to wear clothes, he had an exam coming up that he hadn't known about, and very tiny orcs were juggling silmarils all over the place).

Question: Why would Elrond out Olórin as a Maiar?

Answer: He was already out.

Tolkien didn't mention this in the books, but Olórin travels around on horse with several Maiar Pride bumper stickers, including a plain Maiar pride flag, one that reads "Maiar tested, Valar approved", and one that reads "Maiarn't there a lot of us!". Elrond knows this, and so has no compunction telling random Gondorians that Olórin is a Maiar.

so punishments are meant to be a negative consequence for breaking a rule, to stop the sub from repeating that behaviour. so in order for this to work, the punishment should be something truly undesirable and unenjoyable, right? what i dont understand is this: if something is unenjoyable and uncomfortable wouldnt the sub just end up safewording? (do some dominants say their sub is not allowed to safeword during punishments???? this would make more sense to me but also seems very very wrong and not something they should be doing). surely the sub would have to enjoy the punishment somewhat for it to be able to go ahead, but then how does this constitute punishment if they enjoy it?? how does one decide on a punishment that is actually punishing but not to the point of true discomfort and/or safewording? the two sides just aren’t adding up in my head.

the only kinds of punishment i do understand are the ones where something positive is taken away eg. not allowed to come, not allowed to touch etc

sorry if this is confusing or stupid or im misunderstanding something basic. maybe my autism brain is trying to be too logical about it

Hello, my dear.

I understand why the concepts of punishment and correction can be confusing. Different Dominants approach them in different ways, and the lines can blur if the foundation of the dynamic hasn’t been firmly established. But this is one of those areas where clarity isn’t optional, it’s essential for safety, trust, and growth.

So let’s break it down. I’ll walk you through how I approach punishments and corrections, and more importantly, why.

The Foundation Comes First

Before you can even begin to discuss punishments and corrections, the dynamic itself needs a strong foundation.

I have said this before and I will keep saying it, because it’s that important: you do not jump into bed and “add serious kink” without first talking through expectations and boundaries. That kind of recklessness isn’t just dangerous; it can be traumatic, especially for a submissive.

Because you see, in a healthy dynamic it's the submissive who holds the real power. Yes, you read that correctly. The Dominant may lead, guide, and structure the play, but it is the submissive’s limits that shape where we go, how far we go, and when we stop.

That’s why the very first step is to at least establish:

Hard and soft limits

Scene structure preferences and desires

Agreed-upon kinks

Safeword(s)

Check-in protocols

Rules, expectations, and core values

These agreements form the blueprint of your dynamic. They define what behaviors are acceptable, what will be redirected through a correction, and what will result in a punishment. Without this structure, discipline risks crossing the line into abuse whether intentional or not.

Corrections vs. Punishments: What’s the Difference?

The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at where the focus lies.

Correction

Purpose: To redirect behavior, guide, and teach the submissive.

Focus: The future - preventing unwanted behavior before it becomes a habit.

Tone: Often firm but instructional.

Example: If a submissive forgets a protocol, I might have them repeat the correct behavior several times, or assign a task designed to reinforce the lesson.

Punishment

Purpose: To address the consequences of breaking the rules, maintain boundaries, and hold the submissive accountable.

Focus: The past - ensuring a harmful or disrespectful action is not repeated.

Tone: Serious and clear, with an emphasis on consequence.

Example: If a submissive knowingly violates an agreed rule, a punishment may be used to restore structure and reaffirm the boundaries of the dynamic.

Now something many people get wrong is that punishments and corrections are a one-size-fits-all. Which would be absolutely absurd.

You see, what might work for one submissive may be meaningless or even harmful for another. Because not every submissive will accept spanking. Not every submissive responds well to being ignored. Some find humiliation triggering. Some find chores grounding; others find them demeaning.

This is why discipline must be custom-built for the individuals in the dynamic.

If spanking is off the table, a Dominant might use:

Writing assignments

Corner time

Temporary restriction from a privilege (e.g., orgasm denial, no kneeling during a scene)

Wearing a specific reminder item, such as a piece of rope or a posture collar

Physical exercises (push-ups, holding a position)

Service tasks (preparing a drink, cleaning a workspace)

Public shaming

If the submissive responds well to physical discipline and it’s within agreed limits, punishments could include:

Spanking or paddling (with a set number of strikes)

Cold showers

Impact play with specific implements

Extended edge play without release

Corrections, on the other hand, are often lighter and focused on skill-building or behavioral reinforcement:

Practicing posture or speech protocols

Overstimulation

Spanking (this can be implemented to become ritual until there is a positive outcome)

Denial to touch the dominant

Rehearsing rituals

Journaling reflection exercises

Service tasks meant to reinforce attention to detail

Lighthearted Punishments

Not all discipline has to be serious or intense. Many dynamics incorporate playful punishments for banter, teasing, or harmless rule-breaking. These can be an intimate, fun way to maintain the power exchange without crossing into the the more purposeful punishments.

Examples might include:

Wearing something mildly embarrassing but harmless (e.g., cute animal ears, a playful shirt, or themed lingerie)

Spanking with some degradation and pleasure

Writing a cheeky apology letter to the Dominant and reading it aloud

Being tasked with serving drinks in a certain outfit or with exaggerated formality

Being made to stand or kneel in a specific position while the Dominant teases them with what they can’t touch

Having to perform a small, silly dance or sing a song as “penance”

Light sensory play “consequences,” such as being tickled or blindfolded while the Dominant withholds direct contact

Playfully exaggerated service tasks, like polishing the Dominant’s shoes with dramatic ceremony or bringing them snacks with over-the-top presentation

These types of punishments still reinforce the idea of mindfulness and accountability, but they’re also a reminder that BDSM dynamics can hold both structure and playfulness. The key is knowing when lighthearted consequences fit, and when they would undermine the seriousness of the moment.

Discomfort Without Trauma

Here’s the most important point: Punishments and corrections should be uncomfortable and even painful. They should make the submissive think twice before repeating the behavior. But they should never cause lasting harm.

If discipline leaves a submissive feeling unsafe, broken, or humiliated beyond repair, something has gone wrong. The goal is to strengthen the dynamic, not damage it.

A punishment that’s too severe, too personal, or outside the agreed limits risks doing more than correcting behavior, it risks eroding trust. And without trust, there is no dynamic worth keeping.

The Role of the Safeword

Let me make this crystal clear: A Dominant should never remove a safeword.

Removing a safeword is not “hardcore play.” It is unethical, dangerous, and a direct line to abuse.

The safeword is the single most important protective measure in BDSM. It exists for both partners. The moment you remove it, you are setting a ticking time bomb, counting down to the moment where fun becomes fear, and trust becomes trauma.

That being said, a submissive should not use their safeword simply to escape accountability. Safewords are not “get out of trouble” cards. But that does not mean the submissive is voiceless. In a healthy dynamic, a submissive can:

Ask for a break

Communicate discomfort

Request clarification

This is where that foundation comes back into play, it outlines what kinds of methods are acceptable for punishments, so both partners know what to expect.

Why This Matters

Punishments and corrections are not about ego, control for control’s sake, or venting frustration. They are tools for maintaining the health of the dynamic.

When used with integrity, they:

Protect both Dominant and submissive from harm

Reinforce agreed boundaries and rules

Build trust through consistent structure

Keep the play safe, intentional, and ethical

Without that care, these same tools can cause irreparable damage. That’s why it’s the responsibility of every Dominant to wield them with precision, and every submissive to only agree to them with full understanding.

Because at the end of the day, the goal of any D/s dynamic isn’t simply to punish or to correct. It’s to grow, to connect, and to create something worth protecting.

If you’d like to discuss this further, my sweet one, you know where to find me. I’m here if anything felt unclear.