Do we really have to specify that pregnancy isn't a risk?

[GrantBricksly]

So, my current WIP is an Erotic Fantasy. Set in a Fantasy world (think D&D, or something along those lines. Medieval time period like economy. No electricity, and the like. Everything is fires and lanterns, or magic.)

I recently had a comment, from our favorite reader, Anonymous, who questioned why my Main Female Character would risk pregnancy. As there is a lot of sex, and she practices a methos of free sex, with whomever she chooses.

Anon worried that she should be using some sort of contraceptive so avoid unwanted pregnancy, as it might derail her current goals.

But my thoughts here are:
A: It's a fantasy, and it's typically understood (or at least I thought) that unless otherwise stated, our characters don't need to worry about it.

B: Her practice of free love should in and of itself welcome a pregnancy anyways. (though that is not where the story is going.)

What are everyone's thoughts here? Do You feel the need to include something in your story to deal with the issue of pregnancies? Condoms and such? Or do you usually just stick with the general understanding that we write in a fantasy world, and unless it's central to the story, it is an un-needed addition to the story?

 

[Djmac1031]

This is an erotica site. Not a Family Planning Center or OBGYN.

Tell Anon to piss off.

 

[ChuckWolf]

Every week she goes to the village alchemist and gets a "Potion of Contraception".

 

[ChuckWolf]

In a sex story, no one wants to read about that stuff unless that's their kink.

 

[GrantBricksly]

I mean, I guess if I really needed to, I could, at some point just say something about how one of her past sexual partners got a little rough, and she isn't capable of having children...or maybe something was done to her as a child (she was being groomed to be a priestess) that made her sterile....

It's an easy fix If necessary, but....

 

[KittyOfSteele]

Let me ask you a question: is pregnancy an important theme to the story?

If not, ignore and move on.

 

[StillStunned]

If it's a D&D type world, just invent an arrangement where unwanted pregnancies fuel Resurrection and Restoration spells. Every time a cleric casts one of those spells, it draws the spark of life from an unwanted pregnancy.

On reflection, this might be a bit dark. I might use if for the City of Scum, though.

 

[NotWise]

Impregnation is a fetish. Bring up the possibility if you want to use it as an erotic element, otherwise ignore it.

 

[TheWritingGroup]

Lots of real-world people just fuck, without worrying about pregnancy. Why should there be nobody like that in your fantasy world?

In a current WiP, I do mention the possibility, but it's relevant to the major theme of the story. In another two works in progress, it just never comes up. (These are in a sort of alternate history SF world, not fantasy.)

--Annie

 

[TheRedChamber]

If you're mixing 20/21st century promiscuity with medieval level contraception then enquiring minds are going to want to know what gives. It probably doesnt need more than a one sentence explanation.

 

[NuclearFairy]

My last pregnancy was pretty traumatic, so whenever I'm writing a more modern story I can't help but think of it and mention what contraceptives are being used. However, when I'm writing a fantasy story, I can usually get my brain to not think about it too hard and not mention it.

Similar thing with reading stories. If it's modern, and the guy brings up contraceptives, I find it sexy as hell. But if it's a more historical fantasy setting I can usually get my brain to shut up about it and just enjoy the kinky fun times.

I don't think it's necessary for you to mention any sort of contraceptives or sterilization, just be aware that it might be some people's fear button, and that if you do mention it, it'll be other people's why would you even button. There is no way to win here, so just write it how you want.

Oddly my mind still has a bit of an impregnation kink, so I still find stories where they're trying to get pregnant sexy as well. Brains are weird okay?

 

[iwatchus]

Given her religious cult, you could mention a religious ceremony that prevents unwanted pregnancy if you want. But I would tend to ignore it.

 

[KittyOfSteele]

If it's a D&D type world, just invent an arrangement where unwanted pregnancies fuel Resurrection and Restoration spells. Every time a cleric casts one of those spells, it draws the spark of life from an unwanted pregnancy.

On reflection, this might be a bit dark. I might use if for the City of Scum, though.

Check this out:

Block the Seed
Abjuration [Sexual]
Level: Body 1, Brd 1, Clr 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 day/level

Act Responsibly.
You are incapable of getting someone pregnant or becoming impregnated for the duration of this spell. You are still vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases unless protective measures are taken.
Material Component: A lemon rind.

Source: Book of Erotic Fantasy, page 101. A D&D 3rd edition supplement released under the OGL v1.0a by Valar Project, Inc. Written by Gwendolyn F. M. Kestrel and Duncan Scott. Released in 2003.

 

[StillStunned]

Source: Book of Erotic Fantasy, page 101. A D&D 3rd edition supplement released under the OGL v1.0a by Valar Project, Inc. Written by Gwendolyn F. M. Kestrel and Duncan Scott. Released in 2003.

My life was BoEF-free for two decades. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[KittyOfSteele]

My life was BoEF-free for two decades. Thanks for reminding me.

No problem on keeping you @StillStunned . I'm still procrastinating reading through Kinks & Cantrips though.

 

[MrPixel]

I semi-frequently touch on contraception, voluntary sterilization, intentional and unintentional pregnancy, and abortion in my stories. Not a lot, but I do try to keep the sex fantasy somewhat grounded.

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

So, my current WIP is an Erotic Fantasy. Set in a Fantasy world (think D&D, or something along those lines. Medieval time period like economy. No electricity, and the like. Everything is fires and lanterns, or magic.)

I recently had a comment, from our favorite reader, Anonymous, who questioned why my Main Female Character would risk pregnancy. As there is a lot of sex, and she practices a methos of free sex, with whomever she chooses.

Anon worried that she should be using some sort of contraceptive so avoid unwanted pregnancy, as it might derail her current goals.

But my thoughts here are:
A: It's a fantasy, and it's typically understood (or at least I thought) that unless otherwise stated, our characters don't need to worry about it.

B: Her practice of free love should in and of itself welcome a pregnancy anyways. (though that is not where the story is going.)

What are everyone's thoughts here? Do You feel the need to include something in your story to deal with the issue of pregnancies? Condoms and such? Or do you usually just stick with the general understanding that we write in a fantasy world, and unless it's central to the story, it is an un-needed addition to the story?

No, you don't. Getting wrapped un in the minutia can very quickly derail the moment. One of my standard caveats is "If it doesn't move the story forward, let's just assume everything is all hunky dory." (do people even use that phrase anymore?)
That applies to STDs, putting on condoms, cleaning up for anal, worrying about pregnancy, all that stuff.

 

[EmilyMiller]

So, my current WIP is an Erotic Fantasy. Set in a Fantasy world (think D&D, or something along those lines. Medieval time period like economy. No electricity, and the like. Everything is fires and lanterns, or magic.)

I recently had a comment, from our favorite reader, Anonymous, who questioned why my Main Female Character would risk pregnancy. As there is a lot of sex, and she practices a methos of free sex, with whomever she chooses.

Anon worried that she should be using some sort of contraceptive so avoid unwanted pregnancy, as it might derail her current goals.

But my thoughts here are:
A: It's a fantasy, and it's typically understood (or at least I thought) that unless otherwise stated, our characters don't need to worry about it.

B: Her practice of free love should in and of itself welcome a pregnancy anyways. (though that is not where the story is going.)

What are everyone's thoughts here? Do You feel the need to include something in your story to deal with the issue of pregnancies? Condoms and such? Or do you usually just stick with the general understanding that we write in a fantasy world, and unless it's central to the story, it is an un-needed addition to the story?

Depending on context, I have characters where:

1. They are significant others, implying they have either taken precautions or don’t care
2. Everyone involved has shared multiple test results before bareback
3. They use condoms
4. They say they are on birth control
5. It’s never mentioned as it’s a pure fantasy
6. They tell the MMC that a human can’t impregnate (or give a disease to) an angel or demon
7. They are meant to be sterile
8. They are all lesbians

On the last, I do sometimes also refer to cleaning toys (or have a footnote saying that is important).

It’s like anal. IRL you need to prepare. I do sometimes refer to this - and I have a space age cleaning machine (and a telekinetic space octopus who can clean digestive tracts remotely) in Coleoidphilia. I also have an escort preparing for her day with a shower-attachment douche. And another woman referring to a cleaning process before her first anal. But often such details get in the way.

 

[AlinaX]

I’m a big fan of contraceptive spells.

 

[Baztrachian]

Impregnation is a fetish.

For some it is. Without the possibility of pregnancy sex is just masturbatory for some people.

 

[lovecraft68]

Bad breath, body odor, farts, pregnancy, condoms, STD's, periods, ED, hairy legs, nose hairs, the list goes on and on of real life things that never need to happen in erotic fantasy.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Yeah, even though I tend to mention condoms in most of my realistic modern stories (I came of age in the late 80s, OK?), I don't generally feel that contraception needs mentioning unless a character is blithely shagging men in a society where there would be major repercussions for pregnancy.

If it's the kind of story where no-one ever has a headache, never gets interrupted, etc, then it's not necessary.

 

[PapaRomantic]

Some author on Lit (can't recall who now) begins many of their stories witn an opening introduction that says they write in a fantasy world where there are no STD's and no unwanted pregnancies. That seems to cover what you're talking about.

 

[Pabiporffor]

contraception back then was probably just saying a prayer or using a bit of pigs intestine as a condom. It might help set the tone of the era if nothing more. Pregnancy wasn't a big deal back then because it usually killed you anyway. Even if it didn't you could always dump the kid in the woods.

 

[NuclearFairy]

contraception back then was probably just saying a prayer or using a bit of pigs intestine as a condom. It might help set the tone of the era if nothing more. Pregnancy wasn't a big deal back then because it usually killed you anyway. Even if it didn't you could always dump the kid in the woods.

Depends on where back then you're talking about. Ancient Egyptians for instance used crocodile dung, honey, acacia leaves, and lemon halves. Honey and acacia leaves were the only two of those that were used in conjunction with each other.

But still who wants to write about sticking half a lemon up a woman before having sex?