Fang-tasy: Vampire, Werewolf, and Supernatural Play! « Culture

"Yvette: [to Louis] Are you not hungry sir? Lestat: Aux contraire mon cher, he could eat the whole colony. [starts to laugh]"

— Interview With a Vampire - Anne Rice

Fangs, Fur, and Spirits - Oh My!

Supernatural phenomenon are recorded in nearly all cultures, histories, and in every corner of the world. From ghosts to goblins, and witches to werewolves, there is a story to be found. For some reason, humans seem attracted to other-worldly beings and delights. We have childhood tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, all the way to modern day horror films with as much CGI blood one can muster.

Some popular roles are also dabbled with sex. Take the succubus for example, or the masculine counterpart incubus. Sex demons can make for some fun times in the dungeon, I'd imagine! Some early vampire myths included an elderly woman, sometimes referred to as a hag, that would drain the blood of unfaithful partners. Some ghost stories included certain ghosts that would enter the minds of young virgins and give them dreams, which might have been an earlier explanation to night emissions.

Definitions

Pagan: any person who is religious in a non-JudeoIslamChristian practice.
Wiccan: A person who practices a type of witch craft, with Gardenian being most popular.
Otherkin: individuals who believe they are or identify as an animal or supernatural entity.
Fantasy Play: like any sexual or non-sexual roleplay, but with supernatural entities.

Even now, there are Pagans and Wiccans from a variety of traditions. Tyra interviewing one here, and some folks (like me!) just like to have fun and dress up. As far as I can tell, belief in the supernatural isn't new or abnormal. Some folks believe our brains are actually wired to think of these things in order to understand the world around us. As such, I find it perfectly fine to explore that part of our psyche that likes a little danger and mysticism together. Even the most "normal" folks seem to have an interest in the supernatural, and it reminds me of that famous quote from The Wolf Man:

“Even a man who is pure of heart, and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms, and the autumn moon is bright.”

With the rise of more and more vampire/werewolf/supernatural themed shows and books coming out, unexpectedly more and more folks are pretending to be blood suckers in the bedroom. Are you curious about doing something like that? Noticed your partner having a copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula under the pillow? Or do they have Werewolf in London recorded on the DVR? Well, here's a few tips.

General Tips

1. If you want a good pair of fangs, don't go dollar store cheap. The best fangs, in my experience, are Scarecrow Fangs, which are custom-fit and use the same dental quality cement that you'd find at any orthodontist's office. It takes a total of 20 minutes to get the perfect snap on feel and they stay on. Of course, if you have the money, many orthodontists and cosmetic dentists can do vampire veneers. For a hefty price you can even get teeth done by Dnash, a real craftsman who makes numerous fang variations and combos, and can even mimic any movie type fangs. Personally, I have a pair of Scarecrows in "Shredders."

As with all fangs, DO NOT ACTUALLY BITE THE PERSON WITH THE INTENT TO DRAW BLOOD (even with consent!). These fangs are okay with some slight nibbling, but actually drawing blood should be done in a much more sterile way to ensure the safety of yourself and your "prey." You risk infection on your partner or partners, and the fangs may come off and can get lodged in your throat. Nothing is scarier than a choking hazard. Though be aware, red drinks or blood can stain your fangs.

2. It helps to have knowledge about communication and other BDSM skills. Even while you may be doing pretty "vanilla" stuff, keep in constant communication. Let your partner know that the fangs are hurting you, or even if they are hurting your own mouth and you're going to take them out. How hard can/should you bite? Test it out a little and know your partner's threshold. Want to take the monster mask off and continue as yourself? Let them know!

3. As mentioned before, blood play can come into the fantasy. I myself am a certified first responder and trained in basic first aid care, and bloodborne pathogen training. Honestly, it's worth it to get certified. Even if you're going to do the most minimal of blood play, such as one cut to get the mood going, at least train yourself in bloodborne pathogens. You can do so at OSHA to find local trainings nearby, or review videos even on YouTube with a simple search. There are even online courses that are affordable and are in compliance with OSHA.

4. GET YOURSELF TESTED! If you've never done so, do it! It's easy, and can be done in clinics or even by your primary care physician. Your partner(s) should also be tested, and let each other know of each others' statuses. Are you feeling like you're going to get a cold? Then it's probably best to not share that day, either.

For more detailed blood play info, please refer to Rose Vergara's article "Playing with Blood."

5. If you're the one planning on lapping a little bit of the life juice (blood), take some precautions. Only take very small amounts, and if you're someone having fantasies of Elizabeth Bathory hot tub sessions, you really ought to get fake blood instead that can be bought online or at any party/Halloween store. Seriously, the amount of blood to fill a tub is more than one human can produce in the hour. If you are feeling under the weather, don't drink. Really. You'll thank me later.

6. Does real blood not sound that appetizing? You can still get the effect with fake blood that can easily be made at home. For some days where I want a treat, I might splurge for some Torani flavored syrup that is red, like cherry. However, do not use fake blood as a lubricant or stick it into any orifice. Contrary to many of the Twilight or Teen Wolf fanfictions out there, you should NEVER use vegetable oil as a lubricant that isn't already cleared for lubricating purposes. It can lead to infections, and it's just not a fun time. Also, remember, do not use silicone lubricants with silicone toys. I prefer water based ones myself, typically Astroglide.

7. Halloween is around the corner, and afterwards there will be tons of sales on odds and ends to help with the scene including makeup, wigs, or even full body attire. Really, choose to your heart's content! Stocking up now is the best time to act for a year long's worth of playtime. There are great make up how-to's on YouTube that can help create the perfect supernatural look for you.

8. Be creative! Whether it's acting out a scene from a book/film, or recreating your Vampire The Masquerade character, have fun with it. Maybe your partner is a hunter that fell for your trap? Or maybe the feral predator, yourself, has become the hunted? Or maybe you're a departed loved one returning to help someone with their pottery, hm? For the hell of it, draw some sham-pentagram on the ground and summon your own Succubus! But don't do any deals with Crowley, okay?

Of course, supernatural play isn't limited to ghosts and shape-shifters; you can even be an alien investigating the planet, or a cyborg/robot sent back in time to rescue the next leader of the free world. The possibilities are endless! Even solo play can work!