You can find more about this WIP and its characters on Tumblr.

Since this anthology and the companion anthology, Tales from Athendrolyn, take place in the same setting, most of the world-building will be the same. This section will focus particularly on sex, sexuality, eroticism, kink, and other related topics, and how they work in this fantasy world. For more general world-building details, check out the other anthology's BTS section.

1. A dryad blooms every time they see their human crush. The human thinks they just have pretty flowers, but everyone who knows anything about dryads know that this dryad is pretty much screaming BREED ME! Shenanigans ensue.
2. Having a one-night-stand with a shapeshifter is hard when they're so drunk they can't maintain a solid appearance, and even harder when you have to keep changing positions because their junk won't stay the same either
3. A satyr brings his centaur girlfriend to his frat’s house party, where they eventually sneak off to bone. And they’re both trans <3
4. Sub top minotaur. I black out if i think about this one too hard
5. Orc boyfriend goes to the ER due to insane blowjob shenanigans. Does not regret it even a little
6. "We can't make a baby together genetically at all right?" "Pretty sure it's impossible." "Okay... Can you take a magic suppressor anyway? I had someone try to baby trap me with the familiar we created by accident once."
7. A human discovers the unfortunate symptoms of a magical STD
8. The new shipment for a magical sex shop makes one employee’s day go a little too well
9. A couple uses the merfolk’s voice for a hypnosis scene
10. Bondage is much cheaper and easier when you’re a naga
11. A hungry pleasure-eating D’infern would much rather eat by watching their partner fuck someone else than be an active participant
12. Using dragonfolk fire for temperature play requires a lot of practice
13. Rumor has it there’s a sphinx at the local sex club offering “unique” rewards for answering their riddles correctly
14. On the full moon, a werewolf and vampire couple decide to use the beastly transformation for something fun
15. Naiads of the local lake are known for regular orgies where everyone is welcome—if you can find them
16. Two wizards negotiating magical kinks starts off innocent enough, until it suddenly isn’t
17. An elf (or fairy?) that’s been free use to all for a hundred years celebrates the centennial anniversary in a very predictable way
18. A dwarf that personally built their ideal sex dungeon can’t bring themselves to actually use it for fear of ruining the craftsmanship. Luckily, they get some encouragement.
19. Love potions are frequently used in the kink scenes of a pair of FWB so they can simulate what it’s like to not be chronically single
20. So you’re not supposed to use enchantment magic for a body writing scene, but that’s not going to stop one wizard with a dream.
21. A dragonfolk with a hoard of sex toys realizes they aren’t sure if they’ve even used many of them. Luckily, they have multiple partners who are willing help to solve that problem.
22. A non-naga getting invited to a naga breeding season party is a rare treat. Everyone is curious about the newcomer! How will they ever choose a suitor for the night?
23. A selkie finally feels ready to open up to their partner about sex. Said partner is shocked by how raunchy the conversation gets.
24. An Aetherid with a very specific kink has finally found someone who can fulfill their fantasy. In their excitement, the scene involves a lot more magic than originally intended.

There are a lot of different creatures in my anthologies, each with a unique culture. Since I'm going to be including as many combinations of creatures in my erotic anthology as possible, I thought it would be useful to give a quick run-down of each creature's cultural perspective on sex!

 

Human

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• Humans tend to consider sex pretty equally an activity of intimacy and pleasure as well as a mode of reproduction. Many are concerned about contraception and STD prevention, though not as many are familiar with magic suppressants or of magical ailments contracted through sex. Despite these concerns (known and unknown), humans are known for their “adaptability” in the bedroom—their willingness to be experimental with their partners.

Elf

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• Because elven birthrates are so low, sex is considered almost exclusively an avenue of pleasure and intimacy. It tends to be private, a “study” of their partners. It isn’t uncommon for this “studying” to last many hours at a time, to fully know the range of any given partner’s pleasure and their own. Contraception isn’t taken very seriously, but knowledge of STD prevention and magic suppressants is common even for children.

Dwarf

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• Similar to other aspects of their culture, dwarves tend to think of sex and giving pleasure as a skill that can be refined, and are therefore very open about sex and sexuality, including boasting about their accomplishments. Public and group sex are also common and accepted, as well as “swapping” partners for a night. Contraception is especially important because of this, with STD preventions and magic suppressants tend to be thought of as “bonus effects” that certain kinds of contraception can provide.

Orc

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• For orcs, sex is as much about a partner’s pleasure as your own. It’s considered shameful if only one feels satisfied at the end of the night, and it’s considered toxically selfish—a poison to the rest of the community. Due to this, orcs rival humans for their adaptability and willingness to try new things, especially if it makes their partners happy. Children are also considered a blessing, and it follows that they should be created in an environment where all partners are having a good time. STDs and magic suppressants are given more cultural weight than contraception, but both are considered important.

Dragonfolk

• Reproduce sexually, oviparous (1-8 eggs per clutch, with varying survival rates)
• Because dragonfolk lay clutches that must be incubated for months, sex is a culturally serious topic. Contraception is vital in dragonfolk communities, as skipping out could leave you with an entire clutch of eggs to care for, with someone you don’t fully trust. Trust, respect, and security are on the high end of priorities, and dragonfolk are some of the most unlikely creatures to engage in flings or hook-ups. On the other hand, the pleasure of sex is not ignored, especially not as dragonfolk love friendly boasting. Flirting tends to involve boasting about sexual prowess, experience, and worthiness as a partner. Swapping stories about previous lovers is common, especially to goad others to boast. STD prevention and magic suppressants are almost as common as contraception, as another exercise in trust and respect.

Gnome

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• Gnomish culture doesn’t have a lot to say about sex. It’s simply another thing you can choose to do, like gardening or playing music. Sometimes it makes people happy, sometimes it doesn’t. Some people like lots of sex, some people only like a little. Most gnomes simply go with whatever feels right in the moment, and won’t question anyone else’s decisions. The same goes for contraception, STD prevention, and magic suppressants. They tend to not be super adventurous, preferring simple pleasures more than elaborate ones, but nothing unknown is completely off the table.

Halfling

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• As sex is simply another form of entertainment, the halfling dedication to extravagance extends to the bedroom. Orgy hosts regularly try to one-up each other’s food offerings, sex games, and level of eroticism in the decor. Not being invited to one, even if you never intended to go, is a gossip-worthy social offense. Even in private, halflings enjoy preparing and planning out each escapade, trying to make each more enjoyable than the last. Contraception, STD prevention, and magic suppressants are lined up in order at the host’s front door, or in perfectly organized cabinets in case they ever need to offer something to a guest.

Satyr

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• Sexual freedom is a cornerstone of satyr culture, as integral as the parties. In fact, sex at those parties is so common that to attend a social gathering fully clothed is to implicitly excuse oneself from the sex that will definitely happen there. Strictly monogamous satyrs will wear matching clothes (or jewelry, if going nude) with their partners to signal that they’re only having sex with one another tonight. For those without monogamous partners or inhibitions, orgies, group and public sex, and voyeurism are simply part of life. Aphrodisiacs and other sex-enhancing drugs and potions are plated right next to the hors d'oeuvres at many parties, even ones that aren’t sex-focused. Contraception and STD prevention is a no-brainer, but only those who don’t intend on drinking any potions take magic suppressants.

Centaur

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• The importance of the herd influences the sex lives of centaurs in interesting ways. As a matter of community health and learning, all centaurs are educated about contraception, STD prevention, and magic suppressants from a young age, and any foals with questions about sex are readily answered by any adult who feels like they have a good explanation. However, because the herd members are so close (physically and emotionally) and rarely get privacy, sex is seen as an opportunity to indulge in privacy, and prevent resentment from building up among herd members by giving everyone a bit of a break. During the spring and summer estrous cycles, herds will stop intermittently to allow their members to abscond for sex. Sometimes they have sex in shifts to make sure those who are underage, unwilling, or elderly are still cared for while the other members are “busy.”

Shapeshifter

• Can reproduce literally any way, depending on what creature they take the form of during pregnancy
• Shapeshifters are, perhaps, the only creature more invested than humans in experimentation and adaptability in the bedroom. Due to their abilities, they can take the form of any body type, any set of genitals, any number of limbs, any combination of traits so long as they have seen it before. Some shapeshifters do find a form they prefer to use during sex, but just as many use a different form each time, or take pleasure in letting their partners choose. Contraception and STD prevention are readily accepted and used, but magic suppressants are contentious among shapeshifters. Many see them as “making sex boring” at best, and oppressive at worst.

Naga

• Reproduce sexually, oviparous (3-20 per clutch, with varying survival rates)
• After brumation in the winter, nagas awake in the spring with an instinctive mating response. In naga communities, they host “speed-dating” social events where everyone is free to engage in mating behaviors and find suitable partners to satisfy their instincts. Nagas are the creatures most likely to be single parents, as these “speed dating” events rarely develop into long-term romantic relationships—by design. Some will be non-romantic coparents, but most nagas prefer to leave sex and parenting separate from romance entirely. When it comes to sex for pleasure, plenty of nagas use mating season events for pleasure alone. Some nagas will recognize each other from previous events and have seasonal trysts—these are the relationships most likely to develop into long-term romance. Out of season, most nagas are disinterested in sex, though plenty with non-naga partners partake for their sakes. Nagas are also more likely than most other creatures to prefer hook-ups or other casual sexual relationships. Contraception, STD prevention, and magic suppressants are regular appearances at mating season events, but are rarely discussed outside of that context.

Minotaur

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• When it comes to sex, minotaurs are seen as either exceptionally forward or exceptionally cold. In truth, minotaurs value only speaking your mind when you truly believe in what you’re saying, so a minotaur approaching someone for sex, romance, or even a compliment is a declaration of deliberate intent. They’re some of the creatures least likely to be parents, but when they are, it’s with unmatched exuberance and joy. Some other creatures find minotaurs frustratingly lacking in communication, but minotaurs find other creatures to be too hasty to say things they don’t mean—and when it comes to sex, they see this as immature at best, and reckless at worst. Minotaurs take consent and sexual boundaries at face value, and speak their own very plainly. If they say they like or dislike something, it’s not frivolous, and minotaurs change their minds very slowly. Contraception, STD prevention, and magic suppressants are included in this plain speaking, and all choices made during sex are made after deep consideration.

Vampire

• Do not reproduce
• Vampires are not “born”—they are created from either a curse placed on a fresh corpse, or from a vampire turning a living creature. After being turned, many find it difficult or impossible to feel sexual arousal or sexual urges, in addition to many other bodily responses. Some find that it’s easier to have a libido after feeding on the blood of an aroused creature, and some after any feeding at all. Some vampires make peace with their lack of bodily response—some are even glad it’s gone—while others have partners that are willing to lend their blood to the cause. Because they’re dead, they have no need for contraception or mundane STD prevention, but they do run the risk of some rare magical ailments. Unfortunately, magic suppressants can be very dangerous to vampires, since the only reason they exist is because of a curse. Many are willing to take the risk, and go without.

Werewolf

• Reproduction depends on what creature they are
• Werewolves are not “born”—they are created from either a bite from another werewolf, or from being cursed. Any given werewolf’s sexual proclivities depend heavily on culture, but some find that after being turned their sexual preferences or urges change near the full moon. For some, they may feel an instinct to procreate, similar to a mating season instinct, either shortly before or during the fateful night. For others, the transformation itself is enough to influence an increase in libido. In werewolf dedicated spaces, some agree to meet for “full moon hook-ups,” to fulfill their urges with no strings attached. Others have non-werewolf partners that are willing to help them out. Magic suppressants can make transforming a less painful process, in addition to preventing magical ailments, so many werewolves use them for both.

Catfolk

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• As their culture values indulgence, it’s no surprise that catfolk are quite open about sex. They talk openly about their desires and ask for sex very matter-of-factly. Ironically, they also tend to be picky lovers. It can seem superficial, but catfolk search for partners who flaunt their true colors, are unabashedly confident, and are open about their desires. They don’t respond to coy hints or shy suggestions, and have no shame in walking away from any creature that doesn’t meet their standards. Because of this, flirting in catfolk culture is almost a sport—each competing to be the flashiest, a stand-out example of an ideal lover. Heavy PDA and public sex are very common, though group sex tends not to be. Not everyone in a group can meet everyone else’s standards, after all, so if a catfolk joins an orgy, they’ll most likely stay with the first two or three creatures that catch their interest. Contraception, STD prevention, and magic suppression are merely standards that other potential partners should meet, whatever those standards may be.

Dryad

• Reproduce through pollination and fruiting
• Dryads have something similar to a “breeding season.” During the spring, dryads root en masse in community meadows and forests, and flower to attract pollinators. Any pollinated dryads will bear fruit over the coming seasons, and any ripe fruit that they wish to grow into progeny is planted and tended to until it reaches proper age. Though it isn’t strictly “sexual,” many dryads consider a dryad in bloom out-of-season and/or outside of a community pollinator spot to be extremely impolite at best, and perverse at worst. Despite this stigma, dryads have developed pollinator-replicating “sex toys” to allow them to participate in “sex” with their non-dryad partners. It’s impossible for dryads to contract mundane STDs or magical ones, because they don’t actually have sex in the way necessary for them to be contracted.

Naiad

• Reproduce through magic rituals
• Inherently magical, naiads can only reproduce through intense magic rituals. It takes the power of at least four naiads to give the spell enough power to produce another naiad, and the ritual itself can take days to complete. When finished, the new naiad will spring fully-formed from the water—there are no “children” or “adults” or any other stage of life for a creature born wholly from magical essence. Because of this, sex is wholly decoupled from the concept of conception, and since naiads are made purely of water and magic, there is no risk of disease or infection. Public sex, orgies, voyeurism, and sex parties are so common as to not be worth mentioning. Very often, they invite other creatures to partake—but only after teasing them first with magic illusions or puzzles.

Fairy

• Reproduce sexually, oviparous (3-10 per raft, with varying survival rates), plus additional magic to encourage demi-fairy development
• Fairies have a very unique reproduction cycle. The eggs they lay hatch into larvae called “demi-fairies” that must be “incubated” with various magics to encourage healthy development. Eventually, the demi-fairies grow old enough to spin cocoons, metamorphosize over several months, and hatch into fully-grown fairies. The magic incubation is a community affair, where each fairy (or non-fairy magic user) will lend a spell to the demi-fairy, which absorbs it as nutrients. Because of the communal nature of raising children, sex is also viewed as a community activity. Public sex is common, and sex parties are regular social events. Contraception is warily accepted—it can be viewed as “not trusting the community” to care for the resulting demi-fairies—but STD prevention, including magic suppressants, are common and used frequently.

Harpy

• Reproduce sexually, oviparous (1-4 eggs per clutch)
• Harpies have elaborate courting rituals for everything from hook-ups to marriage proposals. Because they value independence, harpies simultaneously encourage doing whatever makes you happy, and protecting your autonomy from those who disrespect it. Having a dozen partners in a month or one for life are both perfectly fine—but make sure you aren’t wasting that choice with someone who doesn’t care about your individuality. A perfectly performed courtship ritual, whether it’s for a date or a quickie in the back, is a sign of respect, and shows how dedicated the dancer is to the creature they’re propositioning. Some non-harpies think these elaborate dances are strange or embarrassing, and some harpies think that other creatures are pushy and rude for not A quick conversation can clear these miscommunications up, but the confusion can be stark in the beginning. Contraception, STD prevention, and magic suppressants all fall under the umbrella of “independence” so whichever choice a harpy makes will likely be accepted.

Merfolk

• Reproduce through ovuliparity (dozens per spawn, with varying survival rates) or sexually, depending on the species
• Depending on the species, merfolk reproduce like many other kinds of fish. One will lay their eggs on the ocean floor, and another will come along and fertilize it. Merfolk that share traits with sea creatures like sharks reproduce sexually and give live birth instead of laying eggs. Because of this, contraception is often unnecessary, and both magical and mundane STDs are vanishingly rare—though, again, it varies based on species. Funnily enough, merfolk of all stripes prefer to have sex with other creatures when it comes to exclusively pleasure. This isn’t a social stigma, and is even seen as beneficial to the school—no one is “using” their schoolmates, and it lowers the risk of emotional rifts in a vital social group—with one Though their vocal hypnosis is for hunting, there are plenty of non-merfolk who find it sexually thrilling, and there are merfolk who are happy to oblige them. Some other merfolk find this predatory or sinister, and some non-merfolk warn that it’s a great way to get drowned when you least expect. Regardless of the negative opinions, it doesn’t stop those who enjoy it from participating.

Aetheridum (pl) / Aetherid (s)

• Reproduction depends on what creature they are
• The sexuality of Aetheridum is complicated. Some errantly assume that having children with an Aetherid will guarantee a blessed child, which is inaccurate. A vast majority of Aetheridum children are simply the standard of their species. Still, this unfounded belief can cause other creatures to specifically seek them out for children, with advances that make Aetheridum uncomfortable to say the least. Contraception is a touchy conversation—many Aetheridum who do want children feel obligated to use birth control to avoid exploitation. Aside from reproduction, Aetheridum can have sex in any of the ways their birth species can, though their vast magical ability causes them to be higher risk of contracting and infecting their partners with magical ailments. For this reason, magic suppressants are a large talking point in Aetheridum circles. On the bright side, their metallic skin makes it much harder for them to contract or pass on mundane STDs, so those aren’t as much of a priority. Overall, Aetheridum-only spaces value comfort, communication, and protection from abuse in all sexual situations.

D’infernyssh (pl) / D’infern (s)

• Reproduction depends on what creature they are
• Sexuality in D’infernyssh is a sensitive subject. If a D’infern is cursed to feed off the pleasure of others, it can be difficult to have a sexual relationship with them at all—any sexual desire will be drained out when the D’infern is hungry. Even for those cursed to eat other feelings, many creatures are uncomfortable with the idea of having their emotions siphoned from them at random. For this reason, many creatures assume they will never be able to have an equal partnership with a D’infern, which can hurt any D’infernyssh in their communities deeply. In reality, D’infernyssh are perfectly capable of partnerships. They aren’t hungry all the time, and going out in public and spending time with others regularly ensures they get their meals from multiple sources instead of one, which is uncomfortable for everyone involved. For pleasure-eating D’infernyssh, going to sex clubs or orgies is a useful way to eat—they’re full in an instant, and can participate without taking away from the ambiance. D’infernyssh can have sex in any of the ways their birth species can, and can have children—which are standard of their species, not inherently cursed like many believe. Contraception can be complicated—some D’infernyssh feel obligated to take it in order to not “curse” their partners with children, or would be uncomfortable involuntarily siphoning feelings from their own child. They’re as much at risk of magical ailments as any other creature, so suppressants are important, but their metallic skin makes it much harder for them to contract or pass on mundane STDs, so those aren’t as much of a priority. Overall, D’infernyssh-only spaces value trust, communication, and compromise in all sexual situations.

Goblin

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• In goblin society, there’s an unspoken rule that almost everything is community property—everything is “up for grabs” if you need it, no questions asked. Similarly, monogamy is almost unheard of among goblins. Children are raised communally, with little regard given to who the biological parents are. Everyone is free to ask for sex from anyone else, even if both goblins are what other creatures might consider “taken.” You might call it “partner swapping,” but the idea of having a “partner” to “swap” is inaccurate. Everyone is free to move from bed to bed, no matter what their romantic status is. Romance and sex are so divorced from each other that sometimes goblins get in sticky situations with other creatures who do recognize monogamous relationships. Contraception, STD prevention, and magic suppressants are all considered community resources, and are freely available for anyone who needs them.

Sphinx

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• The way sphinxes flirt is more of a strategy than a social behavior. A sphinx will try to find the cleverest way to give someone a compliment, or drop hints in the form of riddles. They’re never challenging—at least, not to the sphinx—merely used to test the waters of whether a potential partner is receptive. Once the riddles are solved, the sphinx knows the object of affection is worth their time, and may even increase the complexity of the riddle with increasingly flirtatious “rewards.” Sex with a sphinx is earned, though if you can bypass the first few steps, you can be sure the path ahead will be sweet. These standards do have a downside—sphinxes are the least likely creatures to be parents, though any sphinx children are raised with pride. Contraception isn’t given much thought, because of their preventative standards, though STD prevention and magic suppressants are taken more seriously.

Selkie

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• Sex is no exception to the value given to slow-moving relationships in selkie culture. They’re the creatures least likely to engage in hook-ups or flings, preferring to slowly get to know any prospective partner before jumping into bed with them. Being too forward with a selkie can bar you from a sexual relationship, or even casual friendship, with them entirely. But once a selkie trusts someone they might entertain having sex with, they make the first move in almost all cases. Sometimes a selkie will lay their seal skins on a partner’s bed to signal their desires, or even drape it around their shoulders if they’re particularly forward. Once a selkie becomes comfortable, they’re as willing and excited as they were cautious. Contraception, STD prevention, and magic suppressants are all very important to selkies, as all can make or break their feelings of security.

Gorgon

• Reproduce sexually, give live birth
• Because of their dangerous powers, some gorgons are nervous to explore their sexuality. A blindfold can come loose, glasses can be knocked aside, a single accident can lead to tragedy. Still, a majority of gorgons brave these possibilities and seek sexual partners anyway. Like many aspects of their culture, sex is considered a private activity, something for the partners who agree to sleep together and nobody else. Gorgons don’t have many qualms about who their partners are, so long as they’re willing to offer the appropriate respect and caution, and are okay with the snakes wrapping around anything they can reach. Magic suppressants are vital—in an emergency, even a slight delay in petrification can be the difference between a curable and incurable case. Contraception and STD prevention are also carefully considered, part of the “caution” taken during sex.