Fantasy is the difference between the actual and the story the mind imposes over the action. It is the willing suspension of disbelief which allows the limits of everyday life to be set aside, enabling us to explore beyond the restrictions of reality. A fantasy and a scene may occur simultaneously, but do not have to coexist. Sometimes conscious, sometimes not, it is the use of images and thoughts to transform reality into a counter reality.

When you use fantasy as part of your scene, you open up a whole new range of options. Suddenly, the same physical action represents a variety of alternative mind sets.

Picture a man tied to a stout pole. The whipping begins. Is he a slave brutally punished on a plantation, a tortured prisoner on a brig, or a servant giving himself for the pleasure of his Master? Each scenario contains the same physical action but with completely different energy. The difference is the fantasy.

Fantasy can be quite limited, such as reminiscing about a past play partner while jacking off. It can be quite complicated, with a Cecile B. DeMille style set and costuming. Usually it will run somewhere in between. With selective use of equipment and communication, you can change the entire mood within the parameters of the same physical scene. From wearing a cop shirt (it may be real, but are you?) to using threats of real violence (you wouldn't really cut it off, would you?) we all touch on levels of fantasy almost every time we play.

Reality is separated from fantasy play in a very distinct way. If you or your partner are not in relative agreement that you are going to cross the line into a trip, then it is not fantasy play.

For instance, if you fantasize about fucking in the park with your partner, fine, but actually doing it in the park is reality. The danger is real. The people are real. The actions are real. If a player is not aware that the danger/people/actions are not real, then it is reality to him. Having the trust in your partner to get the mind so close to reality without actually getting there can be part of the challenge.

Fantasy has certain advantages when used constructively. Mostly, it is used because it can lead to excitement. It can open doors to a lot of experiences that you may desire, but can not actually do.

Not everyone has access to a barn and horse, but a borrowed saddle or a bale of hay can help you experience it. If you can't get that fireman you saw on Eighth Avenue, perhaps your buddy in his rubber boots will do the trick. Each time you explore with fantasy, you can go to a different place and time, and with a different character or person.

It allows you to travel without really leaving your playspace.

A second major advantage of fantasy is that it lets you explore beyond realistic limits. Not only can you be with a new character or in a new place, you can do things that a reality check prevents you from doing during your daily life. As long as a rubber is ALWAYS used, the threats or the desires of not using one can flow freely in hot