The genres of fantasy and fantasy often find themselves inextricably linked. Looking at any of the photos from recent Comic-Con gatherings, one could be forgiven for thinking that the fantasy fiction and fetish scenes had finally dropped all pretence and merged into one enormous community of creatively-dressed deviants. Much of the literature, television and cinema of the genre frequently crosses the line into erotica, most notably the series of Gor novels which began in 1966 and inspired an entire subculture within M/f BDSM. Online and live-action gaming sessions take participants into an extreme parallel universe of power, battles over status and imagined dangers. It’s no surprise that this is a hobby that appeals to a fair few who also frequent BDSM events and forums. Many of the flame wars on IC resemble World of Warcraft so accurately that it’s easy to forget the differences: in one site, characters with hyperbolic made-up titles battle for superiority in skills, experience and specialist equipment, and the other site – well, you get where this is going…

Anyway, as in many BDSM fantasies, outfits for warrior women are aesthetically pleasing but far from practical. I would challenge any femme to flog a sub, fight an Orc or do anything at all in a chain-mail bra and knickers without suffering a painful wardrobe malfunction within minutes (I know this from experience). And don’t even get me started on being the dominant party whilst struggling into latex, corset and heels.

Thankfully, there’s now a Tumblr blog for “Women Fighters in Reasonable Armor*” that’s based on a wonderful Terry Pratchett quote. Click to peruse.

Meanwhile, here’s a sketch from College Humor**, declaring that “Female Armor*** Sucks”

*Yes, I know. The site is in American English.

**YES! This is also in American English!

***Don’t blame me, pedant!