Read Part 1 of this article
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| Paragon Illusions - Lessons |
I love the devilish simplicity of this image which shows the training of a sub volunteer getting under way. This levered arm restraint isn't bondage art by any stretch of the imagination but it leaves the captive with virtually no freedom of movement and imposes a defenceless, head-down, bowing stance on him. Humiliation can quickly become a painful torment if the tension of the rope is increased. The top here seems to be deliberating whether to do that or simply tether the rope sustaining his captive in this undignified position.
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| Paragon Illusions - Basement Pleasures |
This image captures the highly charged moment when a sub is first introduced to the intimidating arsenal of his mentor - and intimidated he clearly is, but it's a bit late now to change his mind. Already naked but still modestly covering up his private parts, there's a hint of the novice about him. The handsome top by contrast is disarmingly dressed in everyday jeans which seems to amplify the isolation and vulnerability of his subject. He seems to be encouraging his man to choose his own restraint gear for his session. It's a rather sophisticated priming technique which tests the subject's mettle and appetite before he is even secured. Involved but not yet committed as the chicken and pig gag goes. Sort of.
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| Paragon Illusions - Don't Cross Daddy |
There's a superb sense of domination in this image with the sub secured with simple but rather glamourous, stainless steel manacles and seemingly wilting as the top starts to assert his authority. It's suggestive of the classic horror movie 'reveal' where the sub may start to wonder if he's been naive or over-trusting. There's a lurid example of this in the closing moments of the movie '30 years of Adonis' by Scud
I can't say I'm enamoured of the 'Daddy' concept, there are too many dubious associations and for me a man should always be manly, not childish. The tone of the title seems to have little to do with parenting.
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| Paragon Illusions - Surrender Sessions 1 |
This artist has produced a series of images called 'Surrender Sessions' and this example epitomises that theme with the sub allowing the top to restrain him. Once again it is the simplest of methods but once the chains are tightened they will totally immobilise and expose the captive.
The 'surrender' is a magical moment for both men, particularly if this is their first encounter. This sub's hairy, muscular torso seems to epitomise manliness, an exceptional prize for the top to acquire and practice his magic and lust upon. The sub's unresisting acceptance of restraint delivers him into the hands and desires of his new master, totally under his control, protected only by their safe word and trust.
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| Paragon Illusions - Surrender Sessions 4 |
This remotely controlled, collar snare is based on the device used to catch dangerous and elusive animals. It leaves the subs hands free and able to defend himself in theory, but he cannot escape and cannot even touch the man holding the control rod. A strong man might break free but for the lesser mortals it's a recipe for a particularly humiliating form of control which ultimately compels submission and obedience to his master every command.
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| Paragon Illusions - Surrender Sessions 6 |
There's no restraint at all in this situation, just an elaborate and emphatic chastity device, denying the subject control over his own manhood. The master is seen revelling in his beauty and his submissiveness, which allows him to touch and appreciate his body. Behind the sub there is an unusually spacious cage which it seems he will be expected to enter when instructed to do so. There he can be left unattended and detained for as long as his master wishes, safe from outside interference but abandoned and alone, wondering what lies in store for him.
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| Paragon Illusions - Dreaming |
This artist's work is rich in hairy and muscular men of all ages, so when he depicts a striking and mature one like this at play in a swimming pool (in wet underpants) one can only wonder whether his destiny is be a top or a sub.
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| Paragon Illusions - In Training |
Older men are often portrayed as tops, their maturity is assumed to have endowed them with wisdom and experience with younger men should learn and profit from. Paragon follows that convention in this image but but the forcefulness employed here in order to bring the errant young man to heel doesn't seem to quite accord with the chivalrous code of consensuality and trust building normally attributed to the leather community. However, the picture itself is all the better for that edginess.
We can also celebrate here an intergenerational image that does not flirt with the forbidden.
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| Paragon Illusions - Brute Force |
The artist generously offers us the other side of the coin here with the forceful 'Mister red pants' lured from his idyllic pool to a grimy basement where he is meeting his match. The title and setting leaves us in no doubt that this is not a playful, poolside game but an attempt to impose domination upon him. We might suppose that this may ultimately lead him to the delights of bondage and physical torments. As the saying goes, it's never to late to learn. It's a delicious contrast to the preceding image.
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| Paragon Illusions - Servitude |
This isn't necessarily the same men but the progression is appealing. This prisoner has been stripped naked and the loss of those striking red underpants (or their equivalent) deprives him of more than just his modesty, but something of his identity too and in a curious way, his ability to defend himself.
Prisoner he most certainly is, the stark bars in the cell window tell us that. The artist's title, blunt as ever, suggests that his naked incarceration is intended to be lasting and demeaning, whether he likes it or not - and all the indications are that he doesn't. Not yet anyway. He hasn't surrendered yet but there's a strong sense coming out of this picture that he is not capable of avoiding that fate, despite his hairy muscularity which of course make him a highly desirable addition to the Maser's collection.
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| Paragon Illusions - The Examination |
Strapped down on an examination table with arms extended in a cruciform shape, this captive seems oblivious of his position - or perhaps he is repelled by the sweet nothings of his captor. Unusually for an examination room this one is devoid of any equipment or paraphernalia which might give a clue to what it is used for. What form his examination will take. Perhaps that is what is being explained in his ear. The nudity of his attendant seems to rule out everyday medical stuff.
The captive is dressed in a good quality, leather jock strap and I'd hazard a guess that there's another item fitted to him underneath to help him fill out that roomy pouch. We don't know if he arrived wearing it and looking for an earthy experience or whether it was provided by his host while he was out for the count (having foolishly accepted some hospitable refreshment). That leaky tap or broken light switch will just have to wait!
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| Paragon Illusions - Piss Pig |
The device worn by the young man in this picture is a bit niche but I've included this image not for it's earthy bluntness but for the gorgeous depiction of the man positioning himself to use this unusual facility (evidence suggests he hasn't started yet!) His bubble butt and slightly sagging jeans, showing just a hint of crack, combine with a broad back and long, slim legs to produce a figure almost any gay man would be happy to kneel before. For a more ordinary exchange at any rate. Note the contrasting characterisation with the bulkier man at the far urinal.
I love the small detail of the empty glass he resting his hand on, not simply because it indicates a voluminous discharge is imminent but because it's very nice piece of male characterisation.
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| Paragon Illusions - Release Your Dreams |
Something completely different. A man with wings is chained between two pillars at the mercy of a (youngish) human. Typically in gay erotica, angels and the like are vessels of virtue, ripe for re-education in the ways of the flesh and this one seems no exception. In that context it's amusing to see the seducer portrayed as a much younger man who isn't offered a man like this every day. However this is a dangerous path for any man to walk down let alone an angel. The celestial one looks totally horrified and it's a great look! I suppose immortals have longer to regret their mistakes.
I'd caution them both to look at the colour of the sky though. There's a storm brewing.
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| Paragon Illusions - Waiting For His Return |
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