Year: 2016

Fantasy Faire 2016: come gather for the Litfest!

Posted on by Inara Pey
Via Fantasy Faire
Via Fantasy Faire

Fantasy Faire 2016 will once again celebrate the written word through LitFest, featuring writers from across Second Life, participating in discussions, readings, tours and more, together with some of the top literary groups in SL.

LitFest will be focused on the pavilion in Otherworld, Elicio Ember’s magnificent build for this year’s Faire.

The LitFest Pavilion, Otherworld
The LitFest Pavilion, Otherworld

This year the emphasis is on creation, as a number of the leaders of creative writing groups in Second Life bring their regular events to the Faire, and welcome newcomers who want to join in with such events as the “Poetry Prompt” with Leslye Writer, where people are given a prompt word and write for 20 minutes then share what they’ve written or the “SL Flickr Photo Story Challenge for Beginners” with Prettyflower Vale.

There will also be daily writing challenges for everyone to enjoy: put your Fantasy Faire experience into words. There are stories, tales, legends, songs, and poems to be found around very corner in the Fairelands. How do the builds and the people, the places and the creations touch you? What stories do they whisper to you?

The LitFest Tours

To help inspire you with your writing, Fantasy Faire 2016 will include a series of tours to ten of the Fairelands realms, these will depart the LitFest pavilion  twice daily at 10:00 SLT and 17:30 SLT. Each tour lasts for an hour. To  participate, simply:

  • Join a tour at the start of a session, and travel to the selected destination.  Explore and open yourself to the voices there; see how they inspire you
  • Return to LitFest home base (or your own personal quiet space) and realize in words the narrative and feelings inspired by the region featured
  • Share your work in draft or final with the rest of the tour in a voluntary open mic, or submit your piece within 24 hours – either in-world or by email – to be posted along with others inspired by the same region. Sharing is voluntary.  Individual writers retain creative ownership of works shared.
Date 10:00 17:30
Thursday, April 21st (17:00 only) — The Golden Delta
Friday, April 22nd The Golden Delta Lucentia
Saturday, April 23rd Lucentia Twilight Illusion
Sunday, April 24th Twilight Illusion Echtra
Monday, April 25th Echtra Serenity
Tuesday, April 26th Serenity Dangarnon
Wednesday, April 27th Dangarnon Bright Haven
Thursday, April 28th Bright Haven Breeze
Friday, April 29th Breeze Tinker’s Hollow
Saturday, April 30th Tinker’s Hollow Blackmoor
Sunday, May 1st (10:00 only) Blackmoor —

The Golden Delta: first port of call for the LitFest tours

The Golden Delta: first port of call for the LitFest tours

Other LitFest Events

Note; the official schedule was still a work in progress at the time of writing – please check with it for any updates or amendments. All times SLT.

Date Time Activity
Friday, April 22nd 11:00 – noon Caledonia Skytower reads short stories
13:00 – 14:00 The Tales of Ashenborne with Ketsui Naidoo
15:00 – 16:00 The Short Story Discussion Group with Destry Recreant
Date Time Activity
Saturday, April 23rd All Day Shakespeare Day: a Fairelands-wide commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the bard’s passing
06;00 – 07:00 Poets’ Plunder Klannex Northmead
11:00 – 13:00 The Coldshot Players
13:30 – 15:00 A Midsummer Night’s Dream – a special Fairelands Players presentation of this popular comedy by Shakespeare
18:30 – 20:00 Tall Tales with Ceejay Writer (author Lori Alden Holuta)
Date Time Activity
Sunday, April 24th 11:00 – 12:00 Going Down the Tubes with Ceejay Writer, sharing a chapter from the 2nd novel in The Brassbright Chronicles
13:00 – 13:45 Boudicca Reads with Boudicca Amat
14:00 – 15:00 Self-expression & Discovery through Poetry & Stories
16::00 – 17:00 Literature Alive with Desideria Stockton

Continue reading “Fantasy Faire 2016: come gather for the Litfest!” →

The Drax Files 37: non-profits in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Joyce Bettencourt (aka Rhiannon Chatnoir in SL), the Nonprofit Common Community Manager talks Nonprofit Commons with other members of her community
Joyce Bettencourt (aka Rhiannon Chatnoir in SL), the Nonprofit Commons Community Manager discusses the role of the community, together with other involved with it through their own organisations

The Drax Files World Makers show #37 arrived on Thursday, April 21st, perhaps somewhat overshadowed by Fantasy Faire opening its gates. Once again, this is one of the shorter World Makers videos, running to just one second under 3.5 minutes.

The subject this time around is an overview of Nonprofit Commons, designed to lower the barriers of access to Second Life, to create a community of practice for non-profits to explore and learn about the virtual world, and to investigate the many ways in which non-profits might utilise virtual spaces. As such, this is something of a departure from recent World Makers segments. Rather than following a single narrative, it presents a series of sound bites for those responsible for  the various organisations, groups and communities which for Nonprofit Commons, allowing them to provide a concise overview of who they are and what they do.

While this may sound like little more than a simple infomercial for Nonprofit Commons, don’t be fooled. While the pace may be rapid, the comments delivered at a staccato rate, we are nevertheless drawn into more fully appreciating the many diverse social, ecological, sexual and personal areas encompassed by the work of non-profit organisations, large and small, within Second Life, and the critical role they place in bringing people together positively.

Such is the clarity of presentation within this piece by those involved, there is really very little to add to it directly, particularly as Drax has  so eloquently summarises things:

Over 60 international non-profit organizations with causes ranging from environmental awareness to LGBTQ activism, AIDS education and Parkinson’s support, groups that fight to end homelessness or promote emotional healing with the help of horses, are gathered in the virtual world of Second Life to do everything from training to fundraising.

For over 10 years this global community has been successfully showcasing the powerful force of SL to facilitate social good: at NPC in SL office space is given away free, agency over identity through avatars is a powerful facilitator and ideas for outreach and networking can easily be implemented in the digital realm before committing to them in physical reality.

Which leaves me with but one thing to say: watch the video, and if you want to find out more, visit the Nonprofit Commons website.

Fantasy Faire 2016: a Preview video

Posted on by Inara Pey
Lucentia - Fantasy Faire 2016
Lucentia – Fantasy Faire 2016

Fantasy Faire 2016 has opened its gates, and will run through until Sunday, May 1st. It brings together everyone with a love of fantasy  – enthusiasts, creators, performers and designers  – for eleven days of commerce, special events, live music concerts and more, all to help raise funds for Relay for Life of Second Life.

Rather than write a long preview to this years event – which once again offers some of the most fantastic region builds seen in a virtual world to present visitors with a set of connected realms – I decided to put together a preview video. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to seeing you in the Fairelands!

Faireland SLurls

 

Gravity is a Mistake in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – I get some unusal headgear and accessories, Caitlyn discovers gravity, if not a mistake, might be a myth …

Now open for all to enjoy is the latest installation by Eupalinos Ugajin, Gravity is a Mistake. As one can always expect from Eupa, this is an involved, interactive and above all, fun installation to which additional elements will be added over time.

It’s also a piece that is experience-led, so on arrival, you’ll be asked to join something called – in difference to the title of the installation – “Le Cactus”. Respodning with Yes grants you seamless interaction with the piece, and is a necessary part of Gravity is a Mistake. As with all experiences, remember that the permissions granted on joining will be automatically revoked when you leave the Gravity is a Mistake region, so there is no worry about what might happen elsewhere.

Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – the starting point

Once you have accepted the experience, you’ll notice a couple of HUDs have attached to your screen on the right. The upper one will detach (if necessary), the other will teleport you back to the start of the ravine you’ll be delivered to on stepping through the doorway of the landing point.

This ravine cuts through a strange island. Objects are littered along and over the ravine (and scattered about the island), leading to a circular opening in the middle of the island. The key here is interaction; as you make your way down the ravine, be prepared to touch objects (and have some touch you!). Exactly what happens on touching an object is open to question. But remember, this is Eupa, so tongue is firmly in cheek, and a sense of humour will carry you forward. You may find yourself in receipt of a gift, doing a mad little dance, or unexpectedly wearing something, being transported to another part of the island, offered web page to look at …

Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – The shape of things to come?

At the far end of the ravine sits a rather unique dragon. He’s determined to guard the circular opening, once a swimming pool, but now a public library. Getting past him may take some figuring out, but look for the door that comes with scales 🙂 .

The library is designed to be the second part of the build, which Eupa hopes will see those invited to join the project to add builds, sounds, and interactive elements of their own which can be enjoyed by visitors who manage to get past the dragon. As it is, entry will see you into a “gravity free” zone, offering me opportunities for fun!

Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – the library awaits

In introducing the piece, Eupa notes the inspiration came from The Centrifuge Brain Project, an equally tongue-in-cheek mockumentary, well worth watching. And after playing in Gravity is a Mistake and watching the video, you’re still in the mood for silliness, hop up to Le Cactus bar, Maya Paris’ celebrated creation from times past, and which Eupa invited her to recreate here. You can reach it via the teleport at the top of the island, and read about it here.

All told – fun and silliness, and worth having local sounds on for as well!

SLurl Details

  • Gravity is a Mistake (Rated: Moderate)

 

Fantasy Faire 2016: Tale of Exiles hints and tips

Posted on by Inara Pey
Via Fantasy Faire
Via Fantasy Faire

This year, Fantasy Faire once again presents the hunt in an expanded, story-based quest in which visitors to the Fairelands are invited to participate.

As the Bard Queen’s Emissary to the beleaguered races of the realm once called Belfience, but now cast under the darkness of the Unweaver and called Malfience,  those joining the quest are tasked with finding the Exiles from that once peaceful land, and with their support undo the evil of the Unweaver and bring healing to the land.

To help you play your role to the fullest, here are some hints and suggestions to start you on your way.

Getting Started

There are two versions of the HUD available through the special RFL of SL vendors, which are prices as follows:

  • L$250 – provides you with the quest HUD and tools to get you going
  • L$350 – provides you with the quest HUD and tools to get you going and male and female Emissary costumes so you can be more in character – and it will help you recognise other Emissaries, so you can help and support one another!
You must accept the experience by clicking Yes to participate
You must accept the experience by clicking Yes to participate

When you have purchased your HUD package wear it, and then touch it to unpack the contents to a folder in your Inventory called FF2016 The Tale of Exiles. This contains 3 game elements which must be worn: the Game HUD, and two attachments simply called “Attach Me” and “Attach Me 2”.

On wearing the HUD, a scroll will open on your screen with some important information. – please read it through and then click it to close it.

Your viewer’s World Map will open, together with an invitation for you to join The Tale of Exiles experience (shown right) – you may have to move your world map to one side to see this.

Make sure you click YES to accept the experience, as this will ensure that things behave correctly as you go.

The HUD

As with most HUD-based activities, the HUD tracks your progress, provides hints, and for the quest, provides access to various options, of which Teleport and Inventory at the top let and right are probably going to see the most use – toggle to open / close.

The HUD
The HUD – tracks your progress, provides hints, etc.

Teleport opens a list of the Fairelands (above left), clicking on the name of one will display the World Map, allowing you to teleport to it. Note that the destinations are not necessarily where the Exiles are – although some might be closer than others!

Inventory records the various items you collect during the quest (above right). You can page through the items using the back and forward buttons and – at the appropriate time in your quest, click on Use to make use of the displayed item.

Click Help to obtain a note card describing the rest of the functions.

Saving Progress

You don’t have to complete the quest in a single go; the HUD will record your progress and items collected, allowing you to leave and do other things, and then return to the quest later. You can remove the HUD (and other attachments) on leaving the Fairelands / breaking off from your quest, and then re-attach them when you return to the Fairelands or want to resume your quest.

However, if you want to be completely assured your progress has been saved before stopping, click Setup > Save.

Reloading Progress

Occasionally, things do go wrong in Second Life. If you find your HUD is misbehaving, or failing to display the right information, click Setup > Reload. This should force the HUD to reload information from the quest database and correct problems.

Game Play Guidelines

Gameplay comprises a number of chapters (indicated by the HUD) which can be divided into four parts: Heed the Bard Queen, Seek the Exiles, Find the Eggs, and Heal the Lands.

Part 1: Heed the Bard Queen

When you start the quest, the HUD will open your World Map so you can teleport to the Bard Queen – or you can use the LM supplied with the HUD package. You will also have to return to the Bard Queen once you have located and spoken to all eight of the Exiles.

  • When you arrive at the Bard Queen, click on her to converse through dialogue boxes (top right of your screen)
  • Part of the Bard Queen’s story will be told through videos displayed in your viewer. If the videos do not start automatically, click the screen. If they refuse to run, use the links in local chat to watch them on YouTube (please do not share or embed links to the videos in blogs!)

Continue reading “Fantasy Faire 2016: Tale of Exiles hints and tips” →

The Windlight / MadPea Interview photo contest

Posted on by Inara Pey
Will you take the call and join The Interview contest?
Will you take the call and join The Interview contest?

Windlight and MadPea Games have teamed up for a new photo competition using MadPea’s latest grid-wide mystery puzzle game, The Interview.

Up for grabs are three cash prizes with the winner also getting a couple of nice bonuse prizes:

  • 1st place – L$2,500, together with a L$1,000 MadPea gift card and a double page ad in Windlight Magazine
  • 2nd Place – L$1,500
  • 3rd Place – L$1,000.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is join in with The Interview, and then photograph yourself at any of the locations used by the game.

HUDs for the game can be purchased from the WindLight Gallery or from the MadPea Base.  General information on playing the game can be found on the MadPea website.

When you’ve purchased the HUD, await further instructions – and get ready for your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the very secret Goliathus Society, and not only have a chance of winning the prizes in the Windlight Magazine Photo Contest, but also reap the rewards of your successes in surviving taking The Interview!

General Guidelines

  • All photos have to be posted in the official MadPea-Windlight Interview Photo Contest Group
  • No more than 2 submissions per entrant
  • When posting your photos please use the following naming convention: MadPea Interview Photo Contest – Photo #1-Your SL Name (please do not use display names). Add a #2 if you are submitting a second photo
  • All photos must:
    • Include the SLurl of The Interview location that you used (please make sure you obtain the permission of the venue owner to use their location in your submissions, and be respectful of region rules and covenants)
    • Be new and original, but you can add the photo to other groups
  • Nudity or adult behaviour is not allowed
  • Editing via Photoshop, Gimp, or any other graphics tools is permitted.

All entries must be submitted by midnight, Sunday May 15, 2016, and the Flickr date and time stamps will be used to assess whether or not entries meet this criteria, so check your time zones. Winners will be announced on Wednesday May 25th, 2016.

Judges will be independent of the contest and cannot enter this contest. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: creativity, originality, technique, incorporation of the location in your photos and following of submission and guideline rules.