I first wrote about Goblins Knob, a Homestead region designed by Tolla Crisp and her frequent region design partner, Dandy Warhlol (terry Fotherington), back in August 2024, not long after it had opened and a further element of Tolia’s Frogmore family of regions in Second Life (see: Wandering Goblins Knob in Second Life).
At that time, the setting was described by Tolla and Terry as being somewhat inspired by London’s infamous Pudding Lane (before the fire) mixed with elements of the Harry Potter and the Spiderwick Chronicles series. As I noted back then, whilst familiar with the latter, I’ve never read the former (nor even watched any of the films in full; I’ve simply never been a fan of the franchise or its author), and so required a degree of education on matters (thank you, again, Wilhelmina!) but thoroughly enjoyed my explorations.
With the end of the year fast approaching, Goblin’s Knob has been redressed for winter and, whilst maintaining elements tying it back to the likes of Diagon Alley, it has also been redressed in places to better fit with the season. In doing so, it has the sense of becoming a more independent setting, unburdened by the former references, as reflected in the change to the region’s description since my August 2024 visit:
Welcome to the tiny village of Goblins Knob, a Frogmore Region, where the windows glow with a warm welcome and hearts are filled with the spirit of Christmas.
– Goblin Knob’s Destination Guide description
For those who may have visited the August iteration of the region, the central canal remains, bordered on either side with houses and places of businesses. However, the eastern end of the canal now closed off, rather than passing under bridge and walkway to reach more open waters. This more easily links the two banks of the canal for exploration, although the large calibre cannon maintains a watch along the length of the canal from a rooftop above the cobbles now connecting the two sides of the waterway.
Also gone for this iteration are the balloons and dirigible that had been floating overhead, and the boats chugged the narrow, deep canal (and the waiting water monster!), leaving the latter as an uncluttered body of water.
All of this, together with changes along the north side of the canal (and particularly to the north-eastern corner of the region) allow the setting – as noted above – to come more into its own as a singular location, rather than blending together various ideas (including for me at least what felt like a faint echo of Lovecraftian mystery). Meanwhile, the snow it blanketing rooftops, drifting along cobble paths and embracing open spaces as it falls silently from the sky, brings a new magic and delight to Goblin’s Knob.
This is place where the warmth of wintertime shines, despite the coldness of the setting. Light blazes from windows and doorways, carrying the promise of warm hearths and bright flames awaiting cold toes that might be wriggled before them, whilst partially-numb fingers might curl themselves around the gentle heat of a mug of hot chocolate supped from the comfort of a familiar armchair. Outside, sprinklings of seasonal decorations, the presence of snowmen, stalls selling hot roasted chestnuts and a slightly faded carousel guarded by colourful nutcracker soldiers, all exude a time-of-year warmth of their own to counter while might otherwise be air cold enough to fog breath and chill one’s insides.
Close by the Landing Point, a musical clock plays Someone To Watch Over Me in a tinkling tinkling greeting to further turn thoughts of the cold to one side, the music occasionally accompanied by the happy trilling of a bird or two, as a brazier’s fire hisses and crackles in the background. The latter casts its glow over the chairs ranged next to it and the local wishing well, ideal for those wanting to take photos at the latter without feeling too cold.
Finding your way to all the locations in the setting can be a little confusing, but this makes exploring more fun. To get to the south-western end of the village where the old carousel resides, for example, it’s probably best to cross to the north bank of the canal and head for the stone bridge at its western extent and then cross back from there. Although that said, you could slither / slide down snowy rocks near the wind / watermill and that ascend stone steps and reach the same point, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Getting to the skating rink is also perhaps easiest if you go through the wrought iron gate behind the Landing Point and make a right turn through a gap in the iron fence to follow a sort-of snowy trail back around and behind the houses to where the rink is tucked away. Whilst small and without a skates giver of its own, those with skates in their inventory might find it useable!
Throughout all of this are plenty of opportunities for photography, and I would suggest using the local environment when doing so, as it suits the overall ambience of the setting perfectly. Those wishing to rez props for photos can do so be joining the Frogmore group; as Auto Return appears to be turned off, however, do please remember to pick up your bits afterwards.
But that said – enjoy!
SLurl Details
- Goblin’s Knob (Dulcis, rated General)
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