Author: Inara Pey

It was off to Heterocera once more after Shawn Shakespeare passed me the Landmark for Sweetwater Valley, an utterly engaging region-sized retreat set out as cliff-top parklands running around the edge of a narrow passage of water which has over time, cut its way into the landscape to leave a lone table of rock rising between cliffs and open sea.

Sitting on the north-east coast of the continent, the setting has been designed by Selena XOXO. The landing point sits on the southern side of a broad bricked path as it arcs around the top of the cliffs, and is set a short distance back from their edge.

To the east, this path runs straight and true, passing an ice-cream concession before dropping down a stairway to sit just above the water’s edge. Here, a small wharf sits and a gondola can be taken for an (automated) ride around the base of the offshore island.

Westward, the path curls gently north, passing the entrance to the park from the local highway and also by an old Ferris wheel, to become something of a headland sitting between open waters and the mouth of the gorge. Here sits a tiered area for relaxing and / or dancing, and where steps descend to where a carpet of flowers sit under the shade of trees and a further hidden place to sit and contemplate or cuddle can be found. A further waterside wharf can also be found here, tucked below the terraces, allowing people to hop off (or onto) the automated gondola as it circles the waterway.

The centre island can be reached via the span of a single high bridge sitting atop three tall arches as they march across the waters of the gorge from the western cliffs. This bridge offers access to a waist-high paved footpath which circles the island, occasionally dipping down towards the waters below or providing access to terraces and places to sit.

Facing the bridge as it reaches the island is a set of stairways leading up to the flat top of the island’s plateau, passing by way of a shortcut linking it to the setting’s landing point. The top of the island is a place given over to dance and music, where Elvis is busy swinging his pelvis and Samuel L. Jackson is shruttin’ his funk in moves John Travolta could only dream of in Pulp Fiction. OK, so maybe they are not actually Elvis and Mr. Jackson, but you get my drift…

Finished with a custom soundscape and environmental settings (although it looks good under a variety of the latter), Sweetwater Valley is rich in detail, with sculptures scattered throughout and little touches than encourage one to stay and explore (including a farther ride on the water, for those who spot it under the island!). Yes, there are a few places where the grass and flowers disconcertingly march away from rocks and edges to float in mid-air, but not enough to in any way put one off.

Above all, this is a pace that lives up to its About Land description, requiring very little more to be said about it other than – go see for yourself!

Beautiful hangout with good music, and an awesome dance area. Take that someone special on a romantic Gondola ride. Lots of cuddle spots.  

– Sweetwater Valley About Land

SLurl Details

• Sweetwater Valley (Scotopterx, rated Moderate)

In July I received an invitation from Matticus Marinea (Matticus.Blinker), the lead builder for Rosehaven Seafolk Sanctuary to pay a visit to the latter and spend time exploring. It admittedly to me longer than I’d hoped to get there – my apologies to Matticus and region holder Owner of Rosehaven Valley and the rest of their community for this being the case.

Below a timeless European country estate, lies a watery realm of mysticism & tranquillity. Rosehaven Seafolk Sanctuary is an open refuge to all ocean dwelling residents of Second Life. We invite everyone to come and explore our large underwater caverns and seafloor. Discover the many hidden wonders, connect with others at the many scheduled events in a safe community atmosphere.

– via Matticus Marinea / Rosehaven Seafolk Sanctuary About Land

Given the location occupies a Full private region with the additional LI bonus, there is a lot to see, with visits starting either above or below the waves, depending on preferences.

Merfolk will most likely want to start underwater, as this offers the most varied environment; it’s certainly where Imp and I started our explorations. The landing point here offers information on the region, together with two teleport boards – aquatic and land. Both offer quick access to key points under and above water, but I really recommend exploring by walking / swimming.

One thing that quickly becomes apparent when underwater, is the care that has been put into making things as diverse as possible, mixing larger public spaces with smaller, more romantic  /intimate spots that are tucked away between doors and inside caves or at the end of tunnels or beyond rocky arches.

There is also more of a richness of architectural and floral expression to be found here that might be expected from a merfolk environment: places resembling tree houses, plants that might be as at home in a garden on dry land as one where octopi might tend.

Being a long time merman in Second Life, I have seen a lot of underwater sims come and go. A big problem we have as mer-builders is that there just isn’t enough diversity in items (foliage, rocks, buildings) which are made specifically for underwater spaces. Therefore, when I finally had the opportunity to work on something in this larger scale, I wanted to incorporate non-traditional plant life to create an experience that is distinctively different and yet familiar.

– Matticus Marinea

Exploring can be done mer-style – by swimming (we slipped into a couple of mermaid-like looks!) or on foot; the central public spaces are neatly paved, and human walkways and paths are clearly marked, and stairs and steps link areas at different depths, while ladders and stairs offer various routes up to the dry land elements of the setting.

That said, finding your way around still requires a little patience and time; just when you think you’ve seen everything, it’s more than likely turning another corner around a shoulder of rock or climbing another set of steps will reveal something more, be it an underwater lawn complete with a miniature of Stonehenge, an oyster-like bed or a little nightclub awaiting a singer at the microphone – and more.

Above ground, the region is laid out as a grand manor estate with outhouses. The manor sits with an elegant formal garden before it, the outhouses range around in a quadrangle. The manor, its garden and the majority of the outhouses are private, unless playing hose to an event. The only exceptions  to this are the Tourist information Centre, which forms the above water landing point (complete with information and teleport boards), and the café / bistro facing it.

These latter face a waterside walk, the water spanned by a trio of bridge which provide access to the Rosehaven Theatre, home to productions that include Broadway shows, ballet performances, variety shows, musicals, dance recitals and more, presented by the theatre’s troupe and cast. Alongside of sit the double tier of The Cabaret Club, offering an open air performance space on its flat roof and a further venue inside.

A further bridge crosses a water channel between the Club and the Aviary – but as it was unclear whether or not the latter is open the public, we kept clear (there is another small island bracketing the theatre and Cabaret Clubs, and this is home to private residences, so please avoid trespass.

Two islands are also to be found tucked into the region. Within the south-east corner sits Sawyer Island. A little haven unto itself, separated from the manor and other structures by water, it is best reached by boat or  – for those wanting to come to it underwater – by finding the path, stairs and ladder that provide access to the island via a pool close to its centre. Please be aware that Sawyer Island area is a “clothing optional” space; naturists are always welcome but visitors should not confuse “a lifestyle of practicing non-sexual social nudity in private and in public” with anything sexual.

Occupying the north-east corner of the region is Fae Haven. Again best reached by boat or by finding your way up to it from underwater, this presents an idyllic, relaxing retreat awash with magic and enchantment, perfect for those seeking a quiet place to relax with friends or to simply be at one with nature. It sits as a welcome refuge to the Fae Folk of Second Life: elves, fairies, sprites & fauns, with the Enchanted Pond often used as a gathering place for dancing and music.

For me, one of the most impressive aspects in Rosehaven is the use of space. The entire size of the region is use for both the above water and undersea settings without either directly impinging on the other. They can thus be enjoyed and appreciated entirely individually to one another, whilst also being gently bound together by their connected access points to present an integrated environment.

Finished with an accompanying local soundscape, Rosehaven Seafolk Sanctuary makes for a richly detailed visit (which can take some systems by surprise, so do be prepared to make some viewer adjustments if necessary) with a lot for find and enjoy both above and below the waves.

SLurl Details

Rosehaven Valley is rated Moderate

• Rosehaven Seafolk Sanctuary
• Rosehaven Valley Manor and Public Grounds