Category: Exploring Second Life

The last time I wrote about Maasya’s Wo Qui Non Coin (or WQNC for short) was nigh-on a year ago, when Maasya presented a Japanese shrine caught in the midst of winter (see: Visiting a Japanese shrine for Christmas in Second Life). As WQNC has had a habit of vanishing from Second Life from time-to-time (indeed, the time I wrote about it prior to December 2023 was in January of that year – and it vanished practically right after I’d published my little write-up!), I lost track as to what might have happened with it.

However, WQNC is currently back in Second Life, and appears to have been so since around the start of November. At the time of my December visit, it once more offers a Japanese winter and temple scene as it did back in December ’23 – but this time on a much grander scale, Maasya once more having upsized to a Full region – and one leveraging the Land Capacity bonus. As such, this iteration of WQNC is able to offer a lot to take in, from the streets and alleys of a small town through to summit-topping temples and winding paths of cut stone, to a hidden place in which to hide from the world.

And cats. Lots of cats (which suits me just fine, as I’m currently the human for 2.5 cats (the half being a semi-feral stray I’ve been trying to gently win over for the last 5-6 months, but we’re still at the point where he will come in for food – as long as he doesn’t have to travel further into the house than the dining room – and will only suffer my presence within 3-4 feet of him when I have a food bowl in my hand!

However, as it took 18 months to fully gain the trust of an abandoned cat living in the rough the last time I did this, I’m confident we’ll get there this time around as well – eventually!

But back to WQNC. Surrounded by an off-region mountain range, the setting might be considered as has having two distinct but fully intertwined elements to its design. To the east, there is the low-lying townscape, with also extends westwards along the southern  edge of the region; to the north there are the highlands forming a wall of rock against which the town in part huddles, and which extends a broad, stepped plateau southwards along the western side of the region, offering a further shoulder of rock to protect the town.

The Landing Point sit below this mountain, on the south side of the region where the local rail line reaches the town’s little single-platform station.  Slightly elevated, the station appears to be the line’s terminus, the two-car commuter train perhaps about to set off eastwards once more and dive into the tunnel burrowing through a rocky shoulder sitting in the south-eastern corner of the region. Whilst nowhere near as high as the northern-western summit, these rocks do extend a flat finger north, on which has been built two small apartment blocks.

The latter seem to hint at one of the region’s little secrets: that seem to be the residences of local tenants. Whether they are for rent or have simply been decorated by friends of Maasya, I’ve no idea; but the multiplicity of owners for the furnishing within the caused me not to pry further so as not to invade privacy. The same appeared to be the case with some of the small houses within the town itself (notably those directly below and across the street from the apartment buildings), so again, some care might be required when wandering through the town.

Not that wandering shouldn’t be done; there is a richness of detail within the little streets and alleys deserving of discovery, indoors and out – including one or two little SL stores selling their wares tucked away here and there among the bars and eateries and other establishments. So do take your time exploring.

It is also through the town that on can reach some of the ways up into the snowy northern uplands. One of these makes its way up to the Neko shrine devoted to cats, and where some of the local felines might be found enjoying the warmth of an oil heater. Another makes it way up and long the foot of the flat-topped summit before climbing over the northern hills and plunging down to where the aforementioned hideaway can be found.

To reach the summit, however, one must take the steps opposite the entrance to the train station. These wind their way upwards, guarded by lanterns, stone cats and saplings, first reaching an outthrust shoulder of a plateau. With a stream flowing swiftly by to one side and what looks like a natural hot spring on the other, this area is home to the Mishima Jinja – although the spirits it hosts are not exactly of the deity kind!

The path upwards continues on the far side of a bridge spanning the stream, arriving at another terrace from which the final ascent to the top of the mountain might be made via the imposing straight stairway that rises as if to the heavens. At the top and at last, visitors come to the temple and shrines. The last time I saw the temple, back in December 2023, it was home to a dragon. Now surrounded by the waters of a large man-made pool, it houses an impressive carving of three snakes.

From this lofty vantage point, one is afforded views  down over the town below. There is also a further stairway down to another plateau. This is home to the waters of a large circular pool, which one might meditate before on a padded bench (and perhaps give the legs a bit of a rest before challenging them with the walk all the way back down to the lowlands once more!).

One of the things I really like about this iteration of WQNC is the use of muted colour. From sky through rocks to buildings, muted tones are used within the expanse of grey sky and rock and off-white clouds and snow. Reds and greens and blues are, for the most part, pushed towards the darker, more faded / aged end of the spectrum. As a result, where a fuller, rich colour is used – be it on a shop sign, the leaves of a tree, the paper of a lantern, even the sides of a drinks vendor or child’s toy – it literally pops out at you with a sense of warmth to offset the the surrounding winter coldness. Marvellous!

SLurl Details

• WQNC (WoQuiNonCoin, rated Moderate)

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)

‘Twas off back to Luane’s World at Le Monde Perdu for me at the start of December, and a visit to LuaneMeo’s always-engaging public region.

As one might expect given it’s the end of the year, the region has been redressed for a northern hemisphere winter, with Luane working with Gorba McMahon to bring visitors a lot to see and do within and snow-covered landscape.

A white winter blanket has settled over Luane’s World, a Nordic-inspired haven with charming red houses by a frozen lake. Explore the illuminated Christmas market in the village, then take a chairlift to a cosy mountain bar. Ski or sledge through snowy forests and down to the rocky shore to uncover a stunning ice cave with a museum of ice statues. On the island’s other side, visit a quaint fishing hamlet with a rugged, captivating atmosphere. Wonders await—so wander, explore, and enjoy!

– Luane’s World – Le Monde Perdu Winter 2024 description

For this iteration of the region, the land forms and inverted U around a cold water bay, watched over from the south by two mountainous off-region islands. The landing point is located on the western headland, where stands a little Nordic-style village with something of a carnival atmosphere about it. A Ferris wheel offers rides, the houses are cosy and warm, and a little skating rink has been set-up, complete with little stalls selling refreshments and goodies to keep people warm, with plenty of seating scattered around.

Low-lying, the headland and village overlook the semi-frozen waters of the bay, with the second headland away to the east also marked by buildings, these built right against the shoreline. To reach them, people can either make their way around the region on foot (or using one of the forms of land transport dotted around!), or they can cross the bay directly using either an inflatable boat or – in quite a novel option – by taking a bumper car over the ice!

When crossing the water, I’d advise saying clear of the polar bears out on the larger ice floes; they might look cuts and cuddly, but my experience (such as it is) is that you can never be sure that if one mentions “lunch” to you, it is and invitation or a recognition that you’re edible 😀 .

The buildings on the far side of the bay form a little fishing locale; it appears to be largely closed for the season in terms of actual fishing, but the cabins are warm and the puffins are hopeful you might have a treat for them!

A well-defined track runs between the village and the fishing shacks, following the curve of the bay as it does so. Along the way, the path passes a chai lift climbing up the local peak. At the top, a bar awaits as Santa flies past outside, and people can catch a drink or head out skiing or sledding. Two routes for the latter ware available: either back downslope or a little backcountry skiing / sledding along the northern ridgeline of cliffs.

Another trail zig-zags down the eastern extent of the ridge, linking once more with the lowland trails and paths. Little cottages sit in the lee of the cliffs,  each one offering a warm welcome – and one with a slightly lewd snowman outside! The last of these cottages forms a literal log house. It sits across the lane from a tall A-frame cabin, complete with a red and white jacket, pants and hat are drying on the line, suggesting that prior to taking to the air in his sleigh once more, Santa may have stopped off for a change of clothes!

Throughout all of this, the landscaping is simply perfect, the snow falls gently and the wildlife obligingly poses for photographs. As well as  all the activities available, the setting offers opportunities to simply sit and pass the time, either indoors or outdoors, with some nicely tucked away for those wanting a little privacy.

Luane notes that PBR materials are used within the region, and the note suggests these may not have Blinn-Phong fallbacks; so if you are on a non-PBR viewer, you may see “missing textures”.

It’s always a pleasure to visit Luane’s world at Le Monde Pedu, so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a winter destination for your travels. While visiting, keep your eyes open for the little touches of humour scattered around – the aforementioned snowman, for example, together with the little birds dressed for the festive season; but most of all – enjoy!

SLurl Details

• Luane’s World – Le Monde Perdu (rated Moderate)

Gingerbread and the Woodies is the title Alpha Auer has given to her 2024 seasonal design for her Alphatribe Island. Alpha describes it as a “sort of” continuation of her Ragville – but if you didn’t see (or don’t recall) that work, have no fear: Gingerbread and the Woodies stands on its own two feet as a delightful place to visit.

Alpha notes that the installation is made possible through the support of Olympes Rhode – so to her also go thanks for making the setting possible. Alpha goes on to note that the setting is best seen using the supplied Shared Environment, Draw Distance set to 256 metres and that shadows are enabled in the viewer.

While I’d certainly agree that shadows and the Shared Environment are a must, I’d very politely disagree over the need to set Draw Distance to 256 metres; while the region has clearly been optimised to help boost performance, should you have a system that might get a little grumpy with things like frame rates at so high a setting, I’d suggest going for whatever your system can comfortably manage, rather than feeling you cannot visit on account of that setting.

Given Gingerbread and the Woodies is a seasonal setting, it should come as no surprise that it is a snowy location; possibly somewhere in the far north, or at least where the temperature is such that the trees have their trunks coated in frost, and the waters seem particularly cold.

The Woodies of the title are the local inhabitants of the land; they live in gingerbread and cookie homes – some of which are quite grand – and share the landscape with the local wildlife. They appear to be a hardy folk; despite the cold look of the sea, some have just returned from a voyage to collect more seasonal things to put out around their houses or perhaps with which to dress their gingerbread trees.

If any of the goods on the boat are to be sold, then the local market is likely where they’ll be headed; here to join all the pastries, cakes, wreaths and other goodies. And should you feel particularly taken by some of the offerings within the market – you can buy them as well; even Alpha’s raccoons, bears, squirrels and owls are available to be purchased and taken home!

The houses and Woodies are scattered through the setting so exploring is a must in order to see everything. Alpha suggests leaving the Sun as is within the environment settings, but I confess that for some photos here and when filming, I did move it a little.

There are some good opportunities for photography with the Woodies  (they’re very friendly in this regard!), with Santa and a couple of his little helpers ready to pose with you. Rezzing is open for those wishing to use props – but while Auto Return is set (60 minutes), please remember to pick up after, rather then leaving them to be returned.

But really, this is a setting not so much for describing, but enjoying.  As noted, the region is nicely optimised, so hopefully most folk can follow Alpha’s recommendations for viewing the setting when visiting. However, and as I also hinted at above, I did take the liberty of doing some filming whilst visiting – more of an entirely unofficial “teaser”, if you will.; I hope it encourages you to pay Gingerbread and the Woodies a visit!

Enjoy!

SLurl Details

• Gingerbread and the Woodies (Alphatribe Island, rated Moderate)

Sweet  Surrender is a Full region held and designed by  Giulliana Dallaʂ (Giulliana Palen) and Fotis Dallas. It offers a multi-faceted location, rich with opportunities for exploration and photography, making full use of the available space to offer a little something for everyone. Whether you like tropical beaches, ancient ruins, brightly flowered gardens, hidden coves, underwater playgrounds, romantic spots, opportunities to dance or simply having somewhere to sit and talk or cuddle, then you’ll enjoy Sweet Surrender.

Sweet Surrender is a dreamy, romantic haven where love fills the air. It’s a place designed for intimate moments and magical connections. Soft lanterns cast a warm glow over cozy nooks perfect for cuddling, while a charming dance floor invites couples to sway under a canopy of twinkling stars. The gentle melodies of live acoustic music float through the night, creating an enchanting atmosphere where every glance, touch, and step feels like poetry in motion. Sweet Surrender is where hearts meet, and memories linger forever.

– Sweet Surrender About Land

The Landing Point sits within the north-west quarter of the region, just outside the Café de Paris. After being greeted by the local bird as he sings from a Tsukbai just outside the café, The basin looking to be employed as a means for patrons to rinse their hands after eating. From here, gravel paths offer several routes of exploration – which you take is entirely up to you.

You could for example, set out westwards to where the local lighthouse serves as a little store for Giulliana’s products whilst offering a lookout point over the sea and the sailing ship passing by, and to the headlands sitting to the north and the south.  Between the lighthouse and each are, respectively, a shingle cove and the region’s tropical beach. However, the beach cove is only one of two to be found to the south; the second, and smaller of the two home to one of the region’s romantic / cosy locations.

The beach is accessible from the path running to the lighthouse and from a second path as it runs south to loop around a rocky hill topped by some of the ruins scattered throughout the setting. From here it is possible to reach the smaller cove mentioned above and also climb up along the top of the southern headland to reach another retreat, this one with a shine alongside it.

This loop of path also give access to another elevated lookout point, this with a southern beach below it. In forming its loop, the path also passes by one of the setting’s inland bodies of water. Another such body sits at the northern end of the region the broadest point of a spine of rock rising to run north from just behind the Café de Paris. This second body of water, fed by waterfalls, offers a place to dance or to sit on the deck of an overlook, a little camp site below.

A stream cuts the region in two from north to south, two bridges spanning it, one towards the middle of the region, the other crossing the gorge formed by the upland in part occupied by the dance area and waterfalls, and a large cabin presenting another retreat. A path runs running down the east side of this plateau to another shingle beach.

Is is on this eastern side of the setting that the region’s third inland body of water can be found, imaginatively formed by water piped through an old grand piano. Gravel paths wander over the grass and flowers and under the trees here, as with the western side of the region; and like that side of the setting, they lead visitors to the many attractions to be found here.

I’m not going to describe all that lies here – better for visitors to discover; What I will say that within this part of the region is an event space which – I think – will be the venue for music events within the region, starting on Friday, November 29th, and thereafter on the second Friday of each month; those who don’t feel like walking can take a horse if they wish. I’ll also say that the underwater element to the setting can be found to the north as well – look for the the arch under the stone and Poseidon standing guard.

With greenhouses covering dance floor, grottos hiding places to pass the time or dance, many places to sit with friends or a loved one, the aforementioned ancient ruins to explore, Sweet Surrender offers much for romantics and explorers alike – and with winter drawing in for those of us in the northern hemisphere, it offers and engaging summertime visit.

SLurl Details

• Sweet Surrender (Forest Knolls, rated Moderate)

Update January 2025: Frost Peak has closed.

Winter is the quietest and most peaceful time of the year. Nature lies beneath a soft, white blanket, sleeping in gentle stillness. Snowflakes dance through the air like tiny, sparkling stars, quietly settling on the ground. Forget your worries for a moment and enjoy a warming mulled wine at the festively decorated Christmas market or an exciting train ride through the snowy landscape.

– Frost Peak About Land

Occupying a Homestead region, Frost Peak offers exactly what its About Land deception states:   a winter’s setting rich in snow and opportunities to forget worries, relax and take photos, wander a little market or ride a train through the surrounding woods.

Designed by Yoyo Collas with the help of AmyDenise, the region near seamlessly blends itself with the outlying surrounds to present a place nestled within high mountains. The Landing Point sits towards the eastern end of the landscape (itself laid-out roughly east-to-west), where steps lead up to an arched entranceway passing under a grand festive tree.

At the foot of these steps is the first opportunity for photography – a horse-drawn sleigh with sitting for individuals or couples. A further place to pose can be found just across the track from the sleigh, in the form of a little glass-canopied bench and where a white stag watches over a small herd of deer.

Stand close the tracks long enough, and an open-topped train will clatter past, hauling a line of open-topped little carriages. Mindful somewhat of Stevenson’s Rocket (albeit with a cow-catcher on the front!), the little train huffs and puffs itself around an oval of track passing through the outer sides of the region at a speed that makes hopping on and off very easy.

The train is a good way to see the outlying woodlands of the region and the wildlife therein – bears, fawns, deer – and pass by the cosy home at the western extent of the land (and which appears open to the public if you fancy popping inside and warming yourself up). The tracks will also take visitors past a bridge and a deck which both provide access to the ice-skating track area.

Broad enough for ice dance around the little island in its midst, and close to the deck and below the slope leading up to the house, this frozen part of the setting throws two smooth arms around the middle of the landscape, possibly allowing a race or two around it, the route carrying skaters under the Landing Point’s huge tree in the process.

Passing through the tunnel under this tree from the Landing Point brings visitors to the Christmas / Winter market set within the innermost oval of the land, walls around most of it lifting it above the ice skating, other than at its western end where the snow-covered ground slopes gently down to the ice, a road also curling tail-like around it it from the market or offer a path from one to the other.

The market is home to a range of stalls and little shops, together with fairground rides, places to sit and plenty of life. One of the rides is a novel carousel in which the riders’ seating and mounts remain still, and the rest of the carousel itself  slowly revolves around them! A curio it might be, but it also fits within the setting.

The life and liveliness comes in the form of static NPCs who are set as if wandering the stalls, seated in conversation, bartering over snacks, taking phots, and so on. They are joined  by a couple of cats who look to be about to have a disagreement, and the local Elf and welfare team taking a break from sweeping the snow from the cobbles, before they make their way gnome (sorry! 😀 ), while pigeons and stags round-out the animal representative and snowmen keep their eyes on things.

The NPCs in the market aren’t the only ones to be found here, as those who ride / follow the train tracks will discover – folk are out for a walk around the tracks as well, while those looking for little places to sit and pass the time might want to seek out the old cable car cabin as it sits out on the ice or perhaps the cosy little forest shed across the ice from it, and watched over by a friendly owl.

Rich in details, easy on the eye, Frosty Peak is well put together to make a nicely relaxing visit.