I departed the fair, colourful city of Luminaria with a heavy heart; it was not an easy place to leave, filled with bright peoples and wonders as it was. But my quest demanded I must; time was passing and I knew I had far to go.
After a day’s travel I came across a vast woodland, tall trees with deep shadows standing like sentinels blocking my way. I knew not how broad it might be, nor how many leagues it may run on either side of my path; so while it seemed foreboding to my eyes, I dared not turn aside to try to find a way around it. Instead I decided to take the last of the day’s light and try to cross the forest as quickly as I could, and followed a rough path under the first outstretched boughs.
Beneath the trees snow still lay on the ground, as if spring had passed by without note, and I turned my collar against the chill which seemed to fill the air beneath the great trunks of these mighty trees.
“Wrap up warm, fair traveller, for the days beneath our homes are yet cool, and the nights colder still!” I stopped at the sound of the voice, fair and light, which seemed to float down to me from above, accompanied by gentle laughter. “What brings you to our home beneath the stars, and why do you hurry so beneath our trees?”
I remained paused, looking to find the source the source of the voice and the gentle laughter which followed it. As I did so, the rays of the sun broke through the green canopy above and I perceived houses and walkways high up in the boughs, some straight and wide, others slung like bridges between the trees – and there, to one side, a wooded stair leading high overhead, on upon which stood, fair and tall – elves!
“Come!” said one, extending his hand to me. “Night draws near, and as homely as we find the Evensong Woods, they are no place to be alone. Come join us if you will, and tarry among our homes amid the trees, for we have much to show you, and would hear what tales you have to tell of the wider world!”
And so it was, scarce a day from Lumenaria, I found myself once again amidst wonders, these high in the trees in the elven enclave of Yuale Nura, by day washed in the light of a warm sun and by night bathed in silver moonlight and lit by a hundred glowing crystals. And everywhere … everywhere they sound of music and laughter and the sweet voices of the fair folk, always lifted in greeting and welcome.
Region designed by: Searlait Nitschke.
Sponsored by Roawenwood; featuring: Boudoir; ~*Star Kindler Designs*~; Illusions; Mystique; Mindgardens Creations;ThatChick; and with themed stores: Swings Paradise Furnitures; Unique Obsession; Kotori; +Half-Deer+; {Lemon Tea}; An Lema; EagleHeart Designs; ~Sa-eela~; ~ Mystic Sky ~; .:EMO-tions:.
Total raised at the start of day 3: L$3,296,095 (approx: $13,184 USD).
Lumenaria. I’d often heard the name. A beacon of hope and light standing against the world’s ills; a place I’d longed to visit but which seemed forever out of reach. Just now I stand on the stone streets beneath a golden sun and warm skies, bathed in colour, light and life.
Tall walls provide safety to those within, who paint the roofs of their houses and stores with gay colours which match the rich blossoms and flowers which grow alongside the paths and within gardens. Water splashes from fountains, and everywhere is the sound of mirth and good humour.
Luminaria, Fantasy Faire, 2013
Even the names of the stores suggest life and the warmth of dreams wrapped with a hint of exotic mystery: Solarium, Oran, Garden of Dreams, The Library, KittyCat’s Creations, Elysium, Pywicket’s Myths, Bare Rose, and more. Around me roam wonderful creatures the likes of which I’ve never seen and which the locals call “Meeroos”, and small, industrious folk who refer to themselves as “Dwarfins”. Overhead flies a great dragon, magnificent wings flung wide in the warm airs, a great sky-ship slung beneath it, from which at times I hear sounds of music and delighted revelry.
Weary from my travels, I will rest awhile here. Perhaps I will climb the nearby tower soon, and ride another skyship to that great dragon and see what it is that so delights all who visit it on high …
Luminaria, Fantasy Faire, 2013
Region designed by: Kayle Matzerath
Sponsored by: Solarium; featuring: Dwarfins; Garden of Dreams; Kittycat’s Creations; ND/MD Skins & Shapes; Mythos; Pyewicket’s Myths; and with themed stores: Old World; Oran; *~ Dream Things ~*; Panda Express; Luas; Quixote’s Dream; ~The Library~; ::{Elysium}::; 22769; Bare Rose; Meeroos.
Total raised on day 1: L$1,960,572 (approx: $7,842 USD)
Fantasy Faire 2013 gets underway on Saturday, 20th April 2013 in a week-long celebration of all things fantasy and fantasy role-play in Second Life and in direct support of Relay for Life of Second Life.
This year brings together another set of stunning regions created by some of SL’s top designers and packed full of lots of goodies from content creators right across the grid. And the builds themselves really are amazing to see – so even if you’re not into fantasy or fantasy RP yourself, I really do recommend that you find time to go along and have a look at the eight themed regions as photos and words simply do not do them justice.
Fairelands by Saiyge Lotus
You can start your visit at Fairelands, where you’ll find a lush woodland by Saiyge Lotus, complete with teleports within tree trunks to whisk you to any of the eight themed regions. When you want rest and respite from the rushing around the Faire, come back here to sit and rest and renew among the trees or in the tall grass or sitting at the water’s edge…
Here’s an overview of each of the regions, together with a list of stores within them and some pictures I hope will whet appetites. I’ll be looking at some of the regions themselves in more detail over the next few days.
Lotus Valley Dream by Marcus Inkpen and Sharni Azalee
“The spirit world touches the material plane in this garden of bonsai trees and waterfalls surrounding an ancient pagoda. With such mystical elegance everywhere you look, this is a place to still your mind and connect with the magic within.”
Lotus Valley Dream
Sponsored by: The Looking Glass; featuring: Hoof It!; ezura Xue; Quest for the Golden Prim; FALCONROSE; Raven’s Heart; Demons & Angels; and with themed stores: SAKIDE; Pin Me Down; Caverna Obscura; Kouse’s Sanctum; Affinity Boutique; Ari’s Neko Retreat; NAMINOKE; 2Xtreme; Star Journey; Flecha Creations; TRU Textures.
Lotus Valley Dreams
Lumenaria by Kayle Matzerath
“A vast city with lots of colourful houses, shops and a huge castle where the main streets meet. A tribute to the sun and all the golden harmony it brings, the city of Lumenaria is a beacon of hope to any who seek refuge from the dark.”
Lumenaria
Sponsored by: Solarium; featuring: Dwarfins; Garden of Dreams; Kittycat’s Creations; ND/MD Skins & Shapes; Mythos; Pyewicket’s Myths; and with themed stores: Old World; Oran; *~ Dream Things ~*; Panda Express; Luas; Quixote’s Dream; ~The Library~; ::{Elysium}::; 22769; Bare Rose; Meeroos.
Lumenaria
Magnificat by Alia Baroque
“The Relay Royales kindly invite you to their summer palace and gardens for a week of diversions, plays, games and leisure to celebrate life and magnify your souls.”
The Magnificat
Sponsored by: Fallen Gods Inc; featuring: Evie’s Closet; Lilith’s Den; Living the FantaSea; MacMoragh & Muse; House of Rfyre; Wasabi Pills; and with themed stores: Frippery; Balderdash; Ankle Biter; Yabusaka; Musa; Skinthesis; Sax Shepherd Designs; Decadent Courtesan; Heartistic; Gwen’s Hearth; Forest Feast.
The Magnificat
Ravenshard by Mayah Parx
“Where beauty has lost its perfection to a collection of twisted shards reflecting the wondrously literalistic minds of Burton, Pratchett, and Dahl. The lands will be distinct. The shops anything but square, and some may even have feet! Be warned. It’s funky, it’s fun, and it’s anything but straight!”
Ravenshard
Sponsored by: Epic Toy Factory; featuring: F*cking Ninjas; Epic; United InshCon; Bentham Manor; Fae Fantasy Creations; FuubutsuDou!; kisetsu; Simply Fae; and with themed stores: Lupoaica; Almost Wonderland; Grim Bros.; Stuff Xavian Made; Madpea Productions; .:CoLLisions:.; ~SWAN~; Feyline Fashions; [europa]
Ravenshard
Titans Hollow by Elicio Ember
“The cliff city of Caras Calar dangles high above ground, suspended from the fickle rock formations. The Structures are made of a filigree of crystal, wood and metal, and hung with gigantic chains from the columnar cliffs giving the appearance from below of huge floating lanterns. The sunken valley over which the city hangs is forested with strange vegetation and irrigated from waterfalls plunging from the sheer cliffs. Legend has it a battle between ancient gods created this strange scenery.”
“The field of Oblivion will be built as an homage to Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” series, and will feature a central, gothic and ominous dark tower, in a wide open field of overgrown thorns and scarlet red roses. The store builds will hint at the long-gone remains of similar gothic structures, roof-less, with time-eroded stone walls entwined in overgrown rose thorns.”
Crimson Fields
Sponsored by TRIDENT; featuring: lassitude & ennui; [ContraptioN]; Satyrs Moon; FallnAngel Creations; meadowWorks; Unzipped; and with themed stores: The Muses; Vengeful Threads; Psst…Here Kitty, Kitty; Kishi Creations; ImpWerks; – NaLa –; MysticHope Design; TempT; The Elegant Goth; De La Soul.
Crimson Fields
The DragonSpire by Khyle Sion
“A barren land of stone and crystal, hiding its lavish secrets beneath the shell of the earth. The native Goblins, Drow, Dwarves and Nixies reside in the fruitful tunnels, lorded over by a Dragon and his horde. Veined with phosphorescent ores, freshwater streams and exotic fungi, these deep caverns hold remnants of a lost civilization.”
The DragonSpire
Sponsored by: The Arcanum; featuring:Dark Goddess Designs; Curious Kitties;Favourite Genes; Black Veil Outfitters;The Golden Thorn; ~Refined Wild~; and with themed stores: Niekra’s Dreams; Wilds of Organica; Tayren’s Fantasy Fashions; Sparkle Skye Designs; Elvenbreath; Dysfunctional Designs; *.:!Completely oBVious!:.*; Talevin’s Designs; Whatz; Analog Dog Hair.
Evensong Woods by Searlait Nitschke
“Resting in the treetops of is the elven enclave of Yuale Nura. Bathed in moonlight, the homes glow warm in the deep blues and purples of a winter’s night. A light dusting of snow gives the impression of undisturbed slumber, but perhaps all is not as quiet as first impressions suggest.”
Evensong Woods
Sponsored by Roawenwood; featuring: Boudoir; ~*Star Kindler Designs*~; Illusions; Mystique; Mindgardens Creations;ThatChick; and with themed stores: Swings Paradise Furnitures; Unique Obsession; Kotori; +Half-Deer+; {Lemon Tea}; An Lema; EagleHeart Designs; ~Sa-eela~; ~ Mystic Sky ~; .:EMO-tions:.
Magnificat – The Relay Royales kindly invite you to their summer palace and gardens for a week of diversions, plays, games and leisure to celebrate life and magnify our souls.
Alia Baroque’s magnificent build will open along with the rest of Fantasy Faire 2013, all in aid of Relay for Life, on April 20th. More details to follow soon!
We’re just a week away from the start of Fantasy Faire 2013. The regions have been delivered, the themes set, and build ing underway.
This year will see a total of eight themed regions for the Faire, all designed by some of the leading creative minds in Second Life, with the Fairelands Junction making up the ninth region, and all of them located alongside The American Cancer Society’s home region.
It’s still early days in the builds, but if last year is anything to go by, this year will again be spectacular. While I really don’t like to sound as if I have favourites, I have to admit that I’m really looking forward to seeing Elicio Ember’s work once again – his work always leaves me both breathless and enchanted; and I’m also really looking for to seeing Sharni Azalee and Marcus Inkpen’s Lotus Valley Dream. anyone who has ever visited The Looking Glass will know why!
The eight themed regions and their designers are:
Crimson Fields by Laufey Markstein: The field of Oblivion will be built as an homage to Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” series, and will feature a central, gothic and ominous dark tower, in a wide open field of overgrown thorns and scarlet red roses. The stores builds will hint at the long-gone remains of similar gothic structures, roof-less, with time-eroded stone walls entwined in overgrown rose thorns.
The DragonSpire by Khyle Sion: A barren land of stone and crystal, hiding its lavish secrets beneath the shell of the earth. The native Goblins, Drow, Dwarves and Nixies reside in the fruitful tunnels, lorded over by a Dragon and his horde. Veined with phosphorescent ores, freshwater streams and exotic fungi, these deep caverns hold remnants of a lost civilization.
Evensong Woods by Searlait Nitschke: Resting in the treetops of is the elven enclave of Yuale Nura. Bathed in moonlight, the homes glow warm in the deep blues and purples of a winter’s night. A light dusting of snow gives the impression of undisturbed slumber, but perhaps all is not as quiet as first impressions suggest.
Lotus Valley Dream by Marcus Inkpen and Sharni Azalee: The spirit world touches the material plane in this garden of bonsai trees and waterfalls surrounding an ancient pagoda. With such mystical elegance everywhere you look, this is a place to still your mind and connect with the magic within.
Fantasy Faire 2013: opening on April 20th
Lumenaria by Kayle Matzerath: A vast City with lots of colorful houses, shops and a huge castle where the main streets meet. A tribute to the sun and all the golden harmony it brings, the city of Lumenaria is a beacon of hope to any who seek refuge from the dark.
Magnificat by Alia Baroque: The Relay Royales kindly invite you to their summer palace and gardens for a week of diversions, plays, games and leisure to celebrate life and magnify our souls.
Ravenshard by Mayah Parx: Where beauty has lost its perfection to a collection of twisted shards reflecting the wondrously literalistic minds of Burton, Pratchett, and Dahl. The lands will be distinct. The shops anything but square, and some may even have feet! Be warned. It’s funky, it’s fun, and it’s anything but straight!
Titans Hollow by Elicio Ember: The cliff city of Caras Calar dangles high above ground, suspended from the fickle rock formations. The Structures are made of a filigree of crystal, wood and metal, and hung with gigantic chains from the columnar cliffs giving the appearance from below of huge floating lanterns. The sunken valley over which the city hangs is forested with strange vegetation and irrigated from waterfalls plunging from the sheer cliffs. Legend has it a battle between ancient gods created this strange scenery.
Fantasy Faire kicks-off on April 20th and runs through until April 28th. I’ll hopefully be previewing the regions ahead of the opening. In the meantime, and to whet appetites even more, here’s a superb teaser from the lens of Draxtor Despres!
The fifth Second Life Fantasy Faire will be held from April 20th through 28th 2013. There has already been a call for designers – which has been very well supported – and on April 1st, the organisers opened registrations for bloggers.
Once again, those wishing to blog about the event can do so in one of two ways:
Become an “official” blogger, complete with certain requirements and benefits
Remain a “casual” blogger, but enjoy access to the regions on the press preview day.
To qualify as an “official” blogger, a blogger must (among other things) have been blogging for at least 2 months, update their blog at least weekly and be required to blog about at least one item designed specifically as a RFL fund-raising item for the Faire, as supplied to them by each of the four stores to which they’ll be assigned. In return, the blogger will be listed on the Fantasy Faire website.
Full details on the requirements can be found on the blogger application form. Note that applications must be received no later than Friday April 5th.
One of the stunning official Fantasy Faire 2013 posters – picture: Tamzin Xiglia; design: Alia Baroque; logo: Marcus Inkpen
First Regions Announced
The first three regions for this year’s event have been announced, together with their sponsors and participating designers. They are:
Crimson Fields: sponsored by T R I D E N T; featuring: lassitude & ennui; [ContraptioN]; Satyrs Moon; FallnAngel Creations; meadowWorks; Unzipped; and with themed stores: The Muses; Vengeful Threads; Psst…Here Kitty, Kitty; Kishi Creations; ImpWerks; – NaLa –; MysticHope Design; TempT; The Elegant Goth; De La Soul
Evensong Woods: sponsored by Roawenwood; featuring: Boudoir; ~*Star Kindler Designs*~; Illusions; Mystique; Mindgardens Creations;ThatChick; and with themed stores: Swings Paradise Furnitures; Unique Obsession; Kotori; +Half-Deer+; {Lemon Tea}; An Lema; EagleHeart Designs; ~Sa-eela~; ~ Mystic Sky ~; .:EMO-tions:.
The DragonSpire: sponsored by: The Arcanum; featuring:Dark Goddess Designs; Curious Kitties;Favourite Genes; Black Veil Outfitters;The Golden Thorn; ~Refined Wild~; and with themed stores: Niekra’s Dreams; Wilds of Organica; Tayren’s Fantasy Fashions;
Sparkle Skye Designs; Elvenbreath; Dysfunctional Designs; *.:!Completely oBVious!:.*; Talevin’s Designs; Whatz; Analog Dog Hair.
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 