Category: Exploring Second Life

It’s no secret that I love space exploration and astronomy – hence my Space Sunday series. Both are subjects which fit wonderfully into the niche of virtual worlds and virtual spaces, so I’m always on the look out from locations expressing either in-world. It therefore came as complete surprise to learn about the Sagan Planetarium  courtesy of a Tweet and blog post by Ricco Saenz; so much so that I had to clear all other plans for region visits and move it to the top of my list of places to visit.

The planetarium – obviously named after one of the 20th century’s greatest intellects, the late astronomer and astrophysicist Carl Sagan – is the work of Josh Nitschke and is frankly a must-see visit, whatever your level of interest in astronomy and space exploration. The visitor spaces are split into four areas: the entrance lobby (I’ve used this as the landing point in the SLurls in this article), the Exhibition Hall, the main skydome and an outdoor orrery.

The exhibition area provides information boards on galaxies, nebulae, space missions such as Sputnik and the Hubble Space Telescope, and more. However, it is the interactive model of the Sun and the major planets of the solar system which is liable to hold attention. This provides a set of (not-to-scale, for obvious reasons!) models of the major planets from Mercury to Neptune, each with its significant moons (where applicable) and a sets of data panels. Given there is a wealth of information available about the planets, Josh has provided an excellent breakdown for each, although you’ll have to zoom right in to the panels to read it all. Touch the Sun and any of the planets, and you’ll get an annotated cutaway of the interior.

Above these is a model of the solar system going from the Sun to the orbit of Neptune – and this is to a scale of 1 metre to 1 billion kilometres. You can get an idea of the vastness of the space immediately around us, though, as none of the planets are visible in the model; only their orbits are shown, colour-coded – and you’ll have to zoom all the way in to even see the pinpoint of the Sun.

The skydome currently offer a single show – the Solar System. Lasting a little over 34 minutes, this is a multi-media presentation, requiring visitors accept the audio stream narration, written by Josh and given narrated by Phoenix Colter (this can also be obtained in a note card, but trying to read and watch the show is cumbersome; far better to listen if you can). Split into a number of elements, this show takes visitors on a journey through the solar system, from the Sun to the Kuiper belt, going by way of the cosmos at large. It incorporates the solar system’s creation, a look at the Sun and the major planets (and little Pluto – Charon, so far absent due to Pluto’s reclassification as a minor planet), and our emerging understanding of the solar system.

The wealth of information within the show is again extraordinary, and includes interactive elements: you can zoom at touch the planets when they are the focus of the show, for example, and see their interior structures. Two more shows are  – or have been – in preparation for the skydome, one on the Apollo missions and one on the moons of the solar system. Assuming they’re both still in preparation (I’ve IM’d Josh to ask), I look forward to seeing them.

The orrery is located outside of the planetarium building and should not be missed. Beautifully ornate and in full working order – simply pull the control lever – it is the icing on the cake of a superb installation.

This is a fabulous build and presentation – the more so for all the core elements having been designed, written and scripted by Josh himself. As a planetarium, Sagan Planetarium stands head and shoulders above anything of this kind I’ve seen elsewhere. Yes, the presentation may be a little out-of-date courtesy of Dawn, Juno, New Horizons, and Rosetta, but this doesn’t in any way detract from what is presented. Sagan planetarium is a superb demonstration of what can be achieved within Second Life, visually and educationally.

I cannot recommend this enough – late though I might be in visiting myself! When visiting, please do consider a donation towards the upkeep of the facility, either directly or via the purchase of one of Josh’s brilliant models on sale in the gift shop.

SLurl Details

• Sagan Planetarium  (Aspen, rated: Moderate)

Nagare no Shimajima, Restless Times – click any image for full size

In October 2013, I visited Nagare, the home of the Blue Lotus Clan, offering both a place to visit and the opportunity for those who enjoy the art of traditional Japanese katana, nagi and short blades traditional fighting to join the clan’s C:SI (Combat Samurai Islands system) dojo. At that time, Nagare occupied a quarter region parcel on Southern Cross. A lot has changed since then, and thanks to a nudge by Loverdag, I realised it was high time I revisited.

Today, Nagare – now called Nagare no Shimajima  (Nagare Islands, or Flow Islands) – occupies a homestead region of its own: Restless Times. One of the original designers of Nagare, Lila Aquacade is still responsible for much of the design the region, sharing the work with  Ratatosken Karu, and Roll (Pradalia) and Be Ino (Inorelin Ragowski), while the region is home to both the Blue Lotus clan and the Eternal Blades clan.

Nagare no Shimajima, Restless Times

Given Lila’s involvement, there are many echoes of the original Nagare to be found here – the rugged landscape mixed with water channels, the large house boat occupying one of the latter and so on – but the increased space of an entire region means, obviously, that there is far more to explore.

As Nagare no Shimajima is a combination of public spaces and residential areas, the creators have defined a clever way of differentiating the two: public spaces are all connected via bridges; the more private residential island can only be reach via the little boats at the wooden quays. These can be rowed, sampan-style, by clicking on the boat to obtain a pole before boarding. Obviously, if you do take one, please respect the privacy of people’s domiciles, and do return any boat you use to its originating quay when done.

Nagare no Shimajima, Restless Times

The landing point is located alongside the walled sparring area, occupying a broad sweep of rocky ledge between a wall of cliffs forming the west side of the region and a sharp drop down to the channels and bays which break up the eastward lay of the land. A path, marked by an aged torii gate, winds down to the lower levels of the region, where the bridges span the water. However, before leaving the landing point pagoda, I strongly recommend you collect the Nagare no Shimajima information card: it provides a wealth of information on where to go, the history of Nagare and the Blue Lotus and Eternal Blades clans, as well as information on Japanese religions and spirits in a highly conversational and engaging manner. In short, it is an excellent read.

Through this card, one can also about some of the little touches which have been added. Take heed of the warning about attempting to leave one of the cliff-top shrines before you have completed offering up prayers! That said, it does appear to be in need of a slight revision: while it refers to the teleporter being within the watchtower overlooking the sparring area, the only system I could find is located alongside the landing point pagoda (with another at ground level sitting on a snowy slope), while the sky dojo appears to be undergoing (re)construction.

Nagare no Shimajima, Restless Times

In 2013, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Nagare-as-was, my natural bias towards oriental regions notwithstanding. Visiting Nagare no Shimajima brought back several of those memories and was equally enjoyable.  Right now the region is caught in the depths of winter. I believe its appearance changes with the seasons, going on some photos I’ve seen. I’ll certainly be returning to find out!

SLurl Details

• Nagare no Shimajima (Restless Times, rated: Moderate)

Update: Fancy’s Deep has been relocated to Blake Cove and the SLurls in this article have been updated to reflect this. The submarine tour mentioned also no longer appears to be operating, but the relocation of the town means it is now alongside the regions devoted to the merfolk community.

Back in 2015 I wrote about the merfolk of Fanci’s Deep, who were holding a week of underwater activities to encourage folk to explore their undersea community, centred around the four regions of Fanci’s Deep. These form a part of the Blake Deeps, covering roughly 13 regions to the east of Blake Sea and south of  Blake’s Passage as it cuts its way westward from Blake Sea to Second Norway.

Recently, Caitlyn and I have been spending time within the Deeps, and so I felt a further blog post was overdue on their secrets.

With 13 regions to visit, it can be a little hard to know where to start. However, there are several places which can serve as a base for wider explorations, and I’ve listed them at the end of this article (as well as mentioning them in the text). For me, one of the best locations to start your explorations is the historic Freeport Township of Flotsam, Blake Cove.

Designed by Aley, Flotsam is a wonderful mix of humour and homage, focused on pirates, but with a literary aspect. Built entirely on  wooden platforms over the water, the town boasts a bank, shipyards, shops, quayside moorings and even the golden arches of a McSushi’s!

A clue to the literary homage can be found berthed at one of the quays: Captain Nemo’s submarine Nautilus, from Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and as visualised Walt Disney 1954 film; feel free to board her and look around. There is also a reference to Journey to the Centre of the Earth: a “mole” tunnelling machine, also to be found on the south side of town. If you take your seat inside, you’ll be taken on just that journey – although finding your way through it does take a little time and effort; not all the routes are at first obvious.

There’s a further reference to Nemo, as well (as there is elsewhere within the Deeps): look for the tunnel leading down to the Captain’s undersea observatory, which sits directly under the town on the sea bed.

Given all this, the town really is worth a gentle wander – there is so much to see, both in the design of the buildings and within them. When walking the quays on the south side of the town, keep an eye out from the Kraken – itself a literary reference. Look out for the fire pits as well, as they offer a teleport system around points of interest around the region as a whole.

Flotsam is also the home to a submarine tour, although sadly not aboard the Nautilus. This is perhaps the best way to gain a feel for all that is available within the Deeps. At 30+ minutes in length, it’s a long tour, but your guide – Annie – makes it more than worthwhile, providing as she does a wealth of information on the history and myths of the regions. And she’s not against offering an opinion or two (“Don’t even get me started with his ideas about “Sea Chickens”, she grumbles whilst discussing Nemo’s undersea farming project, which apparently involves genetically modified cows and attempting to “grow tuna in their cans”).

Another starting point for explorations is the Fanci’s Deep welcome area. Here you can obtain assorted freebies to help you feel at home – such as mertails or a diving helmet and even a mini-sub. Advice is provided on the best viewer settings by which to enjoy your underwater experiences and where to go and what to visit. Alongside of this is the Safe Waters Foundation, which offers further information, complete mer outfits and transformation kits, and information on mer communities across Second Life.

The welcome centre provides walking / swimming access to the four Fanci’s Deep regions, were both public spaces and private merhomes can be found. Do please respect the privacy of the latter, but feel free to enjoy the former, most of which offer underwater dances every different to those found in a land club!

Elsewhere, you can try your hand at undersea chariot racing, visit sea farms, even have a day out at the (undersea) beach, complete with pier top funfair and an aquatic circus nearby!

When visiting the various locations within Blake Deeps, keep an eye out for the maps similar to the one shown at the top of this article – they offer map-based teleports to many of the locations to be found throughout the regions. However you travel around the Deeps – teleport, swimming, tour sub, your own sub or simply by following your nose and swimming / walking, these are an enchanting set of regions to visit.

Given their nature and the aforementioned Nemo references, it seems appropriate I finish this piece with a song from Sarah Brightman.

SLurls

All locations rated Moderate.

• Freeport Township of Flotsam (Blake Diego)
• Fanci’s Deep welcome area SLurl (Union Passage)
• Safe Waters Foundation SLurl (Union Passage)
• Seaview Park (Fanci Deep NE)
• The Hippodrome (Blake Cove)

It’s A New Dawn, Lemon Beach – click any image for full size

In December I visited Silvermoon Fairey’s lovely A Painter’s Link (see here), and her two seasonal settings, 50 Words for Snow (which is located over A Painter’s Link) and December Will Be Magic Again (an wrote about both here), located over her other region design, It’s a New Dawn. As I last visited the latter in November 2015, it seemed logical that I start my 2017 Second Life travels by making a return, and in doing so complete a tour of Silvermoon’s settings.

At the time of my last visit, It’s a New Dawn presented a rugged, rural island settings which in some respects put me in mind of the Scottish islands. Since then, and unsurprisingly, much has changed; however, the rural look and rugged feel to the region remains, although the location now might be somewhat closer to the Mediterranean than the North Sea.

It’s A New Dawn, Lemon Beach

Visitors arrive on a small sand cove at the base of a high rocky table. The beach and cover are watched over by the  study, brick-built tower of a lighthouse close by. Reached via a path zigzagging its way up the face of the rock, an old farmhouse occupies the top of the table, presenting a commanding view of the region as it is spread out to the east and south, a second twisting path leading back down to the lands below.

However, if you’re not in the mood for a climb, following the sands of the cove southwards around the base of the rock will bring you to a track which heads east and inland. It passes over a gently undulating pastoral setting where sheep and cows graze, skirting around the shoulder of rock to pass between the tall stems of sunflowers. Beyond these, it joins with the track leading away from the path coming down from the high plateau, pointing the way to an old stone bridge crossing a meandering steam.

It’s A New Dawn, Lemon Beach

It is on the far side of the bridge that things take more of a Mediterranean turn. Cypress trees stand in neatly regimented lines along track and field edge, while Tuscan styled villas sit on lower, flat-topped hills or alongside the water’s edge.  Bales of hay, neatly rolled, are scattered across the landscape, as are places to sit and enjoy the view, while horses wander, enjoying the light grazing.

All of this sits under the gaze of a great stone tower anchored to another rocky plateau to the north-east, facing the old farm across the valley between the two. Behind this tower, which is also reached by twisting track and path, the land marches to the south as a series of humped hills and rocky climbs, shoulders sheltering the villas and fields below. These hills turn westward in their march, dipping briefly through more pastures only to rise to a high knuckle of rock crowned by a great and aged tree.

It’s A New Dawn, Lemon Beach

With offshore islands, a further beach to the south-east and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds, all held beneath the soft glow of a westering sun (top and bottom images), It’s A New Dawn remains an eye-catching visit. For me it was the perfect start for my 2017 wanderings; should you also enjoy your visit, please consider making a donation towards the upkeep of the region so others might also enjoy it.

SLurl Details

• It’s A New Dawn (Lemon Beach, rated:  General)

Winter Flakes sits on a homestead region held by Caledonia Dreamscape. Like many regions at this time of the year, it presents a winter setting, and while – I believe – it is also the home for Caledonia and her partner, Trix Congrego, they’ve opened it up for visitors to enjoy.

“[It’s] a combination of Scottish and Danish winters,” Caledonia says of the region. “We first started Winter Flakes  as we both love winter. Four years on and we are still here;  I think it’s a winter love!”

For those visiting, the region offers an opportunity to wander a snowy landscape, take pictures and simply relax after all the hustle of the holiday period. Think of it as an opportunity for a quiet winter walk in the snow to burn off some of the calories of that New Year’s dinner 🙂 .

The landing point sits at the side of a road which loops around a frozen pond, overlooked by little cottages. For those who might be wondering what happened to Santa over Christmas, the answer might be found in the roof of a little ruined shed to one side of the scene.

A covered stall offers warming hot chocolate and punch for those in the need of inner warmth, standing close to where the road points the way between brick walls and tall beech trees to a set of iron gates, beyond which sits an old wooden mill, sails slowly turning under the snow-heavy sky.

Alongside the mill, snowy ruts indicate  the route of a track that winds its way through more trees to a distinctly Scandinavian cottage. A little beyond this a skating rink is to be found, folded within encircling rocky arms. It sits next to  a very modern cabin which offers a place to warm up after a spin on the ice. Further still to the west, on the far side of a frozen inlet, sits another cottage, facing a church converted for use as a house across the span of a wooden bridge.  A rather glum looking Santa sits on a hill between them, perhaps still awaiting his own Christmas presents to arrive…

Surrounded by rocky peaks topped with fir trees and under a steady fall of snow from cloud-wrapped sky, Winter Flakes presents a simple, uncluttered setting with lots of little touches which should be discovered rather than described, making for a pleasing, gentle visit.

Thanks once again to Shakespeare (SkinnyNilla) for passing me the details!

SLurl Details

• Winter Flakes (Sugartown, rated: Moderate)

Yhorm, NeoShoda: the City of Vyhorm – click any image for full size

It stands like one might imagine Tolkien’s Minas Ithil might have looked before Gondor’s fading might failed it, and it fell into corruption as Minas Morgul. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, their flanks cold and hard, the old city of Vyhorm rises into the darkening sky, tier upon tier to a final crowning citadel.

Designed by Stark Osterham (of Insilico fame), the city forms a part of a new role-play environment – Yhorm – he is designing and building with his Second Life partner, Cailin Beorn. Although not officially opening until around mid-January 2017, Caitlyn and I had the opportunity to tour the city and the region thanks to our resident Sim Detective, Shakespeare (SkinnyNilla), who passed on news about the region. Our visit also gave me the chance to chat with Cailin and Stark about Yhorm.

Yhorm, NeoShoda: the City of Vyhorm

“You are certainly a nerd!” Stark joked when I raised the Minas Ithil comparison. “Yeah, I had some sources that helped with inspiration!”

“It’s definitely Tolkien influenced,” Cailin added. “I’m a huge LOTR [Lord of the Rings] nerd! But this was originally a commission Stark took that fell through, and he’s such and incredible builder, I really went along with his creation.”

“The original design was for a city so large it goes out as far as you can see – but on a single sim,” Stark continued. “I said I’d try, but given the space available, it seemed more natural to go up rather than out, and we went from there.”

The city, and the vast cavern-state of Nurem beneath it, are to be the setting for role-play which brings together an interesting mix of flavours. “It’s a dark medieval fantasy,” Cailin said, “But with steampunk elements – flintlocks, airships, and things – here and there. Roughly, it’s about the curse and corruption which has befallen the old city, the lives of the people living within it, and those who can be found in Nurem. We have a backstory available for those who would like to read more.”

Yhorm, NeoShoda: the City of Vyhorm

Vyhorm itself is massive and intricate. It – ans Nurem – are reached via a Welcome Centre landing point, which contains the expected elements for a role-play environment: rules, information on races and factions, etc. There are also two maps indicating the key locations within the city and in Nurem. Clicking on the names of these will teleport you directly to them – providing you accept the NeoShoda experience (which also facilities automatic teleport between Vyhorm and Nurem.

Covering almost the entire area of the region, the city is truly massive. It rises naturally on a series of rocky tiers from the great gates to the citadel of the Dark Chapel, separated from the world by high walls. Caught in a perpetual dusk, lights glitter and gleam from a myriad of windows – towers, houses, places of business – and the streets winding between walls and rock are lit by orbed lamps, their light reflecting off the heavy stone, illuminating doors and stairs, blood-red banners and alleyways.

Yhorm, NeoShoda: Nurem

From the well of the great gates through to its upper reaches, this is a city designed to be defended whilst allowing plenty of room of occupation by its citizens. It rises through districts and areas each with its own unique character. Many of the buildings are shells at this point in time, but that will be changing.

“Long term plans is to expand into the buildings and make them into rentable homes or role-play locations,” Cailin told me. In the meantime, the public locations within the city’s heights provide plenty of scope for interaction: the arena, the public baths, the academy, the barrows, and topping it all, the Dark Chapel itself, wherein grows the fabled NightRoot.

Vyhorm is a realm enfolded in darkness and shadow, teetering on the brink of a long plunge into darkness as corruption steals through its streets and alleyways. By contrast, the cavern realm of Nurem (located on the ground level of the region) is a world of light and warmth. This is where the Hunters reside. Recruited from the Tuatha (which I believe is an elven race), they were once seen as the saviours of Vyhorm, but now they are feared by the people of the city, and allowed into it under sufferance.

Yhorm, NeoShoda: Nurem

While it can be reached from the Welcome Centre, Nurem is connected to Vyhorm in two ways. The first is via the Cavern Gates – rocky arches seemingly leading into rough-hewn tunnels, but which are in fact teleport points allowing transit back and forth. The second is harder on the body – and strictly one way. “There is a large section in the heart of the city,” Cailin said. “If you fall into it, it will also drop you down into the cavern, as Nurem sits directly under Vyhorm.”

Like the city, Nurem spans the entire region, presenting a huge vista of rock and stone fingers rising from the watery floor of the cavern. Bridges span the air between these blunt needles of rock, linking the structures built upon them. These building offer an interesting mix of medieval  and industrial looks, while an airship adds a further juxtaposition between steampunk and fantasy.

Yhorm, NeoShoda: Nurem

Not all of the structures are in good repair; several – notably the central ones – lie in ruins, the bridges radiating outward from them also pitted, holed and broken. Might they have once been bombarded by the city high above? But more ruins rise from the flooded base of the cavern, suggesting some natural cataclysm may have befallen Nurem. Beneath the water lies a further realm of fish and creatures, further emphasising how Stark has made full use of the 3 dimensions presented by a region.

Given their involvement in Insilico and love of role-play, Cailin and Stark have brought a wealth of experience to Yhorm, so those wishing to join in with activities are liable to find things engaging and involved. For my part, I cannot get over the region build; “stunning” doesn’t adequately describe it. Yhorm is one of the most involved, intricate and spectacular designs for a role-play environment I’ve seen in a very long time – all the more so when you consider it is neatly packed into a single region. For the last three days I’ve been back and forth, exploring, climbing and looking, and remain utterly bewitched by its form and feel.

If only I were a capable role-player!

SLurl and Website Details

• Yhorm (NeoShoda, rated: moderate)
• Yhorm website

My thanks to Cailin and Stark for their time, and to Shakespeare for the pointer. As noted in the article, Yhorm is on a “soft” opening now, with visitors welcome – but please note some things my be in a state of flux. An official opening is expected in January, please refer to the website for details.