In March 2020 I first visited a Full private region called Silent Melody held by Celtic McDaniels (Celtic3147), and found it to be an engaging visit and enjoyed my time exploring (see: Attuned to a Silent Melody in Second Life). I’m not sure if, during the intervening period, the region went away and has now returned, or whether it simply relocated; however, an entry in the Destination Guide I came across drew my attention to the fact that the setting is now re-opening, and so I hopped across to have a look to see what may have changed.
The answer proved to be rather a lot – hardly surprising, even the passage of time since my last visit, even without any absence or relocation! For this iteration the region design is by Semina (Semiiina), rather than Celtic, as was the case with my original visit. However, whilst a completely new design, this iteration of silent Melody shares much of the spirit of the iteration I visited back in 2020.
In the heart of the whispering ocean lies Silent Melody. A picturesque island where each corner reveals a hidden nook, a tranquil spot to sit and savour the peace to silent melodies, as the world outside fades into a distant murmur.
– Silent Melody About Land
By the above statement, I mean that this iteration brings with it a rich mix of rugged landscape, a small built-up centre, and plenty of walks and opportunities to explore, spend time and take photographs. However, it very much has an identity all its own.
The Landing Point sits towards the north-east of the setting, and at the time of my visit this confirmed that the setting would be formally opening on September 29th, 2024, with music by Semina and Sky Galaxy, starting at 11:00 SLT. It also offers information on the photo contest with a prize of L$4,000 for the winner.
Directly behind the Landing Point, steps rise up to the impressive bulk of a French-style mansion sitting behind an autumnal courtyard with hints of the Halloween season in the form of pumpkins encircling the fountain. This structure is actually the home of a large café, the wings of the building providing comfortable lounge spaces enclosed within massive framed windows overlooking the grounds – including the meadow behind, the home of roaming horses.
This meadow overlooks a stretch of beach to the south-east and an inland body of water to the south. Fed by waters tumbling from the highlands to and along the southern edge of the region, these waters also mark the end, rather than the head, of a stream as it flows inland from the west side of the region, where it faces one of the setting’s two smaller islands.
This island is home to the ruins of an ancient chapel, the flock of which is now sheep in the literal sense, and which is connected to the mainland be a short rocky causeway reaching out to it from a grove of trees surrounding a little open-air seating area. Stone steps climb away from the little camp site on its far side, relative to the island, climbing up to a little town square which – for me at least – harkened back to the little town square present in the version of the setting I visited back in 2020, thus presenting that little touch of continuity between the two.
Overlooking moorings and waterside decks to the north, this little square and its building in turn connects by way of grassy paths to both the courtyard of the café and to the Landing Point whilst also providing access to the region’s rocky northern coastal are. Watched over by the tall figure of a lighthouse , the northern coast is dominated by a broad deck which appears to offer an outdoor events area. With steps climbing back up to the Landing Point, and with a rocky shoulder separating intervening, this section of coast swings around to the east where a large rotunda of a glass house looks out to sea, providing another retreat people might take to and sit – just be careful about getting wet feet inside!
The second island sits to the south-west of the rest of the region, and is entirely separated from the rest of the setting by water. Given this and the fact that it is located within its own parcel, and it sits behind a gated wall, I assumed the house occupying it is potentially a private residence and so did not venture across the water so as not to invade privacy / trespass.
As might be gathered from the above, there is a lot to take in with this iteration of Silent Melody – and I’ve not covered everything awaiting discovery (such as the cavern with its pools and view out over the open sea, but I’ll let you find that 🙂 ). There is also considerable attention to detail throughout the setting, so careful exploration is recommended. There are numerous places to sit throughout, and the local wildlife is all friendly, while the little hints of Halloween add a nice touch even as the shared environment in the region gives it a nicely autumnal feel (and the setting works will with multiple other EEP settings).
With paths and trails winding through it to link the various locations, all of which flow together naturally, from beaches to woods to buildings and from lowland to uplands, Silent Melody is rounded-out by a gentle soundscape and has the sense of being a lot larger than the single region upon which it stands. As noted, those who wish can participate in the local photo competition (maximum of two entries each) opening on September 29th and running through until late October, and the official opening party for the setting commences at 11:00 SLT on Sunday, September 29th. So – enjoy!
SLurl Details
- Silent Melody (Silent Melody 2, rated Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 