Category: Exploring Second Life

Cerridwen’s Cauldron (Flickr) – click any image for full size

I adore Elicio Ember’s work. As a craftsman of works of fantasy, he is one of Second life’s finest, as anyone who has had the delight and pleasure of seeing his work at Fantasy Faire over the years will know.

His in-world store of Cerridwen’s Cauldron is a stunning delight as well, and it is easy to spend a fair amount of time there, simply wandering, climbing the Dream Tower, riding a dragon around the towers, spires and outcrops of rocks and over the gardens, or walking its halls and chambers.

It’s been a while since I’ve actually written about Elicio’s home region, so when he recently informed me he was starting work and redeveloping the ground level (on which I blogged about far, far back in the mists of 2012), I was keen to see what he had done, although time played a little against me. So when he IM’d me to say he was making some additional changes and sent me an invite and Landmark to see things for myself, I knew I’d had to make up for lost time and hop over with Caitlyn to see.

Ground level – Cerridwen’s Cauldron (Flickr)

The Landmark Elicio sent me when extending his invitation for us to visit, delivered us directly to the Emerald Lounge. This lies within a huge cavern, seemingly hewn from the living rock, and through which water gently glides while crystal lamps hang from high ceilings.

Here, in a place I personally feel is best seen under night-time lighting, is a bar serving wines and ale and slices of delicious fruit, a space paved by great hexagonal blocks open to dancers before it. Nearby, on the dusty sand close to the entrance to the cavern, or just across the shallow waters, can be found places to sit, softly lit by the glow of crystals and some of Elicio’s beautiful plants.

Ground level – Cerridwen’s Cauldron (Flickr)

Steps lead the way upwards from the waters inside the cavern, allowing the visitor to go by glass-topped walkways and platforms up to the plateau overhead, revealing the incredible beauty of this island. The plateau sits like a table on stout rocky legs carved by the sea and sheltering the cavern within their midst, while beaches, exotic plants and an ornate water temple  gathered around their feet, while water tumbles from above.

Atop the plateau lies a beautiful realm of water, light, plants and open-sided structures with a distinctly elven feel to them.  Walk through the fluorescent plants at your feet, and slivers of phosphor drift into the air around you; walk under the great natural arch of a gigantic tree of life and witness the huge decorated skull of a long-dead dragon; climb the stairs to a broad hexagonal platform and find seating and refreshments awaiting you. Everywhere you turn, there is something waiting to be discovered.

Ground level – Cerridwen’s Cauldron (Flickr)

This is a place to be explored with local sounds enabled and your speakers / headset active. Like many regions throughout Second Life, Cerridwen’s Cauldron has an ambient sound scape, one beautifully crafted to add considerable depth to any exploration over the plateau and through the spaces beneath. It is one which really should be experienced in it fullest when walking through the fluorescent grasses or wading the shallow waters or standing beneath the slowly turning fae orb.

For those who prefer, a teleport system is available to scoot you around various locations – and up to and around Elicio’s store; but to use it exclusively in favour of exploring on foot would, both Caitlyn and I agreed, be a mistake.

Ground level – Cerridwen’s Cauldron (Flickr)

Cerridwen’s Cauldron has always been a magical, mystical place of harmony and beauty, and this latest design at ground level further reflects this fact. Indeed, looking at it from a distance sitting above the sea, it offers a harmonious echo of the store itself as the latter floats  in the sky atop its own islands, and extends beneath them with its stairways and stone halls, just as the garden sit atop their rock plateau and the cavern of the Emerald lounge sits beneath them.

SLurl Details – Moderate

• Cerridwen’s Cauldron store
• Emerald Lounge

Gates of Memories (Flickr) – click any image for full size

Gates of Memories is a place where we are reminded that we don’t remember days,
we remember moments. Wandering through the region, designed by photographer shelly70, it is easy to understand why she feels this is the case: the region is filled with moments in time, each of which creates an impression waiting to be captured by eye and camera to become a memory to which we can return again and again.

Caught in the depths of winter, the snowbound region presents a rural setting where the rolling ground is blanketed in white and trees denuded of their leaves stretch frosted, gnarled fingers and arms towards a cloud heavy sky from which more snow swirls and falls.

Gates of Memories (Flickr)

Close to the landing point and just through a gated arch, sits a quaint cottage, garden hidden beneath the snow, tall lamp-posts lighting the way to the front door. Paper lanterns. the air inside heated by tiny fires burning in cradles slung below them, turn and dance in the falling snow, their colour contrasting strongly with the otherwise near monochrome setting. A second cottage sits across the region, smoke also curling from its chimney, hinting at warmth inside, the footpath to the front door swept clear of snow in welcome to visitors.

While the surrounding landscape may seem sparse under the lowering sky, there is actually a lot here to be discovered. The open spaces mean that things can be carefully placed so that they can naturally stand apart from one another, allowing the visitor to come upon them in a way that presents each in turn as a moment in time.

Gates of Memories (Flickr) – click and image for full size

Art is very much central to these moments, particularly the work of Mistero Hifeng (a factor bound to attract me, as I simply adore his work), with pieces large and small to be found right across the region, sometimes standing alone whilst elsewhere forming the focal point for a particular setting – as with the couple standing in the centre of a little skating rink, the ice around them scored and crossed by the passage of skates.

But Mistero’s work isn’t alone in being celebrated here; those exploring the region will also come across figures by Rebeca Bashly (another artist I admire) and Angelica Leiner, as well as quirky characters by Krikket Bkackheart and Raya Jonson, whilst elsewhere a touch of fantasy can be found as unicorns play in the misty snow.

As well as offering moments in time to visitors, Gates of Memories  is itself a moment in time; one beautifully conceived and presented – and certainly one not to be missed.

Gates of Memories (Flickr) – click and image for full size

SLurl Details

• Gates of Memories (Rated: Moderate)

While I’d encountered some of his work during my travels around Second Life, it was my visit to Tahiti Rae’s Love, Henry in July 2015, which particularly drew me to the architecture of Abel Dreamscape.It was at Love Henry that I first encountered the magnificence of Abel’s St Illuminatus cathedral – and it made quite an impression.

ISo when I hopped over to take a look at Timekiller II (see my post about the event) located in one corner of Abel’s Morphe Northwinds region, I decided to extend my stay and explore his work in general depth.

Anyone involved in medieval and  / or fantasy role-play may well be familiar with Abel’s designs. His buildings, while high in terms of LI, are beautifully produced and make excellent centrepieces for any suitable period environment. His range includes everything from huge period castles down to individual landscaping and building kits (the latter full perm), going by way of churches, towers, town houses and buildings, docks and peasant cottages, with expansion kits, cannon and furnishings also available.

Morphe Northwinds presents many of Abel’s building and kits in a medieval setting (complete with some ambient sounds):  a small town, complete with docks, presided over by the imposing bulk of the cathedral. Here visitors can explore the building at their leisure, examine the vendor signs, enjoy the music stream (suitably period, if not medieval), and discover some of his accessory packs.

Cross the bridge to the south, and you find yourself in Morphe Inc., the main store area, dominated by the huge edifice of Thorean Castle, with is great hall and 12 other rooms, sitting above a series of catacombs built using Abel’s tunnel kits. Across the paved road from the castle sits the full perms mall with builders kits, which is itself alongside a rezzing area where more of Abel’s building can be viewed and examined.

Getting to see any building in-world before you commit to buying it is generally a vital part of the purchasing process. With Morphe Inc., and particularly Morphe Northwinds, Abel has provided a means to not only see his builds up close, but also view them in period environment; one which also offers those interested in medieval buildings an interesting place to visit.

SLurl Details

• Morphe Inc. (Rated:  General)
• Morphe Northwinds (Rated: General)

 

 

Telrunya – Forest of Dreams (Flickr) – click and image for full size

TELRUNYA – Forest of Dreams is a relatively newly opened region in Second Life. Designed by Nessa Zamora (Noralie78) to help demonstrate her landscaping abilities, the region is also an envisioning of her “happy place”,  a place of ethereal beauty in which it is easy to lose oneself.

Entering the Forest of Dreams, it is easy to feel as if you have stepped into a corner of Middle Earth; that you are perhaps on the edges of Lothlórien or another forested elven enclave, sheltered from the rest of the world by the tall, grass-covered hills surrounding the region.

Telrunya – Forest of Dreams (Flickr)

This is a place where exploration is very much the key to discovery. The dense forest means that casual camming around isn’t easy and risks you missing a lot; only on foot can you really appreciate all there is to be found here, be it beneath the forest’s canopy, along the banks of the winding waters, at the top of ancient-looking steps cut into the tall hills, or underground.

To help you find points of particular interest, there are teleport points to be found scattered across the region. These are certainly handy for keeping track of places you may have missed, but again, I do urge travelling on foot as much as possible to really appreciated the forest.

Telrunya – Forest of Dreams (Flickr)

As might be expected from an elven realm, the Forest of Dreams is in a state of perpetual twilight. However, the region works with many windlight options, although I’d venture to suggest those offering a dusk or twilight offer perhaps the best options for appreciating the region as you explore.

Throughout the forest there are numerous places to sit and ponder, or spend time with a friend or loved one, including a walled garden, a small camp in the midst of standing stones, alongside the river, facing the ruined tower (my personal favourite)  – and elsewhere.

Telrunya – Forest of Dreams (Flickr)

The description of Forest of Dreams tells us  it is, “a world straight out of a fairytale where you can find magical creatures around every corner. A haven for  those who look for a tranquil environment, a home for fairies, fauns, elves and those who love to be lost in a dreamworld.” Having spent time exploring on foot, and via row-boat, Caitlyn and I can confirm this is absolutely so!

SLurl Details

• TELRUNYA – Forest of Dreams (Rated: Moderate)

The Keys (Flickr)

With Christmas and the New Year behind us, the thoughts of many caught in the grip of winter inevitably turn to warmer locations, sunshine and, perhaps beaches. But with summer still several months away, we might need something else to sate our desire for warmer climes.

The Keys might well be a way for those of us in Second Life to do so, offering as it does an expansive landscape offering cliffs, gorges, sandy beaches, rolling meadows, secluded glades, all mixed with tree-lined walks, woodlands, coastal paths, and scattered houses beneath a summer blue sky. Such is the genius of the design, it’s at times hard to reconcile it with being confined to a single region.

The Keys (Flickr)

Featured in the Destination Guide Highlights for Friday, January 8th, 2016, The Keys, while Adult rated, has been created with one thing in mind: photography. But whether you’re into SL photography, or simply enjoy exploring stunning regions, this is a place which should not be missed off any itinerary.

The landmark provided in the Destination guide appears a little off, dropping you neatly into the pool of a Romanesque structure on the west side of the region, so I’m offering a slightly different one here which will hopefully drop you onto the terrace alongside the pool. Just to the north of this structure, beyond a ribbon of tall trees, sits the beach, looking out over a bay which separates The Keys from the more coastal suburban area of neighbouring Anarchist Bay to the west, which can be visited by crossing the bridge linking the two over the water. If you wander the beach, do take care no to disturb the mice as they enjoy their vacation!

The Keys (Flickr)

To the south of the landing point, the ground slopes gently up to an expense of trees seemingly caught in autumn’s golden crown, a place where mist drifts between the tree trunks, deer graze peacefully and the wanderer might come across sculptures and a secluded gipsy cabin nestled close to high cliffs overlooking the ocean, together with some of the off-region islands which further add to the visual appeal of The Keys – just don’t try walking out to the terrace on the lone finger of rock!

Eastward from the trees, the gently rolling ground is open to the sky and the grass grows tall, mixing with wild flowers. Horses graze here, while those seeking places to sit  while or simply to rest can find them among the merry-go-round, pavilion and shaded seating areas scattered along the edge of a broad gorge which cuts into the south-east corner of the land, the canopy of golden trees continuing on the far side, reached via a broad wooden rope bridge, or by following the edge of the gorge inland and then back out again.  Even then, the region is not finished with you – beyond the tongue of the gorge, a further bridge spans the void between the land and a small, rugged island on top of which sits a stylish house.

The Keys (Flickr)

And this is the beauty and power of  the region; just when you think you much have reached the end, there’s more to be discovered, making exploration here a genuine pleasure. There are fishing cabins, the coastal areas, secret ways beneath the ground, and one or two little surprises along the way. It’s also a place of whimsy, as can easily be seen in things like the island floating over the north-east corner of the island, stoutly anchored to the hill below, or the steps curling up from the sea to reach a door to… where…?

The Keys is a place which measures up to its description perfectly, making it an eye-catching visit, with plenty of opportunities for both photography and for simply sitting down and enjoying the visual and aural ambience of the place, and letting the world just take care of itself for a change. Don’t miss the Flickr group, either.

SLurl Details

• The Keys (Rated: Adult)

Let it Snow! (Flickr) – click any image for full size

In December 2014, I visited artist Milly Sharple’s winter themed Let it Snow! on the Isles of Lyonesse, and I’m more than happy to say it is once more with us, the region again offering snow, fronted trees, wintry walks, opportunities for dancing and, of course, for photographs.

Those who visited Let it Snow! in 2014 will immediately be struck by the feeling of familiarity and homecoming; there is much here that echoes last year’s build – but there is also much that has changed, making a visit more than worthwhile. From the landing point towards the middle of the region, visitors are free to wander as they please as snow falls from a cloudy sky (courtesy of an all-encompassing dome) lit by a lowering sun, the landscape braced on two sides by tall hills.

Let it Snow! (Flickr)

There are paths to be found, snow-covered but still visible, showing the way between the cottages and other buildings to be found within the isle, but for the most part routes are set by avenues between the trees which, in summer, would doubtless be greensward. Thus a walk through Let it Snow! is truly a journey of discovery; and there is much to be found, be it the cottages scattered far and wide, huddling under the lee of hills or sitting boldly atop them, or at the little brick-built Christmas Shop sitting across from a n open-fronted café, both offering rest and refreshment, or the many little places lovers and couples can snuggle in one another’s company, the chimes of a music box playing in the distance and birds chirping overhead.

Everywhere you do wander, you will doubtless come across plenty of opportunities for outdoor dancing, while a great glass house offers a romantic setting if you want to be more formal when taking your partner by the hand. Those seeking a warm, quiet sit down indoors will find it in a couple of the cottages, with the LAQ cottage toward the south-east corner of the region, and not too far from the landing point, offering a particularly comfortable retreat.

Let it Snow! (Flickr)

Those with a keen eye will also doubtless spot little signs scattered around the landscape. Touching any of these will rez a sled you can ride on your own, or with a friend. Once seated on it, touch the menu to get yourself properly posed and then use *Move* to get yourself going (cursor / WASD thereafter).

In December 2014, I described Let it Snow as a delight. It still is – one that is beautifully photogenic, as you might expect. It’s also a place where descriptions are really superfluous; far better go along and enjoy. You’ll probably find Caitlyn and I lurking around as well 🙂 .

Let it Snow! (Flickr)

SLurl Details

• Let it Snow! (Rated: Moderate)