Category: Exploring Second Life

Into the Fourth Dimension

Posted on by Inara Pey

Bakura, the Fourth Dimension, February 2014Bakura, the Fourth Dimension

Caitlin Tobias is responsible for drawing me into the Fourth Dimension. No, she hasn’t got some inter-dimensional ship and offered to give me a ride – she visited the realm of Bakura, wherein sits the City of Salis D’aar, and New Alderaan, all of which is located in the Fourth Dimension region. As I’d recently paid a visit to the world of Onderon, a Star Wars role-play environment, I felt it appropriate I did the same with the Fourth Dimension, given it is also devoted to Star Wars RP.

There are four core elements to the region: the arrival point, with the mall area and introduction to the RP environment; Bakura, comprising the City of Salis D’aar and the city’s lower levels; and the icy wilderness of New Alderaan. Construction is still in progress, so forgive any dust you may find.

Bakura, the Fourth Dimension, February 2014Bakura, the Fourth Dimension

The time period for the region is set some 100 years after the recorded Star Wars canon; as such, players are asked to be as creative as possible in creating their characters while remaining true to the established Star Wars galaxy, but to not model their characters on any from the movies or novels (so no C3-PO or R2-D2 or Bobba Fett, etc). All are asked to read the rules prior to entering, and visitors are requested they wear the OOC tag, which is also provided on arrival.

The available space has been used very creatively. the City of Salis D’aar, for example, comprises a main piazza area (which makes good use of materials, so be sure to have Preferences > Graphics > Advanced Lighting Model active), surrounded by tall buildings. Some of these you can enter, others of which have teleport doors which will transfer you to one of a number of sets suspended beneath the main square, giving the city added depth. These include a council chamber, a cafeteria, apartments, what appears to be a resupply area, and so on. Windows, where found, add to the feeling of being in the same city by looking out over the same backdrop.

Bakura, the Fourth Dimension, February 2014New Alderaan, the Fourth Dimension

The lower levels of Bakura look to be the equivalent of Mos Eisley. There are bars, clubs, little apartments, warehouses and a lighting environment ideal for shady deals and nefarious role-play!

New Alderaan is altogether a colder, harsher place; think Hoth without the big guns. Here the snow falls and the wind hisses, and a number of buildings stand among the trees, including what might be some kind of medical centre.

Bakura, the Fourth Dimension, February 2014Bakura, the Fourth Dimension

all of the builds in the region are enclosed, with no use made of the terrain at all, which I found greatly added to the immersive feel to the place. If you’re into Star Wars RP, and haven’t done so already, then the Fourth Dimension may well be worth a visit. I certainly enjoyed by time exploring and wandering.

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Oriental mystery and beauty

Posted on by Inara Pey

Yamatai, Okami; by Inara Pey, Febtuary 2014, on FlickrYamatai, Okami (Flickr)

Unusually for me, I missed celebrating Chinese New Year this year.  I didn’t even make it to the Creations for Parkinson’s Dance in-world, so no chance to say goodbye to the snake and greet the horse 😦 .

To make up for things, I decided to hop over to Yamatai on the region of Okami. My friend Miro Collas poked me in that direction a while ago, but I held-off blogging at the time as I’d been a little oriental-focused, and the region was still under construction. The latter still appears to be the case, but such is my mood and the beauty of the build, I decided to blog on it anyway.

Yamatai, Okami; by Inara Pey, Febtuary 2014, on FlickrYamatai, Okami (Flickr)

The region is rated Adult, but don’t worry about any overt signs of naughtiness – at least not yet. Truth be told, I’ve no idea what the eventual intention for the region is; but whether it is period, role-play, combat, naughty fun or a combination thereof, it really is eye-catching in design.

I’m not sure if Yamatai is an intentional reference to Yamatai-koku, the Sino-Japanese name for an ancient country in Wa (Japan). First mentioned in the Wei Zhi, circa 297 AD, it has since been the subject of much debate as to its actual location down the generations.

Yamatai, Okami; by Inara Pey, Febtuary 2014, on FlickrYamatai, Okami (Flickr)

The Hou Han Shu (circa 432 AD) and the Sui Shu (636 AD) both report the mysterious Yamatai as being on a mountainous island or islands – and this certainly fits Yamatai in SL, which features dwellings and a tumbledown temple all built on a rugged landscape complete with wooded areas and tall growths of bamboo, surrounded by tall mountains through which a passage to the sea winds.

The landscape has been carefully sculpted, and the various buildings, both down on the waterfront and higher-up in the hills have been carefully situated to create an environment that is pleasing to the eye (and camera), and enticing in its invitation to be explored. There are a number of airborne houses hovering over the region, so you might want to derender them in order to avoid odd shadows showing-up in your pictures. Keep an eye out for the little touches of detail as well!

Well worth a visit.
Yamatai, Okami; by Inara Pey, Febtuary 2014, on FlickrYamatai, Okami (Flickr)

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Looking for Spring in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Small Town Green; Inara Pey, February 2014, on FlickrrSmall Town Green (Flickr)

The weather has been pretty lousy for many of us of late. The North American continent looks  like Antarctica decided to head north for a bit of a vacation while if Britain receives much more in the way of rain, the country will end up looking permanently wrinkled when viewed from space. However, the weekend has actually seen us with clear skies and sunshine where I live. The wind chill means it’s not exactly weather to be wandering around the garden in a sleeveless top and shorts, but the sky has been a beautiful blue and almost cloudless. This being the case, I decided to seek out what signs of early Spring might be found in Second Life.

Small Town Green; Inara Pey, February 2014, on FlickrrSmall Town Green (Flickr)

Actually, if I’m honest, I didn’t really look that far. I’d noticed earlier in the week that Small Town Green had  thrown off its wintry shackles, so “seeking out ” really comprised a quick teleport followed by rambling around prior to RL life again demanding my attention. One of the things that makes Small Town Green popular is that it is always evolving and changing. This makes it something of a magnet for SL photographers (and those of us who attempt to pass ourselves off as such *coughs and avoids making eye contact with her reflection*), and also for those curious to see what has changed and where.

Small Town Green; Inara Pey, February 2014, on FlickrrSmall Town Green (Flickr)

At the moment, spring and romance is in the air on an island that has again be transformed, but which still carries familiar motifs: the use of water, a train (this time right out in the bay), and similar. A clock tower sits on a rocky outcrop, dominating the main island, and down below is a venue for weddings. Bridges are also a part of the landscape this time around, crossing and re-crossing the river winding through the region, and also forming a link with a little offshore island complete with fairy ring and gazebo. As always, the attention to detail within the built will have the SL snapper camming around looking which is the best of many angles for a shot, while for those just wanting a place to sit and relax and spend time alone or with a friend, there are places to sit, lie, cuddle and dance waiting to be discovered. Just watch out for the lions. I’m not sure how friendly they are, and to be honest, wasn’t of a mind to find out, but they are certainly in a position to keep an eye on coming and goings.

Small Town Green; Inara Pey, February 2014, on FlickrrSmall Town Green (Flickr)

So even when the rain does come a-tapping on my window once more (and it will), I know there is at least one place I can go bask in the Spring sun.

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A long time ago in a region far, far away

Posted on by Inara Pey

Onderon, January 2014Onderon – Iziz City (click for full size)

Goizane Latzo led me to travel to Onderon (not to be confused with the region of the same name), an adult-rated Star Wars role-play area located at Tropical Paradise. I’ll say from the outset that I’m not a Star Wars fan by any stretch of the imagination, but the images Goizane captured drew me to the region out of curiosity (I actually had no idea it was directly related to Star Wars until I arrived).

People often get quite het-up over Second Life being described as a “game” and / or that Linden Lab have attempted to add capabilities to the platform which are directed towards gameplay mechanisms of one sort or another (the most obvious perhaps being pathfinding).

Onderon, January 2014Onderon – the forests of Onderon (click for full size)

I’m not about to suggest SL is a game; far from it; but I would point out to those who do complain about the latter of the above two points, that however you prefer to refer to Second Life, it is an environment where a large percentage of creativity on the part of users has actually gone into trying to create immersive game-like environments. People like the MadPea team, or Timmi Allen and his team with things like Dranopia and their other games, for example and SL has always been attractive to role-players from a wide range of genres. So is it really that bad if the Lab try to provide tools which could enhance such environments?

As an immersive role-play environment, Onderon is quite skilfully executed. The arrival point is located high above the planet in at the space station Dauntless, which includes an orientation centre (reached by TP) and a shuttle bay leading down to the planet (reached by a series of passages that take the visitor through the mall space). As this is a role-play region with a specific setting , do please take the time to read the rules which can be found on the Onderon website.

Onderon, January 2014Onderon – bounty hunters! (click for full size)

These will not only set-up the requirements for RP within the region, but also introduce you to the back story of the planet,  Iziz City and the undercity. If you’re there as an observer, please ensure you wear the observer tag (and please don’t metagame!). As a neutral planet, all are welcome to Onderon except Sith.

The planet exists as a couple of region-wide platforms sitting at altitude, and the ground level terrain. In these are located the jungles of Onderon, Iziz City and, down on the ground, the undercity, each providing region-wide space in which to role-play. Teleports connect the space station, jungle and city with one another, and the undercity can be reached via Iziz. Do please note the need for environmentally sealed armour, gas masks or rebreathers; the air down there is pretty blargh, so don’t say i didn’t warn you. I’ll also leave it to you to find your own way down, lest I be accused of trying to encourage you to risk your health making such a visit…

Onderon, January 2014Onderon – the undercity (click for full size)

For those into Star Wars RP and with a hankering to visit other worlds (or take a break from disputes between rebels and Empire) may well find Onderon’s neutrality appealing. There’s certainly space for a lot of role-play, and even a little mystery with dark presence of the undercity. For the casual visitor – again, please reminder the rules for observers – there is also a lot to see and the environment is friendly enough that one needn’t be worried about being accosted for being OOC or anything.

All told, Onderon is an immersive and colourful place to visit, offering a lot to see and do whether you’re into Star Wars or not. Just respect the rules and be careful when waiting on a friend while in any cantina you happen into …

Onderon, January 2014Onderon – Iziz City (click for full size)

More images on my Flickr pages.

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Discovering an island of muses in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria

Isle of Mousai. is a recently opened music venue in Second Life; however, anyone visiting it who has been to Hesperia of Templemore  (a place I’ve been to a number of times, but have yet to blog about) may well  get an odd feeling of déjà vu. There is a certain something about the one that does put you in mind of the other, albeit perhaps in something of a subtle way; the design of the some of the stage areas, the use of statues, the presence of balloons and dirigibles floating overhead.

Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria (Flickr)

There’s nothing sinister in these similarities; rather they are clues that both Hesperia of Templemore and Isle of Mousai are the work of Luis Lockjaw. However, this should not to be taken to means they are clones of one another; far from it. Mousai very much has a look and feel which is unique and very different to that of Templemore.  It’s not so urbanised in appearance, for one thing, and it has a broader spread of architectural styles, some of which give it a whimsical feel. And while the various styles are distinct, the overall design of the region, which includes the clever use of elevation by way of hills and small escarpments, allows them flow together via the footpaths, tracks and steps which connect them.

Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria (Flickr)

The primary aim of the region is to provide a venue – or venues – for live music and DJs; however, there is much here to attract the casual visitor, the explorer and those wishing to share a little space with friends. Take the little hilltop open-air theatre, for example, complete with a sheet hanging from a line as the screen; it offers a convivial spot to sit and chat with friends. Elsewhere there are little places to sit on your own or with a close friend, all of them charmingly presented to those wandering the paths and trails.

Colour plays an important role here as well, especially if you take the time to twiddle with your windlight defaults a little. If you do the results can be quite stunning whether you simply want to sit and enjoy them while exploring or if you’re into SL photography.

Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria (Flickr)

I will get around to blogging about Hesperia of Templemore; right now I’m waiting for the snow there to melt, as I’m pretty sure  that many of those on the North American continent have had more than their fill of wintry scenes already.  In the meantime, if you’ve not dropped into Isle of Mousai, do make a note in your diary to do so, it’s a visual treat!

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Isle of Mousai, January 2014Isle of Mousai, Ancient Alexandria (Flickr)

Seeking respite in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

inimist, January 2014Binemist, January 2014 – click for full size

I first visited Binemist back in September 2013, and I make no apologies for returning to it so soon. For one thing, a lot has changed within the region since that first visit;  for another, Bine Rodenberger is a woman after my own heart, with a love of water, trees, music and art, so I’m naturally attracted to her builds.

Recently given a make-over, Binimist is now predominantly a water-themed region although, as Bine herself says, “I do also love trees, so it is a water SIM with patches of lots of trees.” This is intended to be a place of calm and peace, and the balance of water, trees, artefacts and art, combined with an excellent music stream, achieves precisely that.

inimist, January 2014Binemist, January 2014 – click for full size

There are still elements here that will be familiar to those who have visited the region in its past incarnations – the church still sits atop the cliffs, reached by a winding wooden stairway, and the lighthouse still keeps a sweeping vigil from the south-east corner of the region while pieces from a number of noted SL artists lay beneath its watchful, ever-turning eye, acting a focal points for exploration and contemplation.

There is a low-lying island to one side of the region, where a small copse partially hides a little cottage. Not far from this sits a small cafe complete with flooded patio seating front and rear.  The trees Bine mentions form a small wood towards the centre of the region, from which flooded, tree-line paths twist and loop, leading one past yet more pieces of art and to places to dance and enjoy the company of others.

inimist, January 2014Binemist, January 2014 – click for full size

As a place of quiet contemplation, either when on your own or with a loved one, or as a place to simply dance and relax with a friend or friends, Binimist is up there with the best SL can offer. As such, it serves as a perfect getaway when you simply need a little refuge from the toil of real life – or indeed, Second Life. I know I could happily while away many an hour, both wandering and admiring Bine’s design for the region and the art she’s put out for people to enjoy – and simply sitting and listening to the music stream.

Definitely not a place to be missed, whether you’re new to Binemist or a returning traveller; and if you enjoy your visit – which you will – please consider dropping a donation at the landing point to keep this beautiful region running.

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