Category: Exploring Second Life

I have something of a passion for literature, as regular readers may have noticed. I also have a fondness for literature within SL – hence why I try to support Seanchai Library through my posts on their weekly schedules. So when I’m told about a new library venture that’s opened in SL, I’m going to hop over as soon as time allows to have a look.

The Chamber Library is the work of Storm Septimus, and while it opened on September 21st, she is still working to expand the facilities. Described as a “one-of-a-kind, bringing together art and literature in a never-before-seen way”, the Chamber Library presents visitors with the opportunity to relax with works of literature and poetry from a wide range of authors, including TS Eliot, Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, Voltaire, HG Wells and The Brothers Grimm – with more titles and authors being added. In addition, writers and poets from within Second Life can offer their own work for inclusion in the Library’s section devoted to resident’s writing if they so wish. All works are available to read via note card, and the bookcases containing them are all clearly labelled.

As its name suggests, the Library comprises a series of chambers spanning multiple levels (the third should hopefully open on September 29th), each chamber provides something of an artistic theme, where people can enjoy the writings they select in a suitable ambience. Located just off the main library chamber, for example, is a ruddy landscape where the trees stand denuded, their trunks split and burning within, and a baleful light pervades the surroundings – ideal for settling down with a horror story or a tale of demonology. Across from this is the poetry chamber, where waves break upon the shore, great horses rising from them as they crash over rocks, and a stormy seascape forms the backdrop.

Places to sit can be found throughout the Library – although going on its popularity, there may be a need to add a few more sooner rather than later! – while down in the mid-level area, reached via a teleport point in the main chamber, not only can further reading material be found, but an old Mah-jong table from way back in SL’s past offers itself to those who wish to while away their time a different way. Next door is an area which may have the blood rushing to your head! The third level, from the cheeky peek I took, appears to have something special for lovers of Poe.

Art plays an important element within the Library, as evidenced by the horses mentioned above, and it is clear that Storm has put considerable effort in creating a unique environment in which art and literature can be enjoyed.

Looking at the guest book,  it’s clear that many people have already enjoyed their time at the Chamber Library; hopefully this will continue well into the future. If you do have writing you’d like to share with others, be it fiction or poetry, you can drop it into the bookcase at the landing point. If you’d like to get more involved in the Library, Storm is always looking for help in creating note cards for inclusion in the various bookcases, simply contact Storm directly to volunteer. There is also a 7th Circle Group you can join to keep abreast of Library developments.

All told, an interesting addition to Second Life, and one I’ll be keeping my eye on!

Related Links

• The Chamber Library SLurl (Rated Moderate)
• The Chamber Library on Storm’s blog

 

Square Pegs in Round Holes, Kashmir Dreams (Flickr)

Square Pegs in Round Holes is a fairly new region to open its doors to the public, offering “a place to explore and while away time”. A homestead region (Kashmir Dreams), it is the work of Rwah Resident, whom some may know through her stunning photographic blog and Flickr stream. It  is a sheer delight to explore, comprising a set of low-lying islands, most connected by a series of stone bridges, and a trio of tall needles of rock, also connected to one another by stone spans. A broad channel of water separates the two.

The build offers two suggested windlight settings, Bryn Oh’s Immersiva Grey Dust, which offers a darkly atmospheric look and feel to the region, or Bree’s appleblossom for a brighter, more sunny aspect to the day. However, the fact is that the design lends itself to a wide range of windlights and is somewhere in which SL photographers are likely going to want to experiment with a wide range of lighting options and settings – as I found myself doing.

Square Pegs in Round Holes, Kashmir Dreams (Flickr)

The landing point is located on the largest of the low-lying islands, where a welcoming note card is offered. Here one will find an old church and cemetery, that latter apparently last used in 1931.  The church has passed beyond its original purpose, and among other things, now provides  information on the  artists who have some of their work on display within the region, presents opportunities to join the region’s group and / or find out more about the region, and offers a corner to sit and chill with friends. I do recommend a visit inside.

Beyond the church sits a small café, again offering a place to meet, sit and chat, with seating areas inside, out the back and down on the water below.  The bridges allow the visitor to island-hop across a couple of small rocky outcrops standing above the waves to reach the second largest of the islands, which offers a sandy beach backed by rugged outcrops of grey rock. A gap through the latter will lead the way to the region’s art gallery.

Square Pegs in Round Holes, Kashmir Dreams (Flickr)

To reach the tall needles of rock across the region, one can either fly or use one of the Seven Emporium Time Traveller teleport system trunks which can be found at each of the major locations around the region. There is a low-lying promontory beneath the last of the needles, which, together with the final small island right off to one side of the region, is probably best reached by either flying or via the row-boat available from down below the café on the main island. Both the promontory and the little island offer further places to sit and relax – the former complete with coffee and cakes!

“As some might know I have a love for buildings, houses etc., in Second Life,” Rwah says of the her reasons for creating Square Pegs in Round Holes. “My first ever build was the coastal loft from {what next}. My second build the NY apartment by Apple Fall and my third a build by Scarlet Creative. An addiction was born.

“Since I only lived on a sky platform with a minimum amount of prims most of the times, builds were rezzed, admired, drooled over and derezzed again.” Square Pegs in Round Holes gives her the opportunity to do more, and to share her eclectic collection of buildings with others – which is why she warns that the region is liable to be an ever-changing collection of buildings. However, and as she also makes clear, all are welcome to explore and photograph – but are asked to respect the rules.

Square Pegs in Round Holes, Kashmir Dreams (Flickr)

Related Links

• Square Pegs in Round Holes SLurl (Rated: Moderate)
• Square Pegs in Round Holes Flickr group
• Rwah’s blog
• Rwah’s Flickr photostream

My thanks to Morganacarter Resident for pointing me to Square Pegs in Round Holes.

 

Matoluta Sanctuary and Bay (Flickr)

My first visit to Matoluta Sanctuary came in July 2014, so it might seem a rather brief period between visits; however there is a reason for my return: on Saturday September 20th at 10:00 SLT, the “new” Matoluta opened its gates to the public.

The Sanctuary is both a role-play environment and a place to promote the conservation of the Colonial Spanish Horse on the North American continent. At the time the Sanctuary originally opened, it comprised a single homestead region. With the re-opening, it will comprise two connected homesteads – but the changes don’t end there.

Matoluta Sanctuary and Bay (Flickr)

Matoluta Sanctuary itself, still devoted to the conservation work, now occupies the region Hudhufushi, representing the autumn (fall) and winter seasons.  Here, as one explores, the leaves on the trees gradually turn from green to reds and golds, snow lies on the surrounding mesas, and eventually one comes to a wintry snow-covered landscape, where wolves and bears roam.

Matoluta Bay, located on the region of Satre, which formed the Sanctuary’s original home, is dressed in the colours of spring and summer, and retains much of the original Matoluta build: distant surrounding mesas, rocky outcrops, fast-flowing waters and lots of wildlife. Between the two, on the edge of Matoluta Bay, sits a sandy beach where visitors to the Bay arrive.

Matoluta Sanctuary and Bay (Flickr)

Between them, the regions offer a range of activities and lots of opportunities for photography, with Matoluta Sanctuary remaining the focal-point for role-play. Visitors are asked to respect the rules for the regions and to remember that most of the horses on Matoluta are avatars, and suitable interaction with them is encouraged (they might even consent to carrying riders, if asked!).

Role-play isn’t a requirement, and visitors are free to roam as they please through until Monday 22nd September, when Matoluta Sanctuary reverts to group access for roleplay. Until then, people can wander freely, sit, enjoy the activities, and simply observe and role-play which might be underway. Those interested in joining the herd and engaging in equine RP can do so by contacting Ursus Broono (also known as Manatou, the herd leader).

New to the regions are a dance area, which also includes seating and yoga; ice skating and snowballing fighting, and boating. A range of sitting and cuddle spots can be found throughout.

Matoluta Sanctuary and Bay (Flickr)

I enjoyed my explorations of the updated regions, and there’s sure to be a lot to attract visitors as the gates open.

Related Links

• Matoluta Sanctuary (Rated: Moderate)
• Matoluta Bay (Rated: Moderate)
• Matoluta Sanctuary website
• Matoluta Flickr Group

 

Binemist, Mystical Falls (Flickr)

Almost exactly a year ago
I came here for the very first time*
Looking up at the rocky island
From a boat on the waves of the Linden Sea

So might the late John Denver have written had he been in my shoes during my recent return to Binemist, Bine Rodenberger’s delightful home region. Because it was almost exactly a year ago, in September 2013, that I first visited Binemist, and it’s been a place firmly marked in my little book of places to revisit ever since.

At that time, the region had a distinctly Nordic feel to it, suggestive of a rocky coastal area and ancient buildings with a possible Norse influence. By January 2014, it had altered somewhat, leaning more towards a means of displaying Bine’s art collection, whilst still retaining a water theme and adding peaceful woodlands to the mix.

Now the region has been further remodelled, and the result is quite beautiful. Water remains a strong element within it, and the Nordic echoes can still be found, but this time the design extends much further: high into the sky and down under water, Bine having created a marvellous environment to explore and in which photographers are welcome.

Binemist, Mystical Falls (Flickr)

Visitors initially arrive up in the sky, at a distinctly un-Nordic slice of Tuscany, complete with villa and grapes growing on the vines. A welcoming note card informs you that although you’re in the sky, there’s no danger of falling to the ground unexpectedly, before inviting you to explore – and I would suggest that you accept the invitation; the villa and its gardens offer some delights awaiting your discovery.

Also awaiting your discovery are the means to access the rest of the region. Bine provides clues in the note card to what she refers to as “potholes”, but I prefer to think of as portals (and I love the animations played on some of these as you make use of them; very different for the usual touch-and-TP, and they add a further charm to your explorations).

Binemist, Mystical Falls (Flickr)

Where these lead you depends upon the one you opt to use; you’ll either be delivered above or under the waves. Both locations offer motifs which may well be familiar to those who have visited Binemist in the past. Above the water, for example, there is the familiar appearance of a tall, craggy island, albeit it not quite a rough-edged and untamed as perhaps previous islands here have appeared; there’s the tall finger of the lighthouse standing watch, and a wreck of a Viking longship – Bine’s signature nod to her heritage – lies further out to sea.

Which is not to say this is a re-run of what has gone before; far from it. The new Binemist is a world unto itself, beautifully unique in setting and style, from the buildings resting peacefully on the water to the low-lying sandbar with it own unique attractions, and on down under the waves.

Under the water is where the garden of Binemist might be said to reside, because here is a rich landscape split into a number of scenes you can discover in turn by following the sandy paths. Each is unique to itself, but again, certain motifs are used to link them together as you explore.

Binemist, Mystical Falls (Flickr)

Art plays a strong role through the region, as it has done in Bine’s past builds, and one of the delights of a visit is coming across familiar pieces in entirely new settings, as well as pieces which may not have previously been seen within Binemist.

All told, region remains a lovely place to visit, and somewhere not to be missed during your travels across SL. Highly recommended.

Related Links

• Binemist SLurl (Rated: Adult)
• Binemist in this blog

Dysphoria – Alice in Wonderland, Oxygen Island; (Flickr)

Dysphoria – Alice in Wonderland offers the lovers of fairy tales, the adventures of Lewis Carroll’s Alice, and fantasy an atmospheric and intricate place to explore which comes with a slight twist. This homestead region is the work of sim designer Muse Muliaina, who defines herself and her work through a quote from Alert Einstein which should perhaps be the manner in which we all approach Second Life – if not life itself:

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know & understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.

The landing point for the region is up in the air, and from the moment you arrive, the fact that you’re in a region that takes as its foundations Alice’s adventures is immediately clear – there is only one direction to take, and that’s down the rabbit hole!

Dysphoria – Alice in Wonderland, Oxygen Island; (Flickr)

This will bring you down to a very large room with a very small door. There’s a bottle labelled Drink Me under the table, but given your relative size, it’s probably safe to say you may have drunk from it without realising .. although there is nothing stopping you from taking a further sip…

To proceed further, you’ll need to join the region’s group, which involves a slice of cake and a key. Once this has been done, you can proceed through the little door (an anywhere teleport door), which will deliver you to the region proper – but before you do, make sure you have either accepted the region’s windlight setting or have set your viewer to midnight or a nighttime windlight; that way you’ll experience the region as Muse intends.

Now, as mentioned, this is a place that brings together fairytale, fantasy and elements of Alice’s adventures. So in your travels you can make your way to the Enchanted Forest and Gardens, through the Wonderland Warren, visit the Mushroom Circle, sup at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and make your way to the Red Queen’s castle.

Dysphoria – Alice in Wonderland, Oxygen Island; (Flickr)

However, not all here is quite as it seems. So if you find the Cheshire Cat’s grin a little unsettling, or the White Rabbit’s reading matter a little curious (not to mention the things he tends to hide under the fireside rug) or what happens when you accept the invitation to sit in his bedside chair leaves you a little uneasy, it is all entirely intentional.

From the White Rabbit’s place, you can make your way through the swamp, under the gnarled trees and past the ghost. Then, if you hang a left at the bloody red glow, you can make your way up to the Red Queen’s castle. Or, if this isn’t to your liking, the continue on and you’ll reach the Mushroom Circle, and from there it is a short walk to the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

Despite the darker elements to it, this is actually a quite delightful and enchanting region which can quickly captivate, particularly in the richness of detail and subtle touches – note the recurrence of the chessboard motif, echoing Alice’s looking glass adventures, and that of the deck of cards, reference her trip to Wonderland. Do please make sure you use the default or a nighttime windlight; if you don’t, you stand to miss out on a lot of the charm and whimsical elements of the region. Whether or not you are a fan of Lewis Carroll’s (or should I say Charles Dodgson’s?) classic, Dysphoria – Alice in Wonderland offer an intriguing and quite photogenic place to visit, and well deserving of its selection as an Editor’s Pick in the Destination Guide.

Dysphoria – Alice in Wonderland, Oxygen Island; (Flickr)

Related Links

• Dysphoria – Alice in Wonderland (Rated: General)

Bastet’s Paradise, Aphrodite (Flickr) – click any image for full size

Bastet’s Paradise, referred to in the Destination Guide as The Lost Island, is a beautiful enigma inviting exploration. Designed by Tek Scientist, the region is a curious blend, offering a rich landscape for people to enjoy and explore, places to sit, or share or to dance, mixed with curious shades of adventure, fantasy and science-fiction.

The Landing point sits alongside a garden conservatory, complete a barbecue and outdoor kitchen, and offering a place for people to sit and, if they wish, enjoy a meal. All of which sounds nicely suburban; except the conservatory and patio appears to be sitting in a jungle clearing overlooking a river and with elephants standing close by…

Bastet’s Paradise, Aphrodite (Flickr)

So, are we in Africa? Well, not entirely; the ruins a short walk away suggest we might be in South America, while beyond them a rounded tree house suggests something one might find hidden in Middle Earth, while the tiger roaming beneath the trees perhaps points towards the Indian sub-continent.  Elsewhere things have a distinctly sci-fi edge to them, suggesting we are in fact on another world, far removed from Earth; so perhaps this place is a far-flung colony deep in space, an Eden created by human hands, where the animals of old Earth wander amidst the broad trees and ancient stones of a long vanished civilisation, and surrounded by tall mountains.

Careful exploration is required here, and if you’re into SL photography, you may find you’re spending a lot of time cycling through windlight settings, as so much of the region offers itself to photography and a range of lighting conditions. Do be a little careful in you explorations, however, as the sim surrounds do encroach on the region in places, which can lead to a few problems such as bouncing against the region boundary while roaming. Be aware as well, that if you take to the air, not all the trees are set to phantom, which can also lead to unexpected collisions.

Bastet’s Paradise, Aphrodite (Flickr)

But don’t let that put you off; Bastet’s Paradise really is worth taking time to explore. I loved the otherworldly feel to part of the region – the play of glow and light across surfaces which gave the upward flowing water an entirely “alien” look and feel as it moved across rocky surfaces as if they were shimmering in their own right. Elsewhere, catching sight of distant mountain tops through the trees gave me a feeling of being in Lothlorien or perhaps Greenwood the Great before darkness crept into it, and looking out towards the distant Misty Mountains.

For those who simply want a place to chill, Bastet’s Paradise offers plenty of scope – there are places to sit to be found under trees, on the shoreline, inside the assorted buildings  – and even floating out of the water in a giant soap-bubble! Intan dance systems can be found throughout the region as well, and for those wanting a more romantic / intimate space, there’s a teleport system which will carry those who find it up to a skybox overhead.

All told, an interesting place to visit.

Bastet’s Paradise, Aphrodite (Flickr)

 Related Links

• Bastet’s Paradise, Aphrodite SLurl (Rated: Moderate)