Category: Reviews

In June 2024, Gian (GiaArt Clip – of Monkey Island and Buddha Garden fame (you can read about all his work in these pages) – invited me to visit Infinite Darkness, an utterly atmospheric build right in image, metaphor and reference.

At the time, my visit resulted in a rather lengthy piece on the build, in part because – as regulars to the pages (if they still come by…) know – I am particularly taken by locations in Second Life with have a depth of narrative to them and so tend to bang on a bit, but also because Infinite Darkness is genuinely captivating and rich in its imagery.

This past weekend (at the time of writing) I received a note from Gian, inviting me to pay a further visit to the region:

I’d like to show you this new area of ​​Infinite Darkness, in case it interests you for the blog: I built this cathedral (both the façade and the interior, more than a week to build) and set it right into the rock face of Infinite Darkness. …I also redid the entire Windlight setup, ranging from the lighter night cycle to the deepest night

– A part of Gian’s invitation for me to revisit Infinite Darkness

At its core, Infinite Darkness is a walk between the forces of good and evil and light and dark and into the realm of the Gothic-vampiric. As such, the setting comprises a number of locations, both at the ground level and up in the sky.

It is the ground level where those making a first visit should initially explore, starting from the Landing Point chapel. And then cross the bridge. Do take time to note the theme’s symbolism here (and throughout): the fact you “rise from the death” on arrival; the angel and the skull within the chapel, the statues (including Geefs’ Le génie du mal along the bridge). However, as I’ve already written at length on the overall design as noted above, I’ll just offer a very brief summary here before moving to the new element of the setting.

Each of the four islands at ground level continue the core themes through different perspectives and intertwined narratives (including the general layout of the region mirroring that of a cathedral, as I noted in my 2024 piece). The two small islands to the north and south perhaps most clearly carry symbols of religious “good” and “evil”. Do make sure to climb the two central islands before you head down, to first reach the house straddling its peak (and again, note the artwork on the walls and the statues), and from there take the bridge to the Gothic Castle where the mantle of vampirism lies heavy.

Throughout your explorations, do keep your eyes on the art and statues; nothing here is entirely coincidental. As noted, Geefs’ Le génie du mal  resides close to the Landing Point, adding a touch to the core narrative. Elsewhere it is possible to find Michelangelo’s Pietà from Saint Peter’s Basilica, Alexandre Cabanel’s rage-filled Fallen Angel and even a modified version of da Vinci’s Mona Lisa adding her story to the narrative – to mention but three more obvious pieces.

The new cathedral lies at the foot of the castle-bearing island, and can be reached on foot by descending around the left of the lower, house-bearing isle. Hewn from the rocks of the island, it is eerily lit by blue flames held by sconces and tall statues, exuding a sense of darkness as much as religious “light” – both literally and figuratively. Gregorian chanting can be heard echoing off the walls against the moaning of the wind whilst the altar stands wreathed in fog, a guarded pit behind it.

Red-lit archways to either side of and behind the altar join the original catacombs. Enter these and you’ll come first to a pair of flame-holding angels, one pointing left and the other to the right. To the left, the path leads by way of a small subterranean lake to where the Dark Master of Death awaits in his crypt to carry people away to hell (I actually managed to miss this entire part of the build back during my first visit in 2024. It is more clearly marked now, and I’ll leave you to discover it and what awaits beyond!).

To the right the path leads to another new element of the build: a passage through and up (via ladder) to a further crypt, this carrying clear references to the Knights Templar – note the chalice  (Grail) on the stone altar facing the Templar’s cross and the motto Deus Vult (“God Wills It”).

Follow that path from the chamber below the Templar crypt and you’ll reach a further gateway – with a polite warning to turn back and follow the dark route passing via the Dark Master of Death, as mentioned above.

Gian is, until October 31, 2026 (appropriately!) running a photographic contest featuring Infinite Darkness. It carries a prize pool of L$10,000. See the Flickr announcement for details and rules.

Deeply immersive, rich in symbolism and narrative, Infinite Darkness remains an fascinating, highly atmospheric visit.

Slurl Details and Links

Infinite Darkness is rated Moderate

• Main Landing Point (recommended for first time visitors)
• The Cathedral (for those who have previously visited and wish to start there)
• Journeying through Infinite Darkness in Second Life (updated) – my original piece on Infinite Darkness
• Tiger Studio – Gian’s website

Not too long ago, I wrote about the tendency for SL explorer-writers to perhaps focus on writing about those regions which are new to SL or which demonstrate seasonal or other changes in their look and overall design, perhaps at the expense of those which offer a sense of constancy in Second Life.

The example I used in that article was Lost Lagoon. Another such location – well, to a large degree at least – is Autumn Trace (or as it was originally called, Fall Trace), one of Elvira Kytori’s mixed-purpose region designs offered under the White Dunes estate banner.

It’s a place I’ve not visited since 2019, and even then, it hadn’t changed that much from my visit in 2016. This is largely true of my most recent visit in September 2026; the region remains much as it has always been: a captivating wetland region largely open to public wandering (and boating) and with some scattered (and clearly denoted) private residences.

The wildlife rich wetlands of the Autumn Trace come alive as the sun break through the mists of the morning. Immerse yourself in this romantic and heartfelt destination.  

– Autumn Trace About Land description

This is a setting worthy of photography; one rich in ambience, sounds, wildlife and quiet corners and unexpected surprises. Getting around is mostly a case of following the wooden boardwalks as they march out over the waters and reeds, perhaps resting at the various seating areas some offer along the way.

These boardwalks allow the central area of the region – which includes the Land Point – to be explored with ease. However, there are two further parts of the land open to the public which lay separated from the landing Point by water (although one has its own LP, which I’ll come to).

Both of these latter areas can be reached via boat rezzer, this being available at the end of the boardwalk pointing right as you leave the Landing Point – sit in the boat to obtain oars. The first of these other areas lies to the south and includes a further a boardwalk mainly serving two further private homes (although the boardwalk itself is public access).

The second sits to the north-west and at first might appear to also be a private house. But appearances can be deceptive.

This is because whilst it may have once been a residence, the current occupant, SL photographer Carla Zeiss (Carla Amiot, exhibiting a nice play on names with her Display Name!) has turned it into The Heron’s Rest Coffeehouse, a completely charming – if a little quirky – coffeehouse which is part of the ever-increasing co-working network of cafes and coffeehouses.

Sitting on sturdy wooden piles above the waters of the wetlands, Heron’s Rest is aptly named, given much of the wading birds to be found within the region, along with waterfowl. It offers both shaded veranda seating as well as indoor space. I refer to it as quirky as the indoor seating area opens directly into Carla’s bedroom space! I was also a little unsure of the potted plant sitting in the backgammon board – but that’s probably because I’m a keen backgammon player!

It also appears to be a very much a self-service establishment: baguettes and cold meats, etc., are available on the front veranda for people to make their own sandwiches whilst a large espresso machine (looking as if it would be equally at home powering a steampunk airship!) sits alongside.

The seating on the front veranda is particularly comfortable and offers fine views across the region, marking it as a prime spot to pass the time with friends.

Whilst the rowing boats offer the means to move back and forth between the different parts of the setting, they also allow for waterborne explorations as well. The southern side of the region offers open waters which are home to geese and ducks and heron, whilst to the north they are move given over to reeds and tall grasses but are equally navigable and contain more wading birds and waterfowl.

The default EEP setting is suggestive of a heavy later autumn evening which can perhaps feel a little oppressive, but can make for dramatic photography. I’ve largely used it in the images herein, but admittedly have lightened their overall tone somewhat.

However, the region really does lend itself exceptionally well to most EEP day settings, so if the Shared Environment isn’t to your liking, just try some of your own; you’re guaranteed to find one which works with the region’s design.

Autumn Trace has always been an attractive setting; and while I’ve obviously no idea how long it will remain, Heron’s Rest has simply added to its charm.

Slurl Details

Tranquil Bay is rated Moderate

• Autumn Trace Landing Point
• Heron’s Rest Coffeehouse
• Coffeehouses and Cafés

Owl Dragonash alerted me to the fact that the Corsica South Coasters celebrates its fourth anniversary in September 2026, and that news prompted me to hop over and renew my own acquaintanceship with the work of this community and take another wander through a few of its locations.

As the name suggests, Corsica South Coasters (or CSC) is a group of residents focused on the southern coast of the Mainland continent of Corsica. Those with an interest in art in Second Life are likely already familiar with the group, if not in its entirety, then quite possibly through gallery spaces such as NovaOwl, Maison De La Chouette, or Cloud Galleries – all of which are popular art destinations (and have also featured in my own coverage of art in Second Life!).

Indeed, my first exposure to the wider group actually came in September 2022, when Owl invited me to be a part of the Art Trail that winds through the group’s lands along the Corsica coastline.

While I declined the offer (not being involved in Corsica or the group, I didn’t feel my presence was appropriate), I did visit and explore the Art Trail as it makes its way between the Corsica Tourist Centre and Tea Garden and Port Emyniad (of which more anon).

However, CSC is not just about art in Second Life; it is a vibrant community offering places to visit, opportunities to learn, venues and events to enjoy music, the chance to meet new people and make new friends, locations from which to set out boating and sailing or flying or driving – and a whole lot more.

So much in fact that the best way to get a feel for CSC’s activities, events, locations, and so on is via the CSC website; and rather than repeat what it has to say about where to go and what to do, I’m simply going to focus on some of my favourite places CSC offers to visitors.

Places like the aforementioned Port Emyniad. Generally the end point for the Art Trail, this little fishing village with its Welsh-sounding name is watched over, conversely, by a native of Scotland: Nessie. The home to several boutique galleries and offering a rezone for boating, it also sits as an entrance to the Enchanted Forest.

This is a simply gorgeous area designed by Nessa Nova (perhaps most well known for her Lost Unicorn and Storybook Forest (with Natalie Starlight), which I’ve also covered in these pages numerous times). Climbing the hills of Emyniad, the forest offer trails and paths to wander, places to rest and a great sense of peace and beauty.

The CSC Art Trail actually skirts the edge of the Forest as you follow it from its start at the Tourist Centre, so keep  an eye out for it as you follow the trail up and around its meandering and charming way.

The Tourist Centre is actually one of the ideal places to start explorations. Overlooking the coastal reaches of the group’s lands – where both NovaOwl and Maison De La Chouette sit – the Tourist Centre sits within a tea garden and presents a wealth of information and – for those who don’t fancy walking the Art Trail and /or Hiking route –a horse rezzer.

The hiking trail will take visitors up into the hills of South Corsica. It passes by way of the Dinkie and main Camping Grounds and also a number of what I think are private residences – so be cautious about trespass (although they are set back from the trail).

And that’s another point about CSC: it’s not just a series of locations tended by Second life users; it’s a group and linked set of settings and parcels where members of the group – and those with whom they’ve forged relationships with – also live. This gives CSC a personal nuance and sense of place.

In this regard, I thoroughly recommend reading Owls’ fourth anniversary article on CSC; as a founder and active member, she is far better placed to write about the group, its activities and history than I could ever manage in a month of Sundays!

Instead, I’ll note that another place to look out for when exploring is CK’s Butterfly Conservatory, established by another CSC founder, CK Ballyhoo. Small but delightfully charming, it sits along one of the many trials winding through this part of South Corsica and just off the Art Trail walk. If following the latter keep an eye out for Books and Coffee – the Conservatory overlooks it and can be reached via steps climbing up from the road there.

Given CSC’s location, not only is it a place for exploring or starting a journey, it can be a destination as well, accessible by air (CSC have their own airfield, although it is admittedly appears a little isolated when landing there), and as a waterfront location, can be reached by boat (and has rez zones for both). It is also on Corsica’s Circuit La Corse as well, so can easily be reached via road.

CSC’s fourth anniversary is officially on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. To mark the occasion, there will be three-hour celebration commencing at 11:00 SLT at NovaOwl, and an invitation to all to attend is extended by the CSC community.

Whether you attend the celebrations or not (sadly, for my they clash with a couple of things), do be sure to pay CSC a visit. There is genuinely a lot to see. My heartfelt congratulations to Owl, CK, Uli and the CSC community as a whole on reaching four years with CSC and growing it into a positive, friendly community; may there be many more celebrations to come!

SLurls and Information

• All regions are rated Moderate
  • CSC Tourist Centre (Laserlight)
  • NovaOwl (Novatron)
  • Port Emyniad (Emyniad)
• Website and Articles
  • CSC website
• Corsica South Coasters in Second Life Turns 4 – Owl Dragonash
• Art and a walk in Southern Corsica in Second Life – this blog, 2022