Tag: Seanchai Library

October brings with it all things spooky in the run-up to Halloween. Within Second Life, this means a plethora of region designs focused on ghostly goings-on, spookiness, haunting, monsters, vampires and the like, many with associated events and activities.

One such Halloween-ish event combining exploration, activities and entertainment in a more nuanced manner, and making a return to Second Life for its second season, is Seanchai Library’s The Bradbury Project. As it’s name implies, the month-long event is a celebration of the life and work of American author Ray Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012), with a focus on some of his more spooky writing.

Bradbury is perhaps best known as a science-fiction and futurist/speculative fiction author responsible for titles such as  Fahrenheit 451 (a book perhaps of special relevance currently), and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles, and The Illustrated Man. However, he cast his writing net far wider, dipping into coming-of-age stories, screenplays, television scripts, poetry and both fantasy and dark fantasy. In the latter categories we have (the semi-autobiographical) Something Wicked This Way Comes, and The Halloween Tree.

The latter is the story of eight boys as they attempt to rescue their friend on Halloween night. Under the guidance of the mysterious Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud, they travel through time and space, learning about different cultures, and the role that the fear of death, ghosts and hauntings has played in shaping civilisations down the ages, and how it has all contributed to much that is encompassed in modern-day Halloween activities. It’s is also one of the focal elements of The Bradbury Project.

In 2023, the project took place on sky builds within Seanchai Library’s home region of Nowhereville. For 2024, and thanks to the support of Linden Lab, the event expands into a dedicated Full region, allowing for more space for activities. However, like 2023, all donations / tips received while the Project is open through until Sunday, November 3rd, will be donated to Reading is Fundamental.

A major feature of Bradbury’s writing is Green Town, a fictionalised version of his place of birth, Waukegan, Illinois. It is a place of safety and home, featuring in a number Bradbury’s darker tales and in his short stories, and which has a result is depicted at several different points in the 20th century. Green Town is also the starting point for The Bradbury Project, which offers aspects of Green Town as it might have appeared in the 1950s.

Visitor arriving within the Project will find themselves within the garage of one of the houses lining Green Town’s main street. This offers information boards about the Project and the planned events, as well as information on the two Second Life Experiences operating within the region – both of these should be accepted in order to enjoy the Project to the fullest; however, if you an unsettled by the idea of using Experiences, a box of landmarks can also be obtained from the landing point to ferry you around.

A wander around the town will reveal its charm and also some points of interest – information boards that provide more insight into Bradbury’s life and work, and other interactive pieces (such as a television presenting the short film The House I Live In, which whilst not in any way focused on Halloween or the like, nevertheless carries a message of relevance).

Cutting through the region from east to west is the Ravine from Dandelion Wine, a collection sf short stories, and which is considered to be Bradbury’s most personal work. The Ravine can be accessed from the town at its eastern end , beyond the railway tracks, were a path slopes down into it. looping  back under the railway bridge, the path will take visitors through the Ravine and up the far side to the residence of Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud, esq., and the Halloween Tree. Here again, indoors and out, is more to explore.

Events at The Bradbury Project

• Story Tours of “The Halloween Tree” (presented in three episodes):
  • 13:30 SLT, Sundays (October 13th, 20th, and 27th).
  • 19:00 SLT, Tuesdays (October 15th, 22nd, and 29th).
• Other Seanchai Library events will take place in The Project, and some additional readings from Bradbury may take place. Check out the Seanchai Library Special Projects Calendar.
  • Note: not all events presented by the Library this October are associated directly with this project.
• eClipse Club & Resort Presents at The Bradbury Project:
  • Monday, October 21st, 21-23:00 SLT: DJ JAdmiral Maelstrom.
  • Friday, October 25th, 19:00-21:00 SLT: DJ Momma Hoi.
  • Saturday, October 26th, 19:00-21:00 SLT: DJ Iniry Vaher.
  • Sunday, October 27th, 19:00-22:00 SLT: DJs Caledonia Skytower & Tiger Pawz present Dr Frankenstein’s Halloween Boogie – music, dancing, and prizes!

In addition, those crossing the railway bridge spanning the Ravine can step through the tunnel to reach a Trick or Treat surprise. So when not pop over and have a look around  / join in the events?

The Bradbury Project was created for Seanchai Library by David Abbot, Dawn Greymyst, Dagmar Kohime, Gloriana Maertens, Stevie Morane Basevi, Iniry Vaher, and Caledonia Skytower.

SLurl and URL Details

• Bradbury Project Landing Point (rated Moderate)
• Seanchai Library website

Ray Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) is perhaps best known as a science-fiction and futurist/speculative fiction author responsible for titles such as  Fahrenheit 451 (a book perhaps of special relevance currently), and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles, and The Illustrated Man. However, he cast his writing net far wider, dipping into coming-of-age stories, screenplays, television scripts, poetry and both fantasy and dark fantasy. In the latter categories we have (the semi-autobiographical) Something Wicked This Way Comes, and The Halloween Tree.

It is this last story in particular, together with Bradbury’s creation of Green Town which form the latest chapter in immersive, event-driven projects developed and staged by Seanchai Library entitled, appropriately enough, The Bradbury Project.

Running through until November 16th, with activities commencing on Monday, October 10th and running through until October 30th, The Bradbury Project will feature readings of The Halloween Tree by Seanchai staff and their friends together with entertainment provided by eClipse Club & Resort, and additional self-guided activities available for anyone who visits through until the project closes on November 16th, 2023.

Th Halloween Tree is the story of eight boys as they attempt to rescue their friend on Halloween night. Under the guidance of the mysterious Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud, they travel through time and space, learning about different cultures, and the role that the fear of death, ghosts, and hauntings has played in shaping civilisations down the ages, and which has contributed to much that is encompassed in modern-day Halloween activities.

The Project take place across two levels within the Seanchai Library home parcel, and for the best enjoyment, visitors to the Project should make sure their viewer is set to Use Shared Environment (World menu → Environment). Also, anyone visiting who isn’t already a member of either the Caledonian Studios or the Quantum Products SL experiences should join them when a dialogue to do so is displayed, as they will allow for a more seamless experience whilst exploring the Project’s locations.

The two levels for the event present interpretations of Bradbury’s Green Town and elements from The Halloween Tree, with both levels the focus of the Project’s events and activities.

The first of these – reached via the teleport portal close to the Library’s main landing point – is a corner of the outskirts of Green Town. Based on his birthplace of Waukegan, Illinois, Green Town was a fictional construct Bradbury used to juxtapose the comforting familiarity of Small Town America with the mysterious (and sometimes dark) events within several of his novels – including The Halloween Tree.

Two further portals with the Green Town setting provide access to the Project’s second level. This contains settings such as the home of Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud, esq., a good portion of the ravine just outside of Green Town, and the Halloween Tree itself. Of the two teleport portals connecting to this level, I recommend making your way to the the one within the first part of the Ravine on the edge of Green Town and using that when exploring.

Bradbury Project Activities and Events

Activities

• “Where’s Mr. Lurky?” – Explore The Bradbury Project – everywhere from the main landing in Town, to the Kite Barn and The Halloween Tree. Look for the funny little black guy with the grinning purple face as you explore, and keep count! Full details for this hunt are available within The Bradbury Project locations.
• Nosferatu on TV in the Halloween Open House – Town Level.
• The Play Park in Green Town.
• The Interactive Bradbury Library at Moundshroud’s House.

Readings and Entertainment

• Readings of The Halloween Tree as follows:
  • 19:00 SLT every Tuesday of the event (October 10th, 17th and 24th), featuring Shandon Loring, Faerie Maven-Pralou, and Kayden O’Connell.
  • 13:30 SLT every Sunday of the event (October 15th, 22nd and 29th), featuring David Abbot, Gloriana Maertens, and Caledonia Skytower.
• Music entertainment (via folk from eClipse Club & Resort) will be offered on the following dates (all times SLT):
  • 19:00-21:00 Friday, October 20th: DJ Momma Hoi.
  • 19:00-21:00 Saturday, October 21st: DJ Iniry Vaher.
  • 19:00-21:00 Sunday, October 22nd: DJ Caledonia Skytower.
  • 21:00-23:00 Thursday, October 26th: DJ Tiger Pawz.
  • 21:00-23:00 Monday, October 30th: DJ JAdmiral Maelstrom.

In addition, other Seanchai Library events may take place at the Project, including additional readings of Bradbury’s work, so keep an eye on the Seanchai Library website.

The Bradbury Project has been built by Dagmar Kohime, Gloriana Maertens, Stevie Basevi-Morane and Caledonia Skytower. All tips received by the Project will be donated to Reading is Fundamental.

SLurl and URL Details

• Seanchai Library main landing point (Nowhereville, rated Moderate)
• Seanchai Library website

It’s time to highlight another week of storytelling in Voice by the staff and volunteers at the Seanchai Library – and this week previews the launch of a very special event.

As always, all times SLT, and events are held at the Library’s home in Nowhereville, unless otherwise indicated. Note that the schedule below may be subject to change during the week, please refer to the Seanchai Library website for the latest information through the week.

Monday, March 27th, 19:00: The Golden Compass (aka Northern Lights)

Originally published in 1995 as Northern Lights, The Golden Compass forms the first volume in Philip Pullman’s multiverse-spanning trilogy His Dark Materials.

In a world resembling Edwardian England, where magic is commonplace, young Lyra Belqcqua slip into the Retiring Room at the collage where he uncle is about to give a lecture – only to witness the Master of the college add poison to the wine intended for her uncle, Lord Asriel, prior to his arrival in the room. Warning him, she is rewarded by being allowed to remain and witness her uncle’s presentation, in which he discusses something called “Dust”, shows images of the northern lights in which there appears to be a city, and something else called the “panserbjørne”.

At the same time, children within Oxford are vanishing, kidnapped by a sect called the Gobblers, for a nefarious purpose – and Lyra is determined to find out why. In doing so, she is brought back into contact with the Master – who surprisingly gives her an alethiometer, a truth-telling device – and is offered the opportunity to live with the glamorous Mrs. Coulter, which comes as a thrill.

But as the mystery of the missing children deepens and Lyra determines to follow their trail north, so she discovers that Mrs. Coulter is not all she appears to be – and nor is her Dust-obsessed uncle, Lord Asriel.

With Gyro Muggins.

Tuesday, March 28th

12:00 Noon: Russell Eptnym

Live in the Glen.

19:00: More from the Crystal Cave

Born into a time shortly after the Romans have departed Britain, now once again divided into a series of kingdoms, Myrddin Emrys, also known as Merlin, is the illegitimate son of a Welsh princess, who refuses to name his father. Small for his age and often abused or neglected, Merlin occasionally has clairvoyant visions which, together with his unknown parentage cause him to be referred to as “the son of a devil” and “bastard child”.

After being taught to harness his abilities by the hermit, Galapas, Merlin eventually find his way to Brittany, who teaches him to use his psychic powers as well as his earthly gifts, Merlin eventually finds his way to Brittany and the court of Ambrosius Aurelianus, where he joins the war leader’s plans to invade Britain and defeat Vortigern and his Saxon allies, and unify the nation as its High King.

Discovering he is Ambrosius’s son, Merlin returns to Britain and is captured by Vortigern, who believes the only way his new fortress can remain standing is through the sacrifice of the “child with no father” – Merlin. The latter, however, discerns the real reason the walls of Vortigern’s fortress keep collapsing and plays into the king’s superstitious nature, and commences his life as a king’s advisor, even whilst seeking to support Ambrosius in his goal. Thus begins the adventures of a young boy who will eventually become the advisor to Britain’s Once And Future King.

Wednesday, March 29th, 19:00: Seanchai Flicks

Films, popcorn and fun at the Seanchai cinema space.

Thursday, March 30th, 19:00: Poetry this Year

In the Glen with Caledonia Skytower.

New Schedule

It’s time to highlight another week of storytelling in Voice by the staff and volunteers at the Seanchai Library – and this week previews the launch of a very special event.

As always, all times SLT, and events are held at the Library’s home in Nowhereville, unless otherwise indicated. Note that the schedule below may be subject to change during the week, please refer to the Seanchai Library website for the latest information through the week.

Sunday, March 19th, VOLUME XV: Seanchai Library Celebrates 15 Years!

Celebrate Seanchai Library’s 15th anniversary at Ceiliuradh Glen.

• 13:30: Corwyn Allen, Live!
• 14:00-16:00: Stories and Poetry.

Monday, March 20th, 19:00: The Golden Compass (aka Northern Lights)

Originally published in 1995 as Northern Lights, The Golden Compass forms the first volume in Philip Pullman’s multiverse-spanning trilogy His Dark Materials.

In a world resembling Edwardian England, where magic is commonplace, young Lyra Belqcqua slip into the Retiring Room at the collage where he uncle is about to give a lecture – only to witness the Master of the college add poison to the wine intended for her uncle, Lord Asriel, prior to his arrival in the room. Warning him, she is rewarded by being allowed to remain and witness her uncle’s presentation, in which he discusses something called “Dust”, shows images of the northern lights in which there appears to be a city, and something else called the “panserbjørne”.

At the same time, children within Oxford are vanishing, kidnapped by a sect called the Gobblers, for a nefarious purpose – and Lyra is determined to find out why. In doing so, she is brought back into contact with the Master – who surprisingly gives her an alethiometer, a truth-telling device – and is offered the opportunity to live with the glamorous Mrs. Coulter, which comes as a thrill.

But as the mystery of the missing children deepens and Lyra determines to follow their trail north, so she discovers that Mrs. Coulter is not all she appears to be – and nor is her Dust-obsessed uncle, Lord Asriel.

With Gyro Muggins.

Tuesday, March 21st

12:00 Noon: Russell Eponym

Live in the Glen.

19:00: More from the Crystal Cave

Born into a time shortly after the Romans have departed Britain, now once again divided into a series of kingdoms, Myrddin Emrys, also known as Merlin, is the illegitimate son of a Welsh princess, who refuses to name his father. Small for his age and often abused or neglected, Merlin occasionally has clairvoyant visions which, together with his unknown parentage cause him to be referred to as “the son of a devil” and “bastard child”.

After being taught to harness his abilities by the hermit, Galapas, Merlin eventually find his way to Brittany, who teaches him to use his psychic powers as well as his earthly gifts, Merlin eventually finds his way to Brittany and the court of Ambrosius Aurelianus, where he joins the war leader’s plans to invade Britain and defeat Vortigern and his Saxon allies, and unify the nation as its High King.

Discovering he is Ambrosius’s son, Merlin returns to Britain and is captured by Vortigern, who believes the only way his new fortress can remain standing is through the sacrifice of the “child with no father” – Merlin. The latter, however, discerns the real reason the walls of Vortigern’s fortress keep collapsing and plays into the king’s superstitious nature, and commences his life as a king’s advisor, even whilst seeking to support Ambrosius in his goal. Thus begins the adventures of a young boy who will eventually become the advisor to Britain’s Once And Future King.

Wednesday, March 22nd, 19:00: Seanchai Flicks

Films, popcorn and fun at the Seanchai cinema space.

Thursday, March 23rd, 21:00 Seanchai Late Night

Sci-Fi and fantasy with Finn Zeddmore.