Last night I watched Mika Snow interview the inspirational Strawberry Singh, blogger turned Linden. Following on from my post yesterday, I’ve another fun dancing snap. As I said yesterday, to me SL is about friendship, it’s also about Fun!
How people have their fun in SL can vary considerably in a world where pretty much anything is possible, but me right now it’s these simple things.
Strawberry echoed this yesterday, when she said that as a newbie, this was mostly what she (and most newbies) did; Made friends, danced and partied.
Ava is now waaay beyond the newbie phase at age 7 in SL, but I still love a good party. So much so I recently took a hosting job at Ohana Rock Club, which is great! The picture above was taken at one of my hosting shifts by Tina Twine, who labelled it “Hip-Grinding at Ohana”. To twist a Forest Gump quote “That’s all I should say about that!”
This interesting place I came across via a Discord Server called “Seeking Roleplay” where people can chat about roleplay and related topics as well as advertise locations. This is the description given:
Aluvyn Skies… In a world where everything hovers over an ancient Abyss, and one mis-step can mean death… or worse… how will you choose to find your fate? The floating isles of Aluvyn are home to a host of creatures, some familiar, some fantastic, but all are an integral part of the story, and we’re looking for you to join it! Come join us in this unique medieval fantasy world, and see where you fit in – or not… Perhaps it’s your time to make a difference instead of just ‘get along’… Both dark and light creatures fill this universe, and each has their own allure, but you won’t know where your place is unless you try.
It certainly sounded alluring so I went to visit. It’s divided up into a number of different areas, with intriguing names.
[07:59:02] Obibor's Spring: Obibor's Spring is is rich with the scent of rain and river mud. The grass is soft and damp, welcoming to the bare foot. The spring was formed by the God's as one of the ways for residents to claim water, and most wells in the world are filled from one of the springs that are spread around. This specific one is guarded by a Cairn named Obibor. He is gentle, friendly, but protective of the spring. Should anyone try to cause harm to this island, it is said he will remove them rather violently. The spring is open to all who need water....Ava Bloodrose
[07:59:52] The Stone Garden: The Stone Garden is the true geographical center of Aluvyn, as well as the religious center. This island is entirely neutral, no faction or island owns nor operates here. all are welcome to worship and contemplate the universe in the peaceful garden as they walk as close to the gods as one can get. The Stone Garden is thick with magic, and even the plants seem to exhale it. This place is for refreshing oneself, and replenishing the natural pool of energy within one's soul....Ava Bloodrose
[08:10:53] The Traps: The Traps sprawl before you, darkened by greed and a rather think layer of dirt. There is black market trading everywhere you turn, and you might just land yourself with something valuable once in a while. But be wary, you might end up on the pointy end of a blade if you cross the wrong person....Ava Bloodrose
[08:19:57] The Swamps of Vorst: The sound of cicadas, frogs, and the gentle buble of water greets your ears as you enter the swamps. The air is heavy, but somehow still cool in the shade of the cypress trees. Rare herbs and wood can be found among the Swamps, and though the residents of the Swamps are often hearty and strong, they do not prevent wanderers and visitors from traveling and gathering needed materials. You may find them giving sacrifice to Vorst in the depths of the Swamps, or having a cookout around a giant campfire in the village compound....Ava Bloodrose
[08:38:02] The Smog Islands: The heavy scent of incense and opium greet your nose as you enter the Smog Islands. The air is thick with it, and it's hard to tell if the ever lingering fog is a result of the constantly burning incense or if the air here just creates it endlessly. The island is busy with mine workers and traders coming and going, and you get a sense of authority and direction from the imposingly large building that stands over the docks....Ava Bloodrose
Usually I’d insert my images in-between those quotes of local chat, relating to each specific area. However since several times the messages weren’t always triggering when I landed but when I was leaving by the nearest TP arch, it wasn’t always clear which was which. So rather than wrongly organize the images, I’ve made a gallery of all the snaps I took. Of course doing it this way should also be more incentive for you to go explore for yourself.
I realised that my blog that is supposedly “Chronicles of Ava’s SecondLife Adventures” misses out quite a lot. It’s become more of a Destinations blog, which is fine, I like visiting new places and writing about them. But I just wanted to show other stuff I do as well when not exploring, so here’s a snapshot from yesterday. Hanging out at a club with some great friends, which is one of the most important things about SL for me. Friendships. From Left to Right: Me,Sheree and Abby.
I was scrolling through the SL Destination Guide and I was finding lots of seasonal places, quaint Christmas themed locations and the like. Then I saw New Frontiers which looked much more my kind of place.
The arrival point takes you to a raised platform with a number of Staff and Management online status boards as well as consoles which provided links to online resources.
It also has the regions HUD vendor, but unless you knew what you were looking for, you might miss it.
The HUD vendor is grey, surrounded by other grey stuff and lost in Hovetext everywhere.
It wasn’t til I read the Starter Guide which has an image of the vendor located in a past incarnation of their landing point that I spotted it.
Anyway I carried on exploring without the HUD on my first visit. Down the steps at the opposite side of the platform, thier lore is quite detailed and there are a number of Factions your character can join.
There are TP doors to either side of the staircase, I took the one to the left at random.
TP Door
Arrival craft
Arrival area
I head into town to have a look around, the usual things are to be found, a bar and some other buildings as well as paths out of town.
Path out of town on left
Bar to the right
Since the bar was deserted at that hour I headed out of town, which took me onto a forest trail.
I followed the path that followed a river
Some weird mushrooms by the path
A settlement on the opposite bank
A faction HQ?
After a short walk I came across a building that was clearly the headquarters of one of the Factions mentioned at the arrival point. So proceeding with caution I went to explore.
The Faction complex entrance
To the side is another building I thought I’d check out first, this seems to be some kind of meeting room, so on into the main building I went.
Clicking the red square in the middle of the main door takes you inside to a cave-like tunnel, which leads to a 3-floor lift.
The tunnel entrance
Lift platform
Lift controls
I hit the button for the 2nd level to begin my descent. Finding nothing of interest there I hit the button for level 1, which was more promising.
Down we go..
Nothing on 2..
Down to Level 1..
What do we have here..
A locked door on Level 1
A combination lock preventing entry
On level 1 there’s a locked door that obviously lets you into the Factions HQ proper. I’ve seen these locks in SL before, presuming this one is the same,the combination pad is functional and you need the combination to proceed. So that brings this particular exploration to an abrupt end for now.
If you like Sci-Fi roleplay this looks like a very promising place to try, or just to explore and photograph. I only tried one of the TP doors from the arrival room, so there’s plenty more to explore that I haven’t covered.
I have an update to share about the Hellas Platina Crater Roleplay set on Mars.
So what’s new? After the expansion I wrote about (and was featured on Secondlife Community Blog) at the beginning of August,a new RP area has been added. This consists of an office, a watchtower and a security bunker. Penny, who I first met IC (In-Character) during The Unexpected Delivery RP, showed me the new additions.
Penny and I at the new RP area
The largest of these additions is the bunker.
The Bunker entrance
Entrance corridor
Having a dedicated security headquarters,will give my character more of a functional base to work from rather than a container crate home. It was decided my character with her history of dealing with weapons (see The AMZ Delivery Lady) should take on the role of handling crater security and the bunker is where that will be run from.
With these additions, there have also been removals. The cargo container accommodations previously mentioned have been removed.
The storage container homes have been removed
These container homes are all very well as being a known story element location to refer to, but since most people don’t usually RP in them much, they don’t actually need to exist.
Penny reworked the area with some greenhouses once they were removed.
I’m looking forward trying out theses new areas in an RP, maybe we’ll need a troublemaker that needs dealing with. Come along and join in!
Cocoon is a Cyberpunk Roleplay location, but with a slight difference, as you will see.
Arrival pointThe story lore incorporates various races/beingsDon’t forget to collect a visitor tag before you leave the arrival point
Once you arrive in the RP area find the taxi, clicking it will give you a grid displaying various locations to visit.
The various locations are what you would normally expect to find in a place of this genre.
However if you choose the “Main Starport” option on the taxi board, this is where things get a little different. Because here you will find a couple of vehicles that transport you to slightly different themed places.
A Cyberpunk Limo?
A not-so-glamourous transport
The Limo-style one takes you to a location referred to as “Luna” and is very clean and utopian in style:
The other transport takes you a considerably more run down location, apparently located on Mars:
There’s certainly a lot to explore here and plenty of scope for RP storylines with the various race and faction options to choose from. Drop by and have a look if Sci-Fi or Cyberpunk are your thing.
A note if you’re going along just to take pictures. The default windlight is quite dark as you can see, so choose a lighter outfit if you’re going to use it. You can see in the first pic my suit was black and found I had to change that as soon as I left landing area because I was pretty much invisible (good for roleplay maybe, not for pictures).
“This is Halloween” quite a self confident name/claim for a location I thought when I saw it on the Destinations, so I had to have a look and see if it lived up to it.
It does certainly give you that kind of feel on arrival, the mandatoryhooded ghoulish figure, twisted trees and some pumpkins.
Behind you are some more trees with an inviting path, so that’s the way I headed
Through the trees and a dark hollow log tunnel, leads you to enchanging night view
and of course, the pumkin patch
Following the paths in any direction take you to a variety of spooky sights, I’ll include a few snaps here, but it’s worth having an explore to feel the spooky atmosphere yourself.
Spooky house
Haunted church
Woodland village
Cauldron by old hut
Corn feild maze
Spooky crossroads
Big old house with graveyard
Full moon
Does it live up to it’s namesake title? Well it has all the expected parts, the conclusion I leave you.
Update 16th November 2020:Spellbound Academy to Close!
It’s true. The Spellbound Academy of Sorcery will soon be closing it’s gates for the last time. [..] The main Spellbound game (estimated at around 8 hours of game-play) AND the special bonus game for Premium Peas will close on 31 December, so make sure you finish it soon!
After visits to a few dark and spooky places, I thought a lighter feel and more fun one was needed. So I’m writing about Spellbound Academy, which has a very strong Harry Potter type feel to it.
The Academy isn’t just a place to wander around, it’s an interactive game with searching and tasks to do.
To start playing you need their HUD, which while the signs say you have to Buy it, all I had to do was join the (free) group and click the HUD vendor to get started.
You’ll need to click the various crates around the table as well to get a free wand before you can get through the gates into the Academy.
The arrival point is like a quaint village centre ringed by stores selling in theme items. The stall holders/shop keepers are NPCs you can interact with.
These pets and wands are optional paid-for gameplay enhancements.
I think a wand is probably the most useful item to acquire if you chose because if you log out and come back another day..
[09:15:02] Spellbound Free Wand V3.3: You have a free wand, but if you leave Spellbound, you'll have to come back here to the donation crate for a new one unless you purchase a wand.
..you have to come back and get another one. But given the wands only cost 75L$ it’s not so bad. The pet owls on the other hand are 499L$ and help you locate crystals. At the time of writing, I’d bought neither item.
When you arrive in the main hall, have a bit of a wander, the layout is fairly simple, with a series of locked doors on two levels that you must collect sufficient crystals to pass through.
First couple of things you will need to do is collect the contents of the chest at the top of the stairs.
Then interact with the tree in the middle of the hall, where the collection of blue crystals shards are. (The tree isn’t pictured on account of it not being there when your first arrive and that I didn’t know it’d vanish later!) Once you’ve pressed all the dialog options, you can begin your search for crystals and start opening doors to other levels.
The first door you’ll be open takes you to a hall with a firey theme, the Ignis house.
In each corner there are boards you can interact with to learn spells, each requiring different amounts of Mana crystals.
Next up is the the Aqua house with watery theme and associated spells to learn.
So far I only explored these first two houses, but from the info at the arrival point, there’s two more to get to:
Its a fun game to spend some time on (potentially a Lot of time!) if you’re into witchy/wizardy type stuff of the Harry Potter style.
Forgotten Souls is a “abandoned frontier town” type of place with some older and newer elements thrown in. The landing point drops you outside a cemetery, but you can’t enter directly from this side so I took a wander.
There appeared to be some lights in the other direction, so I headed that way and found what appeared to be an old store of some kind.
Place unsurprisingly a bit of a wreck, but some figures ehead so I headed in that direction
Which lead me to some of what must be the Lost Souls the place is named for.
I took some stairs outside a near building to give me a bit of a better view
Seeing that there appeared to just be wasteland beyond the living corpses I went back the other way to see what else the town had to offer.
First stop was obviously the Cemetery
Further along what could only be called the main street was a foreboding building on the opposite side, the Asylum.
I just had to have a peek inside..
A familiar looking night watchman outside (see previous post), I wonder if there’s an agency for them?
The lobby lounge area, not a place I’d want to admit even the most nuts of relatives
Not sure if this was hospital or mortuary..probably both.
At the end of the street there appears some kind of ruined train carriage
Seems someone was living in it for some time, but evidently now a long time ago.
following the road around I found the rear of the main street had some shop fronts
Looking at the decayed shop buildings, I almost missed a stone staircase hidden in the mist
So up I inevitably went to investigate
At the top I found a half collapsed columned structure and within it a rather disturbing scene.
I retraced my steps back out to the main street and decided to see if there was any mysteries behind the store I saw on arrival. Sure enough I found a lake behind it.
Along with a number of other buildings that I’ll leave you to explore!
My next stop for this Halloween seasons wanderings is Dead Mans Island. The name couldn’t be more accurate, you can hardly turn anywhere without sight of a corpse, grave or some spooky sight. It’s fantastic!
I arrived in the hallway of the the regions spooky mansion, which I don’t think is the intended arrival point, but doesn’t really matter.
My view on first arrival arrival
Behind me is the main entrance leading outside
Entrance hallway
Rather than heading out, first I decided to have a look up the stairs
A creaky staircase with lights on upstairs, is that signs of life?
So I up I go and explore the rooms
I wonder what she’s looking at..
Oh..maybe this tradsman wasn’t up to her standards
Well there’s the source of the light, but no signs of life
If this place wasn’t bloody enough already..a literal Blood bath!
Back down stairs I went through into the next room that turned out to be the kitchen, but I don’t think it’s regular food being cooked in this cauldron!
Don’t think I want to know what’s in the pot
Back the other way to the main doors outside, leading to a long pathway out into a dark forest.
Outside the gates I found this cute little night watchmen, although I expect they’d object to “cute”.
Then a glance the other way and ..uh..skeleton musicians?
Anyway straight ahead and uphill is where the path leads
At the top I find a solemn monk statue and some suggestions this is the intended Arrival point.
While I survey the forested and swampy landscape below, something unpleasant is surveying *me*.
So back down the hill to investigate what looked like a mine entrance to my left
Bones outside seem a bit foreboding but I go have a look anyway..more bodies!
Exiting the mine I cross very misty the swamp
On the far side I see a building at the top of the hill
I find it guarded by some fearsome creatures, a large Demon and some Hell Hounds.
Inside I find it was at some point a church, but I don’t think there’s been anything Holy about this place for a long time!
The nave has seen better days
The congregation look like they’ve been here since whenever that was
There’s an extra, worringly dust-free altar near the front
A moment of respect at the original, but blood-soaked Altar
After a respectful moment at the altar I head out again and follow the coastline, when I stop to take a moment to look out across the water, I find a werewolf and his victim lying on the ground.
A werewolf and it’s prey
I move on hastily past so as not to interrupt it’s snack and become dessert. Just in case I duck inside a little mausoleum next to the cemetery gates
I wait inside for a few minutes to make sure he’s not followed me, it’s quite comfy!
Moving on into the cemetery it seems fairly empty, presumably because most of the dead are up and about! The main feature of the graveyard is a single large Angel statue…with no head!
Back out onto the coast path there’s a good view across to the spooky Mansion.
I wandered around the rear of the building to see if there was any more sppoks to be seen. Unsurprisingly there’s another graveyard.
Not so many here, maybe was just the homeowner personal cemetery perhaps? As I was about to head back around to the front door, I saw a light further along the coast
Maybe the houses former inhabitants aren’t at rest at all!
Even the nearby vegetation is looking far from healthy!
Dead Mans Island definitely should be on any Halloween fans list to visit.
