Take a stroll through Roqueblanche in Second Life, a quaint virtual village and paradise for lovers of French culture and history.

Professional landscaper and interior designer, Albane Claray, shares her story and inspiration for Roqueblanche:

“My name is Albane and I am a girl from the south of France. I was born 26 years ago and grew up in a small village, raised by my grandmother. A few years ago, when I discovered Second Life, I was immediately amazed by the talent of the creators who, day after day, bring this not-so-virtual universe to life.
 
I watched, I learned, and I, too, began to draw pixel landscapes. It has become more than a hobby, it has become a passion.

Each new empty lot is a blank canvas for me and I have so much fun painting and creating.

I am happy to share this passion with all those who give me the opportunity to create for them, and who trust me to give life to their dreams, their desires.

I will always be an apprentice, a student as this universe offers possibilities to our creativity. We have no limits, no boundaries.

My story and my origins helped me build Roqueblanche, this little piece of my country. I find there the colors and smells of my childhood, the paths traveled so many times, the light of this end of the summer day, when the stones scorched by the sun are covered with shadows, when the old people of the village go out and sit in the square, in the shade of the old trees.

I wanted to share these memories, to offer people around the world a trip to Provence, the land of sun and perfumes. Roqueblanche is my cradle, my heart, and my sharing with the inhabitants of Second Life.”

Explore Roqueblanche today, and should you feel inclined, make it your next home.

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Le Village de Roqueblanche

Roqueblanche is a french village nested in the Provence. Fields of lavender, vineyards and Mediterranean sun are there for your enjoyment. Come take pictures, visit the village and enjoy its places, café , and old trees. The countryside offers you amazing promenades along the paths.

Visit in Second Life

Embark on a spiritual journey and visit Elephant Island, a wildlife adventure park in Second Life!

Builder and owner of Elephant Island, Syx Toshi, shares his vision for this stress-relieving destination:

“I’ve been in SL a long time and seen the amazing amount of progress with the influx of mesh. It has opened a new world of more realistic builds. 

In my more recent builds, I have tried to provide people with destinations that provide multiple options to enjoy the environment, whether it is hiking, climbing, scuba diving, kayaking, or just sitting and listening to nature. 

I want people to really have a sense of exploring. You may have noticed that Elephant Island not only has elephants, but we also have a completely immersive environment down to flies and ants. 

If you stand in one place long enough, you will see just about everything you would see in RL. 

My partner Bryn Toshi and I have a few rules for these builds: first and foremost is that there is no music on the region unless it’s coming from an old radio in one of the shacks. Once you pass that shack you will only hear nature. 

This is important to me because there is so much noise in SL. 

Even at nature destinations they are streaming music. I think that takes away from the experience.

I have been building since day one in SL, but only after I met my partner did I want to build as a team. Bryn’s input is the finishing touch to every build. She has an excellent eye for design. We are a great team and have been for over 10 years.

We both love SL for its creative outlet and the opportunity to stay connected in a unique way. 

We both love creating for people’s enjoyment that’s why you will never see a tip jar on any of our builds. Our hope is that our builds provide an escape for people from the stress of RL. 

Not everyone has the budget in RL to visit the places we try to duplicate in our builds.”

Take some time to escape from the daily grind and enjoy the breathtaking colors of nature at Elephant Island.

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Elephant Island

Elephant Island is an adventurous destination and wildlife above and under the water is abundant. Come prepared to explore and have fun!

Visit in Second Life

We continue our Made in Second Life series with a focus on BeSpoke Caravan, a collective of artists and designers creating some of the finest fantasy mesh heads and avatars in Second Life.

“Second Life is a huge untapped reservoir of untapped creative power”, says Mud, head of the artist collective Bespoke Caravan. 

Together with Harry and Xain (who hail from Pakistan) Mud and Genamalfi create fantasy mesh heads out of their Southern California home. They distribute their wares worldwide, by providing ways for deep self-expression for thousands of Residents in our virtual world.

The power of immersing via digital embodiment in Second Life should be obvious, says Mud: “ When you identify as something that's not even your natural body, the physical body can have a rest behind the computer screen while you engage with other folks in a transcendental way. There is magic in that!” 

Bespoke Caravan is a perfect example of the unique possibilities of Second Life, especially when it comes to forming small business entities without geographic or other limitations. Genamalfi, a former jewelry designer with many Hollywood celebrities being her customers, learned 3D modeling from Mud at an age when most people retire. 

The strenuous work with chemicals and sharp objects, required in her former profession, has now been replaced with a handful of software applications and access to a universe of imagination - and many adoring fans of her work - always within reach, inside the computer.

The three young men by her side agree that becoming one with the conception of oneself, within the context of playfulness in the metaverse, is a wonderful way to express creativity and stay feeling connected in a complex world that is often dominated by anxiety and isolation.

Genamalfi loves her crew and she loves creating tools for self-expression. She distills the importance of playing with avatars in Second Life in one sentence: “At heart, we're all children sometimes, and sometimes we're all ancient beings.”

Tap into your creative side and teleport over to BeSpoke to try a fantasy avatar.

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

BeSpoke Caravan

Visit the BeSpoke Caravan, Second Life's premier resource for fantasy mesh heads. They aim to enable people from all walks of life to fully live out their authentic selves. Meet their community, find fellow fantasy enthusiasts, and begin a new adventure. BeSpoke, be brave, be You!

Visit in Second Life

From historical buildings to monuments of nature, and places that embody authentic local cultures, explore virtual incarnations of places from the physical world.
 

With Second Life the world is at your fingertips, and you can see places you’ve always dreamed of without breaking the bank or dragging around a heavy suitcase.

What’s incredible about these regions is that they can exist in a space where chronology is fluid. Experience 19th century charm with the convenience of modern comforts! Whatever you choose to wear will be just right for the climate, and you can walk as fast or slow as you like without getting lost in the crowd.

Visit the locations featured in the video today!

• Village of Ciampi: The Tuscan countryside embodies a rustic charm and timeless romance. You’ve probably seen it featured in many popular films, so teleport over soon.
• Mitsumi Town: Based on an urban neighborhood in Tokyo, this region has made headlines for years. It was painstakingly modeled using Google Maps and real photographs.
• Zwieselalm: For those who live close to the Equator, or just can’t get to a winter wonderland fast enough, the Upper Austrian Alps are the perfect place to get bundled up, do some exploring, and wind down with some hot cocoa.
• Venezia City Showcase: This highly detailed recreation of Venice is as real as you can get. Take a stroll along the canals with a friend or with the company of the city itself.
• Little Santorini: A famous Greek island with volcanic sand beaches and beautiful homes. Go scuba diving and lose track of time in this sophisticated oasis.
• The Grand Canyon: At 5-6 million years young, this masterpiece of nature is always breathtaking. Beat the heat with a virtual visit.
• St. Louis Arch: The architectural emblem of this American city is instantly recognizable to many. An afternoon in the park is always a great low key way to relax.
• Terra Egypta: Ancient Egypt beckons to be explored and contextualized in the modern age.
• Garrigua: Based on Garrigues,the south of France is a highlight for every traveller.

Share your travel adventures with friends by uploading pictures to our Flickr and share #ExploringSecondLife with us on social media! Other Residents will be delighted to see the possibilities, and there are so many more places to visit.

Explore the dark corners of Toxian City in Second Life, where dystopia meets supernatural wonder. Every street tells a story, and every shadow hides a secret. 

Learn more from the co-owner of Toxian City, Mazikeen Aurelia.

“Established in 2007, Toxian City is a dark urban role-play destination set in a semi-futuristic dystopian city where vampires and werewolves, angels and demons, but also felines, cybernetics, and humans co-exist.  Some call it a sanctuary for supernatural beings. 

Evil creatures, determined to take over the city, roam the streets from time to time. Citizens can also visit the dungeon to fight rewarding monsters and train their fighting skills.

Toxian City is also the home of the grandfather of all combat systems in SL: DCS (est. 2007). We are currently also experimenting with the options for quest storylines for citizens to complete and interact with. 

Even though the region is built for role-playing purposes, a social aspect is definitely also an important purpose. This current region was built for the community and as the place we all always called home. 

Even after 17 years for Dimentox and almost 16 years for myself, Second Life is still a super fun place. It has been a creative outlet for us but also a place where we can hang out with friends from all over the world and a place where we can meet new people.

Big thanks for making Toxian City such a long-lasting success has to go to:

• Shepherd, the owner of 'Wishing Well Fountains’ store. He helped us a lot by providing awesome Animesh characters we use as NPCs. 
• Another person we would like to mention and thank here is Duckie Dickens. 
• And lastly, we want to do a special shout-out to our current Lead GM Trixxy Galaxy, for her many years of help, love, and support to us and Toxia and to our current GMs Karanna Lisa, Darion Hyun, and Oak Quinn for their hard work and devotion. 

Of course also a big thank you to all our previous staff members and all of our citizens and members for believing in us and Toxian City.” 

Teleport over now to this sanctuary of stories, battles, and community.

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Toxian City

Toxian City's dark and highly detailed world was designed to submerge the players into the story; stimulating their role-play creativity beyond ordinary means. Role-play in the harsh streets, battle mutated monsters and become part of the community.

More Info Teleport

This week Tansee, Coordinator of the Second Life Endowment for the Arts (SLEA), takes us on a tour of this region’s immense and breathtaking landscape.

The Second Life Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Linden Lab, launched January 1st, 2021. The new initiative, originally announced in September, provides an opportunity for artists to apply for use of grid space to create artistic experiences in Second Life while also promoting the overall virtual arts community in SL.

The SLEA, which is the spiritual successor to the former Linden Endowment for the Arts (LEA), bears a colorful aesthetic that is part university courtyard and part amusement park, influenced by art galleries, the cosmos, and more. There are a total of nine regions of varying thematic focus, such as machinima or performing arts. 

This ambitious initiative, which is aided by the help of 21 core volunteers and many more contributors, aspires to give grant awards to selected applicants about twice a year. For the debut exhibitions, the SLEA was pleased to receive wide representation from the arts both in terms of genre, style and nationality. 

On arrival, visitors will be given access to a HUD experience which enables ease of travel around the regions in addition to a teleport network. The Landing Pod provides a view over a Performing Arts Center, Arts Education and Innovation facilities, Machinima Land, and the dPod where SLEA’s archives are located for all to peruse. The SLEA regions are expected to further evolve over time as more artists collaborate and new exhibitions are brought into rotation.

Tansee emphasizes that the SLEA aims to draw attention to all artists, galleries, art venues, communities and art education locations in SL. That goal is evident by the presence of a massive T-shaped “connection bridge'' spread across two regions that aims to connect SLEA to the larger community of artists and venues. As visitors stroll across the bridge, they will encounter numerous promotional posters along the way. There are also additional kiosks that visitors can click to get teleport links and even more information about the wide range of artists and exhibitions to be found across all of Second Life.

While this region is already open to the public, SLEA intends to celebrate in style with a full itinerary of performers and artists during the weekend of January 23rd & 24th. Check out their Facebook and Instagram for news and events. Whether you are a budding artist or a supportive observer, feel free to explore this region at any time.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Second Life Endowment For The Arts

The Second Life Endowment For The Arts (SLEA) is opening with a bang at midnight SLT 1/1/2021. Use the SLEA experience to visit 9 regions of diverse creativity representing the many levels of virtual art in SL, including 2 & 3D, Theater, Literature, Visual, Machinima, Art Education, and Media Art. Cost-free grants are awarded! For more info, visit: slendowmentforthearts.wordpress.com

Visit in Second Life

Get early access to a crisp spring morning by visiting Sous le Ciel de Paris, a chic rooftop garden brimming with rustic charm.

Creator Tolla Crisp, the mastermind behind Frogmore and Mousehole, crafted this tranquil resting spot in the Art Nouveau style, with architecture and furniture that evoke the graceful curves of tendrils and flowers. Tolla tells us, “Paris started off as my own personal home, not intended to be a public venue. I started with an old skybox from Pixel Mode which I modified and then I added on and modified builds from Milk Motion, Apple Fall, and Minimal.” This all culminated in a whimsically curated space that looks like a virtual home and garden magazine. Visitors can enjoy the ambience on cozy patio furniture, but don’t miss the chicken coop, ornate metalwork, or baskets of freshly picked produce. 

The region’s name roughly translates to Under Paris Skies, as Tolla says, “It evolved into a 'spring' Paris rooftop with lots of flowers: I think everyone is ready for a fresh break from winter.” There is something so soothing about spring’s themes of rebirth and fresh growth. It serves as a reminder that even on the gloomiest winter day, the cycle of life will continue and we will make it to another sunny morning. No matter what is happening in the physical world, Second Life should always be a safe haven where Residents can have fun and relax.

Regarding creative processes, Tolla tells us, “My inspirations come from the research I do on Pinterest. I use a  board to gather ideas for each project,  as well as from my great friends in SL that are from France.” The region’s aesthetic is dappled with soft pastels; pops of color burst forth from the warm patina of the buildings and decor. This place is very much alive, with hummingbirds buzzing about the flower patch and a mischievous squirrel swinging from a bird feeder as it tries to snag some nuts and seeds.

Tolla has been a Resident for quite some time, telling us, “Second Life has meant many things over the years and like most people that do stay a long time, I have evolved and changed over that time… creating beautiful spaces that I can share with others has brought much happiness and satisfaction, and keeps me returning to SL. My journey with Frogmore has been very rewarding indeed.”

Given the increased conversation around virtual spaces and the concept of the metaverse, Tolla says, “I am very passionate about the freedom we have in SL versus anything FB might offer… I invite you to have a peek at a video my friend Tutsy Navaratha recently made regarding Metaverse and SL: Mon Metaverse."

Stay tuned for updates on Tolla's other creative endeavors, as they mentioned “I will continue to grow and change Frogmore and Mousehole regions and hopefully continue to deliver an immersive experience to share with all. We have big plans for both regions in 2022…”

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Sous le ciel de Paris

From the creators of Frogmore: Welcome to Sous le ciel de Paris! Under the sky of Paris is a Rooftop Garden sure to remember warm Parisian nights. This is a lush French garden experience, 4300 prims, open to the public. Owned by Frogmore, all group members will be able to Rezz at Paris as well. Come enjoy the scent of spring under the skies of Paris!

Visit in Second Life

Go back in time by visiting Shadezar, a fantasy roleplaying region inspired by the Mediterranean and Middle East.

A notecard given by creator Hera/Zee9 at the region’s entrance reads: “You may ask: Why am I in an attic, in a nursery? For as long as I can remember I have wanted to do a Neverland for adults. I even came up with a name for it, Neverworld X…” This starting point emphasizes the experience of being transported to a fantasy world, and has teleports to Vanesha, also referred to as Neverworld X, and Shadezar. You are instantly taken to a world of domed buildings and colorful tilework, surrounded by sand and sea that exudes a timeless sense of romance. 

Shadezar is fantasy, sword and sorcery roleplay. It bears intricate recreations of architectural styles from different points in history such as Roman Antiquity and Ancient Persia. A notecard gives the following as story background: “This is the age of Iron, called the Formorian Age. There is only one great land mass called Gargantua, split into 5 main regions. The burning deserts of Samhara are located in the midlands. Shadezar  is the largest City in the Samhara Desert. Built upon a rocky outcrop, on a small island that splits the great Namhar river,  before it flows into the Sarazin Sea.”

The atmosphere of Shadezar is built upon respect for the thematic elements and roleplay experience. Please check out notecards from Hera for rules on the dress code and what type of weapons are allowed so that Residents can seamlessly engage with others and have fun. There is also information on the types of characters available (priests, merchants, beggars, etc.)  for those who are new. This exact location within the region has more information on the roleplay: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cloud%20Lake/90/116/22

Hera has built and taken down many places in SL over the years; Shadezar is the result of combining old memories of virtual creations into one grand location.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres
 

Shadezar

Ride a camel down the Silk Road and enter the desert kingdom. Come to dance and enjoy this fantasy role-play destination full of gladiators and magical djinn.

Visit in Second Life

Take a look at Ashemi Remarkable, an artfully constructed futuristic city inspired by Asian culture.

Creators Ime Poplin and Jay met about eight years ago. They are both artistically inclined, with Ime painting in her spare time and Jay playing the guitar. Given their mutual interests, they decided to build together in SL. When picking a theme, their longtime shared tastes included “An interest in Asian items {and} culture, and also futuristic vibes. We thought.. well, let's do a kind of futuristic-styled {region} to begin with.”

Building came naturally to Ime, as she tells us, “Growing up in Denmark, the country where Lego was invented, I {am} used to tearing down and building new and just playing around. Building blocks, all the items we buy in SL… the many, many cool and talented creators, tons of items {are essentially} building blocks, in both Jay’s and my inventory.”

Ashemi Remarkable is a stellar example of what takes exceptional design to the next level; every part of this region has a story, and that makes it come alive. In the middle of the city, one finds a spooky cemetery with a mysterious volcanic eruption. What happened here? Check out the sky high restaurant with glass walls so you can enjoy a romantic dinner with a panoramic view. What types of people come here?

One of the most visually striking design elements of Ashemi Remarkable is the artwork on the street. Paintings abound in varying styles, hanging above storefronts and in businesses. These paintings bring a human touch to the concrete and bright lights, reminding us who created all of this. This speaks to Ime’s process: “The fact that we have a nice balance with nature and urban scenery is very important to us. We like balance, darks and colors and contrasts.”

This sprawling urban playground blends traditional and modern decor to pay homage to the past and give a playful glimpse of what the future might hold. Ime thinks of this place as “A world for us to experiment. Always evolving, always changing. That is very important to us. And then of course, the fact that we love being together as much as we can. That is what makes us happy. Jay is my muse, and I'm pretty sure I am his as well.”

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Ashemi Remarkable

Ashemi returns with a highly detailed urban landscape. Mixing the past with the present and offering something of interest to those who love to explore. Get lost in the streets and alleyways or hop onto a train to admire the neon reflections that dance upon the sea. Visit the cave that sits underneath the city or simply let your mind wander as you meditate in some of the many beauty spots in and around the region. Parts of the old city can still be seen but also boasts a more modern sleek look with its club and high-class restaurant. Tucked away are many strange and bizarre surprises to make your visit an entertaining one. Welcome to Ashemi and enjoy your stay!

Visit in Second Life

This week we immerse ourselves in the surreal digital art of Mistero Hifeng at Cammino e Vivo Capovolto.

Upon landing, the region feels like an art gallery crossed with a movie set: the type of thing that would cost millions of dollars in the physical world but can be created by anybody in Second Life.

Mistero’s style blends the abstract with symbolic imagery seamlessly. The use of light and water are key. Slow moving raindrops and a moving floor of water that looks like glimmering mercury... There are also several clocks strewn about haphazardly, perhaps an homage to Dali, one of the great figures of Surrealist art.

Abstract humanoid sculptures can be found throughout the space, often embracing each other. While they may seem plain from far away, closer inspection reveals that they express a wide range of emotions. The amount of detail given offers the hint of a narrative but the rest is a mystery for guests to put together. What is the purpose of the train tracks that lead nowhere? Mistero is indeed mysterious: he does not comment on the purpose of his installations. He does not offer any help to interpret it, which makes it even more powerful!

This region is a shining example of Second Life’s ability to serve as a conduit to one’s imagination. Come see Mistero Hifeng’s art today to experience the unique art of the metaverse.

Check out Mistero Hifeng's socials for more information on his work.
Facebook
Flickr
Instagram 

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Digital Art - Cammino e Vivo Capovolto

Cammino e Vivo Capovolto is a creative place dedicated to 3D art and photography by Mistero Hifeng.

Visit in Second Life

Grab your fur coat, this week we are traveling to Vargsången: a strikingly realistic medieval Viking land shrouded in an air of mystery.

Vargsången, Swedish for “wolf song,” is a quiet mountain village with a soundscape of native wildlife, strong winds, and the tide. While Camila Runo designed this region to be historically accurate, there are infusions of Norse mythology here and there. For example, Camila tells us that the “residential buildings show how people lived at the time: they slept on hay and furs, all together to share their body heat in winter months, for the same reason often close enough to their livestock such as sheep or pigs or whatever animals they owned.”

Camila would like to warn visitors about a large sea monster some have spotted circling the lands. “Rumor has it that it may be Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent. One of the god Loki's children, tossed into the great ocean by Odin, father of the gods.”

The day to day of Viking society was carefully woven into Vargsången’s creation, such as “the Great Hall where people gathered for different occasions... Another important building is that of the blacksmith. His job was very  important, for he forged a lot of instruments and tools for daily use as well as parts needed for  shipbuilding and weapons.”

A comprehensive exploration of this region will take you to a mountaintop altar, where one can gather from the bloodstains on the stone that a sacrifice was recently made to the gods. However, don’t let the spooky parts scare you away from visiting. Yes, certain aspects of Viking life were harsh, but there was also pride to be taken in the work of artisans and beauty to be found in the landscape and animals. 

The landing area offers visitors both a group joiner for the SL Norse and Viking Society, which regularly meets here, and a landmark giver for Strandhavet Viking Museum.

Come visit Vargsången today to see the world through the eyes of a Viking.

Vargsången Flickr

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Vargsången

A land in the far North, a long time ago when there were gods and giants, Valkyries, dwarfs, and trolls. A land where the winters were long, dark, and cold and the summers not so warm either but exploding with flowerage for a short period of time. Everyday life was a challenge, sometimes ending way too early. - Viking life in the Early Middle Ages, with a touch of mythology.

Visit in Second Life

Hamster avatars take center stage at Hamster Bar, home of a fun summer Hamster Festival every August.

If you’re looking for some wacky fun, you'd be hard-pressed to find a virtual world that offers more of that than Second Life! 

Azuran, owner of the Hamster Bar and creator of the incredibly adorable Hamster Festival, also runs a Hamster blog all about the wheel turning activities taking place at the bar. The blog may be in Japanese and most avatars may be of the furry kind, but human avatars are more than welcome and many of the participants also speak English. 

This two week festival runs until August 20th and includes a live DJ event and a shopping mall where you can pick up all your hamster accessories. Follow Hamster Fest on Twitter for updates.

One of the Hamsters featured in the video is Sanny Yoshikawa, who can usually be found in a squirrel or cat avatar but also enjoys being a hamster. The Hamster Festival is one of Sanny’s favorite events in Second Life.

Sanny has been a Second Life Resident for many years and tells us, “I am Japanese and have lived in Australia for 20 years. I joined SL when I saw the news about Japanese towns being created in SL. Now I live in a Sakura Linden Home. 

My main project in SL is translating and making a summary of Wagner James AU's New World Notes monthly. I believe that it helps Japanese users to get information about SL and other virtual worlds. We can use DeepL to read foreign blogs nowadays, but I think the real problem for someone who doesn't use English is "how to reach information". If you don't know English you can't use google search, then you can't reach articles that you should read.”

Don't have a Hamster avatar and want to pick one up? Find them at Sue's Mall, home of the Beetlebones store in Second Life by Suetabulous Yootz.

Take a moment to connect with an adorable new community and teleport over to Hamster Festival today!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Hamster Bar

Hamster Bar is where hamster lovers gather. Once a year in August, they hold a festival called "Hamster Festival" focusing on hamsters. This festival is enjoyed not only by hamsters but also by many other people. It is crowded with many hamster fans and shopping malls with fun items. A very casual DJ event is held every year on August 6 at 6 AM (SLT). Visit for a fun-filled summer!

Visit in Second Life

Immerse yourself in the magic and beauty of the underwater worlds at Dwarka, a Medieval Fantasy Aquatic Role-play destination.

Dwarka is an elaborate universe that allows a fully immersive role-play experience underwater. Races that live on land and in the water coexist here, form alliances, do battle, and imagine intricate scenarios within the existing but constantly changing lore of Dwarka. Oh and yes: folks at Dwarka do go shopping, hang out in taverns and educate themselves at the Merbrary, where books are available under as well as above water.

Kei Kawanishi, who runs the place together with colleagues Drakos and Alice Roseroot, explains: 

“Dwarka was created with about 75-80% of it underwater, and the rest on land. There are 3 underwater districts - The elven city, the Mer city and royal court, and the depths. To my knowledge, there has never been an RP sim that offers so many aquatic amenities in SL - EVER. lol ..”

Are you a “landlubber” like an elf, a tiefling, a gnome, or a dragon or do you prefer to embody as a siren, mermaid, aquatic kobold or possibly as kakresha (a hybrid being, composed of the upper body of a human and the lower body of a centipede.) Dwarka has a fully integrated D&D style role-play functionality via a HUD.

As their manifesto states: “Whether you're already an aquatic fanatic and want to take your RP skills to a new level or you're an already experienced RPing nerd who is looking for something new. The destination will bring something for everyone.”

After extensive visits to Dwarka, our team has to agree. 

Kei Kawanishi adds a personal note about the significance of creating Dwarka in SL: “Second Life means so much to me: freedom, creativity, business, projects, family, and friends. SL is NOT a game. It's a metaverse (no, not the Facebook kind). We've been calling SL a metaverse for almost 2 decades because that's what it is!”

And if you are stopping by, don’t miss the many Mom and Pop shops scattered around the sea and land. Hot tip? The “Sea Tangles Spa” where the offer is straight-forward as it is enticing: “Our committed and competent team is here to help keep your hair, nails, claws, scales, skin, and body healthy and beautiful.”

Now don’t delay and submit an application via their Discord or inworld and start roleplaying. Rumor has it that each approved new member gets a spa ticket on the house!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Dwarka - Medieval Aquatic Roleplay

Dwarka is a Medieval Fantasy Aquatic Role-play destination inspired by some of the greatest role-play regions in SL history. Dedicated to combining two of the biggest SL communities together and bringing the best elements of both: the realism, adventure, and fun from the role-playing community and the magic, beauty, and aesthetics of the aquatic worlds.

Visit in Second Life

Home to the Transylvania family for 18 years, the Transylvania destination is a safe haven for those with an interest in a vampiric lifestyle in Second Life. 

Established in 2004, Transylvania is not solely focused on role-playing, and is instead a darkly gothic environment built for mood and atmosphere with a strict no-combat policy. Walking the streets of Transylvania you’re sure to find the Vampires and Lycans who call it home, but be prepared for other unusual visitors too.

There are four Transylvania Royals who own and run the day-to-day operations of Transylvania. Three of those royals are Transylvania Vampires: Willow Raven Paine (who is also the mother of Transylvania,) Noirran Marx, and Sabbian Paine. The 4th Royal is Joytou Timeless who is a Transylvania Lycan and their pack leader.  

Sabbian shares more of the inner workings and upcoming events:

“Transylvania has always been about the family as a whole working together as equals or as the family refers to as "One Blood."

To join the Transylvania family as either a Vampire or a Lycan, there is an application process and you need family sponsorship. You can find a notecard dispenser for either Vampire or Lycan in the grand hallway in the castle as you first walk in. After careful consideration, the final decision is made by the Royals.

The Transylvania community is not just made up of family members but its visitors and residents as well. We host DJ parties in the evening, and monthly themed events especially around the birthday in August and Halloween where the Transylvania family will host 5 days of events starting on October 28th with a Zombie Sock Hop, Scary Monsters, and Super Freaks, Evil Clown event, Halloween Party and a Dia De Los Muertos celebration.”

If you have a penchant for the dark, attend some of the upcoming Halloween events at Transylvania and consider sending in your application to join the family.

Family members featured in the video:
Vampyres: Kloe Kidd, Hollow, Meka Indigo, Ados Oldrich, Tomaso Franizzi, Wyndiva Magic, and Zarabella Ming Pockets
Lycans: Sheena Oldrich, Raeyn Sirnah, Petra Paderborn, Chopper Gurbux 

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Transylvania

Established in 2004, Transylvania is Second Life’s oldest gothic, vampire, and lycan lifestyle community. With nightly DJs, art exhibits, discussions, shopping, and residences, it continues to thrive as Second Life's oldest community for those with a penchant for the dark.

Visit in Second Life

Spend time with friends in Second Life and enjoy winter activities at Grey Magic this holiday season.

Grey Magic is a photogenic destination in Second Life that changes with the seasons. It is owned and run by Kimma Rayna and Dan Grey, who also offer rentals for those that want to make it a home. 

Dan shares how he feels about Second Life and his purpose for creating Grey Magic: 
“My first avatar is from 2006. I can hear you wonder, 16 years SL you must have seen it all? Yes! I have seen it all and yet Second Life is still a great place to be.

Over the years I made many (RL) friends from all over the world; Ireland, USA, UK, Italy, Jordan, Germany. These friends I call my family for real. The realness in this Second Life world is what makes me want to stay in SL.

And having your own sim of course too. My passion for Grey Magic lies in creating the feeling of home. I love when people can relate to this home feeling and to create the perfect one for tenants is the cherry on the pie. 

Grey Magic is for everyone to enjoy. There are always public houses for people to enter and parks to hangout. Kimma and I are not interested in traffic, we are interested in people that want to explore and feel welcome.”

Kimma feels that Second Life’s name suits it well:
“One of many passions Dan and I share is our love of creative spaces.  Dan is hands down, the genius behind Grey Magic.  As I’ve joked before, he is the Picasso and I happily clean his brushes!
 
Having friends from all over the world is a gift you can only have in a place like Second Life.  How could you not be drawn to it and return over and over again? I would be lost without the connections I’ve made through the years here.

Second Life is actually a great name with real meaning. For so many of us, it could easily be called Blended Life as it bleeds into and blends with our real or first lives. How lucky we are to have such a magical place to share with others!”

Experience the magic of the season at Grey Magic.

Residents featured in the video:
Haley Golightly Grey 
Linealrise 
Jana Guynot 
Legolas Baxton 
Meihel Baxto
ᐺĖNUϟ ᐺӨṈ  ĐẸĖP 
Nᴀᴀɴᴀᴀ Gʀᴇʏ-Cᴀᴘᴇʟᴏ 

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Grey Magic

Grey Magic is the perfect place to skate or hang out in one of the public houses. Or maybe a nice visit to the friendly pub? Catch the train and come to Grey Magic because it's snowing and Christmas is around the corner. Add your images to their Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/14698900@N23

Visit in Second Life

Explore the haunted theme park at Laurel’s Halloween Nightmare, with 19 horror movie scenes from classics like Frankenstein to modern horror like Saw. Scares lurk around every corner in this dazzling monument to all things frightful.

Creator Laurel Bradders (a.k.a. Baby Ghoul) is a Halloween fanatic, telling us “This is my fourth annual haunted theme park. I try to go bigger every year and top what I did the prior season.” This labyrinthine region changes stylistically as you go deeper, encompassing everything from Medieval castles to whimsical spookiness to futuristic nightmares. Don't be afraid to get lost: teleport portals will transport you from scene to scene.

The dedication is real, with Laurel putting in almost a year's worth of planning into each build: “My friends think I am crazy but, starting every January, I begin buying and collecting new ideas for the upcoming Halloween season. I get custom work done by script and mesh creators in SL.”

As thrilling as Laurel’s work is, the inspiration comes from a poignant effort to memorialize someone very special. Laurel explains, “I do it for my mom really. I lost her in 2015 and she was a huge horror genre fan. We used to watch all the spooky movies together and decorate as much as possible for Halloween. She made it great every year!” This labor of love is beyond impressive, with references to “Dracula to Kong vs. Godzilla with some Freddy Krueger and Pinhead thrown in as well!”

Halloween is one of the biggest events in the virtual world, and you don’t want to miss out on the hard work of a Resident who is clearly an expert on the subject. If you don’t know where to start, Laurel has groups on Facebook and Discord that can connect you with others in search of a good fright!

Come see Laurel’s Halloween Nightmare for yourself, if you think you’ll live to tell the tale.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Laurel's Halloween Nightmare

Halloween is back and Laurel's nightmare returns with a haunted horror theme park that has 19 horror movie scenes to visit.

Visit in Second Life

Roleplay at New Frontiers, a SciFi community set in the year 2822 CC on the world of Onia!

Whether you are a roleplayer or just a casual explorer, New Frontiers invites everyone to join their community, create a character, engage in combat, or just wander around and explore a foreign and exciting world. 

Via their Discord, community members keep in close contact and share ideas, lore, as well as resolve conflict the old-fashioned way, should armed combat fail to achieve the desired results: through diplomacy. The vast world of New Frontiers, with its myriad of different races and classes, is governed by clear rules and a comprehensive HUD system.  

According to New Frontiers management: 

"New Frontiers is a passion project. An attempt to deliver the science fiction roleplay experience we've always wanted to partake in. To give our players a place to tell their own stories. To signal boost and show off our amazing content creators. To provide the community of a giant bunch of nerds with material to argue the differences in faster than light technology until the early hours of the morning.

New Frontiers is not the work of any one person. Nor any single team. It is the blood, sweat and tears of dozens, if not hundreds of players, staff, artists, and photographers who all have come together to tell stories in a random, eclectic world where on one day you can be raiding some ancient tomb, the next you are going for a walk in the park."

Explore today and be fascinated by the level of work, detail, and community that has gone into creating this world! 

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

New Frontiers

New Frontiers is a sci-fi roleplaying region set on the final frontier, a hostile planet in distant and unfamiliar space. Start a new life in the White Belt! Discover the mysteries of precursor civilisation out in the frontier, fight in a sprawling shadow war or enjoy your free time in a seedy undercity bar. Learn more at newfrontiers.co

Visit in Second Life

Christopher Street in Second Life is a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community to come together, connect, and be themselves.

In June of 1969, in a part of NYC known as the West Village, police officers raided one of the most popular gay bars on Christopher Street named the Stonewall Inn. They began beating members of the transgender community, which led to a backlash from those who were present and fed up with what had been happening for years. That was the beginning of the Stonewall Riots that started on Christopher Street and continued all over the Village area of NYC for the next few days. They are the reason you can call yourself Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Pansexual, Trangender, Non-Binary, Queer and anything else you prefer to identify with, without being arrested for doing so. 

The virtual Christopher Street in Second Life is inspired by these events. It is a place of love where Residents can feel safe and learn about each other and explore their sexuality and gender with people like themselves, who care and understand. 

Tabitha Littlepaws, the owner of Christopher Street, gave the streets similar names as those from the neighborhood in Greenwich Village. She tells us why she chose this place, “not just because this was where the LGBT movement was said to have begun, but because we want to show the people of Second Life that we too can rise above the hate and start a community of individuals that believe in similar ideals.

Like the people that were involved in the peaceful protests that occurred after the uprising, we too can bring together a movement in our virtual world that will show everyone we can be strong and overcome our differences to live together in peace. We are creators, we are builders, we are dancers, we are artists, we are poets, we are philosophers, we are gamers, we are doctors, we are whatever we choose to be. We are gay, we are lesbian, we are bisexual, we are asexual, we are transgender, we are straight but not narrow, we are whatever we choose to be. We are feelings behind the pixels, we are love!”

What Tabitha offers the community is a place to call home. She says, “There are very few if any communities in SL that provide basic housing for free. There are very few if any communities that will provide a new creator the chance to have a storefront to display their talents for free. We want to give everyone a chance to be part of a community no matter what their financial status might be. We only ask our residents and shop owners for a donation that they can afford, whether this is $1L or many more, we do not log or let other residents know how much anyone gives to our community.”

Tabitha’s partner, Penny Cobalt, lives in a part of the world where the LGBTQ community faces a lot of hate and she can only be safe as long as she keeps a low profile. Penny owns a LGBTQ dating site in Second Life, Love Me Tender, that is located in Christopher Street.

Find your home at Christopher Street where diversity is welcomed with open arms and no judgment exists!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Christopher Street

Christopher Street is a friendly place to meet like-minded people. A great place to call home, it has free apartments and free storefronts, inquire within! It is a safe place for the LGBTQ+ Community to come together, connect, and be themselves.

Visit in Second Life

This week we would like to bring attention to the Transgender Resource Center, a place of community and support in Second Life.

The TRC is of particular importance to Shilo Ravenhurst (she/her, they/them), who has been in SL since around 2007. About a decade ago Shilo decided to change to a female avatar, and found it to be empowering and freeing.

While Shilo is realistic about the aggression that trans people often face, she speaks highly of the safety that LGBTQ+ people can find in SL: “It’s an open world where you’re free to be who you want to be, to be you as you want to be seen and addressed.”

The TRC holds meetings twice a week for trans and gender non-conforming individuals. The meetings on Thursdays (7PM SLT) are called “Topic Night,” where they discuss the news and current events. Cisgender allies are welcome to join this meeting and show their support. For those who are not familiar with this community, the term cisgender refers to people who identify as the gender assigned to them at birth.

Shilo tells us that the Sunday meetings (11AM SLT) are “more akin to what your typical transgender meeting in real life would be, like a support group. We talk about our week, about who we are, and introduce ourselves to people if they’re new. It is typically closed to cisgender people because of the sensitive topics and such.” Safe spaces are important for many reasons, and there is a special comfort in being around people who also experience the specific challenges of certain marginalized communities.

Shilo loves changing outfits and has many avatars, although the one featured in today’s video is her main avatar. Shilo says that “when you can’t present as yourself in real life, then it’s a lot easier to be who you want to be inside of this virtual world.”

There are many support groups in SL, and we want to remind you that in SL you are never alone. Shilo says of her experiences inworld, “Second Life has done a lot for me. It’s where I met my partner, it’s where I met many lifelong friends. I think it’s a great place to socialize and explore with other people.”

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Transgender Resource Center

The TRC is a safe place for Transgender people and their allies to join and talk about the issues they face. Weekly Support Groups are available.

Visit in Second Life

This week Cyke Troglodite talks to us about the Global Football League, a fun and interactive way for fans of American Football to engage in virtual sports.

A longtime Resident, GFL owner Cyke Troglodite tells us he has "spent much of his 13 years in SL on the football field,” while in the physical world he is volunteering every Friday in his local Little League. 

For those curious about the mechanics of virtual sports, Cyke describes it as follows: “The experience is super realistic with football animations (throwing, catching, tackling, blocking), score-keeping, authentic field and outfits  that make the experience that much more realistic. The only significant difference is that nine players are used per team rather than 11 as in RL.”

GFL is currently in the middle of season two with four teams. If you’d like to join, please check out the GFL Offices & Welcome Center, as recruitment is active for more teams as the league grows.

GFL games stream live on YouTube, so feel free to check out some previous footage while it’s still up. Cyke assures us that the matches in SL can be played virtually without lag due to “descripting of all players beforehand. A viewing party for each game happens at a separate inworld location." Cyke and the GFL organizers are dedicated to making this a fun experience for both participants and spectators. 

There are even halftime parties and cheerleaders, so if you are missing the rush of a crowd going wild over fumbles and fakeouts, head over to catch a GFL game soon! Virtual sports are a great way for people of varying ages, physical abilities, and skill levels to get involved and play the game.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Global Football League

Global Football League (GFL) is a league dedicated to playing American Football in Second Life. If you want to pursue playing football competitively visit their League Headquarters to get information on how to play, watch, or work in the League. Opportunities exist to cheer, play, commentate, stream, and referee. Join them for the upcoming season; they look forward to seeing you on the field or in the stands!

Visit in Second Life

Created as a love letter to Second Life, Palazzo Park embodies the essence of community and connection. A haven of joy and creativity, this voice-enabled paradise offers an array of attractions.

Learn more about it from the owner, Kacee Popstar.

How long have you been in Second Life, what do you do here, and what keeps you here?
I'm Kacee Popstar, and I initially joined around 2010. It wasn't until my return in August 2021 that I fully immersed myself in the Second Life community. If I look familiar to you, it's probably from Social Media where I'm known for real-time party promoting and posting fun club videos of the SL Music Scene with my partner in crime, Sugarplum Zsun. In-world, I began my journey managing DJ Fang Palazzo. I am also a graphic and web designer with a deep love for experiential marketing and branding. The possibilities and the incredible community keep me engaged in Second Life—there's always something new to explore, create, and experience.

When you came into SL, were you originally planning on doing something different than you do now, or did you come out of curiosity? What did you expect, and how has your experience since then differed from initial expectations?
Initially, I never intended to work in Second Life; my goal was simply to have fun. I dedicated a great amount of my time supporting fellow Residents, connecting people, and attending events because I believe the more enjoyable activities we have within Second Life, the greater the opportunity to foster growth within our community! If it is fun, I'm there! The shift into business within SL happened organically. I dipped my toes into designing by teaming up with a friend to launch DAO, a female clothing brand. This led to my having the honor of managing the marketing for emerging brands such as HexPosed and entertainment organizations like Sneaky Link Entertainment. The unexpected success of Palazzo Park highlights the transformative and unpredictable nature that makes Second Life truly special.

What is Palazzo Park?
Palazzo Park is like my little love letter to the Second Life community. Teleporting in and hearing people interact and laugh together warms my heart every single time! Fang and I receive letters from Residents, expressing their love for the Park, and it is what truly keeps us going. The community's positive feedback means the world to us. The Park was inspired by the desire to create a high-quality, voice-enabled space for the Second Life community to play and socialize. We offer a Movie Theater with private theaters equipped with syncing screens and security for privacy. We also have Bowling, Laser Tag, a Table Gaming Lounge, Bumper Cars, a Kids Zone, a fully interactive Arcade, Rides, Venue Rentals, and so much more. We are in the middle of an expansion so there is more to come!

How would you explain SL to family/friends/colleagues IRL who have no idea or perhaps have some vague notion from mainstream media?
I would describe Second Life as a funky, digital melting pot! A dynamic virtual world where creativity knows no bounds. It's a place where people from all walks of life come together to socialize, explore, and create. It's not just a game; it's a platform that mirrors the real world in so many ways, offering opportunities for self-expression, entrepreneurship, and building meaningful connections.

What is the magic of SL? Why has it survived amidst many other similar worlds/platforms?
What makes Second Life truly enchanting is the magic woven by its users and the unparalleled sense of community that emerges. Unlike other platforms, SL is like a canvas where each Resident contributes, collectively shaping the overall experience. It's this collaborative spirit and the adaptability of the platform that creates a genuinely unique environment. The beauty lies in Residents owning their creations, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. While VR promises immersive experiences, it hasn't quite captured the diverse and user-driven essence that makes Second Life so resilient and special.

What are your future plans in SL and RL? Can SL and RL mix?
I'm currently pouring my heart into expanding and revamping Palazzo Park! I'm also diving into the exciting relaunch of the Flourish Event, driven by my vision to shake up the world of shopping events by shining a spotlight on brands and their unique journeys. In real life, the integration of SL and RL is seamless for me. My experiences in the music scene in SL and working in the music industry in RL have intertwined, creating a dynamic and harmonious blend where both worlds enhance and complement each other, allowing for a seamless integration of my passions and pursuits.

Teleport to Palazzo Park, where fun meets imagination! 

Video Production and Interview by Draxtor Despres

Palazzo Park

Searching for excitement in your Second life? Look no further than Palazzo Park! The ultimate in fun and entertainment, boasting a wide array of activities for family and friends! Enjoy laser tag, bowling, a movie theater with syncing screens, an arcade, billiards, a game lounge, live entertainment, and more! It is voice-enabled and MyStory compatible.

More Info Teleport

A peaceful fog rolls over the hills of The Forgotten Gardens, where fantasy roleplayers and curious explorers can spend hours writing their own story.

This expansive region feels like a slice of English countryside cloaked in elements of high fantasy. Creator Eloise Lionheart explains, “I've always been drawn to the fantasy side of avatars. Fairies, elves, and other mythical creatures. That combined with my love of nature, I felt a need, a pull towards something more fantasy in theme, more an escape into the imagination, an escape from reality.” It certainly is, with glowing specks floating in the air giving the entire region a very magical touch.

Upon arrival, visitors walk out into tall grass where a creek flows nearby. On the other side is a gazebo overgrown with vines, flowers, and thick roots wrapped around the fountain in the center. The lush plant life makes it feel as if the whole place is alive. In addition to the fantasy genre, Eloise tells us of a particularly influential book: “The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson is a childhood memory and building a secret garden filled with fantasy and wonder became a must.” Quirky frog sculptures and plants with bulbous flowers the size of your head add a whimsical flair. The English undertones are visible yet again with none other than a sweet Corgi sitting in a wagon. 

Eloise proclaims, “For me, one of the many joys of the Second Life Metaverse is that region creators can bring to life fantasy, roleplay or real life destinations.” However, building was not on their radar at first. “I never once thought I would have the ability to create regions people enjoy so much. I knew nothing about landscaping or creating a scene. I spent a long time browsing Flickr in wonder at the way bloggers, creators, and landscapers would display content and make it look so realistic and thought provoking.”

So, to newer Residents or those interested in building but are scared to try, Eloise says, “When you are looking at that flat square of terrain, it can be close to impossible to imagine it can be developed into your thoughts. That first step is to believe in yourself and if I can do this, anyone can!”

Each section of this region feels like a chapter of a story. In one corner, a small cemetery is adorned with wildflowers, under the careful watch of some stoic deer. If you dare to cross into the more dense fog, sculptures of two rearing unicorns form an arch at the entrance of a bridge. Of the twists and turns of the creative process, Eloise says, “That is the magical part of learning on this journey. Each failure has been a lesson and each lesson another idea, and from that idea has grown a new thought to share. Best of all, a small piece of land can be the start of great things and this ability to grow is open to everyone, it just takes some belief in yourself…”

A mansion or castle lies just beyond, with halls bearing trails of white rose petals. This place could even be a wedding venue, with a regal ceremony room and playful modern touches like a rec room offering billiard and ping pong tables. It gives The Forgotten Gardens an air of unpredictability, proving again that in Second Life, anything is possible.

“I truly believe that Second Life and the 3D world is an extension to books or films. You can lose yourself in a book, the hours pass and you crave the ending, to know the full story, to see if your theory was right. That creativity of writing carries over into this world we all share: as books fill our minds with words, those words become pictures, and from those pictures we form ideas. It pushes your need to create it in another form, and that is the beauty of Second Life. People bring stories to life virtually as their imagination is stirred. It's a never-ending flow that brings inspiration to the wanderer…”

Wander through The Forgotten Gardens today to see what kind of story you’ll leave with. Post on the region’s Flickr to share with others, and maybe your story will evolve into an epic tale!

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Forgotten Gardens

Paths in moonlight, tread with care. Fairies sleeping, please don't stare! A towering stag guards his home, explorers are welcome to rest or roam. The Forgotten Gardens is a walk in moonlight, along abandoned paths each taking you to something old but magical. Please use shared region environment. Welcome to all!

Visit in Second Life

Kick off a month packed with virtual scares at Hauntings, an eerie region that gives ghost towns another meaning.

Although creator Bekks Heartsong was introduced to SL by her brother 14 years ago, she tells us that “I was very confused and not grasping the concept… Fast forward maybe eight years: I 'accidentally' ended up in an older virtual world (that's another story) and learned how to build houses there, but once I became bored of it I attempted SL on a different account again, started learning to navigate and… stayed.”

A quick visit to Hauntings is an excellent reminder to not be discouraged if you ever have trouble navigating the virtual world. Look at how far Bekks came! In fact, Bekks says “I am still here because I absolutely love the creativity of it all. I think I'm doing pretty well decorating,  then go see a great region and realize I have a lot more to learn.” Second Life is always evolving, but that is precisely because of the ingenuity of Residents.

A walk around Hauntings is like a walk through one of your childhood favorite Halloween movies. A clearing in the forest reveals a Slenderman-like being, creepy corn stalks, and of course, a haunted house. Don’t forget to look up! A menacing dragon is perched above, breathing fire on all who dare to approach.

You will also encounter a spooky stage covered in a rolling fog. Bekks tells us “Among many other events I host "Almost Live" Karaoke on my region. It is not live but almost, hence the name. It was established in 2018. Singers send hosts pre-recorded share links from their fave karaoke app (SingSnap, Smule, etc.). Avatars perform onstage while the link is streamed on an external browser. It's an amazing group of very supportive people. It's perfect for those of us who do NOT wish to sing live, but enjoy sharing our songs.”

Visit Hauntings today for a perfect mix of goofy fun and scary ambience.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Hauntings

Moody, ghostly, creepy, and fun, Hauntings is another delightful venue in Old Town. Once a charming and peaceful spot in rural America, when the events began happening, folks moved away. No cars stopped at the motel; the farm lies abandoned. What happened here? What went on in that house? No-one knows. But once a year, the spirits of those who were innocent walk, looking for treats.

Visit in Second Life

Step into the surreal otherworldliness of Black Kite, where the serenity of a lily pond meets the comfort of your coolest friend’s living room.

Black Kite is sort of a patchwork of inventive resting places connected by long piers that extend deep out into the water. This adds a fun hint of surprise as you approach each station, as you have no idea what is about to rez. Creator Cloudy tells us, “Second Life is this magical world of creativity and expression; you can do just about anything and be just about anyone. I love how it connects so many people from all over the world and different backgrounds, enriching your life in ways one might never have expected.” 

This region is ripe for exploration, with sights like floating fish and cozy pieces of furniture strewn about the corners. What at first looks like a small shack turns out to be an industrial chic lounging area with water lilies sprouting through the cracks in the floor. Cloudy explains that this imaginative creation is a way of giving back to SL, saying, “I would spend countless hours at places, just enjoying what other creators made… I decided I wanted to give back, like so many others did before me, and create a little spot where people could think, dream, and just have a special little place to call their home if they didn't have one. I wanted to add my own little bit of magic to this magical place.” 

This photogenic region shows the vibrant intersections of fantasy, art, and self-expression that take place in our virtual world everyday. The glistening water gives a sense of timelessness while other elements, like a whirlwind of butterflies around a tree, are perfectly frozen. Black Kite has an aura of self-acceptance that Cloudy also appears to possess, stating, “I take Second Life just like real life, one day at a time… so who knows what the future may bring. Perhaps working with others on projects, maybe creating a new project myself or just continuing to enjoy seeing people come to Black Kite after all these long years.” A dilapidated phone booth, a symbol of travel or transformation in many works of fiction, is adorned with tree branches and golden buttercups. Nature gracefully reclaiming human creations is a predominant theme of this whimsical dreamscape. 

On what may come of other “metaverse” platforms, Cloudy tells us, “I've tried just about every single virtual world that has come out and yet I'm still here in Second Life. All these other worlds come and go.”

There is also a corner where you can buy home and garden items made in the same fantastical style, for those inspired to create their own dreamy getaway. Flowers as tall as an avatar play with size distortion, adding childlike wonder and playfulness. “Second Life means a lot to me, it's more than just a game or hobby, as it allowed me to meet so many people I would never have; I've made wonderful friendships and bonds that make me feel very blessed.”

Join the Flickr group today to share your adventures!

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Black Kite

Black Kite has been placed with care by Black Cloud. It is blogger, photographer, and explorer friendly with an auto-return set to 60 minutes. Share your pictures in their Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/black-kite

Visit in Second Life

Experience a vibrant metropolis at Urban City, where you can enjoy exciting clubs, endless shopping, apartments for rent, and more!

An urban neighborhood in the Humboldt County region, Urban City has residential areas where you can enjoy real city living by renting apartments or a whole parcel. With a town square, pubs, and many shopping areas you will always feel you are at the heart of downtown. 

Adjacent to Urban City is the Urban Neighborhood, in the Laurel Canyon region (see a California theme here? We do!), where the expansive Fantasy Pixels store is facing the waterfront. For the more spacious rentals, Urban Neighborhood has you covered with - ironically? - suburban size plots.

If you want to roam the streets, engage in moderate roleplay, hang out with your friends and witness how the various construction sites quickly transform into exciting new parts of the neighborhood, hop on over to Urban City now.

And if you like the effort Ѳѕzч Ͼʰᵘ Ͼѳййаllч and crew put into this place, you can donate to the parking meter. Find the hungry little object right next to the food truck, the one that sells “Little Monster Skull Ice Cream” as you look out over the water and contemplate if a downtown penthouse or a white-picket fence enclosed Victorian is the right crib for you.

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Urban City

Welcome to Urban City. They have Resident homes, stores, clubs, motel, train station, cafes, pubs, events, games, and so much more with lots of photogenic areas. Come have fun at Urban City!

Visit in Second Life