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The Hanging Gardens of Babylon masterfully blends the serenity of ancient artwork with stunning virtual architecture. Creator Patch Thibaud is actually an architect in the physical world as well, and his years of experience inform every detail of this majestic locale. After observing some work on Patch’s Flickr, Resident Crista reached out to him to build a region for her. Of the request, Patch says, “I agreed to participate as long as I got to do The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which was an ideal subject; an evocative and romantic concept, monumental in scale - and nobody has any idea what the original looked like, if in fact it existed at all.” Patch’s affinity for building in the metaverse is strengthened by the fact that “there is no one in between me and the final result; I don't have to deal with contractors, estimators, building codes, etc.,” and yet there are limitless possibilities. Furthermore, Patch feels that “in all 3D modeling software I am familiar with, you are working in an abstract, gridded space. In SL I am used to working outdoors, with a beautiful sky and perhaps with beautiful water, and the context of an entire world.” The concept of storytelling has been incorporated into many visual art forms, and as a trained designer, Patch adopted an episodic approach to the immense project. Patch created an extensive history for the estate: “This build imagines a structure originally built in mud brick by the Assyrians; later seized and rebuilt in stone by the Romans; {eventually} acquired by a cardinal during the military struggles of Renaissance Italy, who rebuilt the temple complex at the summit to include a villa for him and pleasure gardens and pavilions; subsequent alterations and additions by the cardinal’s family, including the ballroom and the Moroccan Garden; and finally the current owner, who restored the whole structure and its gardens, and inserted a gallery for art, built in the modern style.” Crista is also a longtime Resident, having started her inworld adventures 14 years ago. For Crista, Second Life is “a part of myself… part of my life and {it has} taught me many things that made me what I am now, in RL and SL. I am one person living in two different worlds. A wonderful SL can make a better RL. The Gardens were my SL dream for years… A ton of thanks to Patch Thibaud, I am not sure if we have a better builder. Sharing the beauty he makes, {as well as the} sensations and feelings deriving from it, is the biggest pleasure and satisfaction in this world.” Video Production Credits: Draxtor Despres The Hanging Gardens of Babylon The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is an amazing estate filled with magical places that will amaze you. Created by Patch Thibaud and adapted as a residence, this is a true work of art. Majestic beyond words, you must experience this to fully appreciate it! Let the gondola guide you to your arrival then explore this awesome creation. 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