Dark Harvest

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

“A close-knit town and countryside, is now cloaked in unease. With strange sightings and eerie sounds have left the community on edge. The townsfolk fear that something dark has awakened and it's hungry.” Scary sounding isn’t it. That was the feeling I had when I visited Dark Harvest and read the description.

A small town contains buildings , a magic shop, an authentic cauldron shop. Mrs. Lovett’s meatpies shop.. Hmmm , that name sounds familiar. I think I will skip it. I dropped into the Voodoo shop but bought nothing and Carnaby Street shop did not appeal to me as I gazed through the window at the horrors behind the fashionable window décor. Several buildings had locked doors so I moved on.

At the end of the street I found a leafy path leading to the country outside town. A coffin maker has a shop there and I am sure he has customers. The path is haunted by disappearing ghosts. I know someone must live here but found no occupants as I wandered into the barn. There is a fresh crop ready in the field to be harvested and a many horses to be fed, as well as many chickens. I passed a huge barbecue with tables set for a feast meats ready to eat. Just past that I found a skeleton riding a skeleton horse that was not reassuring. Farther on ghostly wolves roamed the top of the hill.

The lighthouse at the top of the hill glowed red and bats flew wildly around . I turned at that point and looked down at the pond below and the houses that stood empty wondering where were the people who cared for this whole place. I ran into two friends who were exploring the region also and enjoying my favorite scene. The greatest collection of Pumpkins that I have seen anywhere including one evil pumpkin who talked constantly…

“Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: I have a bone to pick with you. It's your femur.

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: Om! Nom! Nom!

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: My doctor told me I need to get in shape. I told him that round is a shape.

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: I may be gutless, but so are you!

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: Do you ever have a hunger that only human hands can satisfy? Or is it just me?” 

 

He is hiding somewhere among the pumpkins! Watch out.

Well, I hope citizens are safe and return soon to care for the animals and crops before disaster occurs, unless it has already. Roxy Chronotis (Roxy Christenson) owner of Lyrical Grove , part of this region connected to this has set up this special autumnal and Halloween site for all to visit. It is a great stop to visit before the season is over which is soon… I will return to see what will happen after Halloween.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chronotis%20Empire/79/58/22 

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Places

Shadowfell

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

 

    Star of Earendil whispers “Welcome as we travel back to Calas Galadhon's SHADOWFELL
... beyond the dark forest, quarry and the beauty of its gardens and into the swamps …”
These two regions called Mist hold the most spectacular display in SL in my opinion. Every year Ty Tenk  and Truck Meridith of Calas Galadhon work to make this experience something to behold by adding to it. One cannot just pop in and go through all the venues in one day. Repeated visits are a must so plan your time.

When I arrive and check out the entrance area the first thing I do is get my flashlight and read the posts to make sure I am ready for the visit. The nearby boat ride is my first choice just to relax and look at the view of landscape from the river. Iridescent colors and flickering lights that hover add to the relaxation and music enhances the ride. The boat carries two so bring along a companion.

Watch the shore for many creatures that hang around the bank or hover above trying to surprise or shock you .

Who did I see but Micky Mouse ! That was a shock. 

The bioluminescence of the swamp foliage is so strikingly gorgeous. One must be sure to use the environmental shared lighting though I did adjust the lighting a bit to get some photos. The boat does drift up into the air iat times to pass over the plants and trees.

After the boat ride I began a trek along the paths leading to the many venues all so varied but all so hauntingly lovely. The music all along the way is so fitting to the total experience. The signage helps direct one . Also look for Journey cloths that are teleports to hidden places . I have to find more when I return to really explore sites. Ty said more will be added as the month progresses.

The Forbidden Forest and the Gardens exploration take time to admire all the plants, trees and flowers in brilliant color. Places to sit and gaze out over the forest give time to really see what is below. The Quarry contains some frightening creatures. Orcs, dragons, demons and other wonders. Thankfully they don’t follow along the walk, just stand threatening passersby.

The Pavilion as usual is set for many events during the month. Check out the schedule.

I have many more visits to make to finally see all that is there . In some areas as you walk there are torches lying on the ground that will direct you to the proper places not to be missed. And in a few places there are teleports set to lift you to unseen places. Though Shadowfell returns every year it seems new every year Maybe there will be a TP hud later so watch for that. Here is the entrance. Perhaps you will see me there again along the paths. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIST/9/84/23

Gemma Cleanslate

Moochie’s All Hallows

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

October has arrived with all its colorful or dark fun. Orange is the most outstanding color not only for decorations but the sign of Halloween. Pumpkins abound, no matter where one goes it seems. You will find at least one little pumpkin in place.

 

I have started visiting some venues that are Halloween personified. My first stop is to a regular for me every year and that is Moochie’s All Hallows.

"Did you know sometimes it frightens me

when you say my name and I can't see you

will you ever learn to materialize before you speak…"

The greeter says, “Welcome to All Hallows! Please respect the no nudity policy and have fun exploring. There are nooks and crannies to be found throughout, if you are willing to step into the darkness…”

Take the advice. If you bring a sweetie or a friend try the couples walk rezzer and take the step into darkness together. Grab a notecard before you leave that will guide you on your way to some of the sites. Oh, don’t forget to get the postcards from Moochie too!

Follow the various paths and see the sights. Cressida Wretched was serving Corn Dogs that were advertised as sometimes delicious so I skipped that and settled for a large cider given to me my Henrietta Hogwort that seemed a little safer.

There are many nooks to sit and relax just enjoying the shimmering lights in the darkness of the night. Listen to the spooky Halloween tunes like "I’m a Vampire Baby." Don’t miss the Theatrer on the Hill where there are classic horror films of the past showing or the “Campfire Stories' at All Hallows this year. A dedicated little parcel right at the end of the pumpkin patch will play old time radio tales 24/7 from now right through until the end of October”. Try to relax and enjoy (laughing out loud). 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moochie/170/200/23

Before I forget there are new Healthinfo Island for October you may like to  visit. They are appropriate for the season. Objectophilia is a new one on me but check it out above the site on Dying.

Nearby there is a whole section on Microplastics which I find is scarier than any Halloween  creature! Learn about it!  There is so much more on the Virtual Ability island.. take a walk.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/171/146/22
 

 Gemma Cleanslate