Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Necropolis Umbrae And Bewitched

 
 By Gemma Cleanslate



When I received a notice from the Nature Collective that warned,

“If Treasure you seek in this dark sad place, a deadly trial must you face.

In the deepest tombs not all things sleep and there must you go. though you may weep.

With the nameless beast will you find the key, and then you seek its symbols three.

With the key in hand you will find what you crave, and perhaps a path beyond the grave”
.

I had to go see what was going on of course.


Necropolis Umbrae is an enticing cemetery. I am fond of cemeteries and this one is dark and lovely, filled with monuments (and many photo opps) among them. In the olden days cemeteries were places where families spent time enjoying the beauty and having picnics close to loved ones who have passed.


Walk around and you will see. The occult library is most interesting. And of course if you wish you can search out the answer to the riddle above. Save time!



I did and found the key! I saw two other avatars looking for it and were very close! Try it and you will be pleased if you succeed. It is an experience looking for it but don’t be afraid! You may find vampires or other frightening creatures waiting for you in the dark places. Just a warning.
Necropolis
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Or/143/118/1272


I was not daunted by that experience so I went off to another Halloween region. Bewitched is another Halloween Region that will take some time to explore.


Take a train ride to get a full overview of what to expect on your visit. This is just a taste of what you will face in Bewitched.


There are so many ghouls and goblins around the rail tracks . Keep an eye out as you pass by and hang onto the seat! Wander and worry about whom or what you might meet next among the grave stones or in the huge castle where I found many strange rooms, and people. I loved the Halloween tree in one of the rooms . It is the first one I have seen in my visits so far.


Walk through the grave yard up the steps to the haunte house and hop onto the little cart to take the ride through the haunted house. It is filled with all sorts of frightening skeletons and creatures popping up right in your face. Bring friends to protect you! HAZY COVE/127/1/21


Another autumn decorated place with some Halloween fun is Yosemite. I stopped over to check out this year’s décor and was met with skeletons standing around and pumpkins adorning the whole region. The trees have changed color adding a hue to the tall pines that live there.


I stopped over at the Visitor’s center where a navigator hud is available in the office for travelers and explorers and campers who visit often. On the porch one can see the many who have arrived and perhaps never left. I have a cabin and love it there .


Take a walk along the many paths or take a horse ride choosing among the many eager horses in the corral just waiting for you . Campers are already there with families to enjoy that and the playground for the kids.
 

Friday, October 10, 2025

Shadowfell

 
By Gemma Cleanslate
 

“Continue the journey as Calas Galadhon creators Tymus Tenk and Truck Meredith reopen the dark Elven gates of SHADOWFELL, this year traveling by elven boat or on foot into a 4th new region - the new location of Ruins of the Elven City and new tour!” I wait for this every Halloween with great expectation. I have never been disappointed. When Ty and Truck open any holiday special installation it is always a wonder. Halloween is an experience that is not similar to any other that I have found in all my years in SL. I have others I like to visit with relish but this is unequal. Take the notecard offered at the landing point with information and landmarks not to be missed but put it in your pocket. I have to use a brighter lighting than recommended to get photos for the paper.)


At arrival there are reminders and helps that will make your experience fuller if you heed them. I always find that three or four lengthy visits to see all there is to see and find all the hidden sites require at least this amount of time. Walking is a definite best way to see all but the first thing I always do is take the boat ride to feel the energy from the sights and sounds along the waterway and into the sky as the boat takes off over the forest for an aerial view.


The boat is for two people so bring your partner or friend along or do it alone. Keep your hands inside because you never know what might pop up from the water, or along the shore that might like to grab you. The iridescense of the surrounding foliage is entrancing. PBR has enhanced the old looking like all is new. Micky Mouse is still visiting there and I was happy to see him again as I passed in the boat.


Then is it on to the walking. The signage is very helpful and there is a walk with me rezzer for couples.

The walk through the Ruins over the bridges and along the pathways of the forbidden forest and gardens are helped along by the lit matches found on the ground but wondering off the paths is also exciting and beautiful in all the regions you walk. 


Some of the creatures of the wilds are frightening but never spoil the walk. Eyes may glare at you as you pass and follow you down the path. Be sure to watch for the journey clothes along the way that take you off to unseen sites. In the Cistern I found creatures trying so hard to leave and maybe you can join them.


After the walking I suggest you take your notecard out and check to see that you did not miss any of the main sites. The landmarks will take you to each. Don’t miss any by accident. The stage at the Pavilion is where the many parties are held during the month. Joining the Calas Galadhon group will keep you informed of any events going on and the DJs performing. Here and there You will see pumpkins with a donation request. Ty and Truck have never required a payment for all their many regions that are always available to visit and enjoy so if you can afford some lindens to support their continued ventures it will be appreciated. For many years in the old days they never even asked for donations until members urged them to do it. I am glad and I am sure it pays for new additions to Shadowfell.


I usually end my tours in the Elven Flyer. Looking out over the forests, ruins, from above imprints the experience for another year and I put my flashlight away.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIST/9/77/23

Gemma Cleanslate