Dark Dharma's Haunted Manor

By Becky "Sha" Shamen

At  our last Newser staff meeting, I was asked to prepare an article about a sim, designed by a big name Second Life artist. After visiting the exhibit however, I was more than disappointed. So I looked for somewhere else to explore. As I looked through the Destination Guide, one quickly gained my attention, "Dark Dharma's Haunted Manor and Haunted Forest." Dark Dharma was the creator of the North Pole Village & Santa's Workshop, which I had just published an article on. I was impressed with Dark Dharma's work, because it goes beyond mere technical abilities and effected my heart and mind. I felt sure that this artist was well qualified to scare the socks off us and just had to go see for myself. Yes, we are well past Halloween, but for two reasons, I'm offering it here and now. For one, this artist had impressed me and two, when my daughter was young, she talked me into playing a video game, called "Alone in the Dark." I stayed up late, many nights, playing ahead so I could coach her through the scary parts. I learned a good trick on that game. Each time I got to a door, where I knew there was a big challenge awaiting, I would save the game, so I didn't have to start from scratch if the ghost killed me.

The first thing I do, at any new sim, as things begin to rez, is take a look around, check the map to see where I am on the grid and check radar to see how many avs are there. I noticed, across the street from the haunted house, a shop that sold scary props, used in the haunted house. In a small graveyard to the right of the shop, there were about a dozen complete avatars for sale. When I saw the Elvira (Cassandra Peterson), I knew I had to buy and wear it for this adventure.

Dressed for the role and approaching the entry to the manor, we are informed that music should be turned off and sounds turned up. Personally, this theme is one that has always given me the creeps, so I was already on the edge of my seat. I will not spoil this adventures for my readers, by scouting ahead and warning you of any dangers, the way I did for my daughter. However, I will tell you there are indeed dangers and, like in "Alone in the Dark", they will send you back to your home sim. One misshap sent me to a location between sims, a Limbo I didn't think was possible in SL. The only way out of this Limbo was to restart the viewer and begin from scratch.

In all, I was very impressed by what Dark Dharma created here and I am pleased to share this adventure with my readers. Don't be surprised if you find a tombstone with my name on it there.

Benten (87, 220, 28)

"Sha"

More Halloween Fun

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

“Welcome to Dark Dharma Haunted Manor, they've been waiting... Built in the 1880's, this haunted Victorian manor is an imposing structure, never mind the broken windows and wandering souls. It might even be charming, if it wasn't for what happened. What happened to the last occupants? Come visit, if you dare!”

The house is frightening from the time the maid opens the door. I passed through the sitting room into the dining room where ghouls are still eating amid the spider webs enveloping them and the dinner. The kitchen was most frightening with the cook holding a bloody carving knife while arms begged for help from the oven. I made my way through the doorway into a parlor made ready for games with wispy spirits. Perhaps later. The next room was filled with books floating about through the air. I passed on to climb the stairway with a wall that was filled with family pictures, one more frightful than the other. I believe I recognized some of this family. Entering the room to the left I encountered some of the family spirits sitting around a table having tea. I will leave the description of the powder room to your discovery. 

 

Every door leads to a new discovery, so knock on all of them. In the attic I made a mistake and ended up in some kind of electricution table and so. I never found the reasons for the missing occupants. It is up to you to go find out. Good luck!  Now I remember ... I was here before!! Maybe I was part of the family!!

BENTEN/87/221/28

 

My next visit was to a place that promised four scary venues, NC's Halloween 9th year HAUNTED Mansion RIDES, ZOMBIES and Asylum. A guided ride sounded good so I headed for the Haunted Mansion . The wait at the station for the ride was 10 minutes so I entered the grounds and roamed around a bit.  The Haunted House itself is also a wait while the spirits awaken. 

 

Once inside there is ghostly ride with a voice guided story to chill you. Best to bring a friend to share it with but I faced it alone and survived. Mouse look works well for this and the sounds are scary too. There is a wonderful spirit party with food and dance and music taking place in the dining room.Listen to the story for thrills and warnings. I was wondering if the heart beat was mine or.... There is more to enjoy! I smashed some pumpkins on the way out . not a good idea!!! And Lucien Asylum is 6 stories so be prepared for more visits!!! I had to skip the zombie battle area and the Abandoned Thrill ride. It is a good thing it is a while until Halloween . I will be going back to all these marvelous places.  

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LandOurs/210/46/601

 

Gemma Cleanslate