Wild West RoleplayLands

By Becky "Sha" Shamen

I have been writing for SL Newser, for several years now. With all this practice, we gain skills in finding and writing about ever greater adventures. This also enables us to observe and teach those elements that make any life, real or virtual, better for all. Life can be difficult, but the rules are very simple. To have a better life, always obey these two little rules. One, life is fun. If you're not having fun, you aren't playing by the rules. Two, life is for learning new things. Everything in life is a fun lesson and even an old god can learn a new trick. If you are not learning fun new things, you are stuck in a rut. Being stuck is not fun. Go back and read rule one. In addition to writing about a fun life here, we also give one-on-one guidance, to those that seek it. They are like students or Padawans. We will be including one of these padawans in this adventure. Let us begin to set the stage, for his entry.

On an intuitive hunch, I opened the World Map, of the SL Grid and began scanning for interesting sim clusters. Finding a good candidate, we zoom down for a closer look at the terrain. Like a good spy satellite, we get a detailed picture of what is going on down there. In this case, we located a tight collective of 24 sims. Each sim is named after an area in the western part of the USA and you could see it in the landscaping. This area had all the elements of a great place to explore.

I had copied the SLURL for one of the sims and went, briefly, to set a LM and get a "first impression". The landing is a skybox, with a painted interior. There is a shack, a horse and a few signs. The 24 sim area is called "Wild West Roleplay Lands" and, as we guessed it, there will be rules. As kids, we called "Roleplay" by the name "Let's pretend". You did your best to look and sound your part, in order to free the imagination to act out the role. It has been many moons, since we last played "Cowboys and Indians" and my imagination has many other ways of getting around. I decided that when I come back I would take in the whole experience, by joining the group and wearing the HUD and health meter. After the regularly scheduled evening's event, I returned home to dress western, horse included, and returned to those wild days of yore.

Back at the skybox, I gathered and read all the notecards about the ground rules and notice that they are in English and German. That seemed unusual, at the time, but I would eventually learn the reason. I joined the local Buffalo Wyoming Group and wore the WW meter HUD and health meter. Now I was ready to descend to ground level and begin the adventure. 

Turning towards the TP, I spot something at my feet that wasn't there before. It was my tiny neighbor, friend, Erik Mouse. He had located us on his world map. Not long ago, I had invited him to join me, during my explorations of Creations for Parkinson's and he had figured out, if I was far from home, I was probably researching another fun adventure. I could tell, he was hoping to get invited to join the fun. I have to admit, my first thoughts were, this is like getting a hot first date and your mom says to have to watch your little brother and let him tag along on your movie date. Then, my mind steps in, telling me this is exactly the thing we are trying to teach others to do. It wouldn't be a change in our plans, because we were making it up as we go along. Besides, I reasoned that roleplay was a bit like sex, being more fun to play with friends, than to play with self. I told him that I wouldn't mind if he joined me, but he would have to do it as a human cowboy. He said he had never played a human, in SL, but would do what it takes. I informed him that he could find a human avatar in the library section of his inventory and that they provide free period clothing at the near by shed. Our location seemed to be preventing us from making any changes to our avatars, so we returned home to make a man of him. At the Surf's Up club, I located a complete cowboy avatar, on Marketplace, for only L$25. The cowboy avatar even came with a coiled lasso, so Erik was now fully prepared to rope him some fun.

So, now we have Erik, on his first day as a human, but he's not the only cherry. I quickly discover that I am no longer the author of this play and the actors are working without a script. Our first location, on the ground, was the town of Buffalo, Wyoming. Sha, from experience, takes up the lead position and her faithful companion follows a few paces behind. Being in a Wild West town, our first interest was finding the local Bank. We found it, but it was locked so we went across the street, to the Saloon. The barkeep and patrons are all cardboard cut-outs. If we wanted adventure, we needed to head on down the road. A quick check of the radar showed that we were the only ones on this sim, but there are a handful of others on the next sim, so we head in that direction. As we entered the next town, there only seems to be one resident and he is taking a nap, in front of the Pub. I spot the local jail and head over to check the accommodations. I entered a jail cell and invited Erik to come in and pose for a souvenir photo of our adventure.

 We broke out of jail and returned outside where I spotted a gallows. I think this might be a good place to demonstrate the virtue of Courage, so I clicked the gallows and selected the hang by the neck animation.

 Well, I was having some fun, but my companion was probably wondering when the adventure would begin, so we headed towards the blips on the radar. This ain't no big city. There are no paved roads or direction signs to follow. As we walk, I spot three buffalo, grazing in a field and say, "Oh look at the cute critters. Let's go pet them". BIG MISTAKE! One of the buffalo turns in my direction and prepares to charge. I take off for the hills, double time, and see on the radar that Erik is right behind me. I run into a stone canyon and find a Medicine man's tee-pee and campfire. Thinking this is a safe place, I sit down at the fire. Turning my cam around, I see Erik lying face down on the ground, with a rattle snake biting his leg. I asked him about the snake. He said that he didn't know about the snake, but his HUD just informed him that the buffalo had killed him. I'm like, OMG, they killed Kenny! I brought my little buddy here and got him killed. Then, the unexpected happened. Laying face down in a pool of blood, Erik begins to comfort me. "Don't worry, I'm just dead. I'll be better in about 30 minutes". WOW! Who is this guy and what did he do with the timid little mouse? I said, " no worries pal. I'll sit here and wait for you, while I smoke this peace pipe that I found by the fire." As I sat there thinking, I realized something else about this man named Erik, that was different from the mouse I had known for years. From the time he found me in the skybox, until now, he had not been AFK, even one time, throughout our adventure.

At about this time, a stranger approached the campfire, carrying a rifle. I could only hope that he was one of the good guys, because we were in a defenseless posision. As he began to talk to us, or should I say, er begann, mit uns reden, I realized this cowboy was speaking German and it was being translated to English. I learned, later, that Wild West Roleplay is very popular in Germany. The cowboy told us that Erik would soon live again, although his full strength would take a bit longer. When Erik rose from the ground, the cowboy pointed to the ground and said, here marks the spot where you were dead. The blood was gone and the cowboy bid us well on our journey. I told him, "Danke shon", and Erik and I continued on the trail. We soon found ourselves in another small town and it had a church. I have always been interested in the architecture of places of worship, so we went inside for a look. Erik's first comment was that we could have used some of this guy's healing skills, back on the trail. WOW! He understands religion. I was seeing inside the RL Erik in a new light. I wanted to get to know him even better, so I steered the conversation to our RL selves. "Do you go to church", I asked.  "No", was his reply. I told him my age and birthday and he told me his. Erik is in the same age range as my three daughters. Our sun signs are also very compatable. I asked him if he used Facebook, so we could friend there. He did and we set it up, then and there.

    The hour was getting late and I had a staff meeting the next day. I told Erik to feel free to explore some more, but I was going to bed and would probably come back a few more times, to explore more of the Wild West Roleplay Lands. He wanted to know if he could come again, with me. I told him, "Si, mi casa, su casa".

   I must point out here that Erik and I only covered about 1/6 of the Wild West Roleplay Lands. If you come here, there is enough adventure to keep you going for months or even years. Besides that, I am scratching my head, wondering what this story is really about. A fairy mouse king becomes a mortal man, to descend to earth, is killed and comes back to life. It all begins to sound like a symbolic initiation into some secret brotherhood of knights or an ancient Greek passion play or the labors of Hercules.

   I don't know where the story came from, but I'm signing it,

"Sha"

Birth of a Town: Salt Lake City

By Gemma Cleanslate

Are you into role play? Have you ever tried it? I have met people who say “oh no, I would not like that !!" and when they try fall in love with it! Though I have been visiting Tombstone, Arizona as a traveler and like it very much, I was interested to see the birth of a new role play region called Salt Lake City. I joined the group as a traveler so I could see how it evolves. 

The history period is the 1860's,  a most interesting time in the western USA. It is  in one sim so far and is collecting members who want to be in certain roles or just live there as citizens. The owners hired a custom builder to be sure it would be authentic. The grand opening was August 10 though the building continues. There is a Cavalry already with an imposing fort. One of the first places to be opened was the orphanage with a nun to take care of the poor orphans. There will be a native camp, forest and mountains already surround the town. Of course, there is a saloon complete with poker and other games, and the bar is open for business.  

Over the past few days it has been a busy time for the owners who seem to be deluged with questions and IMs just to talk. The hotel is open for daily rentals as well as some small homes in the town , furnished and unfurnished. There are strict rules in the roleplay with fines or jail time for breaking them. I saw some big guns there so I think there will be serious outlaw arrival. The sheriff is working and has a female deputy,  so that will be interesting. The country church is ready for weddings and services. Roles still open at this time Judge, Blacksmith, General Store Owner, Saloon Owners. People who role play in other places are invited to join the group or anyone interested in becoming involved in role play for the first time. There will be mentors and classes to help them orient to that historical period in the old west. 

I believe there is already a war between the Native tribe and the newcomers. Good thing the Cavalry is already there. The Navajo Nation is setting up camp in the mountains, well hidden from the town, though I encountered several in town when no one was around. That may be why the 15th US Cavalry is doing heavy recruiting.

The banking business is getting ready and I am sure will be robbed first thing. There is an extensive shopping area at the arrival location with clothing and arms to outfit you for your life in Salt Lake City.  Co-owner, Zaclegend Usher sent this notice the other day, “Well its that time again where students are gearing up to go to school again and we are starting our brand new course here in Salt Lake! Introductions To Roleplay! We have mentors which are here to help you and we strongly advise our newcomers to stop on by! Feel free to stop on by and get back to school.” I also met one of the co-owners, Keneu Karu, who is enthusiastic about the new city and has experience with role play. If you are interested you can travel to the entrance and take a look around . Meet some of the citizens http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Passion%20Bay/132/138/1003  .

Addition: Contacts for the roleplay are Zaclegend Usher, Tessa Danube, and Kenau Karu.

Gemma Cleanslate 

Reader Submitted: Tombstone, Roleplay in the Wild West

By Deesue Parx 

 

I step off the stage coach, let the dust clear from my eyes and stare down the dirt road. "So this is Tombstone" I think to myself. A man on horseback races by me, and from somewhere I hear a shout "Stop and drop the money now or I'm gonna shoot!" and soon afterwards I hear gun shots. A little too close for comfort. I run for the door of a nearby saloon, my heart racing. "Man down! We need a Doc on Allen Street!!"

 

What have I got myself into?

 

Yes, those were my first moments, but after spending just a few short hours in this 8 sim 24/7  roleplay life.. I realized it was that excitement and so much more. It is like stepping out of a time capsule direct into 1899.

 

The creators of this western wonderland have gone to extreme care to mimic and recreate as much of the buildings, landscape, dress and lifestyle of the time period as possible. Ladies in full length dresses, men in western wear, orphans running barefoot scurrying down the back streets.

 

It's easy to get a look around..  a short visit to the Greeting Center.. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Broken%20Rose/127/184/704 handed a long list of rules that in basic say "Hey! This is 1899.. roleplay is key.. and fun.. there are free clothes right there and as soon as the greeter meets with you and hands you the proper "travelers" tag you can feel yourself.. s..l..o..w.. down.

 

So many choices. What are you? An outlaw? Lawman? Doc? Maybe a Soiled Dove dancing on the bar top in Dutch Annie's? An Indian from the nearby Apache community? Or maybe just a newlywed couple looking for a quiet ranch to start your family.. all that and more is here waiting for you.

 

Dances most every day in Broken Rose, Benson, Bisbee, and Black Diamond, fight nights, live shows at the Birdcage Theater, and the courthouse is always hollerin' for jury members. The list is endless and only limited by your imagination.

 

I came for a visit and never left. It happens to a lot of folks here. I'm in the bunkhouse just past the Moving Picture Theater. Easy to find, just follow the train tracks outta town, past the town of Goldfield. If ya get to Pearce ya went too far.. I'll wave from my front porch as ya go by..

 

Oh, make sure ya leave town from the right end. The other leads to the Cavalries Fort, Apache land and Outlaw town. If ya go that way, be prepared to run for your life!

 

Pictures by  Mystic Glenwalker

 

Deesue Parx

The Dusty Streets of Dodge City

 

The Marshal held his gun in one hand and in the other, the rope that held the well-bound outlaw. He and his deputy were the only ones there to transfer the prisoner to the train to Leavenworth. The prisoner had offered a heavy reward  to anyone who could rescue him before the train. There was a hideout ready. Marshal Cobb knew he and the deputy were taking their lives in their hands. He had asked for help but no one appeared. He began to move down the deserted street dragging the prisoner behind him and watching for any sudden moves. 

As the shooting started from all sides he ran through the prairie grasses and woods to avoid the shots but it was to no avail. Both he and his deputy went down for the last time. The prisoner was  dragged to the hideout and set free. 

 

This was a role play event in Dodge City that was great fun to watch. 

 

The American west was a wild one in the days following the Civil War between the North and South. People really began moving west from the Mississippi River when the war was over. Forts were established across the land to protect the migrants on their journey. Towns began to spring up near the Santa Fe Trail. Their histories are not that old since this was in the decades of the 1870-1880s. There has always been a fascination with  the well known bad guys and good guys, names known from movies about cowboys and Indians, Jessie James, Wyatt Earp  and his brother James, Bat Masterson, Wild Bill Hickok and others. 

 

Now in SL there is a new role play sim called Kansas West. Here, life in the small towns of Dodge City and Ellsworth is re-enacted by those who love the era. Sebastian Cobb, Mayor and Marshall of the town, and Annaliese Cobb are the owners with the region. They try to keep peace but that is not easy. There are issues with the nearby Native Americans, outlaws passing through, rough cowboys who appear to drink and play cards in the many saloons.   Duncan Wolf is the the main builder who recreated the railway station, saloons, inns and shops based on the original photos of the Old Dodge City. The scene is planned to be as close to  real life  as possible from old photos of the era. 

 

Duncan and his wife Stacy are part of the Cheyenne nation. Near by is Fort Harker. The new Captain, Tak3hiko is recruiting new soldiers for the fort. The soldiers come to town to drink and dance with the “doves” at the Lonestar Saloon and Dance Hall. Although the rule is ”guns left at the bar” there are  fights that often end badly.  There are frequent attempts at robbing the bank. It is a very busy town. And there are the  settlers who come to town for supplies, mail , and to attend Church. Next to the church is a hanging tree and  behind that is the cemetery. 

 

Kansas West has been up and running only  since the 7th of July so you can make as good life in town or out on the prairie. To participate fully you will wear a hud that allows you to collect food, materials, tools, and other necessities for your life there.  The Pinkerton Detectives have also now come to town. Dodge City is looking for new members: those interested in the history of the time and, especially,  role play; those who would like to join the  Native Americans, soldiers for  the fort, settlers with their families and of course, outlaws. 

 

 If you are interested you can contact any of the persons listed above, or you can join the group . There is an inviter on the wall of the railroad lobby. You will also find some free period clothing. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kansas%20West%201870s/146/119/292 . Perhaps you can attend an event to see how you like it. 

 

Nice people, nice place, but keep that gun handy!!! 

 

Gemma Cleanslate