Rayven Wolfmoon's Wild Wolves Club

 
By Bixyl Shuftan

Longtime readers may remember the Primal Passions club by Rayven Avalira. From 2014 to 2016, this castle made into a club was an adult-themed venue that had regular events and some special ones such as a band tribute that raised money for the Relay for Life under the Sunbeamers and two of Nydia Tungsten's "Twisted Christmas" events, as well as being the setting of one of her videos. Recently, she as Rayven Wolfmoon brought back the castle under a new name, the Wild Wolves Club. The venue is in the Belvedere sim.

When talking to Rayven, much of the time, it was in voice. So I could take only a few notes. She runs the place with the help of her partner, Nathaniel Wolfmoon (NathanLeonel Resident). Technically, the club had reopened on Sunday June 27, with Rayven breaking a personal DJing record of six and a half hours. But the place then was an open-air club. But friends kept saying how much they liked the castle, so she brought it back.

Rayven was saying she doesn't intend for Wild Wolves to be a seedy strip club, but she does aim for a casual atmosphere where those coming by can relax and have a fun and wild time, "plenty of rules in real life, people just need to let their hair down and relax." She does have a few hostesses and DJs lined up for events, "I already have DJs lined up ready to go. Now I just need dancers," but last I heard she was still open for a few more. And as before, the place is still open to avatars of practically any kind as long as they can fit through the front door.

Rayven showed me a couple cars to be raffled off soon, made by Fhionn, "a smokin hot job." Besides a car maker, he was also a DJ in real life and Second Life.

I was at a few parties (pictures not available as some had little clothing). For part of the time, Raven was on a stage in front of the crowd DJing for them. Other times, she was in the middle of them, her saying earlier she liked to "go out into the crowd and engage with them." The events a few furs and feral avatars mixed in with the human avatars. With a couple of the parties, wearing little to no clothing was encouraged, and the music a tad raunchy. There were plenty of pop tunes with a little metal mixed in.

But Rayven's talents are more than just DJing. She showed me a few dresses she had been making: wedding gowns. The four were distinct and different designs. She had been told by someone who saw what she could do, "you need to stop hiding what you make." So she planned to sell dresses for about 300L. Something she was working on currently was a butterfly dress with a harness in the back, so a girl could look "fun and flirty" without appearing loose. She was also working on some lace lingiere, "Rapture," which hid practically nothing.

Besides the club, the area had other places. Nearby, there was what Rayven called a market area, which stood before the castle like a village, "for content creators whom want to display their creativity." The stores were 225 Lindens a week each with room for 100 prims. Adult furniture could be sold in them, but it was against the rules for it to be used. 

Next to Belvedere was the Green Pastures sim. In contrast to the adult nature of the castle, this area was more family friendly, Rayven saying some wanted to bring their "littles" with them. One kind of breedables, Chimeras, could be used to fish. So there was Chimera fishing. There were also classes on how to better use Chimeras. There were also Battlebeast vendors. The sim also had a breedable market there, with anyone renting three weeks getting the fourth for free. There were also auctions, with those putting pets up for auction paying a small fee. Rayven and Nathaniel took me to a large skybox area over the sim. The place had been decorated a little by Damien Dusk, the owner of Obsidian Chimmeras.

There has yet to be a set schedule for the Wild Wolves Club. But the way things look, it has a promising start for those who are looking for a fun time and don't mind a little nudity. And with the club part of an area with plenty to do, and with Rayven getting into dress designing, it looks like she will continue to be active in a variety of things for some time to come.

Castle LM : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Belvedere/192/131/27

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Disney Enchanted Adventures

By Gemma Cleanslate

Since Disney parks have opened up all over the world  I thought I would go on a trip to a Second Life theme park inspired by Disney. When I arrived at Enchanted ... it was quiet at the entrance and through out the park so I was able to take my time and experience all the glory without crowds and lines.

Main Street is lovely . Towering above at the far end of the street is the charming Storybook Castle. To get there I skipped the trolley ride offered  and meandered down the street stopping in the shops along the way. Souvenirs to clothing are available for the visitors and I checked them all and decided what to buy on the way out . I love the character dolls in one shop but controlled myself.

Entering the Castle courtyard I stopped to take a quick spin on the cheerful Merry-go-round. Part of the castle appears to be under construction. I made my way over to the Fantasia Canal boats that winds its way  through the gardens and tunnels nearby. The music was delightful and the scenes lovely and some a bit familiar. It has been a while since I visited a Disney Park.

I hopped the boat to get over to Mysterious Island. I made it but ah, well.the elevator there seems to be out of order  (more construction I believe) so I could only walk around the dark mountain and wonder what it could contain. I did see that there is much building going on outside the Main Street area so will stay tuned to see what comes along. I walked over to check out the pirate boat at the far landing which was made by my old friend Aley.

I made my way to a cemetery and entered a haunted house nearby and took the strange ride through. The feeling at the Mysterious Island and in this area are not  light and airy as at the Main Street but it was all fun! Take a walk along the path to Whispering Woods near the Fantasia boat stop and have some more early Halloween .

It was good to get back to Main Street and the lighter side.  There is a parade there on Fridays at 2:00 pm. As I got ready to leave the region a float  parade came down the street so I hopped on the Alice float and went along. There is a group joiner at the entrance and also landmarks for many fun places in sl . I think I will stop over at Wedcot ..... next! Have fun! 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Enchanted%20Adventures/128/1/29  will take you to the entrance of an enthralling visit .


Gemma Cleanslate

The Museum of Wizardry at Coniston

By Klaus Bereznyak

The sims comprising the Greater Coniston and Keswick area occupy a portion of the north west corner of the mainland continent of Sansara. It was originally designated as the area where the Lindens themselves would have homes. It lives on as a residential area modeled somewhat on its northern English namesakes. The locality has a number of scenic features, shops and venues run by residents, including the recently re-opened Museum of Wizardry in Blackstone Castle. I caught up with Salient Wizard, the curator of the museum to find out about the museum and his plans for the future.

He tells me: "The Museum of Wizardry is a small example of the many artifacts, images and displays related to the study of secular magick, presented in an educational format for the common person."

It's obvious looking round the museum that the owner is serious and keen to present information clearly without a whole lot of "hocus pocus", but there is a sense of fun here, too. Coffee and punch is available in the entrance lobby and a poster on the wall reminds us that "The only real things in Second Life are our feelings so please take care of each other."

I ask him what he hope visitors will take away with them from their visit. He explained, "I hope they'll understand what these curiosities are without offending their own faith or sensibilities and enjoy their time. It's a world often fantasized about, and twisted by Hollywood. Real Magick isn't shooting Fireballs from a wand, but the slow deliberate improvement of Self and our World, much like Psychotherapy, from which much is based on Old World Magick as Carl Jung (Father of Psychotherapy) discovered. Wizardry is a profession of old, wise men and women who love and use wisdom to guide themselves and their fellow neighbors. Nothing dark or sinister about it at all and definitely not 'satanic'!"

Salient's human spent three happy years in real-life England, during which he visited a "Museum of Witchcraft" that gave him some ideas for his own virtual museum in Second Life. He explains to me: "the English are very proud of their Celtic, druidic and pagan past, and are more tolerant of magick than Americans. Many of the greatest Occult members of the last 100 years were from England: Israel Regardie, Aleister Crowley, Gerald Gardner, Dion Fortune, and even Isaac Newton centuries ago!" Some of these figures from magickal history can be seen on the wall by the staircase in the museum.

In the first room you come to, there are display cases with information and artifacts on the history and practice of Wizardry and Magick, including the Tarot and a variety of different types of "wands" that are used today. There's also some comfy seating and a roaring fire, where weekly "fireside chats" are held at 8pm SLT on Fridays. These are informal opportunities to meet Salient Wizard and discuss wizardry.

In the courtyard of the museum is a special exhibit that will be changed each month. The current display on "Magickal Germany" is due to be changed around January the 15th to one on "Geomancy", which is a form of divination used by medieval peasants and wizards. Apparently it involves poking holes in the dirt to divine answers and has a lot of ties to astrology. It should be fascinating.

Going through doors and climbing stairs reveals more rooms full of artifacts and a wonderful view of the area from the roof.

There are plenty of opportunities to find out more about Magick and Wizardry in Second Life and beyond, for those who may feel inspired to explore further. He acknowledges that there are plenty of books available on the subject and it can be really overwhelming. "A systematic Course of Instruction is the slow and steady way to become comfortable and acquire the skills to work effective magick. Personally I recommend Greyschool.com or Witchschool.com. From there, one can join local groups, often found on Witchvox.com. If you are new or old to Wizardry, the Greyschool also has an open campus of events at their SL campus here . They also do SL classes based on their website curriculum for students of the school."

Salient Wizard himself teaches classes inworld with help from an owl on his shoulder, called "Horton". "He was a great tool for the kids I taught at Greyschool, His name is Horton, he sees Hoos." The wizard chuckles at his reference to Dr. Suess.

I'm not sure what one should expect on meeting a wizard. This one seems playful, yet passionate about communicating and sharing his knowledge.

"The beauty of Magick is that there is no 'correct' path, it's your personal path." He tells me, quoting Cicero to drive home the point, "Omnia Vivunt, Inter Se Conexa! (Everything is alive and everything is interconnected)."

The Museum of Wizardry: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Coniston/238/85/39

Klaus Bereznyak

Halloween at Calas

By Gemma Cleanslate

When I went over to Calas the special Halloween sim was not open yet . Now it is! As usual it is distinctive, unlike any other Halloween sim I have seen in Second Life, and deserves special attention. I don’t know how they do, it but every year Ty and Truck outdo themselves in the building of special venues. 

The name of the region is Valyria, taken from the mysterious abandoned city  mentioned in “Game of Thrones” and also in the book , “Song of Ice and Fire”. The music is from Game of Thrones and fits so well . Through out the region you will see images of some of the kings and their courts and others you may recognize. 

At the entrance set the region windlight and turn on sounds and music for maximum experience. The first thing I did when I landed was to take the boat ride that winds through the first level of the region along river ways and lakes. When I landed I began walking. Flying is not allowed and it is a good thing because there are so many places and items to check out .Get a flashlight and watch the sign posts.  

It is not an easy trek and several times I found my self under water or stuck in a wall. Ciska Riverstone, who has been through the sim already was gracious and got me out of trouble and gave me some guidance to certain venues. I saw the Pyramid, the city ruins, the catecombs with bones of the dead, and so much more. 

Watch the signs. Near the portal I came across a group of scouts waiting for the dragon ride . This is a wonderful way to look down on all the ruins .  I finally reached the Portal. Here you will tp to another level and another world. Dress warmly for this part of your journey. Wander  around the castle and keep and then head for the great Cavern. Once there you have reached the end of your long journey. It is very beautiful and will be the site for many parties during the month of October. 

The list of events is up on the board  with artists and times . I hope to go to at least one though they are a little late for me in pacific time. I will be taking the dragon tour again because if you jump off at  certain places you will find ‘journey cloths’. These are teleports to locations you cannot reach any other way so keep an eye out for them. Each place has one to lead you to another. I am not done yet with these. Here is the entrance near the signs and flashlight and boat tour. See you there .http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lost%20Stars/22/17/23  

I have more adventures to tackle  and a whole month to enjoy it all. The last year sim won a special award and I am pretty sure this one will too.  

Gemma Cleanslate

Cuppers and Co.

Cuppers and Co. came about in 2008 as a simple platform for Siggy String, and Tijntjow Twine to invite their friends to hang out on.  That platform has grown now into a full sim with many places to do more than hang out.  Working for Bletaverse cone camping system brought them to add cones to their earlier lands and friends as well.  New they have regular yearly parties, more beautiful hang outs than you can shake a virtual stick at and much more. 

A castle with fire breathing dragons you can ride and battle each other with.  Mystical ruins, the Seaview Carnival Park, fishing with prizes.  And a Krusty Krab hidden away where you would expect, underwater wait the curious traveler.  Teleporters can take you to the avatar sized Pac Man game to play, or the race track for some fun times with friends, or on your own. The bar has games to play, a water slide brings you down to the fishing docks.  Shops include S&T gestures for all your gesture needs and some freebies, and Times 12 with the finest in women’s clothing.

This is a wonderful background for your photography needs. There are many sitting and cuddle places, great for groups or couples.  Beauty abounds anywhere you go on this tropical sim.  An oriental park behind the Times 12 Shopaholic store is a very inviting environment to spend time in.  HarryH Crumb, Siggy, and Tijntjow welcome you come to this very special place.  Explore, play, shop, fish and get away for a while in the land of Cuppers and Co.  It is rumored, there is an island there with a crazy Meerkat living upon it too. 

Midnight Cove (157/158/22)

Fritter Enzyme

Castle Quest - Looking For Love in All the Strong Places

 By Becky Shamen

I've showed you where to buy your own castle. Now we go on an adventure to find some really cool ones.

Annon, The Gate           and 3 other sims

secondlife://ANNON/126/27/23

Turn your sound up and set draw distance to at least 250, to get the full effect of the castles in this 4 sim area. The magnificent structures, atop these rocky islands, must surely be the homes of ancient gods. You can let them tell their full story at http://fallengodsinc.blogspot.com/2010/07/path-wishing-on-cure.html . 

Annon is the Northern sim in the 4 sim collective, which also includes Athan, Aear and Selidor.

You can fly or rez a boat, to travel to the various buildings. Take notes and collect clues along the way. There seems to be a mystery to solve. The builders are big on RFL and also have shops, in world and on Marketplace. There is a lot here that I could tell you about, but I had so much fun finding it, I don't want to spoil it for you. Besides that, I have many more castles to tell you about.

 Blarney Castle

secondlife://WILDE/150/108/33

Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland  1446   According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of gab, great eloquence, or skill at flattery.

'Tis there's the stone that whoever kisses

He never misses to grow eloquent:

'Tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber,

Or become a member of Parlament.

"A noble spouter he'll sure turn out, or

An out and outer to be let alone:

Don't try to hinder him, or to bewilder him,

For he is a pilgrim from the Blarney stone."

I have heard of this legend, all my life, but never saw a picture of the castle from which it comes. I had seen some pictures of people trying to kiss the stone. To do so, requires the kisser to lay on their back and bend over backwards, into a lower area, in order to lay lips upon it. For these reasons, I went there to see some big famous castle and get a picture of myself, in this awkward position, for the article. Being there was not the fun I had hoped for. The LM puts you in the middle of a small square room. The texture on one wall is made from an actual photo of the real wall. Looking around for a pose ball, the only one there takes one to a spot on the hill, facing a small tower, on top of the hill, seemingly all that's left of this 567 year old castle. Entering the door of the tower, I found myself in the same room I started at. So much for a photo op. A sign informed that, in a shop in the village, I could buy a certificate, proof that I had kissed the stone, for $1.97. Not wanting to buy this lie, I could, at least, get a look at it and see how they could make it cost some fraction of whole Linden dollars. Alas, after wandering the streets of the village, I never did find the shop. In fact, none of the shops had anything in them. Their interiors were just painted on textures. Always looking for the silver lining, I did learn a valuable lesson. Don't believe everything you read in the destination guide. This advice goes right up there with the likes of, "when dreaming that you have had too much beer or coffee, it is better to wake up and find the solution, than to let the solution, warm and wet, wake you up", or "no matter how ugly you think you are, you are still cuter than a bunny rabbit....that has just met a hawk". On to our next castle.

Nydia Tungsten's Mouse Manor

Sunlight Bay

No story about great castles would be complete, without mentioning the home of Nydia Tungsten and her partner, Brandi Streusel. In my search for great castles, I remembered having gone inside this castle, when noboby was around. I sent Nydia an IM, asking if it would be alright to talk of it in this article. As I logged in, next morning, her reply was waiting. "Of course' come any time, for a guided tour" she said. I asked if I should make an appointment or was she free then. She sent a TP, as soon as she finished getting dressed. I was greeted at the front door by Nydia and Brandi. Brandi always reminds me of a favorite Texas colloquialism; "cuter than dimples on a bunny rabbit". Our first stop was the outside deck, with it's comfortable seating, made for relaxation and connversation. She said they had many such gathering places, throughout the castle, because chat was an important part of SL. I strongly agreed, pointing out that I had written an article on the Priciple of Oneness and it's importance in SL. She explained that, like mine, her home is open to all, as long as they show respect for it and those that reside there.

Going inside, we toured room after room, most of which were bigger than my whole house. We even went through a secret passage, hidden behind a bookshelf. It's still a secret, to you, because the castle has as many books as the public library. Nydia explained that she was so bad at decorating that even a blind man would find it distasteful, leaving it all up to Brandi, who has a good eye for these things. The girls have a lot of irons in the fire and a huge office to handle everything from. The Theater/Family Room could entertain an army, with a hundred movies in stock. It's an amazing place to visit and I'm sure to return to see even more.

Enscharys

secondlife://ENSCHARYS/126/188/28

This castle is more a work of art than of defense. I had to look up the word castle, in the dictionary, to see if it could even fit the category. TPs allow one to go to various rooms in the towers, giving a great view. The castle is part of a 3 sim group, home to Elves. The entire area has an open, ethereal, peaceful ambience. The plant life is out of this world. They have furnishings, plants and other products for sale, but blended in, so not a distraction. They even have a selection of beautiful swords, but, for the life of me, I could not figure out what they needed them for. Perhaps these Elves only fight on other people's sims.

There are countless castles in SL, to view and even live in. I can't tell you about all of them here. A castle or cathedral found in my travels always gets my attention, Those given, in this article, are the latest to snare me in.

Becky "Sha" Shamen

Renaissance Island

  

 By Grey Lupindo

    Renaissance Island is a Tudor settlement where SL residents can learn about English life during the 16^th century and have fun, too.  The wharf and dock area is a great place to begin, located at Ren Isla, Renaissance Island (204, 213, 26).  You can either start a walking tour here or take a carriage.    The Village is huge, however, and to see it all may take more than one visit.

        Renaissance Island was created in 2007 by historians who wanted to recreate life during the Tudor ear.  They took on roles of people who would have lived during that time and established a place where others could join in the fun as they learned.  The Alliance Library System, a private benefactor, and later the South Central Regional Library Council in New York provided funding and support.  However, the Village is now sustained by its residents, educators, librarians, and visitors. 

         SL Resident Diamond Coronet is the Project Director.  In her profile, she notes, “The Renaissance means Rebirth.  What better way to enjoy this era than re-birthed virtually.”  On her profile you can find information about educational and support opportunities in the village.  

        Although it isn’t required, a great way to visit this site is in proper attire.  If you don’t have Tudor clothing, you can pick up free outfits at Vandeberre’s Emporium & Armory, located at Renaissance Island (196, 126, 26).  The merchants in the village will also sell you some very nice clothing, too.  At various places you can buy armor, swords, and other necessities.    

        I started my exploration near the Globe Theater, at Renaissance Island (174, 25, 26).  In the Globe you can get a free audiobook of “Romeo and Juliet” from Librovox.  There are notecards with information about Shakespeare and many of his other works are on display. 

        While I was exploring near here I ran into one of the villagers, Ashton Akiri.   He has been a resident since February, 2010, and is currently working on a project there.  He was very helpful in giving me links to their website, which has pictures, videos and other information about the site.   It can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/renaissanceislandsl  Akiri has a very large home in the Village, which he has open to the public.  There are other residents who also allow visitors to come inside. Some of the homes have handcrafted tables and other artisan wares for sale, too.   I saw a beautiful inlaid table for $50L and a hand-woven rug for $20L. 

     Outside the Globe Theater is one of the many teleporter maps that are a great way to orient you as well as move quickly throughout the site.  If you have the time, however, it’s fun to stroll down the streets and alleys. There are too many places to discuss individually:  a school, a small fort called the Reading Primley Bulwark, a stable, a community garden, and many others. There are many free items to be found at each location or some free activity you can do, as well as informational notecards.  I milked a cow at one spot and borrowed a free AKK horse at the stables.

        In the Tilt Garden, located at Renaissance Island (32, 69, 26), you can take fencing lessons or participate in jousts. According to a calendar of events, weekly joust tournaments are held on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. SLT.  For a $1L donation you can purchase a pendant or a flag and cheer on your favorite.

      My favorite building is Lagswell Manor, which is based on a composite of several RL castles and halls.   The Manor is a grand mixture of educational, cultural, and fun activities.   

      In December a Masquerade Ball was held, and titles were bestowed on people who supported King Henry and his village. The Ball and titles seem like a fun and festive way to raise support for the Island.  Wealthy supporters could become a Marquisate or an Earl, at least for a little while, by paying $10,000L or $5000L respectively.  The social climbing poorer gentleman could become a knight for $750L.  Each title came with a different amount of privileges, except for the poor knight who doesn’t seem to gain anything except the privilege to be called Sir for a little while.   

        I saw that a few titles of Baron were available for $2500L, including ones for Grey of Codnor, Greystock, Grey of Groby and Grey de Ruthyn.  I’ll have to check to see if I have any relatives on the Island.   In the meantime I’ll suggest to Diamond Coronet that Baroness Grey de Lupindo has an elegant, regal sound to it, and they may want to include it next year.           

        Inside Lagswell Manor is a Music Room and information about Thom Dowd, whose RL counterpart was a professor of music at the Conservatory of Fribourg in Switzerland.   He performs Renaissance and Baroque music on a recorder and has brought his talent into SL.   

      The library that is located here is fantastic.  There is a wealth of information about Tudor England and the literature of that era.  If you take the stairs up to the second floor, you will find a game room and the hall of Queens.  Portraits of the wives of Henry VIII are here, including an informational notecard about each one.      

      The Manor also includes a Tudor kitchen and information about the meals that would have been served during that time.  I picked up a free barrel of spiced Mead, which should be a hit at the next SL Newser party.   

      No village would be complete with a church, a doctor, and a tavern. Renaissance Village has St. Minutia’s Church, both a physician’s residence/office and a healer’s hut, and the Boar’s Head Inn.   It has many other builds and activities, too, for both serious students of the era as well as SL residents who want to travel to a different time and place.        

Grey Lupindo

Christmas Town

By DrFran Babcock

In my opinion, there are people in Second Life who get it. Laura Liberty is one of those residents who is able to use this virtual miracle to create environments that provide an immersive experience. Christmas Town is one of those places that is a must-see for anyone who wants the best that Second Life can offer.

 Christmas Town (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Elizabeth%20Town/111/114/63 ) was created almost entirely by Laura Liberty, and it was designed to be an old-time Main Street with shops, parades, a castle, and so much more. The main street is a dreamy, idealized depiction of an innocent time that is lost in the First Life world of big-box stores and on-line shopping. The snow particles on this street are heavy and realistic. I felt underdressed in my skating outfit. However, I was dressed for skating, because that’s a big part of this glorious sim.

At the end of Main Street sits a huge, blue ice castle that is the site for an ice-skating ride that takes you through dreamy passages to scenes from beloved Christmas movies. Hop on a single or couple (if you are with someone) poseball, and you are transported effortlessly through the castle.  Sit back and enjoy the ride, because your avatar’s camera will be set to allow you to see the best of the scenes. It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas Story, and National Lampoon’s Christmas are the source of the scenes, and the experience is sights and sounds and you—twirling and flying through the air as you skate past the scenes. I was completely entranced by this ride, because it just worked. The textures rezzed well, and there were fun surprises towards the end. I don’t want to spoil if for you, but if you ever wanted to be a star, this is the ride for you. At the end of the article I have provided a link to a very short video I made of the ice skating through Bedford Falls, because words are not enough in this case.

But wait, there’s more. Jump off the poseball and wander down Main Street to feed your need to shop. There are many little shops selling all kinds of holiday items, even things to get the jump on New Year decorating. The shadows and lighting have all been created to be cozy and warm..

At the other end of Main Street Santa awaits your marching pleasure. Jump on board his “float,” and you can high-step through the town. Santa actually speaks to you at times, so he’s either a well-scripted bot, or a real resident.

I could go on and on, but Christmas Town is really a place to see. I suggest you get there now, and skate, shop, march, and experience the best that Second Life has for us. Happy Holidays, and much love to you.

DrFran Babcock