Furry Tiki Island

By Bixyl Shuftan

I was asked by a couple friends to check out "Furry Tiki Island," a sim made like a Pacific resort island. Getting there at the landmark I was handed, I was in a welcome area made like an open-air wood structure with a few tribal carvings, and a sign greeting me "Aloha" in front of me. The music stream played Hawaiian tunes. Behind me was a pool area with floats, and a thatched roof hangout people could relax in. Next to me was a map showing the various locations on the island. Seven were named, The Mall, Waterfall, Pirate Sanctuary, Shark Bites and Bar, Sex Beach, Main Beach, Club Erotica, and Club Bounce. Besides the welcome area, there was an above-water villiage in the northeast that was unnamed.

Going around clockwise, I saw the mall only had a few stores in it, all small thatched roof to match the decor of the location. But perhaps this was from the place being relatively new. The Pirate Sanctuary was an old wooden frigate on the rocks that had been converted into a hangout with couches and chairs to sit in and drinks to sample. Going to the "Sex Beach," there was a guy and a girl there, but they weren't being intimate but just playing around on the sand in a "clean" way, save that the guy was nude, "I'm not usually naked, she forced me to." "You listened, that's worse." Almost as if on cue, the music stream started playing "Friendly Pressure." Talking to them, they told me only recently had this particular part of the island been made a place where intimacy was allowed. Besides the beach towels, there were surfboard racks and what looked like a small bar.

Club Erotic was just a simple place, an octagonal wooden floor weathered a bit by the tropical air with a DJ booth in the back and a canopy overhead. The unnamed village had more detail, with a central seating area for meeting up and relaxing, a 7Seas fishing spot, and a canoe for anyone who wanted to sail around. Nearby were a couple of caught trophy fish one could pose next to for a screenshot. The Shark Bites and Bar had a number of fruits and sweet foods one could sample, or just admire and imagine tasting them. The place had a set of shark jaws over the entrance, and a trophy with the tail end of a shark.

On my way to the Waterfall, over a stick bridge, I saw a few butterflies flying around. The place was detailed and picturesque, once everything rezzed, a smaller waterfall near the larger one flowing down from a presumably dead volcano. Some steps to the left led to a cave behind the waterfall with a pillow for a couple. The Main Beach was more detailed than the Sex Beach, with waves lapping at the shore, a bar, a grill, a hot tub, tubes in the water one could float on, and of course the beach towels.

Just west of the Main Beach, and east of the entrance, was Club Bounce, which was where the most people were on the island. Getting there, I saw several people, including Vatra (Shadowulf Umia), a black anthro lion with a crown whom later put it down and slipped on a grass tribal outfit. When I asked him what gave him the idea to make the place, he answered, "Always wanted a tiki bar of my own as I love those type of places. Over time, the love for tiki expanded and so did this place. (It) started as a small parcel just for friends, then expanding to a larger parcel over time. Now I see this place as something different, (a) different theme than most furry sims and hangouts, but with opportunities available." I asked him what opportunities, and Vatra answered, "we encourage and help those new to djing, security, management roles and so on. We also promote new merchants and help them get their foot in on selling their stuff. So both new and experienced can enjoy Second Life and the opportunity they have. We are also very active and all staff are approachable as they have been selected personally by me for their friendly nature."

Of the helping DJs and merchants, Vatra told me the place does "by promoting for the stores and will also be offering discounts along the way to encourage buyers/ (It's) not set up yet, but I am hoping to set up a DJ school here too. ... (The) DJ school will help you by suggesting DJ software and how to bring it to stream through SL. (We) will also teach you key skills on DJing. ... We teach DJs, then they are offered to work here as their stepping stone to professional SL DJing. ... We have a few DJs interested in working here." When someone else asked who would teach them, Vatra explained it would be the managers.

Vatra also stated the place was also offering housing, and would soon have more stores at the mall, including furry avatar makers (with more coming each weekend." He went on to say, "We also have a lot of playable board games and so on for those wanting to enjoy those on their own or as a group like Greedy greedy, Battleships, Cards against Humanity and pool."

The black lion concluded, "We welcome everyone within Second Life's legal age and so on. We encourage those interested in being a part of the Island as staff to drop us a application.  There are many areas for loved ones to embrace around the island, but hope everyone enjoys their time and share with us their best moments."

Others nearby were also happy with the island, one saying, "it's a nice place to hang out, relax, meet new people, explore new wonders."

Havoc (29/35/27)

Furry Fashion

By BloodyKitty Resident

There's a cool place I discovered through my friend from Tumblr. The sim is called Furry Fashion and is located in the region of Furry and is actually group owned. Besides speaking on Skype too we met up in SL at the sim and I was offered a hosting job which I accepted and am currently waiting to be approved or not. My first reaction to the place was that I was taken in by the purple and black colors as well as just the layout itself. Even though I didn't take a walk around at first since I was talking to said friend and some of the staff there, I still though what I saw was neat.

I'm not exactly sure if everyone gets notecards about the place and it's landmarks but it's helpful. In Furry Fashion there are nine or ten places, including the place you start at which is in front of their lounge I believe. The place includes a sandbox, welcome center, avatar den, furry mall, a job center, park, swimming hole, special event parcel, and a rental office, and also a lounge. While I haven't fully checked out every single landmark on the land thoroughly as I wanted to, what I did get to see was very cool. 

Everyone should come here whether they have a furry avatar or not, which I believe you are allowed to come without being a furry avatar since I didn't get kicked any of the two times I arrived at Furry Fashion. Whether your into dancing, chilling with your friends or people in general, or even shopping this is the place for you! Maybe you'll even get to see my hosting in the club soon enough.

 

BloodyKitty

 

Editor's Note: I've known the owner of the venue, Amethyst Crystal, since 2007 when she was on a different account. I didn't mention the place to her, though, she found about it herself. The store welcomes all (except griefers), although residents whom have over five megabytes worth of scripts will be asked to take off objects containing them until they're under the limit (Avatar control HUDS, Tiny Empires game, etc.). Their lounge has events every evening, and twice a day on weekends. The store is taking part in both the Quest Fur Cover hunt and Twisted Hunt, in addition to launching it's own Halloween Hunt on October 1st (details to follow).

Reader Submitted: Blue Hole

By Fritter Enzyme

In my wanders through our virtual world I look for places that are stimulating, fun, exciting and inclusive.  Inclusive because I am furry.  It is nice when a club mentions that all are welcome in a notecard. Or even a sign out in front of the club (E.G., Phat Cats Jazz Club).  But it is good enough, sometimes, if I just don’t get kicked out.  I seek these places and let other know where they can go.  Nothing is guaranteed, of course, if not stated in the club rules.  Certain host will react different than other will.  I have been kicked out of clubs that demand human avatars, but allow fairies, with wings and all.  I do refuse to leave and end up banned.  I do not recommend this action, it is my choice, as I feel it is discrimination.  Think of how real life would be, right now, if certain groups were “kept in their place.”  Not going where you are not wanted makes sense to some, but not to me.  So I search and I explore, and I report on what I find.

In a recent outing I came upon furry scuba equipment.   The place is called The Blue Hole.  It is a virtual Blue Hole like the one that exists in Belize.  Not totally accurate, but very nice to play in.  And they sell the furry scuba outfit with the others so furs are welcome there.  The land has the usually trimmings, beaches, beach houses, a club for events, a light house, plenty to explore.  And of course, a store with the scuba supplies.  And the water, many places to float and hangout as well as the Blue Hole.  Not a vertical walled tube as the real one is, but enjoyable to spend time in.  Great for photography, deep enough to make the equipment fun to use as well.  It is very colorful, stocked with different life at varying levels to add to the realism and fun.  This is a place I will be returning to, and bringing friends of all kinds.  I know they will enjoy it, and I know they will be welcomed to stay.

The scuba equipment comes in two packages, for furries, a basic one at 590L and a premium at 790L.  Not that big of a price difference so I went with the premium setup.  For humans, 420L for the basic and you add on what you want after that purchase.  Sea plants, and ship wrecks for sale too.  Come see the Blue Hole, a place worth spending some time at:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BLUE%20HOLE/183/213/51

Thanks for looking,

Fritter Enzyme

Castaway Cove

In the virtual world of Second Life, lots of clubs seem the same. Contests to draw regulars or new blood, the same DJs or events. Human and furry clubs both have to think of new and innovative ways to make itself stand out, to draw the furry and/or human clubber.

Nydia Tungsten has done that with her new club Castaway Cove. And she did say humans are welcome just like the furry crowd the Nydia aims to draw to her sim. Her main goal is create a common area for the residents or outsiders to come and relax.

The first thing I noticed after I used the landmark Bixyl gave me is that I land on the beach. Not many clubs are located like that. Then I see, "Ooo neat looks like a pirate ship sliced in half." And indeed there are two halves of a pirate ship laying on the beach as if it was in a shipwreck.

Another thing that Nydia brings to my attention is the Psicorp vender that one of her employees Sylnaya Windlow brought to Castaway Cove. Psicorp in the furry world of SL is a big deal for various furry products. Local builders like Fortunas Sands and Lsai Aeon also have shops here at her club.

In addition to the basic dance area I saw many other attractions on Nydia’s sim. For one example the game "Primtionary," which happened to be in an earlier article of the SL Newser but I asked anyway, "Primtionary, what game is that?"

In Nydia’s own words, "Well if you have ever heard of pictionary, it is like that, but instead of drawing the clues you build them with basic prims."

"So if I wanted to build an apple it would be a red sphere with a stem at the top?"

Nydia said yes, and she gave one hard example of Lsai having to explain jet lag, which she did accomplish after a lot of hard work. Each correct guess wins a small linden cash prize.

On top of having a unique new game on her sim Nydia also has jet skis to zoom around on and board games to goof off playing with friends. Also there was Bruce, a large crab at the bottom of the ocean. It was a big daddy! Be sure to ask Nydia about her special tub and to view it at sunset.

After I finished this interview I had fun playing the SL version of the game Clue with Helios and Rua. Besides Clue I also saw Greedy Greedy.

So next time you want to try out a new hangout spot just to try something new. Go to Nydia's Castaway Cove, located in the Kalmeere Paradise sim (18, 184, 21)

Grease Coakes

Luskwood Turns Eight

From Friday October 14th, to Sunday October 16th, Luskwood, one of the oldest communities in Second Life, celebrated it’s eighth anniversary. At the Lusk Tree and nearby Perry Amphitheater, the residents celebrated with music events, and a couple gifts.

At eight years old, Luskwood is the oldest "Furry" community in Second Life, and among the oldest across Second Life reguardless of genere. Besides being the location of a social area that always seem to have at least a few people over even in odd hours, it's also the location of the first company of avatar makers, Luskwood Creatures. Because of it's longevity and strictly enforced rules against lewd behavior, Luskwood is often the first place in Second Life science fiction and fantasy fans head to after being told about it by friends. Due to it's close proximity to a newcomer entry area, it's also the unintentional first social area of many others as well. Although a few newcomers are a bit intimidated by the residents' non human appearances, all are welcomed except griefers.

Luskwood's celebrations began with what was likely their most noted event, an hour of the musical duo Jaycatt Nico and Frogg Marlowe, better known as “Jaycatt and Frogg” or just “F & J, “ playing on the stage near the big tree at 7PM SL time. From the stage, they played several songs, Jaycatt on the piano and Frogg on the guitar. From the seats, both their mostly human-looking regular crowd and the furred Luskwood locals cheered them on. Afterwards, they talked a little with the audience, Jaycatt jumping down from the stage. Founder Michi Lumin had a little something for him: a “LW8B” (Luskwood 8th Birthday) baseball hat and T-shirt.


Jaycatt Nico: Okies, love the hat. (smile)

Michi Lumin: We'll likely have stuff on and off all weekend, most of it tomorrow, but thanks as usual F & J. for. doing this for so long. (smile)

Jaycatt Nico: It's been a pleasure.

Reignick Deakins: Glad to hear you every time.

Ranlei Random (ranlei.jewell): F&J are part of what makes Luskwood family.

Maurice (maurice.mistwallow): Frogg and Jaycatt should make a sing along blog.

Jaycatt Nico: We love playing here, it's kind of an honor for me. Hehe. ... I normally don't look good in a hat, but this one does better than expected.

Ranlei Random (ranlei.jewell): It's a cool cat hat, so it looks cool on a cat.

Michi Lumin: We kinda made it at the last minute, (grin) people wanted something to wear, heh.


Following Jaycatt and Frogg, Burr Lehane DJed for a time at the Big Tree. On Saturday, live singer Keeba Tammas performed at the auditorium at Noon SL time followed by guitarist Shannon Oherlihy at 1PM. at 3PM, it was constant DJ music by local residents, such as Luskwood member Chippingham Millions. There would be one more music event on Sunday.

In the past, anniversary events at Luskwood would sometimes remain crowded to very late at night. Although late, the Friday and Saturday celebrations did not quite go as late as some. This was anticipated by founder Michi, “This year's birthday probably wont be as eye-exploding as the other years just because, well ... when we hit 10 years, *that'll* be a big one. (grin)”

Luskwood got some praise at the event, a Ranlei Jewell sayin, “I love Luskwood and everything about it. I rarely feel welcome in any one spot for long. So Luskwood’s a haven.” Michi responded, “We do appreciate it guys. We know Second Life is big and, people come through, come and go and stuff, I just hope we have helped some around the grid. And we'll keep doing this as long as we can. ... I think Second Life is growing again a bit; maybe not in population but I think the communities that are here are becoming more solid and meaningful. ... It goes in circles, communities are organisms, they consist of people, people come and go, it takes time for new people find their place in community, so it ‘breathes.’ ... Body count isn't everything though. And, time and place for different things. Sometimes folks are in the mood for head pounding action, sometimes not.” DJ Burr joked, “Sometimes they’re just in the mood for ... (pause) nevermind. (grin)” Ranlei added, “Fads come and fads go. Clubs grow and fade. But communities thrive.”

With the anniversary celebrations over, things at the Big Tree return more or less to normal, as a social area that can be a little quiet, but one is sure to find at least a small group even at odd hours.

“Even if you've got another place that's your home now, you’re always welcome to come back.” - Michi

Bixyl Shuftan