Reader Submitted: The Blake Sea

By Becky "Sha" Shamen

This is my third article, in a series of reports on adventure tours in SL. Since starting SL, over three and a half years ago, I have always enjoyed discovering new things to do and see here. One of my favorite viewers is Nirans. On each start up, while the program loads, they post "tips." One of the tips says that Chuck Norris has completed SL 3 times. This always makes me ask, how is this possible. Every time I think I've done everything there is to do in SL, along comes something new, to me. There seems to be no end to what you can do here. I once wrote, in a song, "Each time I do discover is like love to me. By the time there's nothing left undone, what a lover I'll be". And so, with love, I offer my report on the Blake Sea.

I mentioned, in a previous article, the Blake Sea is a collection of sims which connects the continents of Satori and Nautilus and extends eastward from there. This eastern portion contains 195 connected sims, covering 12.78 million square meters. We will confine this report to the eastern portion. My expeditions began there after I got a free sailing ship from the marketplace. The ship is a large privateer, called Minerva, with three masts, stay sails and square sails and 18 cannons. It is propelled by the winds in SL.


I needed an area with lots of room, in which to master it's use. Checking the Destination Guide, I found a number of ports in the Blake Sea, from which I could rez my ship and set sail. I found a port, called Diego, which had a pirate theme, which seamed to go well with my ship's design. It didn't take long to discover a couple of drawbacks that came with this choice. For one, there is a sea monster, called Kracken, that frequents the western end of the harbor. Once I found my way around him, I immediately discovered the next peril.

There are four sims, on the West side of Diego, which when entered, announce, in the title bar, their sim name and the warning, "Caution-Pirate Zone!" Later, I learned that these water sims, Kendra, Beaufort, Cannonade and Thunderer, are part a 13 sim group involved in the "All Seas Battle Group." In the shopping area, on Diego, you can join this group, check the schedule of planned battles, as well as buy pirate clothing, ships and other accessories. If you are sailing in the area, in a period ship and have cannons aboard, you are fair game for any ship that wants to use you for shooting practice. Cannon balls are objects that must be rezzed and many of the other water sims don't allow them. On the dock, bellow the shops, there are a number of ship merchants that provide docked show models, so you can see before you buy.

If pirates aren't your thing, you might consider hooking up with the United Sailing Sims, which has numerous yacht clubs in the Blake Sea and hosts regularly scheduled sailboat races, for all classes and sized boats.Want to just sail, without racing or battles?  Blake Sea is open to all and there are many places where you can rez your boats, be they wind, gas or steam powered.  I should mention here, there are rules to follow on the sea. Mostly, they are based on the SL TOS rules, but there is one I should mention. Sailboats have the right of way. Also, you must power down or steer clear of any races in progress. There are hundreds of islands to visit. Some have towns. Many are small and have only one or two homes on them. If you are interested in living by the sea, there are many places available.

Travel on water is not the only way to get around. The Blake Sea is also a great place to fly and there are a number of airports to be found. I even visited an aircraft carrier, just west of the pirate sims. The skies are full of planes, seaplanes and helicopters. I turn heads, when I fly in my Tesla UFO or my H.G.Wells time machine. If it flies, it's allowed. In most areas, you can also free fly, like Superman.
Look in the title bar, at the top of your viewer, for the icons that tell what is not allowed at any given location.

In addition to travel, Blake Sea also has a number of sites of interest. At the South end, you'll find the largest ship in all of SL, the SS Galaxy. The Galaxy is host to many events and, if you are laden with a chest or two of doubloons, you can rent a suite there. In my travels, I came across a large sim, called "Greenhouse", which features every imaginable plant, flower and tree under the sun. When I plan a trip to places, I often use the world map to pan around looking for unusual features. Unlike when you are on the surface, the map lets you see the sea floor. While preparing a map, for this article, I kept noticing an un-natural looking sea floor, just west of the Galaxy. I finally decided to go explore the cause of the appearance. I placed a marker on it and teleported there. On arrival, I found myself under water, surrounded by ancient stone buildings. A glance up at the title bar told me I was in a place called, "My Atlantis". One of the buildings seamed to be a home, was unlocked and nobody on the whole sim, so I went in for a quick peek. Signs revealed that this was connected with "Bloodlines", so I was all the more rushed to get back out. Never the less, it was all a very attractive build and worthy of mention here.

I spent the better part of a week exploring the Blake Sea, in preparation for this article and will surely go back many more times. I could tell you more, but want you to have the joy of discovering it yourself. There are still many islands I have not visited yet and, like many, I find it's just fun going sailing and flying on the Blake Sea. I've provided a map, showing some key places, to help plan your visits. The map shows only the East end of the sea. It continues at least three miles to the West, but that will have to be another story. Have a bon voyage, keep a lookout for me and please don't point any cannons in my direction.

Sha

The Minoan Empire

The man behind Aeneas Anthony's avatar is a real life history teacher, one whose vision was to recreate the Minoan culture in 1500 B.C. The civilization had always fascinated him and since there wasn't a Minoan sim, he decided to create one.

Anthony reminds us that the Minoans were contemporaries of the ancient Egyptians. They appeared to be more peaceful than most ancient societies.

Here on Second Life, The Minoan Empire introduced participants to some of the
mythological elements that fit the ancient Greeks’ stories.

"About 95% of the structures were my design, based on photographs from archaeological excavations on Crete and Santorini (Thera)," explained Anthony. "In the past year, I was able to upgrade some of the textures and columns from wonderful creations by Alekso Minotaur and Airedale Magic. We use to have four regions joined together, which allowed for sailing. We also had a reconstruction of the Thera volcano for the first two years of the empire."

Anthony had a historical theme-based residential community. He states that there was a true roleplay environment there, other than in-character temple ceremonies led by priestesses.

Asked what fond memories he would carry with him during his future Second Life
experiences, Anthony replied that he enjoyed the building process during the first few months.

"Along the way, I also upgraded parts of the sim to make them more historical as I was able to do so," he said. "I also value many personal friendships that were developed here, and allowing so many good and interesting people to have a stage on which to interact in a peaceful and interesting environment."

As for his own involvement, Anthony created several different avatars and roles. He was the Royal Architect, and was responsible for the business aspect of the sim. As Minos Eracktor, King of Crete, he presided over the chariot races and supervised the court dancers in the Palace of Minos. On rare occasions, he portrayed some of the gods and the Minotaur in the Labyrinth.

In addition to all that he built, Anthony created a Museum of the Minoan Civilization.
This virtual introduction to an ancient culture was for many a first perspective. It kindled a social network of close friends, as well.

Having teleportated to the skybuild entryway to Ancient Crete, I was led to the heart of the city: the palace. I found my visit to be dedicated to the time period in greeting and attitude. My guide was Stroldor Demonia, the Governor of Crete, and her guard, Westley.They were in character and knowledgeable the majority of the tour. The tour was no less than 1 ½ hours. Demonia detailed the various highlights and Westley added his helpful comments.

A weekly chariot race on Sunday afternoons was the main activity and brought in non-members. A friendly beach party followed. There were 15 residences and a marketplace that featured time-appropriate furniture, clothing and structures.

According to Demonia, the majority of the meetings were held in the palace. There was the great hall or feast room, for large gatherings. The throne room was next door and the palace dance hall, upstairs. In the throne room, the King received foreign dignitaries and treasures from other nations the King had allied with.

"There is definitely a lot of history within these walls," said Demonia, and then she led me out of the palace. "Down there is the labyrinth where the Minotaur resides. It is a maze filled with perils at every turn. Only the bravest find their way out," she said before she leads me to the dance hall. “Group members had many formal events in the dance hall. Above it was the King's private residence.”

Shortly after, we stand on a terrace that overlooks the city. I view the many special areas where members shared their hours.

There are two highlights that focus on the spiritual aspects of the Minoan culture.
Ceremonies rotated around the temples. One is the Bull Temple that stands above the city. Here ceremonies were held every night.

"This is the mighty bull, the incarnation of Zeus, father to our beloved King Minos," she explains. "This is how he manifested himself to Europa mother of King Minos. He is known as the god of virility, with grace and stamina.

Westley continues by telling me that Zeus abducted the Phoenician princess, Europa, disguised as a bull, and then carried her on his back to the island of Crete where she bore him three sons: Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon. As per the records, not his words, he notes.

The other ceremonial site is the Temple of Poseidon. Demonia stated that they had
ceremonies daily at noon and 5 p.m. sl on weekends.

"This is Poseidon, the ruler of the waves and earth shaker," explained Demonia. "He protects our ships as they are our only way of trade.”

"Voyages were dangerous," I added.

"Yes, they were, and the only way to trade our goods and bring in much needed food that we could not supply ourselves," she replied.

We then wandered down to an area that honored Europa, the Moon goddess, queen of tides, giver of dew and moisture; she also was mortal, which made King Minos a demigod.

Onward we move to Earth Mother, the breath of life for everything.

"Hence the statue is bare breasted," said my guide. "The ladies of Crete honor her by revealing their breasts. There are many ancient pictures that depict this. The most famous are the three ladies.”

Next came the Council of Resident's Hall, where discussions were held about what they would like to happen within the community.

In the Hall of Nations many peace treaties were signed. Demonia mentioned that the real civilization was the only nation that treated women equal to men.

"Women were not just regarded as homemakers. They were actively encouraged to
participate within the political system," she told me.

The last stop on the tour is the chariot viewing stand. The track was around the island rather than a circle. She also noted how the beach was a great place for everyone to chat and catch up.

This special historical build was in existence for over 3 years. Anthony’s attention to
detail was amazing and it was his passion, according to Demonia and many visitors would agree. Though the sim is now closed, an "exile community" will continue with the chariot races and dances on the beach of a different adult sim.

Here’s the landmark: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Darwins%20Arch/33/223/22.

Netera Landar

Editor's Note: Netera sent over a notecard separate from the article announcing their new location. It's included as the Minoan's epilouge.

Khaire Fellow Minoans,

The tsunami devastated our land... a few of us survived and have made an exile community, we had some items wash up on shore with us...

We are going to continue with the Chariot Races and celebrate that Earth Mother spared us by dancing afterwards at the beach in traditional style....

Hope all survivors make their way here, we look forward to seeing you all...

Tron Legacy Adventure

My friend Erin Fensen, who loves everything that moves fast, suggested I check out “Tron”. She and her friends have been playing there recently. The role play is a tribute to the movie and is huge, covering the sims of Vixens Isle, Pattern, Rebma, and Amber. Start the adventure at Tron Legacy Adventures-Medie, Vixens Isle (167, 233, 2454).

You will arrive at the Rez Restore Point at the End of Line Club. This area has the traditional grid of Tron, a dance ball, couches for socializing, and information about the RP sim. Notecards were easy to find and give you a quick update on the area and lingo used in Tron. This makes it easy for a novice to get into the game quickly. Membership in their group "Amber Racing Association” is free.

Walk up the ramp to the right to go into a HUGE play area. This is a place for some serious fun. Free Tron clothes and a demo Light Cycle are available here so you can get into the mood immediately. The area is decorated with set pieces from the movie that are so big they wouldn’t fit into a photo.

While I was looking at the clothes and light cycle, resident AmyLee Rexen arrived and rezzed her Legacy BETA 7 cycle. Rexen offered to let me ride it, and she assured me it was easy to shift and control. But when she warned me that it will blow up if it hits a wall, I decided to watch her ride. Rexen said she is in training for combat. She tied in her first attempt when she and her opponent both hit their own light trails. “But it was still fun,” she said.

The sim is very active, and three or four residents arrived while we were chatting. Resident Spooko Zauberman came by to ask about the cycles and the RP. Group member Rhaiyu Ninetails, who had joined us, was friendly and explained many of Tron’s amenities. “We have the club located here, of course, which serves as the entry point,” she said. “Most of us enjoy being here, close to the entry point, and socializing. Vendors are located to the northeast of the sim. The south contains the Lightcycle battle grid, and further south includes a tank battle region, plus Kevin Flynn's home while in exile.” Ninetails told Zauberman that the light cycles can be bought in the mall and also in the Marketplace online.

When I heard the word “mall” I knew where I wanted to go. The first shop I came to, Sugar Shack, was having a Grand Opening special---free Tron clothes. Even if I don’t return for combat, I knew I couldn’t pass up that bargain. The suit looks like a snowmobile outfit, and I can definitely use one of those. The mall area has a number of Tron-related stores and room to expand to a second floor that is reachable by escalator. Flynn's Arcade is nearby, but I didn’t have time to check it out.

The Amber region is already used by many residents for drag racing, and the Light Cycle racing arena will be found here. Superbikes and Gee Bee Aerial Racing is also done here.

In addition to the playing in “The Games”, other RP opportunities exist, such as being refugees on foot or bike racing to get past the tanks, rescuing friends, making secret contacts, uncovering plots, or reaching the Safe House for the next part of the quest. The only thing better than watching the 3d Tron movie is living it in SL.

Grey Lupindo

Raisin Ranch

A few weeks ago I discovered the world of Ameretto horses. I don’t want to buy one of them (at least not yet), but it did get me interested in riding horses again. I wondered if there were any places in SL where residents could ride without investing their Lindens in livestock. Luckily I have found a few, and Raisin Ranch, owned by residents Denis Lagan and Equinox Pinion, is one of the most beautiful.

If you want a great trail ride or simply a beautiful spot to explore on foot, start at Raisin Ranch at Fruit Islands, Raisin (113, 48, 25). There’s a kiosk where you can pick up a free horse if you don’t have one of your own. The land is surrounded by tall waterfalls on one side and a sandy beach on the other. Palm trees provide shade, and there are lots of places on the beach where you can have a quiet talk or a picnic. Lush vegetation complements the area, and you can enjoy the sound of ocean waves or country music, whichever you prefer.

A series of wooden bridges connect the islands and make for an interesting ride or stroll. Pelicans, sea turtles, toucans and other wildlife can be found here. Continue up a steep mountain trail that is next to the ocean. What a view! Look around and you might find an eagle nest, too. But watch out for the cougars!

If you survive, continue on up the mountain. You’ll soon cross a stone bridge that leads around a volcanic lava flow. Beyond the volcano you’ll find ancient ruins and a beautiful waterfall hidden in a lovely tropical forest. If you’re with your special someone, you might want to tie up your horses and climb the steps on foot. You’ll be rewarded with a special treat at the top of the ruin.

The colors and sounds are amazing at this part of the sim, and the trail ride was fun. But if you want more excitement, you can find that here, too. Ranch residents, Valky Bigbear and Harald Zimer, have organized Italian Country Ranch, which features barrel racing and more. It is located at Fruit Islands, Raisin (202, 164, 451). Here, too, you can get a free horse and try your skill at racing around the barrels. Competitions are held regularly, and the rules are posted. If you’re fast enough, you might even win a cash prize.

If all that racing makes you thirsty, walk next door to the saloon for a free cold one. Or avoid getting dusty and sweaty in the first place and come here to watch the others race. You can pick up a schedule of events, then sit and relax in front of a roaring fire. You can even do a little line dancing, too.

Grey Lupindo

Summer Treats - Aero Pines Park

With the myriad of fun that has always been at Aero Pines Park and Recreation Center already, you would think Cindy Bolero would be sitting back relaxing, but no! There are some new activities for your summer enjoyment.

She has created a wonderful lagoon for mermaids and mermen! You can go there and just hang out or dance. If you have not tried being a merperson don’t worry, there are tails there for you to try. There is now a leisurely balloon ride you can take to float slowly over all the sims to see the mountains and valleys there. The bike trail is complete now! You will ride through 8 regions of lovely country and hill side with delightful stops along the way.

I stopped in at an Indian Village to try the activites . I switched to a motorcycle at Zoe’s Roadhouse but switched to a helicopter when I reached the Seaplane marina . All the vehicles are there for you to use along the way. Just watch out for the Horses traveling on some of the bike paths. If you want to try the horse riding you will be able to get a demo at the Equestrian Center. That way you can go off trail too.

I love this area!! Options are so many! I have to keep going back and so will you. There are residents and you will know by the closed doors. Any buildings with open doors are there for you to enter. You will find a note card with all the places along the bike trail, but will find much more yourself. Oh, by the way, I saw a horse race track under construction!! What next?!

The entrance to Aero Pines Park and Recreation Center is in the Equus sim at (11,199,22)

Gemma Cleanslate