Shadowfell

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

“Continue the journey as Calas Galadhon creators Tymus Tenk and Truck Meredith reopen the dark Elven gates of SHADOWFELL, this year traveling by elven boat or on foot into a 4th new region - the new location of Ruins of the Elven City and new tour!” I wait for this every Halloween with great expectation. I have never been disappointed. When Ty and Truck open any holiday special installation it is always a wonder. Halloween is an experience that is not similar to any other that I have found in all my years in SL. I have others I like to visit with relish but this is unequal. Take the notecard offered at the landing point with information and landmarks not to be missed but put it in your pocket. I have to use a brighter lighting than recommended to get photos for the paper.)

At arrival there are reminders and helps that will make your experience fuller if you heed them. I always find that three or four lengthy visits to see all there is to see and find all the hidden sites require at least this amount of time. Walking is a definite best way to see all but the first thing I always do is take the boat ride to feel the energy from the sights and sounds along the waterway and into the sky as the boat takes off over the forest for an aerial view.

The boat is for two people so bring your partner or friend along or do it alone. Keep your hands inside because you never know what might pop up from the water, or along the shore that might like to grab you. The iridescense of the surrounding foliage is entrancing. PBR has enhanced the old looking like all is new. Micky Mouse is still visiting there and I was happy to see him again as I passed in the boat.

Then is it on to the walking. The signage is very helpful and there is a walk with me rezzer for couples.

The walk through the Ruins over the bridges and along the pathways of the forbidden forest and gardens are helped along by the lit matches found on the ground but wondering off the paths is also exciting and beautiful in all the regions you walk. 

Some of the creatures of the wilds are frightening but never spoil the walk. Eyes may glare at you as you pass and follow you down the path. Be sure to watch for the journey clothes along the way that take you off to unseen sites. In the Cistern I found creatures trying so hard to leave and maybe you can join them.

After the walking I suggest you take your notecard out and check to see that you did not miss any of the main sites. The landmarks will take you to each. Don’t miss any by accident. The stage at the Pavilion is where the many parties are held during the month. Joining the Calas Galadhon group will keep you informed of any events going on and the DJs performing. Here and there You will see pumpkins with a donation request. Ty and Truck have never required a payment for all their many regions that are always available to visit and enjoy so if you can afford some lindens to support their continued ventures it will be appreciated. For many years in the old days they never even asked for donations until members urged them to do it. I am glad and I am sure it pays for new additions to Shadowfell.

I usually end my tours in the Elven Flyer. Looking out over the forests, ruins, from above imprints the experience for another year and I put my flashlight away.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIST/9/77/23

Gemma Cleanslate 

Shadowfell

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

 

    Star of Earendil whispers “Welcome as we travel back to Calas Galadhon's SHADOWFELL
... beyond the dark forest, quarry and the beauty of its gardens and into the swamps …”
These two regions called Mist hold the most spectacular display in SL in my opinion. Every year Ty Tenk  and Truck Meridith of Calas Galadhon work to make this experience something to behold by adding to it. One cannot just pop in and go through all the venues in one day. Repeated visits are a must so plan your time.

When I arrive and check out the entrance area the first thing I do is get my flashlight and read the posts to make sure I am ready for the visit. The nearby boat ride is my first choice just to relax and look at the view of landscape from the river. Iridescent colors and flickering lights that hover add to the relaxation and music enhances the ride. The boat carries two so bring along a companion.

Watch the shore for many creatures that hang around the bank or hover above trying to surprise or shock you .

Who did I see but Micky Mouse ! That was a shock. 

The bioluminescence of the swamp foliage is so strikingly gorgeous. One must be sure to use the environmental shared lighting though I did adjust the lighting a bit to get some photos. The boat does drift up into the air iat times to pass over the plants and trees.

After the boat ride I began a trek along the paths leading to the many venues all so varied but all so hauntingly lovely. The music all along the way is so fitting to the total experience. The signage helps direct one . Also look for Journey cloths that are teleports to hidden places . I have to find more when I return to really explore sites. Ty said more will be added as the month progresses.

The Forbidden Forest and the Gardens exploration take time to admire all the plants, trees and flowers in brilliant color. Places to sit and gaze out over the forest give time to really see what is below. The Quarry contains some frightening creatures. Orcs, dragons, demons and other wonders. Thankfully they don’t follow along the walk, just stand threatening passersby.

The Pavilion as usual is set for many events during the month. Check out the schedule.

I have many more visits to make to finally see all that is there . In some areas as you walk there are torches lying on the ground that will direct you to the proper places not to be missed. And in a few places there are teleports set to lift you to unseen places. Though Shadowfell returns every year it seems new every year Maybe there will be a TP hud later so watch for that. Here is the entrance. Perhaps you will see me there again along the paths. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIST/9/84/23

Gemma Cleanslate