In my last post about Persia – The Immortals I only briefly mentioned the harbour, featuring just a view from above. This wasn’t because there’s nothing down there, more that it didn’t seem to fit into the flow of the post. This is because there doesn’t seem to be a way to get down there on foot. I did however explore and snap it, so in the spirit of completeness, I’m sharing those now.
Obviously since this is SL and no path, I did the Lemming thing and just jumped off the wall.
I landed among some wooden barricades, so was grateful I wasn’t wearing their combat hud or that might have hurt!
There’s various marine props about the place, as well as more barricades. This put me in mind of a “Raid Dock” found in SL Gor,but that’s where the similarity ends thankfully.
At the seaward end of the dock is a gangplank leading across to galleon.
The view toward the sea is a beautiful purple sunsetThe looming galleon is stricken on the rocks
I crossed the plank to have a brief look inside. Not a lot to see, a bed and some other homely furniture.
Don’t get any ideas about this being a nice quiet spot for a cuddle though, the bed is linked to the hull of the ship, so you can’t sit your avatar on it.
This place is beautiful shadow-draped historically styled region based on ancient Persia of 550B.C.
Arriving through some undergrowth to the bottom of a set of steps drenched in shadows of statues cast by purple moonlight, it has got to to be one of my favourite region arrivals for quite a while.
As you proceed its pleasantly free of clutter, just a few boards, but not intrusive, before you come to your ride.
Left we have staff boards
Right we have group joiner and combat system vendor
Ride a horse benefits: Fuel Efficient, Environmentally Friendly,Can drive you home when drunk!
Just click the horse and choose a name from the menu to get your own horse to ride. I picked “magic” because that’s how the place feels. You proceed by walking through a multi-layered veil into a dark but open space.
When you go through it’s such a view, dark and mysterious. To the left is the top arches of an arena, some steps ahead and to the right a small plain leading to a river.
At the top of the steps is a sign reading:
Raid Field
Arena
Shops
Rezz Zone.
Seeing the word “Raid” I decided I’d check that later and headed to the right towards the the intruiging palm trees and buildings.
The word “Raid” suggests caution is in order.
Heading towards the distant lights there are buildings and palm trees.
Down a gentle bank is a paved collanade following the path of a dry stream bed. Across the here are a few small homes, some of which are for rent.
Having seen all there was in this area I backtracked towards the steps and the arena.
Aerial view of the Arena
I headed down the steep steps and onto the cobbled path below, passing the entrance to the Arena. The next thing tou see is an imposing temple, which I’ll investigate later, there’s a more impressive view ahead.
The steps are Steep be cautious!
The cobbled path makes your direction clear
Passing the Arena
An imposing temple to investigate
What caught my attention ahead were two rather large bridges arching over an impressive harbour scene.
I took the nearest bridge and crossed to the other side where there is a row of various shops. These sell an assortment of appropriately themed weapons and RP props. I headed left towards the harbour mouth until I came to a guard (npc) blocking your way. Mainly because there’s nowhere else to go except back the way you came, or steps onto the roofs of the shops.
Row of buildings across the bridges
Large ornate archways lead onto the bridge
Back at the other end of the row there is a narrow but passable slope that used to get back down to the plains.
The bottom of this slope leads me towards the temples, so time to have a look inside. It’s rather imposing from the outside, with steps on either side of the entrance leading up to it. Inside its suitably gloomy in kind with the surroundings, lit by torches near the altar. It does have the feeling of reverence you often experience at religious sites, although I can’t really explain how that works in a virtua space.
Strangely however it’s for rent..but I couldn’t find any kind of residential accommodation thereabouts.
I stopped to meditate for a little while before leaving, because back outside there’s only one structure I’d not explored yet, the Arena and I’m not the fighting type.
A few moments editation before leaving the temple
Fortunately at this time of day there were no combatants about so it was a peaceful visit to this place of violent sport.
A torchlit archway leads into the Arena
At this time of day it is quiet as a grave fortunately for me!
This is an amazingly beautiful region to see and wander around. If you want to join in their Roleplay there is a group joiner at the landing point as well as a vendor for their free combat system called “URA Kombat”.
Update 12th Feb: Wondering about the harbour? Check out the follow-up post: Persepolis Docks
A beautiful Viking/Scandinavian theme location that has a wonderfully cold wintery atmosphere to it. It looked great when I arrived and started taking my snapshots, then I remembered to turn on Shared Environment setting and wow, the place took on a whole new feel.
Midday setting
Shared Environment setting
I find it’s always good to look behind you when you arrive at places, you never know what you’ll find. This is why most of my posts have a rear-facing shot near the beginning.
Behind you on arrival
To the right
To the Left
Most of the time it’s a blank wall, this is one of those times that it’s not, there’s a set of steps leading up the hill from the beach.
There’s a few houses and meeting hall which all look great and fun to explore. You can see from up here all across the bay, the waters seem to go on forever, but there is also a far shore that needs exploring!
Back down the steps there is a log bridge that takes you into a dense woodland. But this is no walk in the park! There’s an assortment of animals in here, not all of them friendly.
A couple of bears are far enough to not be a worry, but the wolf pack (you’ll hear it before you see it) deserve a wide berth, so as not disturb their catch. This small scene is actually really effective with animated deer and wolf snarling sounds, makes it feel real.
Further along the path widens into a small clearing containing someone’s home. There are a number of these dotted around, their simplicity compared to the houses suggests outcasts or solitary individuals keeping away from the main local community.
This place is on the end of a land peninsular so has water in 3 sides, I went across to the beach to get a closer look at something I saw in the distance from the landing point. A rather large creature circling in the water, definitely a place for a paddle!
Retracing my steps through the woods there is a steep set of steps leading up the mountain (by SL proportions). It’s quite a walk up to the top, with some great views as you go up and from the top.
There are signs of some old structures half buried in the ground as you approach the summit. When you reach the top (giving the solitary howling wolf plenty of space) there appears to be an area of worship, with standing stones and a sacrificial altar. You can also see from here another little home, on the beach below a large statue. In the opposite direction is a barren clifftop view over the sea, which can be quite calming to enjoy with the sounds of whistling wind.
Up here I met with the regions creator and we had a nice chat. I said I kept expecting to find an NPC of Floki (a crazy little guy from the Amazon series Vikings) in one of the huts. I asked her about RP in the region and she told me there was none organised, but people were welcome to come and use it for that, she just wanted to create a beautiful place.
Which in my opinion she has achieved and surpassed. If you’re a fan of the series or anything like Viking culture, you will love this place.
To get the best experience I would suggest you enable Shared Environment setting, so it looks how the creator intended it.
If you’ve not got this turned on, in a Firestorm goto the World menu select Environment then “Shared Environment”.
I read this morning on Twitter that one of the Time Portal locations in SL, a WW1 simulation was to be closing, so I thought I’d do as the message suggeste. Go have a look before it’s gone!
The arrival point is train station
I explored some of the ruined building first
Directions, with a Warning
Looking down on the trenches
You really feel the sense of confed space
Especiallly when exploring the living quarters
Tiny little spaces to sleep
live
and work
Notes and letters on the wall next to the ladder
Lots of little details
Up and “Over the Top”
A glancee back the way I had come
Before heading into the light
The location is due to be gone “by years end”, so go check it out. Turn up your sounds and lights down for best experience.
I missed the last incarnation of this place, since it doesn’t seem to stay for long, so I’m pleased I got to visit this time around. Hopefully it’ll still be there for you to visit when you read this.
To set the scene this is the land description:
Drune Crossroads
A drift down memory lane, with an eldritch tone. Cyberpunk Streets, Cyber Punk City, Sci Fi, Bladerunner, Lovecraft
So you can expect lots of bright neon lights, dark alleyways and (non-drivable)flying cars.
The arrival point is an Underground (Subway) station.
exit through the ticket barriers up the escalator as you would a real station.
This takes you up into a waiting room
Now we get to the interesting part, exiting this area takes you out into a main street where you are bombarded with the expected neon and shopfronts.
You then come to what must be the proclaimed “crossroads”.
You may have noticed in the last picture in the previous gallery I passed a blue Christmas tree, this becomes relevant when you reach the crosroads.
There’s different coloured trees in different directions, this helps you keep your bearings, when at street level at least. I picked red and went that way.
Drune has lots of little nooks and crannies full of detail, as I walked I saw a sliding door open slightly and had a peek.
This one was a car repair place,not super interesting from my point of view, but illustrates the detail put into the place.
When I got to the end of the road there was a junction
To the Left
To the Right
I headed right towards the pink neon lighting a stairwell and wasn’t surprised what I found..a bar with a some rather evocative statues at the entrance and some fun solo dance furniture.
Heading through to the back I had a look down at the street below
Next I retraced my steps down to ground level and took the opposite alley that took me to a ground level bar with a somewhat classier feel.
I then took a nearby fire-escape style staircase which seemed to go on for ever, when I reached the top I look over the edge…it’s a long way down!
However up at the top is a whole nother way of seeing the city, via a maze of walkways.
When I reached the apparent end there seemed to fortunately be a lift back down
But when I took it down and followed the subsequent corridor..It led to a locked door!
I had no choice but to go back up and walk around the gangways. But as I said, it’s a bit of a maze and couldn’t find the stairs! I decided to abandon my pedestrian approach that I try to stick to when exploring and took the express route back to the ground, that you could only get away with in SL, jump over the railing. The fall seemed even further than it looked.
Back on the ground I’d landed in what at first glance was a sex venue of some kind, til I read the second line “Cosmetic Surgery”, not what you normally might associate red or pnk neon with, also not a roleplay avenue I’d want to pursue!
On the whole another great incarnation of the cityscape, worth visiting for sure, lots to be found with lots of attention to detail.
Arrival point: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Real%20Angel%20Estate/33/128/37 Region Rating: Adult
(although it could probaby get away with being rated Moderate, if it weren’t for a few revealing photos on an upper level,since the signage everywhere appears to be merely suggestive and I didn’t find any furniture with adult animations.)
This interesting place I came across via a Discord Server called “Seeking Roleplay” where people can chat about roleplay and related topics as well as advertise locations. This is the description given:
Aluvyn Skies… In a world where everything hovers over an ancient Abyss, and one mis-step can mean death… or worse… how will you choose to find your fate? The floating isles of Aluvyn are home to a host of creatures, some familiar, some fantastic, but all are an integral part of the story, and we’re looking for you to join it! Come join us in this unique medieval fantasy world, and see where you fit in – or not… Perhaps it’s your time to make a difference instead of just ‘get along’… Both dark and light creatures fill this universe, and each has their own allure, but you won’t know where your place is unless you try.
It certainly sounded alluring so I went to visit. It’s divided up into a number of different areas, with intriguing names.
[07:59:02] Obibor's Spring: Obibor's Spring is is rich with the scent of rain and river mud. The grass is soft and damp, welcoming to the bare foot. The spring was formed by the God's as one of the ways for residents to claim water, and most wells in the world are filled from one of the springs that are spread around. This specific one is guarded by a Cairn named Obibor. He is gentle, friendly, but protective of the spring. Should anyone try to cause harm to this island, it is said he will remove them rather violently. The spring is open to all who need water....Ava Bloodrose
[07:59:52] The Stone Garden: The Stone Garden is the true geographical center of Aluvyn, as well as the religious center. This island is entirely neutral, no faction or island owns nor operates here. all are welcome to worship and contemplate the universe in the peaceful garden as they walk as close to the gods as one can get. The Stone Garden is thick with magic, and even the plants seem to exhale it. This place is for refreshing oneself, and replenishing the natural pool of energy within one's soul....Ava Bloodrose
[08:10:53] The Traps: The Traps sprawl before you, darkened by greed and a rather think layer of dirt. There is black market trading everywhere you turn, and you might just land yourself with something valuable once in a while. But be wary, you might end up on the pointy end of a blade if you cross the wrong person....Ava Bloodrose
[08:19:57] The Swamps of Vorst: The sound of cicadas, frogs, and the gentle buble of water greets your ears as you enter the swamps. The air is heavy, but somehow still cool in the shade of the cypress trees. Rare herbs and wood can be found among the Swamps, and though the residents of the Swamps are often hearty and strong, they do not prevent wanderers and visitors from traveling and gathering needed materials. You may find them giving sacrifice to Vorst in the depths of the Swamps, or having a cookout around a giant campfire in the village compound....Ava Bloodrose
[08:38:02] The Smog Islands: The heavy scent of incense and opium greet your nose as you enter the Smog Islands. The air is thick with it, and it's hard to tell if the ever lingering fog is a result of the constantly burning incense or if the air here just creates it endlessly. The island is busy with mine workers and traders coming and going, and you get a sense of authority and direction from the imposingly large building that stands over the docks....Ava Bloodrose
Usually I’d insert my images in-between those quotes of local chat, relating to each specific area. However since several times the messages weren’t always triggering when I landed but when I was leaving by the nearest TP arch, it wasn’t always clear which was which. So rather than wrongly organize the images, I’ve made a gallery of all the snaps I took. Of course doing it this way should also be more incentive for you to go explore for yourself.
“This is Halloween” quite a self confident name/claim for a location I thought when I saw it on the Destinations, so I had to have a look and see if it lived up to it.
It does certainly give you that kind of feel on arrival, the mandatoryhooded ghoulish figure, twisted trees and some pumpkins.
Behind you are some more trees with an inviting path, so that’s the way I headed
Through the trees and a dark hollow log tunnel, leads you to enchanging night view
and of course, the pumkin patch
Following the paths in any direction take you to a variety of spooky sights, I’ll include a few snaps here, but it’s worth having an explore to feel the spooky atmosphere yourself.
Spooky house
Haunted church
Woodland village
Cauldron by old hut
Corn feild maze
Spooky crossroads
Big old house with graveyard
Full moon
Does it live up to it’s namesake title? Well it has all the expected parts, the conclusion I leave you.
Forgotten Souls is a “abandoned frontier town” type of place with some older and newer elements thrown in. The landing point drops you outside a cemetery, but you can’t enter directly from this side so I took a wander.
There appeared to be some lights in the other direction, so I headed that way and found what appeared to be an old store of some kind.
Place unsurprisingly a bit of a wreck, but some figures ehead so I headed in that direction
Which lead me to some of what must be the Lost Souls the place is named for.
I took some stairs outside a near building to give me a bit of a better view
Seeing that there appeared to just be wasteland beyond the living corpses I went back the other way to see what else the town had to offer.
First stop was obviously the Cemetery
Further along what could only be called the main street was a foreboding building on the opposite side, the Asylum.
I just had to have a peek inside..
A familiar looking night watchman outside (see previous post), I wonder if there’s an agency for them?
The lobby lounge area, not a place I’d want to admit even the most nuts of relatives
Not sure if this was hospital or mortuary..probably both.
At the end of the street there appears some kind of ruined train carriage
Seems someone was living in it for some time, but evidently now a long time ago.
following the road around I found the rear of the main street had some shop fronts
Looking at the decayed shop buildings, I almost missed a stone staircase hidden in the mist
So up I inevitably went to investigate
At the top I found a half collapsed columned structure and within it a rather disturbing scene.
I retraced my steps back out to the main street and decided to see if there was any mysteries behind the store I saw on arrival. Sure enough I found a lake behind it.
Along with a number of other buildings that I’ll leave you to explore!
My next stop for this Halloween seasons wanderings is Dead Mans Island. The name couldn’t be more accurate, you can hardly turn anywhere without sight of a corpse, grave or some spooky sight. It’s fantastic!
I arrived in the hallway of the the regions spooky mansion, which I don’t think is the intended arrival point, but doesn’t really matter.
My view on first arrival arrival
Behind me is the main entrance leading outside
Entrance hallway
Rather than heading out, first I decided to have a look up the stairs
A creaky staircase with lights on upstairs, is that signs of life?
So I up I go and explore the rooms
I wonder what she’s looking at..
Oh..maybe this tradsman wasn’t up to her standards
Well there’s the source of the light, but no signs of life
If this place wasn’t bloody enough already..a literal Blood bath!
Back down stairs I went through into the next room that turned out to be the kitchen, but I don’t think it’s regular food being cooked in this cauldron!
Don’t think I want to know what’s in the pot
Back the other way to the main doors outside, leading to a long pathway out into a dark forest.
Outside the gates I found this cute little night watchmen, although I expect they’d object to “cute”.
Then a glance the other way and ..uh..skeleton musicians?
Anyway straight ahead and uphill is where the path leads
At the top I find a solemn monk statue and some suggestions this is the intended Arrival point.
While I survey the forested and swampy landscape below, something unpleasant is surveying *me*.
So back down the hill to investigate what looked like a mine entrance to my left
Bones outside seem a bit foreboding but I go have a look anyway..more bodies!
Exiting the mine I cross very misty the swamp
On the far side I see a building at the top of the hill
I find it guarded by some fearsome creatures, a large Demon and some Hell Hounds.
Inside I find it was at some point a church, but I don’t think there’s been anything Holy about this place for a long time!
The nave has seen better days
The congregation look like they’ve been here since whenever that was
There’s an extra, worringly dust-free altar near the front
A moment of respect at the original, but blood-soaked Altar
After a respectful moment at the altar I head out again and follow the coastline, when I stop to take a moment to look out across the water, I find a werewolf and his victim lying on the ground.
A werewolf and it’s prey
I move on hastily past so as not to interrupt it’s snack and become dessert. Just in case I duck inside a little mausoleum next to the cemetery gates
I wait inside for a few minutes to make sure he’s not followed me, it’s quite comfy!
Moving on into the cemetery it seems fairly empty, presumably because most of the dead are up and about! The main feature of the graveyard is a single large Angel statue…with no head!
Back out onto the coast path there’s a good view across to the spooky Mansion.
I wandered around the rear of the building to see if there was any more sppoks to be seen. Unsurprisingly there’s another graveyard.
Not so many here, maybe was just the homeowner personal cemetery perhaps? As I was about to head back around to the front door, I saw a light further along the coast
Maybe the houses former inhabitants aren’t at rest at all!
Even the nearby vegetation is looking far from healthy!
Dead Mans Island definitely should be on any Halloween fans list to visit.
It’s been a while since I posted anything about my SL adventures, mainly since I haven’t had time for much. So I thought now we’re into “Halloween Month” in SL I should start again with a seasonal wander. So I headed to “Pumpkin Town”.
This place has been going since 2010 but I don’t recall ever visiting before, certainly not since I started blogging my explorations.
So the arrival point is as pictured in various places and typical of a SL Halloween location..pumpkins everywhere of course!
then behind you is a little jetty and cabin the water, maybe I’ll come back to that.
The “what’s behind me” shot
Following the pathways take you through a shopping area:
Usually not my favourite aspect of SL Halloween, but I did actually buy something for a change!
Further along I find my kind of Halloween location, the creepy places!
The gateway to creepy town is a bridge over a murky swamp
I stopped to have a nosey in the house before crossing
On the other side of the swamp there’s the first of the spooky buildings to explore
Around the back there’s view across a misty lake
Then I had a look in the back door of a nearby place, seemed full of all kinds of curiosities:
Back out onto the path I pass another spook place
Before coming to the crest of a hill and overlooking this intriguing place:
So I go down and have a bit of an explore..
appears to be an abandoned old folks home? Walking out the patio doors at the end gives me a view of the green house..what are those?
I head back in and walk around til I find the door leading into the greenhouse and open it carefully..
Not wanting to become dinner, I close the doors again and make a hasty exit! As I wander the path some more I come to an inviting sigh..”Haunted House”
I followed the signs to this rather imposing building:
I won’t spoil any more surprises, you’ll have to come and check it out for yourself!
I landed among some wooden barricades, so was grateful I wasn’t wearing their combat hud or that might have hurt!
There’s various marine props about the place, as well as more barricades. This put me in mind of a “Raid Dock” found in SL Gor,but that’s where the similarity ends thankfully.
At the seaward end of the dock is a gangplank leading across to galleon.
