Wednesday, September 24, 2025

The "Corsean Encounter" Book Event

 
 By Bixyl Shuftan
 

Saturday at Noon on August 30, The Premier Business Center held a "Meet the Author" event for a certain writer best known for his reporting the news in Second Life, but had recently published a novel in real life. This was me, Bixyl Shuftan.
 

 Jarden Alexis, the owner of the PBC, was the one who organized the event. The Newser team has written about her Center's events for the past few years, Gemma Cleanslate, Dancerina Starlight, and I doing so in detail.
 

When Jarden heard about the novel I published a few months ago, "The Corsean Encounter," she wanted to do an event to help publicize it. 
 

 Jarden would decorate the PBC with signs and posters about the book, as well as a couple about the Newser, this being not only a chance to help publicize the book, but also mention the Newser some. She would also help me with rehearsals, my wanting to limit my explaining what the book was about in about an hour in this two hour event. 
 

About thirty people would show up, a number comparable to a real-life "meet the author" event at a bookstore that could cost hundreds of dollars. Some were friends, but there were many I'd hadn't seen before (or met briefly a long time ago). 
 
Teela Leef would take some pictures that would get posted on Facebook. Tara (ArtemisFlidais Resident) would record for a video. 
 

Picture from Teela Leef, Nydia Tungsten and Dusk Griswold. Nydia and Dusk both helped edit the story. Nydia has also published a story of her own, and two sequels. Dusk was dressed as a character of hers, Ginger, who would get a cameo in another story of mine in progress. 
 
Panda Jenn, who did the cover art, wanted to come but had to take care of  some real-life trouble that showed up at the last minute. 
 
Behind Nydia is Shockwave Yareach, a leading member of the Sunbeamer Relay team.  
 

 Also appearing was GoSpeed Racer, who has also published some books of her own. Umbra Gardenvale behind her is a host at the Happy Vixen.
 

 Any1 Gynoid was with the Newser in it's early years, as well as having been part of the old Second Life Newspaper. 
 
Others appearing included Charlee Harmony (who encouraged me to get the story published while I was figuring out how), Kitacelia, and others. 
 

Jarden Alexis started the event, greeting everyone, and complemented the Newser for it's coverage of her events, mentioned that I had come out with a great science-fiction novel that was deserving of more publicity, then 
 

Picture from Teela Leef. I thanked everyone for showing up, explained who I was for those less than familiar with me, then mentioned I'd also been writing fictional stories for years, and a few months before had finally published my first novel, the science-fiction story "The Corsean Encounter."
 
"Theadore Smith, sentenced to a Soviet gulag, gets a second chance when the train he's on has a wreck in Central Asia. Making his way south with his companion Leonid Kakanov, they're ambushed by Muslim tribesmen, and have to seek shelter in a cave they stumble upon. Finding a strange machine, it teleports them to another cave. They emerge not on Earth, but another world. Running into some of its not quite human inhabitants, whom live under Medieval conditions, the initially friendly encounter turns hostile when they're captured by a local lord, whom turns them over to his superior.

"After a period of time in which Theadore learns the local language, the overlord takes the two humans to his Emperor as a gift. At the Imperial Palace, they learn more about the land and it's people. They get attention from some people who see value in their knowledge. They also run into the ambassador of a nearby land which is somewhat more advanced and not an empire but a republic, Gideon. But some consider the humans little more than monsters, whose lives are of no real value. Can Theadore and Leonid convince enough people of importance that they deserve more than a lifetime in a dungeon, or worse? And what can they do for the Gideon Republic, which many in the Empire want to settle old scores with?"
 

 I would talk to me about what influenced me along the way in writing the tale, and describing it some. I would talk about the "worldbuilding," as this wasn't a universe like Star Trek or Star Wars many were familiar with, but an entirely new alien world, Corsea, and a new sapient species, the Maygar. The world has a technology lower than ours, most of the continent the human characters end up on being in a Medieval/Renaissance state, though part of it is a little higher, what we would consider Colonial Age. 
 
Of the people, the Maygar, from a distance they look human. But closer up differences are noticeable, being a foot shorter on average, grayish or greenish skin depending on the race, four fingers per hand (and four toes per foot), and instead of hair have thin feathers. They are descended from a warm-blooded order of vertebrates other than birds or mammals. 
 
The continent the story takes place on Wistra, was populated solely by primitive green tribes for thousands of years. Then about 1300 years before the time of the novel it was discovered by accident by a ship from the gray-populated continent of Estepal. Four hundred years later, a horrible pandemic swept through Estepal, and thousands of grays from nobility to peasants would flee to Wistra, where the latter would establish new kingdoms. Conflict would eventually start between the greens and grays, and being more advanced the grays would slowly advance until about for centuries before the story when the greens united under the Aswan Empire and counterattacked, and for a time the grays were on the retreat until they united under the Idion Empire and once again began to advance. 
 
One highly successful Idion general was rewarded with control of the kingdom's northern lands. The new province, Gideon, was allowed to basically govern itself, and as the general wanted the people a say in how things were run, it developed a republican form of government in contrast to the other lands governed by nobles. But partially because of jealousy over it's growing economy and partially because of runaway serfs who ran away to there, eventually an emperor intervened and appointed a new ruler to "set things right." The result was civil unrest, which wasn't helped by the emperor's continued arrogance. Finally after a palace coup led by Gideon's former leader, the emperor was forced at swordpoint to let Gideon go it's own way. 
 
Despite the loss of Gideon, the Idion Empire continued to advance on the Aswan. By the time the story takes place, the Aswan have been reduced to one major city and the land around it. Gideon now has somewhat higher technology than the Idion lands some decades away from the Industrial Revolution. 
 
The story has a number of characters. Theadore Smith is the main character of which most of the story takes place around. He is an American engineer and WW1 veteran who went to Soviet Russia to help build what to him was a fascinating new kind of society. But eventually he was seen as more useful by the higher-ups as a prisoner. Friendly and idealistic, he is knowledgeable on many subjects. The other human to end up on Corsea, Leonoid Kakanov is a veteran of WW1 who signed up with the Red Army. But he soon learned the Bolsheviks were not what they promised, and also ended up a prisoner. In contrast to Theadore's idealism, he can be quite cynical, on occasion ruthless. Still, he likes Theadore, genuinely wishing him well. 
 
The rest of the notable characters are of the planet's inhabitants, the Maygar Kamar was one of the oldest men in the villiage Theadore and Leonid stumble across. Friendly and humble, he eventually learns English through Theadore,  as well as teaching him the local language, and is amazed of his tales about Earth. Minister (Lord) Kiamp is the Chief of Affiars at the Imperial Palace, cool and collected, he seldom smiles or expresses strong emotion, though on occasion does. Gannich Pruslyn is the current Captain of Castle Guard - Once the Overlord of the province of Beladyn, the Emperor removed him from that position when he made some certain decisions he didn't like. Pruslyn is as much a metocrat as an aristocrat, and looks at men for what they can do, not just who they are. Cybyl Miriam is a gigantess who had been presented to the Emperor as a entertainer, the tallest person on the continent. A bookworm. Kiamp has her asigned part time to the castle library. Her manner is kindly and curious, though prone to sadness. Doctor Nebnama "Neb" Nylknar is scientist, inventor, and diplomat, currently the ambassador of the Gideon Republic to the Idion Empire. Curious and friendly, he is fascinated by the humans not just for their technology, but wants to learn about them and their world for knowledege's sake. 
 
There are others worth mentioning, but there's not enough time to mention them
 
 Much of my writing of the story was done with the worldbuilding, which comes across with the discussions between the humans and other characters, and occasionally some action, such as meals showing what the locals eat. And when Theadore talks about what foods are eaten on Earth, the reactions vary from interest, to fascination, to laughter. It's also notable one of the first Earth items the Maygar adopt and make for themselves is how to make one particular food. 
 
Rivalries are a large part of the story. The overlords do not always get along, often getting into petty rivalries and competing for the Emperor's favor. The greens and grays have not gotten along for centuries. While there is some trade between Gideon and the Empire, and some overlords and nobility see value in the republic's discoveries, others are still hostile to the "traitors," some looking forward to the chance to try and conquer them. Both Gideon and the Idion Empire are in an unofficial alliance against the remnants of the Aswan Empire, but some in the republic wonder if once their mutual enemy is gone, the Empire will go after them next. 
 
Over the course of the story, much happens. There's action, there's blood. There's also some death, not every character makes it to the end, and one ends up with a permanent disability. Many of the locals from nobles to learned men to peasants are fascinated with the stories from the humans about their technology and what it can do, from fast travel, to flight, to huge cities, and much more.
 
I concluded by saying while I wouldn't give away the ending, it did conclude on a resolution. And work was almost done on a sequel that picks up where the first story ends, "Prelude to War," in which the majority of the action takes place away from the Imperial Palace, so there's more places shown, and new characters introduced. Work would soon begin on the third. 
 
Other things I was doing? I was also working on a Fantasy story, "Tales of A Metamprph." It's a fantasy story about a man who ends up teleported from Earth to a world of magic and swordsmen where humans share the lands with dwarves, elves, and a number of animal like races. But, I would continue to focus on the Newser, getting it updated every day for the residents of Second Life. 
 

I would take a couple questions, "Does Amazon deliver to the Amazon?" "*chuckles*Yes, through Amazon Brazil *grins*" "My only question is when do you plan on sleeping?" "Heh, after I get home from work tonight." I then turned things back to Jarden. She then invited people to head to the next room, and dance. DJ Nydia would play the tunes. 
 
 
There was also a table with refreshments, both drinks and snacks. 
 
There was some funning around. Dusk mused of her poodlelike appearance, "I am not normally a wolf, it was Bix's idea I be a wolf with poodle fluffs for his book."  Rita asked, "What happened to your nasty poodle?" Dusk smiled, "What nasty poodle? They are cute and friendly." And there were a few stories told, "We had one pilot, CW OLD, fly Cobras. He would take folks up in one. They sat in the front gunners seat. He could take them up high and dive the Cobra straight at the ground, pulling out at the last second. shall we say, ,the ground crew had a mess to cleanup in the front seat." And there were a few comments about the event, "You seem to have a penchant for having fair lasses show for your event, Bixyl. (grin)."
 
The afterparty would go on for a while, but eventually people had to leave and the event thinned out to just a few, "Thank you Jarden for this gorgeous moment."
 
Just before and after the event, several more copies of the book were purchased. This makes for a total of about a couple dozen, and no doubt more will be as time goes on. In the meantime, work continues on finishing up the sequel, slow progress on "Metamorph," and starting up the third Corsean story.
 
For those interested in getting the book, it's available in both kindle and paperback: 
 
 
Special thanks once again to Nydia, Dusk, Panda Jenn, and of course Jarden and her crew.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 
 

Monday, September 22, 2025

Virtial Ability "Supernatural" Track Build

 
By Gemma Cleanslate
 
 

Virtual Ability is so lucky to have The Track Builders of SL hosting a huge event that is a fund raiser for the group. It is being held at A1 Tracks Home Region from the 18th through the 27 of September.


Going on during the event is a Track Display and sale. A bike showcase and popularity vote is on the region too. I love the out of this world critter sale that is taking place from various vendors. So many of the Teleports are available to get to the various sites. Parties are planned through out. I made it to one on Friday and Dj Rain was donating her time and spinning tunes for all.


“Ghosts, glam, grit, or glow—bring your weird, your wild, your wonderful.

This rally’s not for the faint of mesh. Come show us what you got.

🚨 GET IT SET UP NOW!!!!!!!!

No excuses, no delays. Rally spots are hot and the vibe is already haunting.

If you’re not rezzing, you’re resting—and we don’t do rest.” is a message sent out to Clubs and members getting them involved and many have responded and it looks they like still coming.


I found my friend and member of Vai. Jadin  checking out the track with her motorcycle. There will be track rides in the events too. If you want a list of the goings on all week ask me for the notecard.

Don’t miss a visit to check it all out and perhaps get involved by voting or buying or tipping at a party. All the proceeds will help VAI continue the help for people with disabilities to have a comfortable community with activities and a home in Second Life and arrange for the two conferences held during the year.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Continental%202/94/220/502


While you are there stop over at the little shack that belongs to the VAI Group and see what is going on.
 
 

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

More Halloween Shopping And Health Island In September

 
By Gemma Cleanslate
 
Autumn is coming

There is always a marvelous display of everything Halloween and autumn over at Wonderland Beach Not only that but there is a great hunt going on there. Many of your favorite creators have taken plots there.


Many of the shops and stalls and outside displays have a treasure chest somewhere on their plot. There is a whole section for Dinkies also some treasure chests there so it will take a while to see all the offerings. Plan time!


Another marvelous place to check out is Halloweentown . This exhibit of shops will also take some time. First there are loads of gachas to examine just full of décor. As I walked around there were all kinds of ghostly little critters walking around me. I love to see them at Halloween parties and on parcels too when I go by.


I loved the little decks and resting carpets with pillows that could be put on properties for a collected décor, a good selection.

I saw a really nice Happy Halloween sign in the air above me as I was walking along the brick path . As I passed under it however I was startled as it fell and became bunch of bones! Be careful what you touch. 
 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Halloweentown/175/171/26


Let me step away for a moment to remind you to visit the Virtual Ability sponsored Health Island again this month for informative displays of awareness. Every month as you know there are new exhibits to help one gain knowledge or be reminded of health issues that might affect you or a family member or friends and offer resources. One of them that we should all be worried about is addressed this time. Microplastics!!! It seems science is finding them everywhere including human bodies! Read about it!


One exhibit delves into Pain, a common issue affecting each of us at some times in our lives. Many live with this condition all the time. You will find resources again that will help you or others who mention having pain. There are several other exhibits including heat, whole grains, and fungal disease. You can pick up a notecard with the slurls at this point. Take a walk around also . 
 
 Gemma Cleanslate
 

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Burn2 Summer Event: Circus of Fire And Fun

 
By Gemma Cleanslate


Time to visit a Circus! The next fun event now that the SL22B is over and only a wonderful memory is the Burn2 Burning Man Virtual Regional summer event, Conception. The theme this summer is ‘Circus of Fire and Fun’. 


I stopped over to see if the Playa is ready and it sure is. Outside in the town of Gerlach all is in place. 


If you are new to Second Life in town are tips to help you on moving around, getting outfits, and lots of gifts. If you are new to Burn2 there are information booths to check out that will link you to the websites that will tell you all about it. Stop and see them. Click Language help to read the 10 Principles if Burning Man in any language you choose.


The entrance itself is spectacular as are the gorgeous installations inside the gate. Those I will leave you to explore over the weekend and a few days after they will remain in place. The lamplighters will open the event at 5pm slt “Friday 25 July 2025 at 5:00PM SLT. Join the Lamplighters on a walk-on for a little tour of the Playa, ending up at the Circus Main Stage to kick off the event!” Saturday morning at 8:45am slt there will be a short parade of the event participants and again at 5:45pm slt. I recommend getting there to see the parade a little early.


I ran into Jeff Olhoeft (jolhoeft Resident) , who built the effigy that will burn Sunday at noon slt and again at 6pm slt to close the event. He was working on and testing the burn which you will have to come see for yourself. There will be parties at the stages over the weekend and notices will go out to the BurningMan2.0 group. Join the group and you will not miss the fun! There are several ways to get around the Playa once you enter the gate. Look for art car rezzers and choose one to use. I have a feeling we will have a running train. Riding a horse is always a great way tp get around.


I am a Ranger at Burn2 . You can learn more about what Rangers do by stopping over at the Ranger Station on the playa while you are visiting. Take an ice cream cone or a glass of lemonade and click the wall of our portable station to learn about us. The manual that we train by is on the table . Check that out and see our work to be able to help everyone who visits and needs information or assistance. I don’t usually dress for work like this but wanted to " feel in" the circus atmosphere.

Here is your landing point. See you on the Playa! 
 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/146/30/24

Gemma Cleanslate 
 

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Some Exhibits And An Event At The SL22B

 
 By Bixyl Shuftan
 

 The Second Life Birthday is here! Time for the Birthday Shop and Hop. Time for the Meet the Lindens events. And time to see what exhibits the creativity of the residents came up with.
 

 I dropped by the pod station in SLB Breathtaking, and besides the pods, there were horses. 
 

 Maybe I should have tried riding one, but I wanted to run around on foot.
 

 I saw some pods that looked like miniature Viking ships
 
 
I also saw one that looked like an airplane
 

Close by was the Kiticats exhibit, by the makers of a popular breedable pet kitty.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Breathtaking/78/122/21
 

Also in SLB Breathtaking is an exhibit by Bryn Oh, a longtime SL artist. 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Breathtaking/71/216/21
 

Holocluck Henly had an amusing exhibit: The Bunny Cult.
 

"Hop on the dark side" to get a few bunny freebies, and see a few pictures of scary Easter Bunnies.
 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Breathtaking/97/109/21
 

In SLB Blissful, there was the Builder's Brewery exhibit, by a group aimed at helping residents be better at building.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Blissful/180/141/21 
 

There was also an exhibit by the SLB Public Land Preserve
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Delightful/19/182/21 
 

I also stopped by Loki Eliot's "Hero Man," a take on "He-Man."
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Blissful/164/92/21
 

 The exhibit of "I Pink I Can," a Relay for Life fundraiser that takes place in October. 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Electrify/116/87/21 
 

While walking, I saw a few dragon eggs on the track, those are for a HUD based SLB game. 
 

While there, I stopped by "The Royal Keep" to catch the tail end of an event by Merryjest Starchild.

Unfortunately, the star performer and his crew just wouldn't rezz.

From Merryjest

But Merryjest had a few he told me I could use.
 
And that was my first day at the Second Life Birthday celebrations. Be sure to check it out yourself. What, and who, will you see?
 
Bixyl Shuftan 
 

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Mental Health Month At Health Island, Virtual Ability

 
By Gemma Cleanslate
 

May is Mental Health month and I am sure most of us ask ourselves once in a while “How is my mental health?” Well a good place to check it out is Health Island. New exhibits are filled with answers to that question and resources to aid one in a self checkup. When you land at the island there is a sign that contains a notecard with slurls to take you to one of the exhibits that interest you, Click any poster to learn more about that statement.


I checked out the posters at Anxiety. I don’t think there are too many people who don’t have anxiety at one time or another over personal issues, self, family, the state of the world or even space. Mild anxiety is mostly controllable but when it becomes an issue it can not only cause mental problems but physical problems too. I find breathing deeply is so helpful when I get into a situation that may make me anxious or stressed out.


The notecard will guide you or you can just walk around to the various exhibits . There are many relaxing areas on the island to visit . I enjoy the herb garden and seeing if I can identify one from another. Remember to visit the walk of support groups to see if there is an inworld group you might like to join to discuss your problems and listen to support others.


Thursday , May 15 there is an all day Symposium at the Virtual Ability island where there will be presenters speaking about mental health. Anyone is invited to attend the various presentations by experts from all over the world. Here is a list of times and presenters and topics mostly based around fear , stress and anxiety. 
 
When you arrive enter the Sojourner Auditorium and take a seat. One must be inside the Auditorium to hear in voice. There will be a transcriber typing the discussions in local chat also.