Going About Gen Con

By Bixyl Shuftan

The Gen Con continues in Second Life. And there's a lot to see. Going by the Presentation Hall in VGCExperience Delta (36/35/62). I found a teleport HUD that took me around places And it wasn't just all in one sim, but a number.

From Fantasy/Medieval/Renaissance/Fantasy areas.

To Steampunk and science-fiction.

To post-apocalyptic.

 But the real purpose of the Gen Con was the gaming and discussion of games. I stumbled across this Dungeons and Dragons game, and was invited to join. He already had some characters pre-made, all goblins.

We were all members of a "gob squad" as I called it, from a goblin community that wanted good relations with the neighboring human one, and were asked by the leader to meet up with the human leader and clean up some problems. I was the goblin bard in the group, whom carried a frying pan as both a weapon and a kind of instrument.

So what can a little goblin with a frying pan do? Well, bards can learn cantrips and other magic spells, which was of great assistance to the cleric, rouge, and ranger with me when needing to rescue a hostage from a group of thugs. Nothing like casting a swarm of spiders onto a bunch bad guys with arachnophobia.

It was a few years since I last played D and D. But the purpose of the game was to have fun, and no one was trying to be a "munchkin." So everything fell into place and the thugs were beaten.

That's it for now from the Gen Con.

Bixyl Shuftan

Autopilotpatty Poppy Memorial Dance

By Bixyl Shuftan

Earlier this month, word had gotten around Caledon and other communities that Autopilotpatty Poppy had passed away. During her time in Second Life, she had accomplished much such as having set up several art galleries and was a sucessful DJ and photographer, as well as the co-captain of Caledon's Relay for Life team. She had been knighted by Caledon's governor and was given the title Dame.

On Saturday July 18, a memorial dance was held in Autopilot's honor. It was held in Roshaven Laudanum. It was stated while the ceremony would be a respectful one, the tone would be an upbeat one and not somber.

This is a celebratory dance hosted by the Duchies of Carntalgh and Trikassl to honor Poppy's love of a festive occasion. It is a time to share fond memories in a joyful setting. Attire: formal, festive uniforms. 

Dropping in at 2PM, a crowd of friends, neighbors, and others that wanted to pay their respects came by. The sunlight was somewhat dim, but not dark. The music was classical, such as Mozart Conchertos. "Welcome to the many of you that arrived while I was on air!" Gabrielle Riel told the crowd, "This is a celebratory dance, so please feel free to start dancing! The dance machines are behind me. Next to the cherry tree. We'll take some time to allow more people to arrive and then Liz will lead us into some memory-sharing."

There were a number of noted personalities from the Steamlands, Relay, and others. Among them were Bain and Panza Finch (Panza Eilde), Vic Mornington, Andrea Jones, Stereo Nacht, Holocluck Henly, Oldesoul Eldemar, Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (KlausWulfenbach Outlander), and others. "It is like the old days," the Baron commented, "I wish it were under lighter circumstances. Guten abend, all." When he made an observation about one duchess, another commented, "Herr Baron, you know there are too many duchesses in this one space to count. Be specific, bitte?" "Excellent point, Duchess Magda," he responded.

People would say their praises of her. Elfbiter Skysmith (elfbiter Resident) would say, "Patty was the first to welcome me to Caledon when I first came here. And pointed me towards the BlakOpal store what was in the Village at the time."

RockAndRoll AllNight (RockAndRoll Michigan) offered, "Patty was a gentle soul. A friendly presence, and a friend to me as well as most if not all of the people here and many other people who cannot be here. Her loss will leave a permanent hole in SL and our lives, but we will be all the better for having memories of our friend. Godspeed, Patty."

Jaz Beverly would add, "And she has remained one of my major Caledonian role models. Her kind warmth, her joy in life and creativity, her grace under the most intense moments of life's fires. She was organized, enthusiastic, and always at the center of something welcoming and fun. She was a spark that lit more than just her own prodigious creativity. And I will always be grateful to have known her even a little bit in this wonderous place to which she has contributed so much."

Magda Kamenev (Magdalena Kamenev) spoke, "One of the many things I liked about Patty is how she was ambitious but playful about it. I remember her photo exhibit of the 12 Days of Christmas. And all of those props and settings. And then someone took her photos of the various Lords and made them ammo in a temp gun. And it was the toy of the season in Caledon. ... Patty was wonderful at pouring oil over roiling waters. But every once in a while, she'd set fire to that oil."

Beth Ghostraven would say, "I met Poppy early on in my Second Life, wandering around Caledon exploring. I came upon people dancing around a bonfire on a hill, under a spectacular airship, and I learned to dance there listening to Poppy's music. I loved her themes, and cherished her friendship. I'm really going to miss her. Thank you all."

Wildstar Beaumont added, "In 2011, when we kicked off the Aether Chrononauts RFL Team, Patty was the Captain of Team Caledon. It was an important and experienced team and there was a lot of working together with us noobs. Also Patty organized my first exhibit outside my gallery. At her art place in Oxbridge village. And she did the music for some of the early editions of Christmas at Wild Castle and Privateers Ball. I will miss her."

Star (astarynite Resident) offered, "I remember when I was new I moved to Mayfair and Poppy was having a dance at the Rusty Garter and I rode my horse there.  Caledon was so big to me, I think it took me 1 1/2 hours to get there weaving back and forth through the same sims trying to find my way.  Eventually I moved to Caledon II because where Poppy was so was a lot of the action and events in Caledon."

Phrynne Resident told, "I met her at a concert up over the top of the Village, when it was a concert venue.  She made room for me to see better, and asked me how I was doing, and then invited me to Alley Cats in Morgaine.  And that's how I got to know most everyone early on."

Jan Stroikavskoi added, "I just wanted to add to Patty's many talents, back in 2011 The Black Moon Marauders of Caledon hosted their very first 'Walk the Plank Fashion Show'. Under Captain Tao Mistwalker's direction, Patty Poppy laid the foundations of what was to become a very successful show over the years, while raising funds for Relay For Life. We continued with our annual fashion up until a couple of years ago."

Gabrielle would say with a smile, "Patty did so many special photo shoots. She was so active with her photography. And my favorite piece she ever did was 'Moons Over Caledon,' which was 10 of us women sitting naked with our backs to the camera." Magda remarked, "Oh my ... I still have the male and female versions of 'Moon Over Caledon.'"

Then came a certain musical tune, "Marching With The Band Of The Army Air Corps." Then Oriella Charik announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, please look to the skies for a flying display!" A few planes were flying low in the sky overhead, leaving colored smoke trails.  "The NAS Aerbats Ladies and Gentlemen!" Liz added, "Patty was a huge part of their team. ... Patty would be pleased, at all of you here, airplanes in the sky, drinks handy, dancing all around."

I ended up crashing after the first hour, and logging back on I needed to be elsewhere and my system was having trouble with me having my alt on at the same time. But just half the event was quite a tribute to this woman of many talents.

Rest in peace, Autopilotpatty Poppy.

Bixyl Shuftan

Getting Ready For The SL17B

By Gemma Cleanslate

Getting ready for the Second Life Birthday is always a busy time. The exhibitors are busy building and never would end if they did not have inspections coming. Some build on the regions, most though leave a parcel holder and do their work off the regions so they will not be seen too early.

The Moles can be found anywhere working feverishly on the infrastructure of all the regions and the tiny details that need to be in place.The Welcome area , the general area, and other parcels that needed their attention consumes their time for weeks before the opening. Here you see Alotta Mole working while Patch Linden confers with him. The Music people are busy with life performers , djs and other shows that need to be scheduled.

I will be a greeter again this year so had to get to training before the event to be prepared. Jackstir  did the training session and reminded us of all the knowledge we needed to do a good job of helping people at the Welcome Area .

We greet them, tell them to pick up their gift which includes a flag, lanyard, and a cute visor in many colors.

We also remind them to check the teleport board that will get them to their chosen area, or offer a notecard including information and a list of important landmarks they do not want to miss. Especially, we do not want them to miss the gift area where many exhibitors have put some terrific presents for all attendees .

I took my horse sugar for a ride around some of the regions and checked out  a few of the lovely installations. I was glad to find dirt roads that are very welcome to horses, Many come to the parties and miss the exhibits . Try to get to see all that wonderful work after the party. I know the first few days will be super busy with avatars arriving so quickly it is hard to keep track of who needs what !

Thursday for the first time in my recollection the Lindens and Moles arranged for a pre party event for all the members of all the groups involved . There were many moles  and Patch Linden in attendance at the Welcome Center with great music playing and we had a terrific  time and greeters practiced their chat with the arriving people .

It is going to be a marvelous party from start to finish I can already tell. The theme of vacations and travel is a relaxing one and there is a lot to do traveling just around the regions . There are relaxing regions for you too. Ask for the information notecard when you arrive so you will have all the important landmarks to visit. Take a pod ride while you are there too. Say hi to me if you see me at the welcome area or at a stage or on the road.

See some more scenes below... check out the website for information .

Auditorium

Tram

Dino Park

Motel

DJ Stage

Gemma Cleanslate

The Newser Tenth Anniversary Party

By Bixyl Shuftan

It was ten years ago on Sunday June 6 that the Second Life Newspaper after four years in operation posted it's final article. Four of it's writers, Gemma Cleanslate, Grey Lupindo, Shellie Sands, and Bixyl Shuftan (myself) would continue reporting news about Second Life under a new newsletter: the Second Life Newser. Sadly, our first few stories would be about the closing of the only news publication we'd written for up to that point. But it wouldn't be long before we were writing on other stories such as the Linden Lab layoffs and the residents' reaction to them, the closing of Greenies, M Linden stepping down and Philip taking his place for a few months as intitem CEO, "Emeraldgate" and the formation of Team Firestorm, and many more.

Ten years later, much in Second Life has changed. Shelie and Gray would eventually have to depart the Newser due to real life. But other talented writers would come, and the Newser has continued on. And on Saturday June 13, it was time to celebrate.

The party started at 12 Noon with DJ Grease spinning his tunes, such as some Final Fantasy remixes. Besides DJing, Grease is also a tarot card reader, "Today is the 13th. 13 is also the death card in major arcana." (in tarot, the death card represents change, not the end).

The special sign for the event (first picture) was a gift from Avi Arrow.

Newser writer Gemma Cleanslate was there much of the time. Behind her here is Oldesoul Eldermar.

Cyfir, the most recent of the writers on the staff, was also there.

Annie Brightstar showed up early at the party, looking a bit young.

Professor Gray, who runs the freebie center near the Newser office, came by on a mechanical mount.

Wildstar Beaumont of the Relay also made an appearance.

It should be noted that there was a little confusion about the party's date as the notice that went up Friday morning didn't mention the date, which was Saturday, and it wasn't corrected until later in the day. But word of the correct day and time got around.

Following DJ Grease was DJ Sebris.

JB Raccoon standing guard, with Little Spirit and Biohazard.

Matt Carlton was also there.

"Giraffes in the air."

Cynthia Farshore was also there.

Penny (Deaflegacy), a Newser writer currently on break, showed up with a kitsune look inspired by Matt.

Valkyrie Ice, dressed up and with a parasol.

Sunweaver chief Rita Mariner and Gil Otaared, the latter with a pony pillow.

For the last hour of the three hour event, the music was played by DJ Snowbuns. Snowy didn't take  any tips. Instead, she asked people to donate to the Relay kiosks, or the Homes For Our Troops one.

 For each of the three hours, there was a contest. As this was a special event, Happy Vixen staff could and did enter. For Grease's hour, the winner was Nikkita Sugar Lefavre (Aubrytia Resident). For Serbis' set, DJ Snowbuns was the winner. And for Snowbun's set, a friend boosted the prize to 1500 Linden dollars. It was won by Clove  (VoxDragon Resident).

Following Snowy's event, a number were still in a party mood. So Matt Carlton DJed for two more hours at the Happy Vixen.

There were others whom showed up, such as Lost Prim, Leondra Larsson, Beryl Strifeclaw, Dusk Griswold, and many that there's no room to mention.

There were all sorts of stories shared, and many jokes good, bad, and so bad they were good, told. Eventually, it was time for people to head out, and goodbyes were given.

"Thank you girls for the company. Thank you everyone. Congrats to the winners. Congrats on 10 years! See you all next time."

"To another 10 years SLNewser, thanks for all you do."

Bixyl Shuftan