Sex and the Single Avatar in Second Life XX – They Write Books about this Stuff!

The vital factor of virtual reality is immersion, the degree to which the user's senses are limited to the simulation and screened from a real world. 

Fjodor Ruzic

Sometimes my life as a blogger about virtual life in Second Life (SL) gets interesting.  Or rather, more so than it is usually is.  (Significant Other’s head shakes and I’m reminded to take out the garbage later when I’m finished writing.) 

Sometimes Real Life (RL) wanders into my SL existence.

Like when a RL author, a published author who actually earns a living from writing, approached me inworld and asked if I’d be interested in reviewing her latest novel.

As my British friends would say, I was gobsmacked.  (Yes, I do have a few although they’ve asked that I not reveal their identities.)

After checking that this author had the right person and not some other struggling wannabe I said, “Yes!”

(Fellow wannabe writers out there know what I’m referring to.  We exist in a demimonde between those who are “real” writers and everyone points to with admiration and those who do the pointing and wonder why we can’t do the same.  Significant Other has always been loyal and stood by my side confident that I’ll never become a “real” writer.  Significant Other is smiling smugly as I write this.)

OK, enough of me and my insecurities!

Let’s talk about this RL author!

Olivia Devon, her pen name in RL and also the name of one of her SL avatars, is the author willing to risk her name and reputation with my blog.  Her tag line is, “I write books. Some of them are naughty. Others are more well behaved.” 

For the record, this book is naughty!  (Ergo, that’s why it’s in the Sex and Single Avatar series.)

Oh, yes, the book’s title!

The book is PLAY [Manhattan Lux] and it’s a fun read about virtual reality, virtual worlds, and, of course, sex!  (Lots of it!)  This is part of the Manhattan Lux series Olivia writes centered around a sex club in Manhattan.  While PLAY is third in this series, reading

the previous books isn’t necessary.  I didn’t but after reading this book, I plan to!

I don’t want to give away too much of the plot or any spoilers but I’ll say a little. 

PLAY is the story of a relationship between a driven, high tech male executive and a smart but hurt female programmer.  They spend much of their time in a virtual world very much akin to SL and using a virtual reality tech that makes Oculus Rift and Sansar look like a coloring book with a box of crayons missing a few colors.  Think teledildonics on steroids.

Olivia understands virtual worlds and virtual reality.  Unlike some books which come across as either overly simplistic or go straight to Star Trek holodecks, she keeps both feet on the ground.  Her writing is a logical extension of current virtual technology.  Honestly, if Linden Lab had had a little more imagination and guts then SL would be more. 

The experiences and scenes based in the book’s virtual world are written by someone who has immersed herself in these worlds and lived among us.  Most importantly, she understands that virtual worlds are more than just a game and that virtual relationships are as very real and can be as painful as RL ones.  You can’t make that up. You have to experience it for yourself.

Her understanding of virtual communities as being more than just a group of avatars just standing around is evident. 

Olivia is also a builder in SL.  One of the principle locations in the book was based on her build inworld.  It’s quite a build and can be seen in this video she prepared for her blog. 

And, she’s got the sex down too!  Enough said there!

Finally, PLAY has great writing and storytelling. 

Olivia writes under various pen names in RL and has been a longstanding resident in SL.  (And, no, she won’t give me any of these various identities.  Significant Other says she’s a prudent woman.)  She’s a gamer and I suspect a closet Whovian. 

Olivia makes being a geek sexy! 

I recommend PLAY to all who enjoy a good story and especially to those who enjoy one based in a virtual world without having their intelligence insulted.  Well worth the money and time spent reading it!

Also, I hope to have an interview with Olivia in my blog shortly so keep an eye out for it! 

I’d like to thank Olivia for inviting me to review her book and for writing it in the first place.

Check out PLAY and Olivia’s other writings!

I know I’ll be!

Full disclosure, I received a free review copy to prepare this story.  Although, I did later buy an ebook copy so I could mark it up. 

PLAY is available at most ebook vendors and can be found here at Amazon.

More information about Olivia and her books can be found here.

As always, I’m grateful to all inworld for their kindness and time in stopping to talk with a stranger who was passing through their lives. 

My Twitter handle is @webspelunker.  Please feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to follow you.

I can be found on Google+ as webspelunker Ghostraven.

My flickr Photostream is located here.

On Skype I’m webspelunker Ghostraven.

I welcome feedback from readers, please either comment on my blog or e-mail me at webspelunker@gmail.com . 

            If you would like to read about my other adventures in Second Life  please click here.

            Open roads and kind fires!

What’s the Craziest Thing You’ve Ever Done in Second Life?

Being crazy isn't enough.

Dr. Seuss

A thought came to me the other day.

(This is normally where Significant Other starts to look worried.)

During my time in Second Life (SL), I’ve met many people who are there for many reasons and there to do many things.

Some of these things are a little crazy.  OK, a lot crazy in some cases.

(See where I’m going with this?)

This all got me thinking about what’s the craziest thing we’ve ever done inworld?

First, a definition, what is crazy?

(I’ll ignore Significant Other’s suggestion for the moment.)

Like art, I know crazy when I see it. 

As most people probably do whether in SL or in Real Life (RL).

The corollary of that being everyone pretty much has their own definition of crazy.

(Can you tell that I almost failed Logic at university?)

Let me share a few examples of what people inworld have told me they consider as doing crazy things inworld when I’ve asked.

Let’s start with the ordinary. 

This includes activities like hot air ballooning, paragliding, horseback (or dragonback riding), and role playing. 

Get the picture?

These are all things that we’d do in RL but for things like time, money, health, dragons don’t exist, and similar limitations.  We might not be able to do them in RL but we wouldn’t be embarrassed to talk about them with RL friends and family.  (Well, maybe we wouldn’t bring up the dragon.) 

Next up are the not so ordinary activities that we do when asked about the craziest thing we’ve done inworld. 

Not surprisingly, these are usually sexual in nature.

(What you’re surprised?  You should go back and read my earlier stories.)

They start usually with visiting nudist resorts inworld, move onto experiencing sex in any number of different ways, BDSM, gender reversal, and I’m sure I’ve missed a few long the way. 

This is where folks generally really explore both themselves and all that SL has to offer here. 

Generally, folks wouldn’t dream of doing these things in RL or even talk about them with others.  Although, I’ve met a few uninhibited souls who do. 

What about you?

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in SL?

Would you tell us about it?

You can stay anonymous if you wish!

Drop me a line and I’ll share your stories with my three loyal readers.  (All of whom assure that they only live vicariously through my blog.)

Oh, what about me you say?

Probably running around nude inworld. 

Of course, I only do it for professional reasons to get the stories my three loyal readers enjoy.

OK, there are a few other things that Significant Other would rather I not divulge despite Significant Other’s enjoying while shoulder surfing.  (Significant Other glares.)

Maybe next time! 

As always, I’m grateful to all inworld for their kindness and time in stopping to talk with a stranger who was passing through their lives.  

My Twitter handle is @webspelunker.  Please feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to follow you.

I can be found on Google+ as webspelunker Ghostraven.

My flickr Photostream is located here.

On Skype I’m webspelunker Ghostraven.

I welcome feedback from readers, please either comment on my blog or e-mail me at webspelunker@gmail.com . 

            If you would like to read about my other adventures in Second Life  please click here.

            Open roads and kind fires!

Sex and the Single Avatar in Second Life XX – Revisiting BDSM in Second Life

 Right on the edge of fear was where trust could grow. 

Cherise Sinclair

Here’s a first for me!

Two back-to-back Sex and the Single Avatar in Second Life (SL) stories and both are both are about BDSM! 

(Significant Other gives me that look that says, “Don’t start getting any ideas!)

Actually, this coincidence says less about me and more about the vagaries of my editorial processes and the prevalence of the BDSM lifestyle inworld.  

In today’s story, I return to the Devilhand Castle of Carnal Pleasure, or as it’s now known as Devilhand City.  I’m also going to announce some exciting news about a joint project between Devilhand and myself.  More details in a moment!

Yes, not long after, I first visited Devilhand, there was a rebranding.  (What, did you think that only Real Life (RL) did things like this?)

So, now that the smoke and dust have settled over there in Devilhand, I dropped by recently to chat with the couple who run it, Amaterasu (“Ama”) Silvercloud and Steve.  Both are practicing members of the BDSM lifestyle inworld themselves.    

Where, once Devilhand was a magnificent castle brooding over the countryside hinting at all sorts of nastiness and mystery within, now it’s a gritty, urban area in the style of 1920s Chicago.  Instead of one imposing structure that draws visitors in, one now has a maze of streets, frightening alleys, and buildings bordering a lake patterned roughly after RL

Chicago.  (OK, I know I’m going to get a lot of flak from RL Chigagoeans that this is nothing like their beloved Chi-town.  All I have to say in reply is to use a little imagination please!) 

The film-noirish look and feel of the new Devilhand hints at Prohibition, the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre, and all the other sins of that era.  The themes are mobsters, gangsters, and crime of all sorts.  As Ama says, “It was a wild time!” 

Naturally, BDSM is still woven into the fabric of the Devilhand community.  Wandering around town, one can find small places for quiet, intimate moments of bondage. 

So, why the switch from medieval to Twentieth Century America?

Seems that Devilhand was experiencing a steady decline in visitors over quite some time, and they realized that the competition with the Gorean and other medieval sims was just too difficult to compete with. 

Hence, the 1920s were born inworld! 

Steve also feels that there are endless possibilities, the medieval sim was quite

limiting for various reasons, and now he feels that they have opened it up. Himself, he’s looking forward to being able to explore the seedy private eye role in the sim. 

 Devilhand is open to all residents but would like visitors who are familiar with the basics of role play or at least will respect those who are role playing.  There is a preference for humanoid residents.  Devilhand would like to see participants as opposed to just tourists dropping by.  Ama likes to point out that there is more to Devilhand than just mobsters and gangsters, visitors should explore all parts of the town.

Speaking of exploring, Steve encourages visitors to not just rezz into the landing zone, walk two meters outside the building and then TP away.  Spend time getting to know Devilhand and its residents.  It’s well worth the time and effort! 

I’ve gone walkabout several times in Devilhand and I keep getting lost.  (We’ll ignore Significant Other’s comment about why should SL be any different from RL.)

There are many buildings, streets, entertainment venues (I did manage to find the

burlesque house!), and other dark corners that will keep drawing you back.  (Hey, did I mention that I have an office here too?)

Devilhand is also expanding their social calendar.  There will be events, parties, concerts, dances, balls, tribute concerts (already started), and the occasional mob hits. Check the recently launched Devilhand website for details!  

As for the future, Devilhand feels that they quite settled.  So, development of that base is next. They want to make things better and nicer, and find what people want and how they can build a stable user group. 

Oh, and remember the original Devilhand Castle?

Well, it seems that it was brought back by popular demand and can be found here. 

Also, Steve and Ama now have additional help in running Devilhand. 

Nightbud (“Night”) is the mayor and Phryne is in charge of public relations and the Devilhand website. 

I’d like to thank all of them for meeting with me recently and bringing me up to date on all that’s been happening in Devilhand!

Now, for that big announcement that I’d mentioned earlier.

I will be writing a series of six short stories based in the Devilhand world.  They’ll be fiction but will draw on the characters and locations in the sim.  There’ll be a few fictional

characters as well.  The only way my readers will be able to figure out who’s who is by visiting Devilhand!  (Yeah, sneaky, I know but it works!)  The stories will be edgy and different from what I normally write.  I hope you’ll like them!

They’ll be posted every other month on the Devilhand website which can be found here and on my blogroll. 

So, drop by and check out the new Devilhand!  You can find it here!   

Do stay for a while and get engaged!

Better, yet drop by my office and have a cup of coffee with me! 

For more pictures from Devilhand City check out this flickr page.

As always, I’m grateful to all inworld for their kindness and time in stopping to talk with a stranger who was passing through their lives. 

My Twitter handle is @webspelunker.  Please feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to follow you.

I can be found on Google+ as webspelunker Ghostraven.

My flickr Photostream is located here.

On Skype I’m webspelunker Ghostraven.

I welcome feedback from readers, please either comment on my blog or e-mail me at webspelunker@gmail.com . 

            If you would like to read about my other adventures in Second Life  please click here.

            Open roads and kind fires!

Sex and the Single Avatar in Second Life XIX – Visiting a New BDSM Club in Second Life

No one looks back on their life and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep.

Anonymous

Recently, I learned of a new BDSM sim in Second Life (SL). 

(Significant Other wonders why I keep finding these places.)

This one has an interesting twist.  (No pun intended.)

Unlike many BDSM sites inworld which are cold, dank subterranean dungeons, this one is more like a Gold’s Gym with a club and beach resort thrown in.

Intrigued by the concept (Significant Other’s eyes roll and lips say, “What else is new?”) I make arrangements to visit the site and meet the owners. 

The BDSM resort is called Sands of SinnZ and is located here.   

The owners and managers are a couple called Holle von SinnZ and Racheal SinnZ.  And, yes, they are lovers, engaged, and soon to be married inworld.  More on this is in a moment!  In addition, Holle is Rach’s mistress.

Holle and Rach are both longtime residents in SL with interesting stories about how they came to be. 

Holle’s background goes back to avatars prior to her current avi. Holle is a character from a book she was working on at the time in Real Life (RL), and was never meant to get any real time, but Holle was jumping into this avi to write while inworld, and the more she was away from the RL sorrows of her former main avi, the more at peace she felt. So rightly or wrongly Holle stayed Holle.  But in time the emotional train wrecks of her and Rach’s lives came to head as most things do bringing them together.  However, Holle would do it all over again to be here with Rach today. 

Rach came into SL over eight years ago, when her late sister introduced her to it.    Back then it was a very different world in SL, she used to just hang around with friends and got to know a few good ones whom she joined with as family.  Rach has remained close friends with a few of them.  In her eight years, she has done a lot.  Rach has designed and built sim layouts, has built motorcycles, and run clubs.  She’s also done DJing and photography.  Yet, somehow, it started to all become the same until she met Holle who gave her a new life and kick started her SL experience again.  Hence, they are now a couple with this beach and club. 

Holle and Rach met in a BDSM club.  As Holle puts it, “I spotted her.  But I was like WOW she’s HOT!…2 secs later she [Rach] IMED me and it’s been Wild in love from there”

Meanwhile, Rach says that she was just wondering and thinking of leaving SL and

she stumbled across Holle at that club who became her mistress and fell in love with.  She knew then that Holle was the one she wanted to marry. 

Needless to say, there is a very strong sexual component to their relationship!

Holle and Rach have never met in person in RL. Their relationship is exclusively through SL. 

When it comes to the BDSM lifestyle in RL, Rach seems to be the more experienced of the couple with Holle has only “played” with BDSM in RL but admits to wanting to tie Rach up if they ever meet in RL.  Rach has offered to supply the rope. 

Holle and Rach decided to open the club for two reasons.

First, the beach was the core idea, a place open to explore the BDSM lifestyle.  Second, they both love clubs.  They started throwing parties here and there so it all sort of just clicked for them. 

Holles believes that SL does not complement the BDSM lifestyle very much.  Some BDSM places inworld have it right, while others don’t, Holle likes to think they offer a happy mix.  Rach been part of the BDSM lifestyle in RL says that SL doesn’t really complement it.  It’s a different lifestyle in her opinion but they do have points in common.

When discussing how their club differs from its competition, Rach explains that they offer the BDSM life on a open beach with the club as an extra attraction.  The club could be

said to be in many ways like the competition but Rach would like for anyone to find a more relaxing and enjoyable beach BDSM scene.

Holle says that all clubs are basically alike but there’s only one club that has Holle and Rach, and they are trying to bring a harmony of BDSM and club life together.  Adding that it’s not easy!

Rach notes that BDSM and their club are one here and are not separated as can be seen with the location of the play room next to the club’s dance floor. 

As for clientele, Rach states that it’s open for people to explore the BDSM lifestyle in the club environment either the beach scene or the urban scene. 

Holle says that as they build and find new styles, they will implant them discreetly each time adding new experience for guests.

Sands of Sinnz is not looking for any specific client types, such as dom/dommes, subs, slaves, or nudists.  All are welcome and Holle and Rach want to be home to all the above. 

Visitors can have sex in the open and are encouraged to find their own balance at the resort.  (Rach adds that they can’t say no when they do!) 

Holle explains that BDSM isn’t about sex only but that’s where SL and RL differ she feels. 

When asked about what are their ultimate goals for the club, Holle says that she'd

like to see it grow.  This is their love and soul, so of course she wants it to grow and live.  Their ultimate goal is for Sands to grow and the people coming here to return because they have found what Holle and Rach see in it. 

Holle and Rach have learned several lessons from this project so far.

Rach starts by saying having someone you love with you while building was a dream for her which gave me the inspiration to get on with it. 

Holle’s lesson is to have your key elements in place before you start as in money, people to help, and that’s the big one – “ASKing”for help.”

Keeping it simple to start and not throwing too many ideas into the cooking pot at once. 

I saved the most important question for last, “When's the wedding?”

Holle and Rach are looking at some time in 2017 but they both say the wedding will be when the time is right.  Which is a great answer!

(If I get invited I promise that there’ll be a follow-up story!)

Sands of Sinnz is a comfortably sized facility catering to BDSM, nudists, and others who want a friendly, open environment to mingle with others or to be alone with a partner for more intimate moments. 

BDSM equipment is located in the play room next to club’s dance floor while individual BDSM pieces are located on small nearby islands for private practice. 

Holle and Rach hold events regularly at Sands from 2:00 to 8:00PM SLT every day with the best activities occurring on Mondays and Thursdays. 

Overall, Sands of Sinnz is a great place to go and have a good time inworld. 

It can be found here. 

The staff are friendly and welcoming and the other guests are well behaved. 

I recommend Sands of Sinnz for anyone curious about BDSM or who is just looking to have a good time with others!

Tell ‘em web sent you!

Who knows, you may find me hanging out there!

I’d like to thank Holle and Rach for taking the time for this interview and for showing me around.

I also want to wish them every happiness and good fortune in their lives together inworld!

Finally, thanks to The Companion for taking the pictures used in this story and that can also be found on this flickr page. 

As always, I’m grateful to all inworld for their kindness and time in stopping to talk with a stranger who was passing through their lives. 

My Twitter handle is @webspelunker.  Please feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to follow you.

I can be found on Google+ as webspelunker Ghostraven.

My flickr Photostream is located here.

On Skype I’m webspelunker Ghostraven.

I welcome feedback from readers, please either comment on my blog or e-mail me at webspelunker@gmail.com . 

            If you would like to read about my other adventures in Second Life please click here.

            Open roads and kind fires!

Sex and the Single Avatar in Second Life XVIII – A Visit to a Newly Discovered Nudist Resort in Second Life

Find me under the palms.

Anonymous

Wandering about in Second Life (SL) as I’m wont to do, an acquaintance recently recommended a nudist resort to me that I hadn’t heard of before.  (Significant Other seems shocked thinking I’d seen them all.) 

Intrigued, (Significant Other asks what else is new.) I made plans to visit and to check it out.

The resort is called Isla de Amores and I visited a few times to see what it was all about.  During one of these visits, I met Charlie Miami, the owner/operator, who agreed to

an interview with me.

The following story is based on that interview and my visits. 

Charlie is an old SL hand.

He began his time inworld as a guard at Wild Coast, a naturist sim.  Charlie says that he remembers me from my earlier visits there and I vaguely remember him.  (Significant Other suggests that I was more interested in certain other residents.) He left Wild Coast to establish Miami Properties with a partner but closed down that venture when the partner had to leave SL.  Charlie says that it’s hard to be a land business inworld unless you have a niche.

Isla de Amores was Charlie’s next venture inworld.  Being a naturist in Real Life (RL) when he can, he decided to go back to his roots inworld.  The resort was first opened for Charlie’s friends and then to the public in April 2015. 

Charlie believes that nudity and sex are part of human nature.  Some lean to it more than others, he’s one of the ones who leans to it.  The goal at Isla de Amores is for people to come and enjoy his efforts there.  It is a way to give back to the community by making it available to all free of charge. 

Designing and staying on top of the latest trends in furniture inworld is a pastime for Charlie.  (Remember this is an adult sim so we’re talking sex here folks!)  He has a large inventory of animations spread all over the sim, even the starfish have them!  Some of these

animations are custom made exclusively for Charlie and can be found nowhere else inworld.  This adds to the uniqueness of Isla de Amores.  I’ve checked out several of these and the variety offered is indeed broad and original.  (No more details, we’re still not that kind of blog!  Check them out for yourselves.)

Isla de Amores does accept donations from visitors but there is only one donation barrel located at its entrance.  Charlie’s not in it for the money.  While other sims have closed for lack of funding, he has no intention of doing so. 

Interestingly, the resort is clothing optional.  Nudity is not a requirement.  Group membership is a requirement but is free.  Charlie says this helps to keep poor behavior out.  All sexual preferences are respected.  Al that is asked is that everyone be kind and respectful to one another. 

There are no planned social events because Isla de Amores is only a homestead with a limit of twenty avatars at any one time which does preclude large gatherings.  Treasure hunts have been held in the past and may occur again in the future. 

Only adult human avatars are allowed entrance.  Attached ears, tails, and wings are allowed.  Complete animal or fantasy avatars are not.  Visitors who appear in such form are politely asked to switch to human form.

Isla de Amores is comprised of a series of small islets connected by narrow walkways or accessible by wading through shallow water.  Lush, tropical foliage covers them.  Highly detailed palm trees, tropical flowers, shrubs and bushes are scattered across

the sim giving a very lifelike effect.  The grounds alone are worth a visit.  Beautiful, small beaches offering privacy and opportunities for couples to be intimate are washed by waves.  Colorful birds fly overhead.  Waterfalls and rock formations complete the natural settings.

Small huts and cabins are available for use by visitors.  Row boats are moored along the shore.  Lounge chairs, blankets, and dance balls can be found on the beaches.  (Remember what I said earlier about the unique animations!)  Ruins for exploring are also hidden in the underbrush. 

There is a teleport to take visitors to the more popular places.  (My BDSM friends may be interested in the Red Room in particular.) 

I strongly recommend Isla de Amores to anyone who is interested in a quiet, enjoyable, tropical nudist resort in SL.  Since it’s clothing optional, as long as no one minds others being nude, the resort is well worth visiting to see how a beautiful, tropical resort can be constructed inworld. 

Isla de Amores is unique for being a very well laid out resort which is not cookie cutter produced like other sims inworld.  The use of multiple islands breaks it up allowing for

more beaches and private places.  (OK, I’ll admit it, I get lost every time I go there.  Significant Other is only surprised that I’ve admitted that.)  And, don’t forget those animations that are unique solely to Isla de Amores!

I hope that you’ll visit Isla de Amores and enjoy yourselves!

Who knows?  Maybe you’ll run into me!

Isla de Amores can be found here.

I’d like to thank Charlie Miami for meeting with me and for creating such a wonderful addition to the nudist community inworld!

I’d also like to thank my Companion who supplied all the pictures used in this story and that can also be found on this flickr page.  (She also keeps asking why I seem to only send her to nudist resorts.) 

As always, I’m grateful to all inworld for their kindness and time in stopping to talk with a stranger who was passing through their lives. 

My Twitter handle is @webspelunker.  Please feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to follow you.

I can be found on Google+ as webspelunker Ghostraven.

My flickr Photostream is located here.

On Skype I’m webspelunker Ghostraven.

I welcome feedback from readers, please either comment on my blog or e-mail me at webspelunker@gmail.com . 

            If you would like to read about my other adventures in Second Life please click here.

            Open roads and kind fires!