The Renaissance Hunt and Faire Returns to Second Life

 

Every renaissance comes to the world with a cry, the cry of the human spirit to be free.

Anne Sullivan

 

 

          Autumn is approaching in both Second Life (SL) and Real Life (RL).

          (Yes, I know it’s several more weeks until the autumnal equinox but the Labor Day holiday weekend has always marked the end of summer for me!)

          The rituals of life, whether nature’s or our own, begin to play themselves out again.  (Significant Other hopes that I don’t become overly sentimental.)

          One inworld ritual which I enjoy immensely is the annual Renaissance Hunt and Faire organized and run by Perryn Peterson and his band of merry women and men.  The event runs from September 1^st to 30^th this year just as it did last year. This is the fourth time the event is being held inworld. 

          Like life itself, the Hunt and Faire don’t remain the same.  The event I blogged about last year has changed in a few ways.  Some subtle, some not so subtle.  But, they point to how SL is a dynamic, changing environment.

          Likewise, other things have remained the same.  But, are they?  Or, do we look at them differently because of the passage of time and what we’ve experienced along the way?

          I go back to this sim again as it slowly awakens to prepare itself for the festivities and the soon to be arriving guests.

          I’m an old hand now, so I don’t have to drag poor Perryn away from all his duties as Mayor of Mieville to show me around. 

          Upon rezzing in at the arrival area, I see the first major change.  Where once an old galleon had sat moored to a dock, a small cove with several small boats greets me.  A waterfront with small merchants’ shops, some already occupied, winds around the cove.

          Behind me, the sea beckons and I can stroll completely around the cove thanks to a small foot footbridge which goes over the entrance to the sea.

          Strolling up from the water’s edge, I pass the registration center for the hunters and from there through the town gate into the fair grounds.  I feel like I’m in old neighborhood.  I no longer get lost here.  (We won’t mention Significant Other’s observation.)

          What I always enjoy walking along this part of the sim is Mike Olbracht, Perryn’s partner and Mieville’s landscaping wunderkind has managed to capture the pastoral feel of the fields and woods with the small village effect.

          Booths have been set up for the merchants and they are being slowly filled and I have no doubt that all will be in place for opening day as it always is.  One of my favorite exhibits, the Chained Library recreating a Renaissance library is not set up yet but I have Perryn’s assurances that it will be so I’ll be returning to check it out after the opening.

          The usual entertainments will be ready for the hunters and other visitors, jousting, fencing, galliard dancing, and the May pole.  Refreshments will also be served.

          Merchants will be offering a broad array of merchandise with the emphasis on the Renaissance period.  (There’s a good deal on full suits of armor if anyone’s interested.)

          My walk takes me through the gypsy encampment.  Stopping to look inside several of the vardos, I get a sense of the color and beautiful workmanship that has gone into their interiors.  The fortune teller is back and her crystal book is sitting on a table waiting for customers.

          The horse paddock is nearby conveniently situated near a stream which flows down from the hills.  Following along the pathway from here, I arrive at the signpost just inside the town gate where I’d started.

          As always, the Hunt and Faire will be a fun event.  Dozens of merchants will have their wares on display.  Gifts will be available for hunters.  This hunt consistently draws high marks from its participants for the diversity and originality of its gifts.

          Several merchants will be having their own mini-hunts.  (No, I won’t tell you who or what!  There has to some suspense left, right?)

          If you’re wondering if you should come and participate, I encourage you to do so.

          The camaraderie of the Hunt and the Faire has to be experienced firsthand like all good experiences in life whether SL or RL.  The community that runs and supports these events is a wonderful group of people and if you plan on being a regular inworld then you have to meet them.

          Please come and enjoy yourselves!  Maybe you’ll run into me!  (I do give autographs!)

           I’ve included pictures from my visit but I encourage everyone to go and see these wonderful sights for yourselves.  I’m about as good inworld with a camera as I am in RL so checking for yourself is highly recommended.  (Significant Other nods violently in agreement.)

          I’d like to thank Perryn for briefing before my visit and for his and his entire team’s efforts to put on this spectacular event again!

          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 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.

 

 

Photo No. 1 New Arrival Area

Photo No. 2 Event Poster

Photo No. 3 Hunters Registration Site

Photo No. 4 Cove

Photo No. 5 Seaward View

Photo No. 6 Town Gate and Entrance

Photo No. 7 Merchant’s Shop

Photo No. 8 Florist

Photo No. 9 Interior of Gypsy Caravan

Photo No. 10 Interior of Fortune Teller’s Caravan

Photo No. 11 Horse Paddock

Photo No. 12 The Maypole

Photo No. 13 View of Faire Grounds

The Geisha Tradition in Second Life

 

What a lovely place this world would be if only people would feel affection for everyone else, and all the ugliness of the human heart were to vanish - our envy of those better off than ourselves and our scorn for those worse off.

Sayo Masuda, Autobiography of a Geisha

 

 

          Recently, while off exploring other social media as part of my efforts to expand beyond Second Life (SL) with social media, I met an interesting woman on the Avatar Social Network (ASN).   

          In ASN she’s known as Gemini P.  In SL, she’s known as Kikuyumi (“Yumi” for short.) and she’s a maiko.  Or, for those not familiar with the world of Japanese geisha, a student geisha.

          After our initial introduction, I learned about Yumi’s SL profession and also that this was more than mere roleplaying.   Yumi is part of an active geisha community inworld.

          Naturally, not being one to miss an opportunity to bring a new story back to my readers, I asked if I might visit with and interview her for my blog.  Yumi happily agreed and I also offered to have me meet the Onee-san and Okaa-san of Hanafusa okiya, Geiko Kikuyu, who is Yumi’s teacher. 

          OK, now, before I lose everyone because I just laid a lot of Japanese on you (Significant Other accuses me of intellectual elitism at times.) this what I said.

          “Onee-san” means older sister and is how members of this matriarchal society address one another.  “Okaa-san” is the familiar term for mother and is also used as a term of respect.  “Okiya” is a geisha house. “Hanafusa” happens to be the proper name of the one my hosts are associated with.  Geiko is a senior geisha who trains others.  And, yes, these are all Japanese terms.

          Got all that?  (If you didn’t please just humor me and lie.)

          I arrive for our interview in front of the ochaya (teahouse) where I’ll meet Yumi and Kikiyu-san.  Having spent considerable time among the Japanese and in Japan on Real Life (RL), I’m impressed by the detail and accuracy of the building.  (Significant Other is amazed that US-Japanese relations have survived me but suspects this having something to do with the Japanese having a soft spot for lost travelers and small dogs.) 

          The entrance slides open and the light comes out into the evening.  Yumi is standing inside the door in traditional geisha dress and invites me in.  She asks that I remove my shoes which I do.  (I understand the reason for the request and do it all the time in RL.  Unfortunately, I don’t do it as often in SL and fumble with their removal.  Yumi tells me not to worry about, apparently most SL residents have trouble taking their shoes off.)

          Yumi then takes me down a short hallway to a small room with a sliding screen door.  Kikiyu-san waits inside for us.  I’m invited in and offered a seat at a traditional table where one sits on the floor.  (And, yes, I’ve done this in RL too!  How much of an ugly American do you think I am?)

          I’m offered tea and Yumi sits next to me on the floor.  (Please don’t comment about sexism, I’m sitting on the floor too!)

          The tea appears as well as repast of ujikintoki which is a delightful dessert of shaved ice.  (Full disclosure here, I am a Japan-ophile especially where their cuisine is concerned.)  This is turning out to be one of my more enjoyable interviews!  (I don’t think I ever told my readers about the time I fell among cannibals inworld?   Some other time.)

          The room is in classic Japanese style with shoji screens, bonsai trees, lamps, and prints hanging on the walls.  The attention to detail that I noticed on the exterior carries into the interior.

          My hosts and I begin a discussion about their geisha community inworld.

          When I ask Yumi what drew her to become a maiko and ultimately a geisha, she replied that her understanding of the similarities between Japanese traditions and her own RL ones strengthened her resolve to stay with Kikiyu-san and learn more.  Yumi’s first introduction to this world (of geisha) was through a friend whom she worked with in RL and whose mother was a Geiko.

          Yumi’s first level as a geisha at the Okiya was as a shikomi.  She’s advanced to her current level of junior maiko with several more levels to go until she becomes a senior maiko.  Her aspiration is to become a geiko herself someday. 

          I ask Yumi what she enjoys best about the geisha life inworld.  She tells me that for her the best part is doing what I can’t in RL. Yumi personally loves dance, ikebana (the art of flower arranging) and the events which are held.

          What Yumi likes least is the time it takes to master the skills of being a geisha.  She also practices some of her skills in RL.

          One of the events that Yumi likes is the Ozashiki held weekly.  Patrons can come and enjoy some nice chat, a little food and drink or even a banquet.  They’ll dance or tell stories and poetry.  Games and music occur as well.  Yumi stresses that strict RL protocols are followed.  An Ozashiki generally lasts for forty-five minutes but by arrangement they can be longer. 

I ask if patrons are respectful of the traditions or just curious about them?  Yumi states that some follow traditions shall we call them, of times gone by.  But, that in the main they are very respectful. Very rarely a person thinks that maiko and Geiko are still involved in the sexual side of life but most people know that’s not true nowadays.

They also perform a traditional tea ceremony at their chashitsu (tea house).  I’m invited back with friends and I’ll be going!

          When questioned about kimonos and other traditional accessories, Yumi replies that they only work with two creators given the complexities of the designs. Likewise, authentic dance scripts are difficult to obtain but one creator works hard to meet their needs. 

          As our allotted time draws to a close, Yumi explains how their okiya is not just roleplay but the participants actually are creating the matriarchal society inworld.  They spend many hours in RL honing their skills.  She also believes that it would be advantageous if more people embraced cultural diversity and not just Japanese culture. 

          We end the interview by standing and bowing.  I thank both my hosts and Yumi escorts me to the front entrance.  She offers to give me a tour of their neighborhood, Miyagawacho, which is modeled on a RL Kyoto district.

          I accept and wait while Yumi changes to street clothes. 

          Upon her return, we walk down the street and I do feel like I’m back in Japan.

          Yumi shows me the onsen (hot springs), the Nyokoba (geisha school), a local shrine, and shops.

          By now I must return to RL myself and I thank Yumi for all hospitality and time.  She graciously offers to show me around the town some more and I promise to return.  There’s here I have to see!

          I take my leave and return home.

          I’d like to thank both Yumi and Kikiyu-san for taking the time to meet with me and answer all my questions.  They went to great trouble to prepare for my visit.  They and their sisters at Hanafusa okiya are doing an amazing task in keeping these traditions alive.  As they told me this is no mere roleplay.  This is real.

          What I also find fascinating is here’s another group who are using a virtual world to enhance a RL experience otherwise unavailable to many of them. 

          If anyone is interested in visiting and attending any of the events I recommend contacting either Yumi or Kikiyu-san for details.  I only ask that you be respectful of them and their lifestyle. 

           I’ve included pictures from my visit but I encourage everyone to go and see these wonderful places for yourselves.  I’m about as good inworld with a camera as I am in RL so checking for yourself is highly recommended.  (Significant Other nods violently in agreement.)

          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 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.

 

 

Photo No. 1 Yumi Greeting Me in Traditional Kimono

Photo No. 2 Tearoom

Photo No. 3 Refreshments

Photo No. 4 Kikuyuu-san

Photo No. 5 Wall Painting

Photo No. 6 Shoji Screen

Photo No. 7 Bonsai Trees

Photo No. 8 At Table

Photo No. 9 Street Outside of Teahouse

 

A Celebration of H. P. Lovecraft in Second Life

 

Sometimes I believe that this less material life is our truer life, and that our vain presence on the terraqueous globe is itself the secondary or merely virtual phenomenon.

H. P. Lovecraft

 

          As I wander across Second Life, I never to cease to wonder at the themes that people come together around and form communities about inworld.  I’ve encountered fashion, writers, steampunk, nudity, and BDSM among others while traversing the Grid. 

          One group that has always had my attention is the "HP Lovecraft Roleplay (and more) Group of Second Life" (HPL-RPG) dedicated to the works of one of my favorite authors, H. P. Lovecraft.  (Admit it, is anyone really surprised?)  He is one of the great writers of horror, fantasy, and science fiction in the twentieth century.  Sadly, Lovecraft was relatively unknown for his writings until after his death. 

          Without Lovecraft there would be neither Cthulhu nor Miskatonic University in Arkham, Massachusetts.  (Where I wanted to attend college until someone cruelly told me that it was only fictional.  Mother could have handled that better!) 

          Fortunately for diehard fans such as myself, (Significant Other states that it would be simpler to just list what I’m not a fan of.) HPL-RPG exists inworld and they keep the traditions alive virtually. 

My good friend, Arik Metzger (AKA arikthered) is the founder and coordinator of the group.  We met several years ago and have stayed in touch since.  My peripatetic lifestyle inworld as well as Real Life (RL) commitments have prevented from staying close to Arik and the group.  However this year, the stars aligned (and Arik stayed on me) and I’m able to blog about and will visit the festival!

          One of their traditions is the annual Lovecraft Festival held about the time of the Master’s birthday, August 20^th.  This year the festival will run from August 19^th to 25^th.

The main event site will feature a tribute to the marvelous Lovecraft tale "At the Mountains of Madness."   Visitors will be able to “gear up and board ship for a journey to the remote continent of Antarctica, and explore the mysteries of the icy lands, Lovecraft-style... an adventure that should prove to be a truly thrilling and chilling experience!”  OK, I’m on board!  (Significant Other’s eyes roll and a comment about being relieved that I only go walkabout virtually is made.)

Other activities and events are being organized for sim visitors to enjoy without leaving the vendor and activities areasl.  Currently planned are the concerts of Nightwish, Apocalyptica and Cradle of Filth, courtesy of Bad Ampitude and Arik Metzger. Also in the works are several stage shows, a scavenger hunt, and other projects.

          Arik was kind enough to invite me over to stroll the Festival grounds prior to its opening.  Never being one to turn down an invitation, maybe I’m not timely but I eventually show up, I dropped by recently to see what’s planned.

          Arik and his team have managed to capture that gritty view of Depression Era America that influenced Lovecraft’s writing.  There is a touch of whimsy thrown in with the horror. Walking around, I feel like I’ve just stepped out of Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks and taken a stroll down the street. 

          Switching from the run down times of RL to the fantastic and horrible of Lovecraft’s writing can be a little unsettling.  This sim is not for the faint of heart or those who are easily influenced.  (I’m ignoring Significant Other’s query about why am I there then.)

          As Arik has promised there are rides, vendors, and a Lovecraft trivia hunt.  (That one ride promising to be a recreation of a trip to Antarctica from one of Lovecraft’s stories has got my attention.  I’m definitely coming back to try out that one!)  The buildings themselves are worth coming but to see.  The attention to detail is admirable.  The occasional corpse lying about does make me wonder what the site prep was like though.

          From the soundstages being erected the concerts should be loud and big!

          The Lovecraft Festival 2014 looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun.  Most importantly, it’ll bring together many fans of the Master to celebrate his brief life and his works which will be remembered for a long time.

          I strongly recommend all who either are Lovecraft fans or who just love a good time to drop by and visit the Festival.  Maybe you’ll see me there!

          Here’s the link to the Festival site.

HPL-RPG’s fine charity of choice, Autism National Committee (AutCom) will again be the recipient of their fund raising efforts from this event. Another fine example of SL helping out with RL causes.  Please be generous if you can!         

BTW, if you’ve never read Lovecraft before now would be a great time to start!

           I’ve included pictures from my visit to the Festival grounds but I encourage everyone to go and see these wonderful places for yourselves.  I’m about as good inworld with a camera as I am in RL so checking for yourself is highly recommended.  (Significant Other nods violently in agreement.)

          I’d like to thank Arik for his help and patience in preparing this story.  Without his efforts, and those of countless others inworld, these events and activities couldn’t take place.

          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 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.

 

 

Photo No. 1 Lovecraft Festival 2014 Entry Point

Photo No. 2 Festival Poster

Photo No. 3 Local Flora

Photo No. 4 Signpost

Photo No. 5 Merchant’s Booth

Photo No. 6 Chaos, Panic, & Disorder - Exterior

Photo No. 7 Chaos, Panic, & Disorder – Interior

Photo No. 8 Fairgrounds

Photo No. 9 This Didn’t End Well!

Photo No. 10 Where to?

Photo No. 11 Another Visitor

Photo No. 12 The View

Photo No. 13 Festival Office

Photo No. 14 Concert Poster

Photo No. 15 Local Transportation

Photo No. 16 Amusement Ride

Photo No. 17 Tamer Ride

Photo No. 18 Local Fauna

Photo No. 19 Ruins

Photo No. 20 House Interior

Photo No. 21 Lovecraft Himself

Photo No. 22 H. P. Lovecraft Trivia Hunt Starting Point

Controversy in Second Life

 

Within any important issue, there are always aspects no one wishes to discuss.

George Orwell

 

          One thing about Second Life (SL), you can always count on it for a bit of controversy. 

          Most times, I just ignore it or create my own for the sheer Hell of it.  However, recently, there has been one controversy that I just felt I had to wade into and give my two cents on.  (Significant Other wants to know what took me so long.)

          A week ago, a Real Life (RL) writer, Karyne Levy, the Senior West Coast Tech Editor at Business Insider, wrote a story entitled Second Life has devolved into a postapocalyptic virtual world. The weirdest thing is how many people still use it.  (Yes, I know it’s a mouthful.  Just be glad I go for succinct titles for my stories!) 

          As you can surmise from the title, it’s not exactly a gushing review of a wonderful alternative reality where we can all feel good about ourselves.  On the other hand, I can’t say that Karyne really got too much wrong.  (Truthfully, I think I’ve been harsher in some of my stories than Karyne was.  But then she probably has more than the two followers that I have which may explain the dust up.)

           I join the fray not for the love of the fight.  (Significant Other’s eyebrows arch.)  I join because I think we should keep things in perspective and not be too thin skinned.

          Bloggers whom I follow and have considerable respect for really went to town on Karyne.  (Whom I wouldn’t know if I tripped over her but I feel I owe her some benefit of the doubt as a professional courtesy if nothing else.) 

          Wagner Au on New World Notes blogged, “Business Insider just published a fairly clueless post about Second Life.”  While Wagner blames the lackluster technical components for this clueless piece of reporting, I think he misses the point.  If this is what SL has to offer after eleven years of operation then who’s to blame?  The journalist?

          Mona Eberhardt, in her blog, ascribes the poor reporting to a lack of research on the part of Karyne.  It’s hard to think of a worse comment to be made about a journalist.  However, Mona doesn’t challenge Karyne’s facts just her conclusions. Hmm…

          Finally, there are more but I don’t to be writing this story all night, Nalates Urriah, writes in her blog, Nalates’ Things & Stuff, “While Karyne distorts what SL is and misses much of what is going on, the article is not that bad. It is just the typical ignorant writer writing without bothering to do more than a minimal amount of research on their article. A basic noobie thinking they know what SL is.”  Ouch!  OK, but didn’t we all start as noobies?

          After reading these blogs and a few other comments, I feel that we’re shooting the messenger here.

          Do we really think every journalist should research and prepare their technology before they go in to write a story as if they’re going into Deep Space?  Are we saying that the only way anyone can appreciate SL is by an effort comparable to the Normandy landings?  Whatever happened to the spur of the moment?  Having fun for the sake of having fun?  (Significant Other notes that the world’s in trouble if I’m the one asking this.)

          If this is what we mean then Linden Lab (LL) had better change their marketing strategy because that’s not how they lure people in.

          Do we really feel that the only way SL can be presented fairly is by controlling the message in some Orwellian fashion?  (Like how I name dropped there?)

          Journalistic integrity is under attack in SL. 

          The bloggers whom I quoted above I respect, follow, and will continue to follow.  I share and retweet their content.  I will continue to do so.  They publish quality,relevant blogs and I know what’s involved in trying to run a blog.  (I’m not saying I’m as good as they are, I just know what it takes.)  I encourage anyone reading this story to check them out.  I just feel they missed Karyne’s point. 

          How many of them, contacted her as I did and offered to show her the better side of SL? 

          I’m disappointed that Karyne had such a poor experience in her visit.  SL is much better than that.  Notwithstanding, my periodic jabs at LL, SL is a wonderful place with great people in communities that are truly tight. 

          Blaming Karyne for her experience and reporting on it is would be like blaming the survivors from the Titanic for not doing their due diligence before boarding when they complained. 

          If we want to criticize let’s look more closely at LL and its culpability.  Near as I can tell, Ebbe Altberg’s only response to all this was to refer Karyne to the Drax Files.    Nothing wrong with that but a stronger response is in order.  (If I’ve missed something here then please set me straight.  Don’t just criticize me for not doing my research!)  I feel this is just another example of that typical LL customer service that we all know and love so much. 

          Some who are jumping all over Karyne are also swallowing LL’s line about SL 2.0 hook, line, and sinker.  Let’s see what happens there first before we go clapping anyone on the back.

           I make a standing offer to Karyne and anyone else who wants to see the good side of SL to meet me and I’ll show you around.  I think after over three years of blogging about SL I have something to say.

          If writers, whether noobie or otherwise, walk into a buzz saw whenever they’re perceived to be critical of SL then we’ll all suffer. 

           I’ve included pictures of some of SL’s highlights but I encourage everyone to go and see these wonderful places for yourselves.  I’m about as good inworld with a camera as I am in RL so checking for yourself is highly recommended.  (Significant Other nods violently in agreement.)

          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 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.

 

 

Photo No. 1 Osho Meditation Island

Photo No. 2 Overlooking the Waterfront

Photo No. 3 Port Scene in Ancient Alexandria

Photo No. 4 Baroque Neighborhood

Photo No. 5 Renaissance Faire Landscape

Photo No. 6 Sunset at Beau Belle Village

Photo No. 7 Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Photo No. 8 Christmas in Second Life

Photo No. 9 Dragon’s Eye View of DaVinci Gardens

Photo No. 10 Asian Victorian Gardens