STEAM X in Second Life

 There was something delightfully intimate about the relationship between predator and prey.

Nenia Campbell

  

          As I sit down to write this story about Second Life (SL), another 8 inches of show is falling outside of my home in Real Life (RL).

          Yet, hope springs eternal because The Weather Channel promises that spring is also around the corner.

          I yearn for warmer weather and no ice and snow outside my door. (Significant Other now complains about cabin fever on a regular basis.)

          As I always look for things to keep my mind off of the weather at this time of the year (And to stay out of Significant Other’s way.) I’m rewarded by knowing that it’s time for the annual Mieville steampunk hunt, STEAM X, inworld.

          For those to whom this may be a new phenomenon in SL, STEAM X is the tenth (Hence the “X” for those who failed Roman numerals in second grade arithmetic.) celebration of all this is steampunk inworld. 

          STEAM X is, as always, hosted by the Mayor of Mieville and impresario extraordinaire, Perryn Peterson. 

         

The Hunt is a Grid wide event with dozens of merchants, all personally and carefully selected by Perryn himself, offering as gifts to intrepid hunters the very best of their wares.  Several merchants run their own mini-Hunts which adds to the fun. 

          Hunters look for clues and try to find the gifts which are free.  Some hunters gather into hunt parties and go out together.

          Let’s take a closer look at STEAM X.

          STEAM is an acronym which stands for “Steampunk Travelers’ Event, Adventure & Megahunt.”  (Rather to the point if I do say so myself!)  STEAM was once a semi-annual event but the effort behind an event of this scale as well as all the other social activities on Mieville’s calendar have necessitated going to an annual schedule.

          I began covering these events with STEAM VII not long after I’d begun blogging. 

          The theme for this year’s Hunt is Steam: The Dream and this is the idea behind all the Hunt’s gifts. 

          This year’s poster has been done once again by the talented Tattoo Lane.

          XMarieX Fairport’s gift’s (The Steam Dream Cog Chair) picture is included as a sample of the marvelous and creative gifts

prepared by the merchants for the Hunt.

          The Hunt begins at Laughing Gryphon House in the Mieville Doyle Victorian Steampunk sim .

          From here, hunters launch out across the Grid in pursuit of their treasures.

          STEAM X runs from March 1^st to 31^st so don’t miss out!

          Historical Hunts, Ltd., the sponsoring Mieville organization maintains a blog with Hunt details as well as pictures of gifts.  This blog is also a great resource for future Mieville activities.  Be sure to check it out!

          STEAM X is a wonderful and fun filled community event in SL. 

          It’s an opportunity to sample the wares of the creative merchants inworld and to meet and hang out with other residents. 

          I strongly encourage all to participate and, if possible, to purchase some of the other merchandise offered by merchants in their shops.  After all, a strong SL economy is good for everyone. 

          I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Great Challenge of every Hunt!

          Namely to complete the Hunt in its entirety, including mini-Hunts, in record time!

          Who’s up for it?

          See you at STEAM X!

          I’d like to thank Perryn for his time and assistance in helping me prepare for this story.   Perryn has become one of my closest friends inworld and I’m grateful for the time he takes from his busy schedule to help me.

          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!