The Well: Sollicitus

Genius builder/creator/storyteller Loki Eliot follows up on his wildly successful interactive exploration build The Well (2012) with an expanded and enhanced Halloween experience – The Well: Sollicitus. In the original, one followed a story about a little boy lost down a water well by attaching a HUD which told the story and gave clues. I won't give away the story but one had to dodge "shadows" that scared the willies out of everyone and visit horror-based vignettes that furthered the story.

This year, there are longer tunnels to explore, scarier [redacted], sometimes fatal choices, and the heart-stopping "shadows" are more demonic than ever. The Well: Sollicitus (SLurl) is a must-see event even, if like me, you don't care for the horror genre.

Start here. The experience is worth far more than the L$100 entrance fee but I'll let the cat out of the bag: If you live, there are gifts at the end. Note the two signs "Projectors Enabled!" and "Materials Enabled!" If you can see those, you are all set to jump into the fray. If not, you can still go, but you'll miss some of the great effects. For Materials – which make the tunnel walls slimy and the [redacted] more lifelike – you'll need the official Second Life viewer.

A screen-filling HUD provides the story (which you can follow at your pace) and interactive elements – those "fatal choices" I mentioned. Above is one of the vignettes from the life of the boy you are seeking.

This is the least scary place so bring clean underwear.

Depending on your fortune, the visit can take just a few minutes or it can take several tens of minutes, but in either case you'll probably want to take the challenge a few times so you can either best your own time or so you can see all the possible options. When you are done, visit this MySL page (there's a sign for it at The Well: Sollicitus to leave feedback. Loki did this last year and the comments led to several of this year's enhancements.

Happy HallowMEME!

Strawberry Singh's weekly blog meme challenge is about Halloween. Talk about timing! According her instructions, those taking up the challenge can either post a Second Life Halloween costume, answer some questions, or both. So here's the picture:

I shot this as part of a series in hopes to be included as part of the Halloween issue of a well-known in-world magazine. No word if that has happened yet, but I feel safe in using it here as the submitted copy is cropped for the magazine's format and this one has some additional tweaking for color, &c.

About those questions ...

Except for Second Life I really don't get into Halloween. I'm not supposed to have the candy and personal history makes me really not care for horror anything so I had trouble with the questions (see them here). Typically, I did trick-or-treat but only until I was nine so I don't remember much. Silly costume parades at school. Sure, you can celebrate Halloween in public school but not Christmas. My last costume was a werewolf. Once many years ago I caught part of a movie with some character named Pinhead and that one scene gives me nightmares to this day, but only because it is so reminiscent of the parts of my personal history that I mentioned. I haven't created a haunted attraction in Second Life this year ... the first I've skipped in several years, but I have visited a few other attractions that were much better than anything I could have created anyway and I have a few more to see. Real Life? I'm hoping get at least some candy and I'll probably watch TV or sit in Second Life.

Sorry to be so dull. But I hope you have a great holiday!

MyWeek on MySL

If you haven't been following my past week on MySL then you've missed a fairly busy time. Here's a sampler from the snapshots section:

In my travels I re-found some places I had forgotten about, like the Bay of Space Pigs (SLurl) and picked up some freebies like this snapshot HUD. The Moles of the LDPW often display a wickedly sharp sense of humor in their builds making each visit a treat.

After The Lab finished rolling out Havok updates to all the regions it was safe to use mesh vehicles at sim border crossings again so I leaped in the Black Chicken and flew around the Coastal Waterway (Web) until I hit a ban line which disintigrated my chopper and dropped me in the water. Thank goodness this kitty can swim and has a day-glo flight suit for the Search And Rescue teams to spot.

On Election Day in the USA I visited an unofficial Obama 2012 campaign headquarters and took several snaps with owl buddy Daniel Voyager. Can't see it in this picture, but I'm wearing my Flufee for President hoodie. Later, Daniel searched for a Romney HQ but couldn't find anything. It's not like four years ago when lots of politicians had a presence in Second Life, official or otherwise.

The day before the US elections I ran amuck in some UK sims to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day (Web) and took a few snaps. There didn't seem to be much of a party for the remembrance anywhere and I actually met folks who thought I was just an Occupier (Web). My, how folks forget their traditions.

Despite Halloween having passed, I hit up Grendel's Children (Web) to search for pumpkins with avatar prizes inside. One of my favorites of the couple dozen I got is a pair of giant spiders. Amazingly textured, artfully sculpted, and brilliantly scripted, these critters can actually build webs and use them! Here I'm setting up house on the sign at one of Robin Sojourner's shops (SLurl) in Bay City.

A couple times during the week I attended the burning of the little Man at Burning Man's Inner Child Camp. Marianne McCann (far right) streamed some great tunes while a big crowd of people danced, watched the Man burn, and generally had a great time. Of course, Mari set off fireworks. The girl likes fire.

The week saw a couple visits to the Mad Pea Carneval (Web; SLurl), a fantastic build that must be experienced. There are so many talented artists that use Second Life as a medium that it's hard to understand why the platform, at least by general consensus, seems to be floundering.

On my first visit to Mad Pea I picked up a stalker, one Tem Haalan, who has a fabulous avatar that fits the Carneval so beautifully. Tem inspired me to spend several hundred L$ on new boots, leather pants, and other sundries to make a similar avatar which in the end I (A) forgot to photograph and (B) realized was nearly a clone of my Zyx Resident alt character. DOH!

So that's a sample of my week in MySL. How was yours? What? You don't use it? Shame on you! A premium account is not needed, its fun, and you can meet new people like Tem (he watched my MySL feed before we met, hence the stalkerness).

Spooky Spots

The other day the LDPW Moles began making the streets of Bay City and other Linden-owned spots all spooky with ghosts, pumpkins that wander about, fresh graves, and more. Here's a sampling of what you can find:

The Bay City Fairground has a Hay Maze (SLurl) constructed by Marianne McCann and the Moles (I got to help a bit). If you survive your trip to the center, click the coffin there for a gift. Click again for a second, possibly different gift. A third click ... you get the idea.

The Channel Island Asylum (SLurl) is creepy year 'round but it takes on extra "atmosphere" at this time of year. Watch out for the nurses, the doctors, and the ... oh, I shouldn't spoil it all for you. Like all Linden-owned parcels, be sure to use the World > Sun > Use Region Settings menu option for the spookiest atmosphere!

Another year 'round spooky spot is the Falmouth Hotel (SLurl), but during this season the creepies really set in as people creep around in costume. Don't let the driveway fountain that sometimes runs red with blood deter you. Step on in. The residents sometimes give gifts. And like the Hotel California celebrated in song and legend, you can check in but ...

Lots of Bay City residents have decorated for the holiday but the Manard House (SLurl) simply manifests. You won't see it at other times of the year, just Halloween. Sometimes the owners aren't home and sometimes they are ... right behind you. Look for the gift as you explore the rooms and the convenient near by door to escape through.

A couple blocks away is the resident-owned The R Pub (SLurl), a friendly neighborhood bar that has been spooktacularly decorated for the holiday. Drop in any time for a drink, a dance, and a demonically good time. You'll often find people there later in the night drinking spirits and talking to them, too.

Hairy Hippo Funland (SLurl) was probably the first place to be hit by the Moles in the Halloween decorating spree. Either that or the hippos have spontaneously grown pumpkin bodies. Enjoy the rides, try the games, and take up the food challenge (yes, you'll need a toilet in Second Life for that one). Just watch out for the ghosts.

The Moles have decorated several of the Bay City streets, but they've also run amuck outside the city limits. Check out the Georgean Test Track (SLurl). Rez your own car, bike, skateboard, or whatever and drive like a manic. Just be careful you don't earn your own grave there. If you look about you'll find there is a great off-road leg of the track that is really awesome for hover boards (normally there is a free hover board giver there, but I think the ghosts ate it).

Of course, it's all fun until you lose a an eye or something. My poor brother (CC Poultry) was in the Manard House when this happened ...

Poor guy, but at least it was a cat, albeit a mutant one, to burst through his belly. It could have been worse. It could have been ... well, that really was pretty bad.

If you have a Halloween site you'd like to publicize, post an SLurl and a description in the comments here. Happy Halloween everyone!

Manard's House

Year 'round you can pass old Manard's House in Bay City - Dennis (SLurl) and see just a run-down old farm house. Sure, it looks a little spooky, but it is really harmless. But when you see pumpkins in the yard, run! That's a sign that some special guests take up residence through Halloween, making strange noises and causing strange things to happen. If you sneak in at the right time, however, you can grab a gift and get out quick!

/me giggles

Well, that's the back story. Readers of this blog know that every year I'd build something special for the holiday at the Isle of Lesbos. Of course, this year there is no Lesbos sim so I moped about with an inventory full of stuff that I had been gathering for this year's build. Then I ran across a sweet rental near my home and I had to go for it. Its not big and its not super elaborate, but there's a lot of heart in it. So come on down and have some fun. Just don't sit on the pumpkin trees – they'll eat you up! Come November, the house is gone and I'll sit around figuring what I can do for next year.

Haunted House Adieu

Until Next Year

The Menagerie Isle 2011 Haunted House was swallowed up in a mystical vortex today, an eerie voice in the wind saying "Until Next Year!!!!"

Many thanks to the hundreds of folks who visited this year. I hope you had a fabulous time. Since many were first day residents I don't think they'll see this blog just yet, but I hope they know that they are appreciated. Also, thanks to Angela Seale (my wife) for spot checking the build and helping with security. Threshin Barnett lent the big sea dragon to me for the pirate area. Lots of folks IMd with comments, all positive, thank goodness, and I give them my thanks, too.

Tons of thanks to Janeforyou Barbara, Menagerie Isle's owner and Head Ranchero. Stupid me, it never occurred to me in all the years I've used her land for my project that I should have had her put out a tip jar. Well, with any luck she sold some horses or whatever critters she is raising now (Robots? Come see them here). She's an absolute dear and one of the most generous people in all Second Life. She deserves good things.

Soon I'll sort through the 40-something photos I took before the tear down and post the best on this blog. But I'm already thinking about next year and saving my L$ for what could be my best Halloween attraction yet. I hope to see you then :)

Second Life's Most Popular Attraction!

Well, I wish that were true, but dozens of people a day visit The Menagerie Isle 2011 Haunted House. Have you seen it? Plenty of frights in those sights and a gift if you survive the dark ride in the basement. Use the SLurl below to visit soon because when Halloween is gone, so is the House.

Madam Jane's Fortune Telling Parlour attracts some interesting clients.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Menagerie%20Island/46/56/47

Blogging & Foruming Today

Hay, y'all! I'm going to be spending much of today replying to comments on my Official Second Life Blog post from last Wednesday (see it here) and threading through the forums (starting here) monitoring and replying to Halloween posts there, too. Stop by and leave a comment or two or three or more.

Image shot in Second Life and edited with iMut8r for my iPod Touch.

Friday Blog! [UPDATE]

This  Friday I'll have a post on the Official Linden Blog as part of a Best of SL Halloween Event (Web)! I'll be joining several other residents in an open conversation on the blog and in the forum so be sure to drop by and check us out!

[9:39AM SLT] Looks like my blog post is LIVE now. Check it out here.

Clueless in My Prattle

It can only be my fault, I guess, but I've gotten myself into a pickle. Either a Linden who reads my blog recommended me or my Haunted House (SLurl) got noticed this year or someone ... well, I just don't know.  But on October 31st I'll have a post about celebrating Halloween in Second Life on the official Linden Blog and I'll be replying to folks who comment as well as trolling the forums talking about ... what?

I need a topic.

I don't know. Maybe if I knew why the Lindens contacted me or how how I came to their notice I'd know what I should write about. In fact, I really need like 10 topics as Zed Linden told me that I should have several at hand in case things go pear-shaped and I need to resuscitate the threads.

For some reason, Zed Linden picked a boxing ring in which to hold our in-world meeting about my participation.

And it is recommended that I leap into my social networking resources for assistance. No, I don't Facebook, Tweet, Plurk (though I still have an account), use Flickr much, or even know anything about Orkut except how to spell it (I read that in a helpful notecard from Zed).

The initial contact asked that I fill out an application if I wanted to be considered to participate and on same I was asked to cite URLs for Forum replies or other bits of my participation in such venues. I knew of none. Search found none. Well, there goes the opportunity. Then I got an IM back ...

Maybe they are desperate. Really. I mean, I've seen who else is going to be doing what I'm supposed to be doing on October 31st and November 1st and if I've heard of them, then they must be SLebrities. Who? I shouldn't say yet, but think "SL's oldest Halloween attraction" and "famous October hunt" for a couple.

What have I got myself into? More to the point, now that I'm into it, what should I write about?

Reminder! Haunted House

I just took a look at the visitor logs for the 2011 Menagerie Isle Haunted House and ... whoaaaa! Althought attendance is slightly down over last year's figures to date we've still had a few hundred people visit! Maybe it's late placement in the Destination Guide explains the numbers, but I'm still happy that so many folks have visited. Someone even IMd last night to go on and on about the spiders (not where you expect them). I hope you get a chance to visit. It's free and it is a good place to bring a date.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Menagerie%20Island/46/56/47

Haunted House!

Yesterday, after my wife told me she loved me, she told me that Gabrielle Linden had visited my Haunted House on Menagerie Isle (SLurl). I had written to the general address for the Second Life Destination Guide wondering what happened to my placement request and she had popped in to check out the house. Another email later and a days wait then ...

On page 4 of the DG last I looked! (Web)

Thank you, Gabrielle!

A Linden Halloween

Looks like I'm not the only one to have opened their haunted house early this year. The Official Blog from the Lindens has a post with tons of other Halloween venues listed in Comments. Of course, be sure to come see the Menagerie Isle Haunted House first (SLurl).

Haunted House is OPEN!

The unbiased preview crowd gave the Thumbs Up so the Menagerie Isle Haunted House is now open for your thrills and chills. Well, if you experience problems with flashy lights and hypnotic patterns, might not wanna go, but if you like skeletons, evil clowns, and ghosts, this is the place to be (SLurl).

Haunted House

Nestled in the simple farm town of Menagerie Isle is Madame Jane's Fortune Parlor, an eerie building that at seems to be abandoned yet ... something is inside. Dare you see what it might be?

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Menagerie%20Island/46/55/47

Formerly the Menagerie Isle Haunted Farmhouse, this year's haunted house has a new theme at the last minute. I hope you enjoy this early preview. The house officially opens soon, but I'm eager to get some feedback so feel free to leave comments. If spiders, ghosts, blood, witchcraft, or dinosaurs scare you ... come on down!

Haunted House 2011 Tease

The buffet is almost ready and the servants are practicing their carving.
The Haunted House will open by October 1st.

Menagerie Haunted Farmhouse

Haunted House

The Haunted Farmhouse on Menagerie Isle is free for anyone* who likes the thrills and chills of Halloween. After you explore the scary rooms throughout the house, slip into the basement for a carnival-style Dark Ride with more frights. There is a special gift for all those who brave souls who survive to the end. To visit, click the SLurl below then follow the signs once you land. It's a good idea to set your sky to night time (World > Sun > Midnight) and to take off any face lights. Since I finished and opened the attraction far earlier than expected, I may add features over the next month, but after Halloween the Haunted Farmhouse goes away.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Menagerie%20Island/128/128/47

*Might not be suitable for children or those subject to epileptic seizures. Questions or concerns, please contact Uccello Poultry.

Lesbos Haunted House & Freebies

The Isle of Lesbos has a free 5-minute carnival-style Haunted House ride in the mall sim, open to men, women, child avies ... well, anyone not banned. It can be a wee scary and has flashie-lights, but it's all in fun. I'd post more pix, but that would take away some of the surprises. When you arrive (SLurl), click the door shown here then the swirly light to enter.

Well, here's one pic from inside, exclusive to this blog. Be sure to set Midnight after you enter the House. World > Environment Settings > Midnight This will give you the right lighting for the special effects, like this demon skull ahead of the ride car. Other settings should be fine. Use your keyboard's arrow keys to look around as you travel so you can see everything.

At the end of the ride you can grab copies of the plushie toys shown here. Just buy for L$0 each. No, you can't buy the piggy. That's my alt in the Prize Avie from the Loco Pocos Halloween game (Web).

Loco Pocos Halloween 2009

How lucky am I? Lucky enough to be invited to a press preview for the Loco Pocos Halloween 2009 Trick or Treat game. Just like last year's game (as blogged here), you grab a customizable pumpkin after teleporting to a creepy, dark neighborhood and go from door to door, "knocking" in hopes to get a gift.

Sometimes when you knock you get a trick not a treat, even though the door asks your preference. You can be blasted with fire, as seen here, attacked by a ghost, or crushed to death. A couple new tricks await you this year but I don't want to spoil the surprise. Just be ready for anything, including lots of candy that you can nom at or give away if you get duplicates. Other prizes like an arrow-through-the head are given out, too.

And if you are given a special key, you can win a new avie! Teagan Blackthorne, pictured here, on the left, won while I was there and quickly added hair, a dress, and some shoes to this adorable piggy. She and I both found that sometimes you have to click on a door two or three times before it is "knocked." It isn't a problem, really, and I thought it was just my mouse until she mentioned it.

During my 30-minute run I got a lot of candy and helped snag some bugs in the build, pointing them out to the ghostly owner, Damien Fate, and trying to steal candy from his pumpkin. Damien worked very, very hard on this, like all his projects, and if you see him floating around, be sure to give him a hug.

Though I didn't win the prize avie, I think I looked pretty sportin' in my demon avie, one of several recently released spooky new ones (read more about them here). They are L$350 each with another L$100 each for the leather jacket and leather pants I added. You can buy them in the store or in the Trick or Treat village as you see here.

The game opens at Midnight SLT on the 7th. Read more about it here or go to Loco Pocos Island and use the teleport there to start.