Person(s) of The Year: Baron Wulfenbach/Melanippe of Themiscyra

 

Many people made the news last year. Sadly, the person who had the most impact was with her departure. On November 7, we reported that a lady player behind both Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (Klauswulfenbach Outlander) and Melanippe of Themiscyra (Melanippe Karas) had died. 

 

Baron Wulfenbach was based on the "Girl Genius" online comic character of the same name, and was constantly in character (though often in a better mood), and was quite a presence in the Steamlands. While he had his own sim, he was often in other places such as Steelhead. Melanippe of Themiscyra (melanippe.karas) was part of the ROMA community, and part of a number of events. 

 

Memorial events were held for both personas. The one at ROMA for Melanippe had a roleplayed funeral ritual, followed by a talk about both her and the Baron. A few days later at the Burton Library in New Babbage, people gathered, a few who hadn't been online in a while, to talk about the Baron, but also Melanippe. 

 

Honorable mentions include Crim Mip, the development teams behind the mobile viewer and the avatar welcome package, Scrim Pinion, and the Relay for Life Volunteer group.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Honoring Baron Klaus Wulfenbach And Melanippe of Themiscyra

 

Last week, the person behind two personalities in Second Life passed away, Melanippe of Themiscyra (Melanippe Karas), and Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (Klauswulfenbach Outlander), People honored both of them in different ways. The Roma community held a memorial service for Melanippe. Caledon and Antiquity would also honor the Baron. 

 

Read more in People. 

Announcement: Memorial Service to Melanippe.

 

 With deep sorrow, Roma announces the passing of Melanippe of Themiscyra (melanippe.karas), consul and one of the most beloved members of our community.

On Saturday, November 8, you are all invited to attend the memorial ceremony as follows:
•     12:00 PM SLT: The Funeral Parade – Pompa Funebris
•     12:30 PM SLT: The Funeral Ritual – Ritus Funebris
•     1:00 PM SLT: The Funeral Feast – Epulum Funebre

We await your presence!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Insula/24/53/27

Klaus Wulfenbach/Melanippe of Themiscyra Has Died

 

The Newser has some sad news to report. The lady behind three avatars in Second Life, two of whom we've written about has passed away. Inworld, she was known as Melanippe of Themiscyra (Melanippe Karas), Tanarian Davies, and Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (Klauswulfenbach Outlander)

 

A generous friend, devoted dog parent, and role-player par excellence has departed this life. Corgi, aka Tanarian Davies, aka Baron Klaus Wulfenbach, aka Melanippe of Themiscyra, died this morning (Nov.7) after suffering extensive brain bleeds on Oct. 30. Her beloved dogs Piston and Sparkplug are safe in a new home.
 

Melanippe was the oldest of the accounts, appearing in June 2007, the other two appeared a few months later.  

 

 Baron Wulfenback was based on the character of the same name from the "Girl Genius" online comics, the ruler of the "Pax Transylvania," and the antagonist of the strip's heroine. In SL, he was a familiar sight at Steelhead and his own sim Europa Wulfenbach. The Newser would interview him in 2012. While he dropped out of sight for some months in 2023, word has it he came back soon after Jan 2024. 

 

Melanippe of Themiscyra (melanippe.karas) was a familiar sight in the ROMA community, being a part of many events and festivals. Tanarian Davies was of a lower profile than the other two, not really getting the attention of the Newser. 

 

The Aether Salon will be doing an event on  Sunday Novemeber 16 at 2PM in her/his honor, people invited to share memories of the person's personas.

 

The Newser was not previously aware of these three avatars being the same person in real life.

 

Rest in peace,

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

A Busy Weekend

 

Quite a bit happened this past weekend. The Relay for Life's Home and Garden Expo officially started. New Toulouse had it's "Sami Gras" parade on Saturday. Roma had it's Equirria and Lupercalia events. Caledon had it's 16th Anniversary Ball (above). There was a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Moscow Island. Veterans Island had their annual fundraiser concert. And more.

More on some of these events later.
 

A Glance at Roma

 

Years after they first came online, the Roma sims are still around. This is a historical location and community that makes it's home on three sims: Roma, Roma Suburbia, and Roma Transtiberium. Unlike some roleplay communities, Roma doesn't have a problem with furry avatars. But child avatars do have some special rules including being banned from a few portions of the sims. While roleplay is encouraged, it's not a requirement, and visitors are welcome as long as they don't bother anyone. On the last weekend of most months, they have festivals in which both local residents and visitors are invited.

For those whom haven't been to Roma before, there's a welcome center at ROMA (213/26/22). There, one can get explanations about the rules in detail and free mesh men's tunics and women's togas. There's also a playable game in which one is asked to find clues to what happened to a missing person. For still more information, one can check their blog at http://romacitizens.blogspot.com/ (not recently updated). One can also look in the Newser archives for stories we've written about them in the past, such as when one reporter dropped in on the day a new Senator was sworn into office.

For history fans, a neat place to explore, whether on the Ides of March or any other day.

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: May Roma Festival, Bona Dea and Mercuralia

This weekend we celebrate Bona Dea, honouring the Goddess Fauna; and Mercuralia, honouring Mercurius, God of Commerce.  Hope to see you Saturday morning!

* *

Saturday, 25th May

10am - Bona Dea Ritual and Maypole Dance
Our festivals begin with a ritual for Bona Dea, "The Good Goddess" - Also known as Fauna, She is the daughter of Faunus, and a goddess of virginity, fertility, and healing. Bona Dea's rites included only women - even paintings or drawings of men or male animals were forbidden - but in our ROMA, the menfolk are welcome to Her rites. After the rite, we will have a traditional maypole dance, music, and picnicking!
The Temple of the Five
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Insula/24/52/26


12pm - Faunalia Fishing Contest
As Flora is a Goddess of green, growing things, so Fauna is a goddess of all who sport fur, feathers, or... scales! Come try your luck in the Faunalia Fishing Contest - catch and collect beautiful pets and have a chance at winning prizes - using the 7Seas Fishing system,  1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive cash prizes.
Roma Fishing
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/129/9/22


All Saturday and Sunday
Sponsored by the C.D.S., in honour of Bona Dea
An art show of women artists from the personal collection of Chancellor Kyoko Furse-Barzane , nestled into the heart of Roma, and consisting of both 'flat' pieces and sculptures.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/176/73/26
Torin Plaza


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Sunday, 26st May

11am -  Mercuralia Ritual and Treasure Hunt
Mercury isn't just the herald of the Gods - He's also the patron of merchants and commerce! So this Mercuralia, we will be honouring Him with a ritual on the roof of Trajan's Market! After the ritual, there will be Mercury's Treasure Hunt - Mercury has dropped His parcels and most of His money while flying home to Olympus! The pouches are now scattered throughout ROMA!  Can you help Him find them? But watch out - each pouch will give out only one prize, and then it will disappear. So you will have to be swift to find these elusive pouches before anyone else does!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/184/42/26
Roma Plaza


12pm - The Mercury and Fauna Grand Feast
Our Festival winds down with the Mercury & Fauna Grand Feast - come celebrate the return of Spring with us! Dancing, good conversation, curated music and a delicious feast.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/200/195/30
Field of Mars


1pm - Legio XIII's Vinovium Messenger Race
In honor of Mercurius, racers must help soldiers pass messages of vital importance to the defence of Roma!  All can participate - cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd; a Legionary winner will also get a medal.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/18/177/42
Legio XIII, Fort Western Gate

SL Video: "Chariot Racing at ROMA - 20 Lap Main Event"

(Click here if the video doesn't play)

From Kim Link on March 11. There are a number of races in Second Life, such as the Giant Snail Races, and the AGRA racetrack. At the Roma community, every week they have their chariot races. Unlike the other two mentioned however, the chariots (and horses) can suffer damage. Bump into the walls and other horses too much, you won't be finishing.

Something appropriate for the Ides of March.

Cartoon of the Day: When You Feel Like A ...

Taken at the Roma area

By Bixyl Shuftan

A Busy Weekend

Quite a bit happened this weekend. The Roma community held it's Lupercalia festival. Veterans Isle held it's monthly fundraiser concert for Homes For Our Troops. There were also several Relay fundraising events, including one held by KittyKatS for it's eighth anniversary (above).

We'll have more on one or so of these, and other happenings, later on.

Announcement: Roma February 2019 Lupercalia and Equirria Festival

Saturday, 23rd February

10am - Lupercalia Ritual and The Running of the Luperci
In celebration of this most ancient of festivals we will be performing a Roman ritual for Faunus Lupercus, the God of Wild Things and Lupa, the shewolf who nourished the founding fathers Romulus and Remus. After the rite, we will have the Running of The Luperci - half-naked youths who bless the young ladies of the city. The women will run ahead of the Luperci, who will lightly flog them with the goatskin floggers in hopes of fertility (both of mind and body). Following the ritual, we will have our traditional Lupercalia dancing in the garden - and clothing is optional!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/180/131/42
Luper Cave


11am - Venus' Truth
A variation on our popular Ask Venus event -- this time, Venus would love to hear your poems of love and romance. Come join our beautiful Goddess in the Baths of Caracalla, to lounge, swim, and share the prose and poetry of love!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/147/35/23
Baths of Caracalla

***********************************************************

Sunday, 24th February

10am - Equirria Legion Blessing Ritual & ROMA Chariot Races
The Legio, in a time honored military display, will present arms and come to be blessed for the new year. After the blessing, we will have chariot races in honour of Mars - all are welcome to try their luck at racing a chariot and a grand prize will be awarded to the victor!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/213/140/40
Hippodrome Circus Seating


12pm - Lupercalia Grand Feast
Join us for an evening of feasting, dancing, and good company, as well as Live Music by Sassy Nitely! You may opt to wear barbarian/wild outfits in honour of the Lupercalia if you wish.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/239/225/25
Roma Concert


1pm - Legio Half-naked Harpastum
A standard harpastum (Roman football/soccer) game with a Lupercalia twist! Participants may be topless for this event!

Be careful out there - don't let the other players distract you with their charms!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/82/233/42
Legio XIII Fort/Harpastum

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at Roma

By Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement: CDS Pub Crawl

The CDS Pub Crawl is back! and it's a cross community pub crawl that will include stops in New Toulouse, Roma, and our own CDS sims!

Music by DJ Manfred Hancroft

TIME: 12 - 2 pm SLT on Saturday, February 16,
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/New%20Toulouse/62/206/24
so add it to your calendar, and bring along a designated driver, because, you know, stuff happens. Bring along your iced tea and we'll add the mint julip part when you get here.

More info to follow with landmarks for the event!

A Busy Weekend

Quite a bit happened this weekend. The 2019 Winter Burn "Seasonal Perceptions" (pictured above) took place from Friday to Sunday. The Roma community's January festival, Paganalia, took place over Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, Caledon Oxbridge University held it's tenth anniversary ball. Sunday had an event at the CDS community at their Venus Cafe. Later in the day, Veterans Isle hosted a benefit concert for Homes For Our Troops.

More about these events later this week.

Announcement: 2019 ROMA Paganalia Festival Schedule

Saturday, 26 January

10am - Roman Paganalia Ritual and Feast
In celebration of Paganalia, the Roman festival of sowing, we will be performing a ritual to honour Ceres (the goddess of agriculture) and Tellus (Mother Earth), followed by a feast in Collegia Religio Romana. Come join us in celebrating the beginning of the Paganalia!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Vinovium/110/231/24

12pm - Croc Race
You may have explored ROMA's Cloaca Maxima before, but have you ever raced through it on the back of a crocodile? Well now you can! Our Cloaca Croc Race will be a timed race, with the 3 best times winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Can you navigate your croc through to victory before the competition? Join the race and find out!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/211/11/580

*************************************

Sunday, 27 January

12pm - Paganalia Grand Feast

ROMA's Paganalia Festival  continues with an evening of feasting and dancing. Live music will be provided by Franklee Anatra - so come dance the night away to good tunes and great company!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/193/220/27

1pm - Legio XIII Death-match
Come watch our brave soldiers challenge each other in a a brutal death match on a rope bridge

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/79/188/42

Announcement: 2018 ROMA October Festival Schedule

NOTE - later start times

Saturday - Oct. 20th
11am - Lemuria Ritual and Ghost Tales
In Roman religion, the Lemuralia or Lemuria was a feast during which the ancient Romans performed rites to exorcise the malevolent and fearful ghosts of the dead from their homes.Our Lemuralia ritual will banish any malevolent spirits, both real and imagined, while welcoming the protective spirits of the Lares and beneficent ancestors. Please bring ghost stories to share aloud afterwards in the ROMA tombs!
Transtiberim Signpost
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/59/35/45


1pm - Lemuria Monster Costume Contest
Come celebrate the Roman version of Hallowe'en with us! In honour of the festival, we will have a costume contest hosted by Kevinus Aemilius Kadora. Dress as any monster, ghost, or undead creature you can imagine - costume winners (top 3) will win cash prizes compliments of Gens Aemilia!
Halloween Costume Party
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Insula/96/138/22

****************************************************************

Sunday - Oct. 21st

12pm - ROMA Hallow'een Grand Feast
Ghouls and goblins, witches and forest spirits are all invited to the final Grand Feast! Join your neighbours, guests and friends for this Hallow'een feast, with live music by Franklee Anatra!
Field of Mars
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/193/220/27

1pm - Legio Pumpkling
Come join us as our Legio faces off in a game of bowling (with a pumpkin as the ball) in honour of the Lemuria! All citizens are invited to participate in the game or watch from the sidelines!
Fort Legio VII Augusta
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/202/227/27

The 2018 Roma Lupercalia Weekend

Second Life has a number of historical roleplay communities. Probably the best known one, Roma, entertains both residents and visitors with monthly festivals. For the month of February, their festival was based on ancient Rome's Lupercalia. The festival back then was best known for naked men smacking women with thongs made from hide. But the residents of Roma did more for the Second Life version.

Read the story in Events.

Announcement: Roma's February 2018 Lupercalia and Equirria Festival

February Festivals Events

Saturday, 24th
10am - Lupercalia Ritual and The Running of the Luperci
In celebration of this most ancient of festivals we will be performing a Roman ritual for Faunus Lupercus, the God of Wild Things and Lupa, the shewolf who nourished the founding fathers Romulus and Remus. After the rite, we will have the Running of The Luperci - half-naked youths who bless the young ladies of the city. The women will run ahead of the Luperci, who will lightly flog them with the goatskin floggers in hopes of fertility (both of mind and body). Following the ritual, we will have our traditional Lupercalia dancing in the garden - and clothing is optional!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/180/131/42

11am - Venus' Truth
A variation on our popular Ask Venus event -- this time, Venus would love to hear your poems of love and romance. Come join our beautiful Goddess in the Baths of Caracalla, to lounge, swim, and share the prose and poetry of love!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/147/35/2

12pm - Lupercalia Gladiators

ROMA's Gladiators will perform a show based of the celebration of Lupercalia. From far Arcadia, Lycans and Satyrs will come to the arena. Luperci will face the goats and Roman legionaries the Barbarians from North. Come see the spectacle.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/127/61/27


***********************************************************

Sunday, 25th

10am - Equirria Legion Blessing Ritual and ROMA Chariot Races

The Legio, in a time honored military display, will present arms and come to be blessed for the new year. After the blessing, we will have chariot races in honour of Mars - all are welcome to try their luck at racing a chariot and prizes will be awarded to the victors!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/213/140/40

1pm - Legio Half-naked Harpastum

A standard harpastum (Roman football/soccer) game with a Lupercalia twist! Participants may be topless for this event! Be careful out there - don't let the other players distract you with their charms!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/82/233/42

Announcement: 2017 ROMA October Festival Schedule

Oct. 28th
10am - Lemuria Ritual and Ghost Tales

In Roman religion, the Lemuralia or Lemuria was a feast during which the ancient Romans performed rites to exorcise the malevolent and fearful ghosts of the dead from their homes.Our Lemuralia ritual will banish any malevolent spirits, both real and imagined, while welcoming the protective spirits of the Lares and beneficent ancestors. Followed by ghost stories in the ROMA tombs!
Transtiberim Path, ROMA Transtiberim (58, 34, 45) - Moderate


12pm - Lemuria Gladiator Combat
Witness our brave gladiators fight in honour of the Lumeria and the glory of ROMA in several bouts to the "death"! The gladiator with the most bouts won will receive a cash purse and be granted a laurel wreath of victory! Come watch the bloody battles and cheer your favourite on to glory!
Flavian Gladiator Arena, ROMA (126, 63, 26) - Moderate


1pm - Lemuria Monster Costume Contest
pm - Floralia Ritual and Spring Costume Contest
Come celebrate the Roman version of Halloween with us! The Lemuria is was a feast in the religion of ancient Rome during which the Romans performed rites to exorcise the malevolent and fearful ghosts of the dead from their homes. In honour of the festival, we will have a costume contest! Dress any monster, ghost, or undead creature you can imagine -

the contest winners will receive a $L1000 prize!
ROMA Gardens, ROMA (179, 218, 53) - Moderate


****************************************************************


Oct. 29th
10am - Armilustrium
Armilustrium honours the god of war, Mars - In His honour, Romans put away the weapons of war for the year, until warmer weather allowed for more lengthy campaigns. Join us and the Legion in celebrating this brief time of peace.
Fort Legio VII Augusta, ROMA (79, 56, 29) - Moderate


12pm - ROMA Hallow'een Grand Feast
Ghouls and goblins, witches and forest spirits are all invited to the final Grand Feast! Join your neighbours, guests and friends for this Hallow'een feast, with live music by Max Kleene!
Transtiberim, ROMA Transtiberim (199, 194, 29) - Moderate


1pm - Legio Pumpkling
Come join us as our Legio faces off in a game of bowling (with a pumpkin as the ball) in honour of the Lemuria! All citizens are invited to participate in the game or watch from the sidelines!
Legio XIII Fort, ROMA Transtiberim (70, 180, 42) - Moderate

ROMA May Festival Schedule

Saturday, 27th May

10am - Bona Dea Ritual and Maypole Dance
Our festivals begin with a ritual for Bona Dea, "The Good Goddess" - Also known as Fauna, She is the daughter of Faunus, and a goddess of virginity, fertility, and healing. Bona Dea's rites included only women - even paintings or drawings of men or male animals were forbidden - but in our ROMA, the menfolk are welcome to her rites. After the rite, we will have the traditional maypole dance, music, and wine!
Insula, ROMA Insula (221, 100, 21)


12pm - Faunalia Fishing Contest
As Flora is a goddess of green, growing things, so Fauna is a goddess of all who sport fur, feathers, or... scales! Come try your luck in the Faunalia Fishing Contest - catch and collect beautiful pets and have a chance at winning prizes - using the 7Seas Fishing system,  1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive cash prizes.
Transtiberim, ROMA Transtiberim (128, 9, 22)


1pm -  Mercuralia Ritual and Treasure Hunt
Mercury isn't just the herald of the Gods - He's also the patron of merchants and commerce! So this Mercuralia, we will be honouring him with a ritual on the roof of Trajan's Market! After the ritual, there will be Mercury's Treasure Hunt - Mercury has dropped his parcels and most of his money while flying home to Olympus! The pouches are now scattered throughout ROMA!  Can you help him find them? But watch out - each pouch will give out only one prize, and then it will disappear. So you will have to be swift to find these elusive pouches before anyone else does!
The Original Ancie, ROMA (184, 41, 26)


*****************************************************

Sunday, 28st May

10am - Fauna's Costume Contest
The Goddess Fauna has been drinking again and has mischievously transformed some of our Citizens into animals! Are you one of them? If so, come to our costume contest and show off your new wild side! This contest theme allows quad, anthro, human/animal hybrids, and human avatars with animated animal props as part of the costume ensemble. Winners will be chosen by popular vote, and prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
ROMA Gardens, ROMA (179, 218, 53)


12pm - The Mercury and Fauna Grand Feast
Our Festival winds down with the Mercury and Fauna Grand Feast - come celebrate the return of Spring with us! Dancing, good conversation, live music by Franklee Anatra and a delicious feast.
Transtiberim, ROMA Transtiberim (199, 194, 29)


1pm - Legio Harpastum
Harpastum, also known as Harpustum, was a form of ball game played in the Roman Empire. We know little about the exact rules of the game, but it appears to bear a remarkable resemblance to American Football and Rugby. In our harpastum game, everyone is welcome to play, and the winning team members will receive a cash prize.
Legio XIII Fort, ROMA Transtiberim (25, 217, 41)