"Vampiolence" At The Trotsdale Library

The Trotsdale Library is doing weekly readings of a MLP-inspired story, "Vampiolence." The first session was Thursday Sept 24, at 6 PM. This isn't some cute and innocent tale, but one with a darker streak. 

Tonight in the Trotsdale Library, Every Thursday .... 6 PM Tonight Morgan/Illya intends to start streaming "Vampiolence" with an expectation of two chapters per session and going out until the end for Halloween.

Illya's story stream url: http://us.ishout.net:8083/

Scribbler (find her on Youtube) is both the author and producer of this MLP Halloween month appropriate tale and part of the voice cast. Morgan Freepony (Illya Leonov) is the narrator.

[17:01] Morgan Freepony (illya.leonov): I began recording this one shortly before I went into hospital for my cancer surgery.

Story start is September 24 at 6 PM PDT/SLT. For those that fall behind check Scribbler's Youtube channel to catch up.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trotsdale/22/156/25

Lacy Day at Nisa

On Friday Novemeber 22 at 2PM SL time, a small memorial event was held in honor of Lacy Musketeer, whom passed away this summer.

Hi folks, we're finally ready to do the memorial for Lacy. It will be held at 2pm on the 22nd of Nov. We'll send out LMs a little while beforehand. If you have a group that she was involved in or who would like to show your support, please contact Oscelot Haalan to see about having your group logo placed on a banner for the ceremony. We look forward to seeing you all there!

The event had some light music and discussion. It was hosted by Amehana Ishtari and Oscelot Haalan.

Addition: Amehana would send the Newser the following message.

Lacy Day will actually be a yearly art day always held on her birthday for artists to work and chat together. Lacy Day and her memorial in Nisa were two separate events.

We look forward to next year's Lacy Day.

We also thank everyone that attended her Memorial ceremony where she was announced as the first modern person to have been instated as a kami of Arashiryuu Yashiro.

Announcement: Lacy Musketeer's Memorial Service This Saturday

After a few months following her passing, the inworld memorial service of Lacy Musketeer will finally be held. It will be this Saturday, November 2, at 2PM SL time.

Hi folks, we're finally ready to do the memorial for Lacy. It will be held at 2pm on the 2nd of Nov. We'll send out LMs a little while beforehand. If you have a group that she was involved in or who would like to show your support, please contact Oscelot Haalan to see about having yoaur group logo placed on a banner for the ceremony. We look forward to seeing you all there!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ontario/180/153/56

The event will be hosted by Lacy's SL sisters, Oscelot Haalan and Amehana Ishtari

Press Release: The Ian's Realm Saga Audiobook

Amehana Ishtari (Teresa Garcia) Second Life Fantasy Author and Trotsdale Library Narrator has Narration on Audible.com

Somewhere around two years ago Amehana Ishtari (Arashi) AKA in real-life Teresa Garcia began narrating and recording "The Ian's Realm Saga Trilogy: Book 1" for fantasy author, artist, & screen writer D.L. Gardner. Books One through Three released on August 27 2019 on Gumroad for direct purchase and download. They had been available for pre-order and released shortly after each audiobook sub-project was ready and approved. Once all three parts were finished and ready they there then ported to other retailers via FindAWay Voices by D.L. Gardner herself.

The pair, both female fantasy authors and artists, met via Facebook through author circles. Amehana does not remember exactly how nor which of the various groups. Teresa noticed that Mrs. Gardner needed a narrator and offered her services, as at the time fellow narrator and Trotsdale Librarian Illya Leonov was too busy to mention the project to... and she needed the work herself to help support her family.

The trilogy book follows the story of Ian Wilson, a teenager who becomes sucked into a world of magic and danger with his father through a portal within their computer. The tale blends science fiction and fantasy genres seamlessly. Prophecy has foretold the pair arriving through a window to forever rid The Realm of the evil dragon and its sorcery. The overall tale continues beyond the first three books to cover various side stories that together will tell the full fate of a land and a lad.

The Ian's Realm Saga is the winner of the Book Excellence Award for a series 2019. The book has also been turned into a proof of concept short film with FireRing Productions that has been circulating various film festivals around the world and won several awards and nominations. The intent is to have the book series become a movie.

Mrs. Gardner will continue working on the Ian's Realm books and prospective movie. Amehana (Teresa) plans to continue with the Trotsdale Library as well as return to working on the second book of her "Selkies' Skins" and the "Mythical Minstrelsy" series (and other books) along with running her Flash Fiction Fridays podcast and any illustration or narration that comes to her via her publishing company or freelancing channels.

Pick up your copy of the Audiobook at-
Gumroad Storefront: http://www.gumroad.com/dlgardner
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ians-Realm-Saga-Trilogy-Book/dp/B07TSLC4M9

Film Info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8421702/

-Follow Author D.L. Gardner-
Website: https://www.gardnersart.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianneLynnGardner/
Ian's Realm Saga FB: https://www.facebook.com/IansRealm/
Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/D.L.-Gardner/e/B01G7AKQ28

-Follow Narrator Teresa Garcia (Amehana Ishtari/Arashi)-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Teresa.L.H.Garcia/
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Teresa-Garcia/e/B009Q938VE
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Amehana
Deviant Art: http://www.deviantart.com/amehanarainstardrago

Announcement: Gofundme For Illya Leonov (Morgan Freepony)

Illya Leonov, or Morgan Freepony, is well loved for his voice work narrating My Little Pony fanfictions for the pony community and for the library. Of course he also does other voice work such as the audiobooks "Selkies' Skins: Castle and Well" and "Pearls of Sea and Stone: Book of Seals." You can listen to him on his Youtube, his Soundcloud, and usually on Thursdays at 6 PM Pacific/Second Life time in the Trotsdale Library and over his stream.

Right now he needs help handling his medical bills stemming from his fight with cancer. Even if you can't help out financially with a few bits you CAN pass word around about his Gofundme. When a pony like Illya decides it is time to actually start one then that tells us he truly does need help.

Illya's GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/surgery-is-magic

Illya's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmZW2ThMRGG1nLWVxIqgEg

Illya's SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/illya-leonov

~Amehana Arashi/Ishtari
Curator of the Trotsdale Library, Astral Sector Alpha Library, Ibexian Library, and member of the Intersim Library Network

Announcement: Limerick Contest Results

The Limerick contest went well and I am pleased that there were so many submissions. Each participant will receive 25L dispersed from my alt Kirsty (Hanaarashi Resident). The winner will receive an extra dispersal of  1500L as the prize pot was increased over the term of the contest by donations sent to the prize pool.

=Limerick Contest Participants=
Max (Fluffyquokka)
NightTrotter
Flutters (Derpyhoofesy)
Bixyl Shuftan
Zayfod
Rainbowdashsw

=Winner=
NightTrotter

The submissions will all be read on Amehana's stream for the library Sunday during the 6 PM Pacific Story Hour. It will also be available on Youtube starting March 24 at 11AM.

Library stream #2: http://us2.ishout.net:8403/
Youtube video: https://youtu.be/9valPiX4PXQ

I have not yet chosen the next writing or art contest for the library. Illya Leonov (Morgan Freepony) is currently running his own costume contest for the library for the Thursday music/story sessions. His contest spans 21 sessions in the library, more on the Newser at (http://slnewser.blogspot.com/2019/03/announcement-library-costume-contest.html) , or the forum thread (http://intersimlibrary.freeforums.net/thread/70/past-sins-fanfiction-costume-contest).

~Amehana Arashi

Announcement: Early Spring Library Limerick Contest

This time in the usual Valentine slot of events we are looking for limericks here in the library. All submissions will be recorded for the video archive and to play over the library stream.

Early Spring Library Limerick Contest
Open: Now
Deadline Midnight SLT Mar 18, 2019

=Suggested theme: "Anything"=
Although this is the time I usually look for Valentine-ish, friendshippy, and Irish sorts of stuff there is no theme this year. Let your imagination soar. Send in your best limericks of any sort as long as it is PG-13 or lower in rating. Best one takes the prize!

=How Do We Limerick?=
According to wikipedia:
A limerick is a form of verse, usually humorous and frequently rude, in five-line, predominantly anapestic[1] meter with a strict rhyme scheme of AABBA, in which the first, second and fifth line rhyme, while the third and fourth lines are shorter and share a different rhyme.[2] The following example is a limerick of unknown origin:

The limerick packs laughs anatomical
Into space that is quite economical.
But the good ones I've seen
So seldom are clean
And the clean ones so seldom are comical.[3]

Do your best! It's ok if it doesn't quiiiite fit the usual meter.

=Prize=
Staring Prize 1000$L. This may increase if donations are sent into the prizebank.
Each entrant will also receive 25$L for their trouble, one payment per entrant. In the future this may go up, but for now it is a minimum of this.

All submissions will be archived with the Trotsdale Library and Intersim Library Network. Text will be read and recorded for video and sound archive. Images will be incorporated into video archival as well. Winners will be announced late March. If no one enters then the prize money in the prize pool will roll over to the next contest.

Prize money will be disbursed from Hanaarashi Resident, an alt controlled by Amehana Ishtari (Arashi).

Donations to the prize pool can be sent to Hanaarashi Resident or sent via one of the prizepool book piles.

Merchandise or service prize donations please message Amehana Ishtari with a notecard stating what your donation will be and what you would like to see it go out as prize for.

=Submitting=
There are several ways to enter:
* Use the forum archival thread and post your entry below the first message. Paste your writing into the full reply box, or if an art piece you can upload and link to it, or attach to the post.
* Place your entry into a notecard and drop it into one of the listed drop boxes. For other contests: if you are submitting visual art for the contest inworld you will need to upload the image and then place this in a notecard if presenting via SL or into your forum post. You can also present both together if you note that you are doing an illustrated writing piece. If you can't afford to upload to SL then upload to your host of choice and paste the link into the card or into for forum submission.

Use the enclosed template(s) to help make sure that your entry is well marked after renaming to include your legacy name.
* Each entrant can send in up to three (3) limericks.

 * * *
Card name: (Your Legacy Name): Limerick 2019 Entry

Please ensure your entry is set as transfer, mod, and copy (full perms).

Display Name:
Legacy Name:
Preferred Pen Name:
Title:

=Written Works=
Put your limerick(s) below here:

=Written Works=
Put your limerick(s) below here:


* * * * *

=Submission Locations=
Last time there were boxes out in 6 communities but most were not used. In order to simplify for pickup there will be fewer inworld locations this time in addition to forum entries. You do not have to put your submission in them all, these are provided for convenience. Please do not send directly to Amehana.
forum: intersimlibrary.freeforums.net/thread/69/early-spring-limerick-contest-2019

Inworld:
1. Trotsdale: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trotsdale/22/156/25
2. Nisa/Ibexia maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ontario/211/11/63
3. Luskwood: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lusk/216/169/62
4. Neighberry: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Neighberry/47/76/22
5. Neighberry #2:http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Neighberry/130/84/23

~Amehana Ishtari (Arashi), Trotsdale Library Curator
Library Forum: http://intersimlibrary.freeforums.net
Library Website: http://intersimlibraryresources.weebly.com
Youtube Channel archival: http://www.youtube.com/Amehana

Announcement: Winter 2018 Library Network Contest

The fall season is ended, and the Thanksgiving submissions close on November 30. This means that we also need to start looking toward the next writing event with the Trotsdale Library and Intersim Library Network.

Winter 2018 Library Art and Writing Contests
Open: Now
Deadline Jan 1, 2019

=Suggested theme: "Traditions"=
An entry does not have to strictly stick to the set theme. However it will have more impact if it does. An alternate is also creating your own fable, myth, or tradition.

-Writing Division:-
Write a short poem, essay, or story about your favorite Tradition. It can be from any season throughout the year that is most special to you. Or you can tell me what a tradition is to you, perhaps it doesn't match what someone else thinks of as a tradition. It can even be a personal tradition.

Entries will be judged on grammar, spelling, content, and flow. Consideration will be taken in regards to effort, especially if it is known an entrant is not fluent in or is still learning English. Submissions should be in English. Please try to keep at PG/PG-13 or lower. Submissions rated higher than such will be ineligible.

Prize 500$L

-Art Division:-
Using your favorite medium try to capture the essence of "tradition." If it is non-digital work then either scan or snap a photo of your piece. If presenting an inworld build as your art please send a picture. You can also use SL photography as your artistic outlet. It is suggested that you also write a short piece on what you intend to be conveyed.

Judging will be based on style, apparent capability, evoked feelings and ideas, and how well the artist conveys what they state they intend to convey in their piece. Please try to keep at PG/PG-13 or lower. Submissions rated higher than such will be ineligible.

Prize 500$L

All submissions will be archived with the Trotsdale Library and Intersim Library Network. Text will be read and recorded for video and sound archive. Images will be incorporated into video archival as well. Winners will be announced mid January. If no one enters then the prize money in the prize pool will roll over to the next contest. Prize money will be disbursed from Hanaarashi Resident.

The Thanksgiving contest was a fixed amount prize event. The Winter "Holiday's" Contest is a baseline amount contest. Donations to the prize pool can be sent to Hanaarashi Resident or sent via one of the prizepool book piles. Merchandise or service prize donations please message Amehana Ishtari with a notecard stating what your donation will be and what you would like to see it go out as prize for.

=Submitting=
There are several ways to enter:

* Use the forum archival thread and post your entry below the first message. Paste your writing into the full reply box, or if an art piece you can upload and link to it, or attach to the post.

* Place your entry into a notecard and drop it into one of the listed drop boxes. If you are submitting visual art for the contest inworld you will need to upload the image and then place this in a notecard. You can also present both together if you note that you are doing an illustrated writing piece.

Use the following template to help make sure that your entry is well marked after renaming to include your legacy name.

* * * * *

Card name: (Your Legacy Name): Thanksgiving 2018 Template

Display Name:
Legacy Name:
Preferred Pen Name:
Title:

Put your story below here:

* * * * *

=Submission Locations=
forum: http://intersimlibrary.freeforums.net/thread/62/winter-2018-art-writing-contest
Inworld:
1. Trotsdale Library , Trotsdale (22/156/25)
2. Ibexian Palace/Library , Dreaming Twilight, Ontario (211/11/63)
3. Arashiryuu Productions , Saddlewood (208/120/22)
4. Luskwood Social Platform , Lusk (216/169/62)
5. Derbyland Square , Derpyland (76/220/22)
6. The ASA, Sapienta Concha Library , Star City (155/226/63) (Star City is group locked still, inquire with DanielDerv or any Astrid Sector Alpha member to learn more)

~Amehana Ishtari (Arashi), Trotsdale Library Curator
Library Forum: http://intersimlibrary.freeforums.net
Library Website: http://intersimlibraryresources.weebly.com
Youtube Channel archival: http://www.youtube.com/Amehana

Contest Sponsor: THG StarDragon Publishing

Announcement: Thanksgiving Writing Contest

Write a story about what Thanksgiving means to you. It would be about the historical based thanksgiving or the actual act of giving thanks. Show me in your story what it's all about to you!

Deadline: November 30 2018
Word count: Less than 2,000 (firm)

I will endeavor to announce winners by Dec 7 2018. Hopefully nothing happens to slow looking over the entries.

This time there will be only 1 winner, so I am sorry that there will not be time to do both Judge's Choice and People's Choice.

Please use the following template on your card and remember to name it before you place it in the dropbox at one of the below sites or by posting it as a reply to this thread!

* * * * *

Card name: (Your Legacy Name): Thanksgiving 2018 Template

Display Name:
Legacy Name:
Preferred Pen Name:
Title:

Put your story below here:

* * * * *

Alphabetical Locations
* Forum: http://intersimlibrary.freeforums.net/thread/59/thanksgiving-2018-writing-contest
* Dreaming Twilight Library (Nisa and Ibexia) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ontario/211/11/63
* Luskwood Social Platform - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lusk/216/169/62
* Saddlewood: - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Saddlewood/208/120/22
* Star City and Astral Sector Alpha - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Star%20City/155/226/63
* Trotsdale - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trotsdale/22/156/25

Prize:
500$L

All entries will go into the library archives. Additionally they will be read for the library program and streamed, as well as being archived onto my Youtube channel in the library playlist.

~Amehana Arashi (Ishtari)

Announcement: Trotsdale and Star City Halloween Stories 2018 Contest

It is time once again for a writing contest with the Intersim Library Network. This is open to everyone within Second Life. If you are coming to us via the forum or website first, then please join Second Life in order to be able to receive your prize if you are chosen as a winner.

Suggested Theme: Halloween, Spooky, Harvest, or anything appropriate to this time of year.

Suggested Length: 2,000 word maximum

What: Poetry or short story

Deadline: Oct 31, 2018

Examples: www.buzzfeed.com/awesomer/boo-scared-you#.qeP8K3WVv

Number of submissions: up to 3 per person!

How to submit:
1. Via notecard at one of the following locations in the dropbox
Trotsdale Library,  Trotsdale (22/156/25)
The ASA: Sapientia Concha Library,  Star City (155/226/63)

or
2. In a reply on this thread after you have made sure your entry is ready to post.
http://intersimlibrary.freeforums.net/thread/23/halloween-2018-writing-contest

What we are looking for:
Please no one liners. We will be judging on structure, recognizable characters, dialog, setting, tone, style, and point of view. It is suggested that you also have proof read and edited your submission(s) before turning them in. All submissions must be suitable for PG 13.

Prize:
Starting pool: 700$L
The amount of $Lindens to be distributed will depend on what is in the prize pool. Hanaarashi Resident will be the holder of the funds. To contribute to the prize pool you can send $L to Hanaarashi Resident, or tip the jar at the dropsites by the submission boxes. If you'd like to donate an item prize (ex: shop gift card) for this or future contests then please send a note to me on this forum, or to Amehana Ishtari (Amehana Arashi) on Second Life.

Number of winners: Up to two!
Judge's Choice winner
Popular Choice winner

Judging:
People's Choice Award - After the close of the submission period Amehana will make sure that all entries (both via forum and SL notecard) are posted in this thread. A poll will then be set up to allow the People to choose their favorite entry.
Judge's Choice Award - After the close of the submission period Amehana will ensure that all chosen fellow judges have access to all the stories. Judging deadline is yet to be set. Judges will then give their vote as to who they feel the winner should be.

Press Release: Astral Sector Alpha Art Fair June 25-July 3

Astral Sector Alpha is holding an art fair June 25th to July 3rd.

Astral Sector Alpha, also known as ASA or the Astrids, is a community of artists of different stripes that originated in Second Life, although not all of the members are within Second Life. They also have a Discord presence and do live readings every other Saturday over Discord (as not everyone can successfully use SL voice reliably) starting at 6 PM SLT and gather in world for camaraderie during the reads. ASA's goal is to nurture each other's creativity and to provide a good grounding for artists, writers, and other creators to grow within and draw encouragement from. Members are encouraged to start their own projects.

ASA has worked with several small libraries in the past to provide reading exchanges and art/writing contests, including with the Trotsdale library. Amehana Ishtari's past writing workshops and a Haiku anthology between cooperating Second Life libraries, available for free on Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/542449 are examples of the sort of projects that members launch.

Art of several types is on display at the current art fair, things represented are visual art in the form of drawings and photograpy, jewelery, images created in blender, textual offering to be read either by the author or by volunteers, and "glitch photography" which is a new art form developed by Danielderv Resident, which has even had an article published about it in a university level publication. The building itself was created for the art fair.

For inworld readings of the content in the fair, readings will happen from the 30th to the 3rd at 5 PM SLT to ensure that all that was submitted has a chance to be shared.

This art fair is also intended to kick off a weekly magazine format. For more details about that particular endeavor talk to Danielderv Resident.

Calm Ocean (69, 196, 3821)

Announcement: Spring Writing Contest

Any writing is welcome for this contest, whether it's a story, limerick, tanka, essay... write the way that you are most comfortable. Any length is eligible, just please don't give me an entire novel (novel = 80,000 words).

---
Prompt: It is a beautiful spring day. You're having a picnic. Suddenly this big crystal egg lands in the potato salad! What happens next?

Submissions due: May 30, 2016, midnight.

Starting Prize: 1629$L
Upped to: 12029
Number of Prizes: 1

Due to how FEW entries past contests got there will only be one prize. Runners up might be chosen at judge discretion depending on how many entries are received. In that event then additional but non monetary prizes will be arranged. If anyone wishes to donate an item for a possible prize then please IM me, and as usual $L prize donations can be sent to the bank via the tip jars at collection points. Hanaarashi Resident (Kirsty Makay) is the account being used to hold the prize money until distribution.

Submission/Collection Points:
Trotsdale Library, Trotsdale Heights (22, 156, 24)
Astral Coalition, Computer (29, 185, 21)

Rules:
1. Proper spelling and grammar is nice, take the time to proof read. Poorly spelled entries won't be turned away, but those with good spelling/grammar may sit higher in the ranks.

2. Notecard naming: your legacy name (not display name): Spring Writing Contest 2016

3. On the notecard put
-1) What you consider your submission to be (haiku, story, essay etc.)
-2) Title of your work (if you're naming it)
-3) Name you wish to be announced under if different from your legacy name
-4) Genre (if applicable)
-5) Your work.

4. For readability please make sure there is an empty line between each paragraph and/or heading.

5. Make sure your piece uses the writing prompt suggested.

6. You can submit more than one entry, but each entry has the same chance as any other.


Amehana Ishtari

Press Release: Short Story Contest at Trotsdale Library

It is time for another short story contest. As I work with several libraries this contest is open to not only the members of those libraries but also the general public. Feel free to pass this opportunity along in any interested groups or among your friends.

**Rules:**

1. The story must be appropriate to read in a G rated sim and must be appropriate for young ears to overhear being read aloud. There is a lot that can be done within this, so basically no extreme violence, no sex, please no innuendo. I WILL have to ban it if it's something that I can't have my kids hear me reading.

2. 500 words or less for this one. I want a fully developed story within this, that's your challenge.

3. You may submit a story you've previously written that fits the wordcount, or something you've written that is new.

4. If a story has won a prize in one of the Trotsdale contests or one of the contests for the other libraries before I'd prefer not to see it resubmitted.

5. There will be three winners selected, see prizes below.

Too short for you? Too long? Don't worry, I'll do micro story and longer story contests later on in the year. There will be poetry contests again too.

**Submission**
Each of the three libraries this is posted in will have a submission box for the stories to be dropped into. After the deadline is finished Amehana will pick up the boxes and disperse the entries to the other two judges for judging.

**Prizes:**
All three winners will have their stories read aloud for the library and also recorded for the library Youtube video resources archive I am curating. Additionally:

1st prize: 500L
2nd prize: 300 L
3 prize: 200 L
The above prizes are baseline. The end amount of the donation pool will determine how much higher the prizes will climb, just like previous contests. The prize pool will be held by Kirsty A. Makay (Hanaarashi Resident) and dispensed from there after judging. Donations to the prize pool can be made by paying the contest tipjar that will be out in the library, which will also be next to a dropbox for entries.

**Submission Deadline:**
June 21, 2015

Winners will be announced one month after the submission deadline to allow all judges to read and pick their votes.

**Judges**
Amehana Ishtari
Zepdek
Lunitaria

Group to keep up with events:
secondlife:///app/group/db9a6940-4d0a-2aef-9e9d-c146455fe98c/about

*  *  *  *  *

Besides the Trotsdale Library, at Trotsdale (19, 152, 24), the contest is being held in cooperation with two other places, Amehana Ishtari saying, "We're working with these two libraries on inter-library contests."

Nova Echelon HQ - Nyeusi Mavazi ya Makazi, Makazi (111, 120, 21)

Astral Coalition, Computer (29, 185, 21)


"The winners of the contest will get a linden prize as well as having their stories read and recorded for the library's youtube playlist for the video resources, since not everyone can always come hear readings. This way the winners also get to have a lasting contribution to the library."

Lunar New Year in the Nisean Realms

On Thursday February 19, The Nisean Realms pony area held it's Lunar New Year event. Although a roleplay event for those in the community, visitors could attend as observers.

We are entering the Lunar New Year of the Ram (Horin: ahem, Ibex). Gather around the Ibexian Commons to take part in the festival, be part of the land's magic, and perhaps even see some fireworks.

 Following the event, I had a few words with the pony playing the part of Emperor Horin. He told me the ceremony went without problems, followed by some fireworks and some unplanned revelry, "The (roleplay) finished out with a snowball fight after the lunar orb was brought through the gates ... one kicked snow at the other, it devolved. It of course is not a night to be too stern. everyone eventually joined in. Even Crim/Stormcloud ... the airforce I must say is quite effective."

Emperor Horin also showed off one of the new NPC pony constructs, to help give the impression of a more populated area when fewer residents are around. They certainly looked like a pony avatar, just completely still. One nearby local commented upon seeing it, "Daw! They look soo cyooot!"

As for the roleplay's plot, "Well, there was a bit of a surprise (for this character). Raikou Hake-sensei, who I've been attempting to catch- erm - speak to for some time now showed up. It wasn't a hitch, but it does move the story further along toward reversing some things and bringing the Spring of Knowledge back. You'd know that character as Amehana." What had happened to the spring? "It's disappearance is linked to the desertification of the area around the Ibexian capital (the desertification isn't shown in sim beyond the stepps looking drier than the coast). During the reign of my father the land became unhappy and started to withdraw the magic around the capital keeping the area more fertile. As time passed it continued. When I won the throne I made some decisions due to grief that further displeased the land. It is my hope that working with Raikou will unlock the key to fixing things."

And so the adventures at the  Nisean Realms continue

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: Ibexian Lunar New Year Festival Roleplay, February 19

Ibexian Lunar New Year Festival Roleplay
Feb 19th 2015
8 PM to 10 PM SLT
Entering the year of the Ibex (or Ram, or Sheep, but this is Ibex, and so the Ibex insert themselves wherever they can).
The Ibex Empire, Ibex Empire (177, 166, 25)

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The Solar New Year has already happened in Ibex. Not everyone goes by that calendar though. Many Ibexians go by the Lunar Calendar. Thus Ibexians tend to celebrate both. The Lunar New Year tends to be a bigger affair since the Solar new year has so many things that happen around it to drown that celebration out.

The Ibexians honor the Lunar Pearl by gathering for moon viewing together and the enjoyment of feasting. It is traditional to compose haiku or poetry honoring the moon and her beauty. Moon and/or star related fashion and food are common. Those of the Starlight Samurai division may be seen in ceremonial procession with the Crystal Priests and the carrying around the country of the Lunar Orb, a very large perfect fire opal sphere. Musicians and singers perform their odes while dancers dance. In some towns of the empire special songs are performed via the clashing of horns, and for these even the kirins are sometimes seen partaking.

This will be an In-Character event, though spectators are welcome. If someone would like to DJ and collaborate songs for the stream or over voice (that are in keeping with either the Japanese, Chinese, Mongolian, Ainu, or Tribal African music styles, or are moon related but do not fit these) then please feel free to contact Amehana Ishtari. Performers are welcome.

This event culturally also facilitates the average Ibexian (and guests) in being allowed to assist in care of the main crystal of the land through an ancient process. In combining the chi (energy) of the love in the hearts of Ibexians, the light of the moon, the wisdom of the living of life seated in the mind and expressed through calligraphy brush, motion, and mouth a special type of energy then is gathered into the Lunar Orb and passed into the main crystal.

Word is that both Raikou and Emperor Horin plan to attend. If both actually do show then some very important events for the land will start unfolding as time goes on. The Imperial Treasury may even be dispensing special amulets created specifically for this year's events for attendants.

For best enjoyment make sure that you set your viewer to midnight. Although set for two hours on here it may run longer, or not. Scheduled at this hour so as not to risk conflicting with events for the Trotsdale Library.
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Be watching. Raikou and Horin will soon be embarking on their quest to rebalance Ibex and reverse the in-lore desertification around the capital area. Part of the roleplay will revolve around the Capstone rune, but there will also be some adventuring required to gather particular items and artifacts. Those interested can send when they are most available so that semi-regular session can be scheduled.

The Trotsdale Library

Grease Coakes recently took a trip to the Trotsdale Library. One might expect libraries to be more than a little dull. That wasn't quite what Grease had the impression of. There's a schedule covering most of the days of the week, and the library itself boasts some book readings.

Read more in Places.

Press Release: Entries Wanted For 2015 Poetry Contest at the Trodsdale Library

About This Event:
Yule, Christmas, Hearths Warming, New Year's, Hannukah... and many other Winter Time holidays that I can't think of at the moment... Snow, ice, Palm trees strewn with lights, barbequed meat out in the street for The Fires... These are all fair game for our next contest with the library!

Contest Type: Poetry!
Theme: Wintery things!
Submission point: Drop box in the Trotsdale Library (will be set out sometime tomorrow).
Deadline: Jan. 31st, 2015. Midnight. February 1 at 00:01 is a minute too late. Time will be in SLT (because Ame runs on Pacific.)
Multiple submissions?: Yes, but you can only win once.
Current Prize Pool: *1450L* (prize pool will be updated as donations arrive. Final prize amounts will get calculated based on the ending pool)

Your poems can be in any format. Tanka, haiku, rhyming, free verse... It's all welcome. They can be of any length. The only requirement is that they reflect the season of winter, and be suitable for G-rated audiences. Since winter is a bit different in other areas than my snowy mountain (or pitifully and heart rendingly un-snowy if you look at last year...) you can include a note under your poem about your area and what it's like weatherwise and/or culturally if you think it necessary.

We're not restricted to pony.

There will be three winning slots. I will be reading with an eye for originality, impact, and style within the style that you choose. All three winners will get their work featured in the playlist I've created for the library. In addition the starting prize for first place -was- 300L. Second and third place -would have gottten- 150L each. This prize HAS ALREADY INCREASED and can go up further if someone contacts me and tells me that they'd like to donate to the prize pool. Additionally, there is a pile of books on the table where you can tuck away your donations to the prize pool directly. My alt Kirsty (hanaarashi) is holding the funds and I am looking forward to seeing who gets to split the prize funds.

Prize goal is hoped for 2kL for first place and 1kL for second and third.

I am not restricting this to members of the library or forum. If you have a friend that you think would be interested in the contest then send them here, and show them where the library is.

The deadline posting is up on the manelands forum. January 31, 2015.  http://www.manelands.com/event/trotsdale-library-winter-poetry-contest-deadline
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Question: "Ameee-channnn, why are you putting this out so early? It's not even Christmas yet you silly calendar jumping kirin, dragon, ibex, whatever else you rp." (I know someone's going to wonder.)
Answer: I'm in finals week starting tomorrow for one class, and when this contest ends I'll have survived finals class for the last class in this current degree program... Plus work. If I'm juggling balls and breaking dishes to grab writing time then I know others are too. I want you all to have plenty of time to write and submit.

Library, Trotsdale Heights (22, 156, 24)

Amehana Arashi (Amehana Ishtari)

Story Reading at the Trotsdale Library

Remember Amehana Ishtari, the pony writer whom Grease Coakes interviewed earlier this year? On Sunday November 30, I came across her again after hearing she'd be doing a reading at the library in the Trotsdale sim. She was reading from "Rojuun" by John H Carroll.

From 4PM until then I'll be chilling in the library scratching away at my homework. The mic can be considered open if anyone wishes to bring anything to read, play live music, since, recite poetry, work on a story, pluck at writing poetry, and so forth. Don't worry, I'll spare you the articles that are on my docket to read for next week's class.

Amehana told a tale of two women visitng the spirit of winter, whom asked each for a few favors. One whom did what she asked was rewarded. The other ... well, you'll have to read the story yourself. Following the reading was Greg Colossus with some rounds of guitar music.

There was a schedule calendar, showing events at the library, and other places such as Luskwood's Retro Skunk Cafe, for the week. So Trotsdale's Library seems to be an active party of the local community.

The library is at Trotsdale Heights (22, 156, 24)

Bixyl Shuftan

The Pony Sim At Nisa

If you're a Second Life resident, you might have seen one or more cartoonish-looking pony avatars trotting about at the Relay for Life, the Jamm for Genes, or some other event. Maybe you've had a few words with one, and have heard about the Ponies not being just an avatar but some living in sims and communities of their own. Among these is Nisa, which Grease Coakes found out about through Second Life writer Amehana Ishtari. He met up with her again, and she had a number of things to say about the sim and it's residents.

Read Grease's article in Places.

Interview with Fantasy Author Amehana Ishtari About "Castle and Wells Selkie Skins"

Grease Coakes recently interviewed Amehana Ishtari, a Fantasy writer whom got her inspiration for her recent story, "Castle and Wells Selkie Skins" from her activities within Second Life. Grease asked her about where the idea for her book came from, a few questions about the plot, and a few other things about writing, Second Life, and more.

Read Grease's interview in People.