Fantasy Faire Ends

 

 

 It's been a great Fantasy Faire, but unless there's been some last minute reprieve, the sims of the Fairelands are now closed to the public, fading back into the virtual nether from whence they came.

 

So I, and many others, went around for one last look.

 

At the various scenery and builds.

 

 I missed the "Ravedown," but there's next year.

I finished up the Fairelands Quest, "The Dreamcasters Cauldron," getting the pieces, and after talking to the mages, made the repairs and activated it ...

 

 And got special thanks from the Bard Queen and the Dreamcaster, as well as a large reward of prizes.

 

 And so, the sun has set on another great Fantasy Faire. But we can look forward to the one next year. And for the Relayers, there's many other events this month, and of course the Relay Weekend on June 7 and 8.

 

Fare well Fairelanders,

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Fantasy Faire Sims Up

 

 In just a few days, the Fantasy Faire will be here. Already, the sims of the Fairelands are up. Eighteen sims of landscapes to explore, and shops to buy from. And there's also the music events, events such as the Literary Festival, the Jail and Bail, and Children of Stories. And then there's The Fairelands Quest, this year "The Dreamcaster's Cauldron." There's plenty for both casual visitors and "Fairlanders" who eagerly drop by every year.

The Fantasy Faire is a Relay for Life event, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

 

The sims open on Thursday, April 17.

 

https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/ 

Press Release: Fantasy Faire Opens April 17

 

 

Celebrating its seventeenth year, Fantasy Faire 2025 is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, roleplayers and performers in the virtual world. From Thursday, April 17 to Sunday May 4, treat yourself to shopping, dance and theater performances, DJ parties, auctions, questing, our Literary Festival, thematic events and roleplaying as thousands of Second Life residents and creators bring their own visions together to support the American Cancer Society’s vision of a world without cancer.

You’ll find fantasy avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets and exclusive items available from over 300 of Second Life’s top Fantasy Creators across 18 stunning regions designed by the visionary artists behind many of the most adored spots on the Second Life destination guide.

In addition to the fourteen shopping regions there will also be Faireland realms that take us beyond commerce and give us places to celebrate together as a community.  Party with fairies, demons and tinies at the Fairechylde. Adventure with the Bard Queen as you complete the Fairelands Quest. Explore the Fairelands on the Litfest Tours. Immerse yourself in a world of stories with the Litfest, Roleplay and Performance events. Remember loved ones with the Memorial Garden and embrace new dreams with the Worldling Cradle.

Fantasy Faire 2025 will be open to the public April 17 – May 4, full eighteen days. The SLurl to the event will be found on the website on our opening day. We welcome you to come and join the story.

 

Fantasy Faire Ends

 

 

 Unless there's been the rarity of the sims lasting into the early morning, then sometime last night, the Fairelands became closed to the public. Tuesday May 7 would have no major events, official or unofficial. The people were looking around the scenery one last time, finishing the Fairelands Quest, doing some last minute shopping, or just chatting with other Fairelands fans about the Faire, and maybe previous ones. 

It's been quite a fun time, exploring the detailed sims, running into numerous fantasy avatars.

 

 And doing the Fairelands Quest, of which this year was baking a magic cake for the Bard Queen.

And got it done, and heard the conclusion of the story. 

It's sad that the sims are gone. But the Faire will be back next year. And for the Relay, the events go on. This Friday is the Relaystock. The Sunweavers have their Ren-Faire later this month. And next month is the Relay Weekend and it's track. 

Goodbye Fairelands, see you next year,

Bixyl Shuftan

Fantasy Faire Winding Down

 

 

 Sunday was the last day of the official events at the Fantasy Faire. Very early in the morning was the last DJ at the Fairechylde, and later in the day were the auctions. But the sims would still be open for two more days. So came an unofficial event that's become a Faire tradition: The Final Ravedown.

They investigamated the poster carefully. Old friends, new friends. still no glowsticks of DOOM, still disclaimer about litterboxes. All of this was to be expected. But what caused an excited chorus of chitters was the ginormous pink creature with stunning neon green accessories. It was Her Toadine Excellence Tammy, boldly wielding the Forbidden Stick of Glow! Ohh, what would the Pawlice say? What would they do if they found the secret R A V E (Ridiculous Assemblage of Vroomy Entities)?

 

The critters decided that this year the secret must be better kept! Fortunately it’s not like the posters were littered through the Fairelands nor posted allover for the Fairelanders to see. All was well. Nothing would happen. Definitely not at 11 AM SLT to 9 PM SLT. False rumors, surely! The super secret location would absolutely not be leaked and spread through all the chats, everything was going exactly as planned. By… someone. Somewhere, sometime, somefaire.

There were dozens of avatars at the party, which lasted from 11 AM to past 9PM SL time. The idea was that the event was supposed to be secret. So in Fairelands chat, people kept talking along the lines of "business meeting, no party here."

Yours truly didn't stick around at the party "that never happened" for long. There was just too much still to see before time ran out.

 

Plus time was running out to do the Fairelands Quest, and listen to other questers talk about ways to cook pelicans.

Today is the last day to see the sims. While it's *possible* they'll remain up tomorrow morning, most likely they'll start to become inaccessible to people porting in tonight. 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

Scenes From The Fantasy Faire: Eclipse Over Sunstone

 

 

 For the past few days in the Fairelands, the Sunstone Oasis sim has had a lasting eclipse, at least if one's viewer is set to "shared environment." This was due to events in the Children's Roleplay.

So why did Sunstone Oasis become "Eclipsestone Oasis?" More on that later. 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Scenes From The Fairelands

 

 

 Quite a bit has been happening in the Fairelands. At the party ship Fairchylde, there were a number of people DJing. This included Fuzzball Ortega of the Steelhead Salmons, whom is most noted at the Relay for his huge hairpiece, usually known as "The Hair." But while DJing this time, he was without it, "We are NOT crashing Fantasy Faire with The Hair."

 

 

The Fairchyle wasn't the only place for music events. In "The Golden Hour," there was a viking-themed DJ event, with Obic Malaprop playing.

 

 At one point, Oblic commented, "Alright if you all don't start hitting that kiosk I may have to resort to terrible puns." The response was immediate, "NO PUNS!" "Nuuuuh!!!! Not puns!!!! Feed the kiosk, Quick!" "No not the puns! Haha!" Oblic grinned, "And I so wanted to tell the one about the viking cannibal ....he had a Swede-tooth." Ten minutes later, "Whelp time for a pun... Did you hear about the viking who hit his thumb with a hammer and bit his tongue? ......it was Thor." The audience reacted, "Oh dear (laughter)" "Ouch!" "Ba'doom'tish!" "(cries)"

I also dropped by a Jail and Bail featuring the people behind the Teegle horses, "We don't really understand the charges against us, but here we are. Something about customs regulations and an accusation of bribery? You've got to help us get out of this mess! " 

 

Some horses were put up for auction. A few went for over 50,000 Linden dollars.

 

 

 The Children of Stories Roleplay is also continuing, fuller details to come.

That's all on the Faire for now, stay tune for more.

 

Update: The FF Quest is now live, at least part one is. Details to come. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Fantasy Faire Opens

 

 

 Yesterday, Thursday April 18 at 12 Noon SL time, the Fantasy Faire opened. Relayers, regular residents, and the core fans, the Fairelanders, could finally get in, taking in the sights, meeting and chatting with one another, and of course the shopping.

Twenty Magical Worlds? Check! 320+ Fantasy Merchants? Check! Countless Dancers, Bards, Roleplayers, Troubadours and Travel Bloggers? Check! All that's missing is YOU, and Fantasy Faire 2024 will be good to go!

The time we have been waiting for is finally here! The Mists have parted and the 2024 Fairelands are revealed. Attach the Teleportation Scroll (HUD) and you will be whisk to Fantasy Faire. Take the scenic route by arriving at Fairelands Junction and following the One Path around the 20 region estate or pop directly to the Faireland that is already pulling at your heartstings. Either way come shop, engage, and explore the 2024 Fantasy Faire,

This is a HUGE mega-event with plenty going on. Besides the picturesque scenery, there are story readings at the Literary Festival. The Children of Stories will have their Roleplay Adventures, this year the theme being "The Desert Foxes of The Sunstone Oasis." 

 

Later in the Faire, the Fairelands Quest will take place, a game and interactive story in which you play the part of the hero/heroine, this year being "The Seven Layers of Joy" (the illustration showing several characters, a few of which look like companions from previous Quests). 

 

There are the Jail and Bail events, hosted by the mischievous Pawlice whom can supposedly be bribed with waffles.

 

There will be regular shows at the Fairchylde, the Fairelands party ship. Expect events there for many hours each day, sometimes late into the night.

 

In a Fantasy event, other residents are sometimes an attraction in themselves, with detailed avatars and outfits, and some occasional huge dragons and giants. 

And did we mention the scenery and the shopping?

The Fantasy Faire is scheduled to be going on until Sunday May 5. This is one event not to be missed.

 

To get there, pick one of the twenty sims, or port to Fairelands Junction (124/134/89). 

 

Check out the Calendar of Events here (link).  

For more information, check out the Fantasy Faire website: https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/

Bixyl Shuftan

WelcomeHub Cinema Shows Fantasy Faire Inspired Show by Saffia Widdershins

 

 

Last week on Thursday November 15 at Noon SL time, there was a premier film short screening at the Cinema in the WelcomeHub area. The featured show was the Episode One of "Harland Quinn and the Omega Hex." The machinima takes place in the Fairelands of the yearly Fantasy Faire event. and was directed by Saffia Widdershins. It was mentioned in the Fantasy Faire and Linden blogs.

Calling all Second Life film buffs and machinima mavens! Get ready to be enthralled by the cinematic magic of "Harland Quinn and the Omega Hex Ep 1," directed by the talented Saffia Widdershins. 

Join us on Wednesday, November 15th, at 12pm PT at the Second Life Cinema for this exciting movie screening. Immerse yourself in the world of Harland Quinn, where fantasy and adventure intertwine, leaving you at the edge of your seat. The screening concludes with an exclusive promotional commentary on the Fantasy Faire in Second Life, offering a glimpse into another spectacular event within our virtual world.

I dropped in a little late, but the video started from the start for those just walking in. Saffia was there, as well as Strawberry Linden. It started off with a reporter asking one of the Fairelands officials about a supposed major threat called the Omega Hex, and the official playing down the threat as overblown. The scene then changes to a man going about a town in a desert in native garb who "ended up here because of a good run of bad choices" as he says to himself in his narration, and instead of magic would rather rely on his pistol. While going about, he's approached by an old adversary who offers a certain proposal.

The audience applauded at the film's end, "Bravo!" "That was amazing!" "It was a wonderful episode, congratulations to the entire team!" "This is so well done." And there was thanks for the theater, "Huge thanks to Linden Lab for letting us open this spectacular venue." Saffia was appreciative, "Thank you so much for watching!" She would also announce, "and in a few minutes ... there a PARTY!"

 

The party itself was in a skybox high above in the Garden of Dreams sim.  Over two dozen went there, and danced to the music.

Saffia would mention several people who helped with the film, "Terra Volitant created the special effects. Bain Finch did those fantastic tracking shots. Aisling Sinclair created the avatars. Ketsui was the assistant director. And Julala and Lil Cinnamon organized the fantastic market in the desert!"

Episode One, "With Friends Like These," is still showing at the WelcomeHub Cinema until the end of the month. Episodes Two and Three can be seen on the Fairelands media website.

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/WelcomeHubCinema/52/128/23

Bixyl Shuftan

The Fantasy Faire Winds Down

 

 

 After over two weeks, it's almost time for the Fantasy Faire to come to a close. Today and tomorrow, Saturday May 6 and Sunday May 7 are the last official days. There's one last jail and bail, the closing of the silent auction, the Film Fest Waffles awards, and the last of the scheduled events at the Fairchilde.

Ans of course there's a chance to explore the 22 sims, from WooHoo Bay, to Sialdor, to Giggenwhirl and many others, all well-designed with many places to explore.

One sim, the Isles of Aquarius, sponsored by the Safe Waters Foundation, had some underwater scenery as well to check out.

And there's still time to do the Fairelands Quest. For those who finished part one early, part two has been up and running for a few days. The last part takes place in Nova Nadyia, where you search on how to unlock the sim's ability to heal. One suggestion for those who get to the final challenge, check you inventory, and a white book can age to look yellow.

That's it for now from the Faire, enjoy it while it lasts

Bixyl Shuftan

 

The Fairelands Quest: "The Magic of Dragons"

 

 

One of the attractions of the Fantasy is the Fairelands Quest. In these interactive stories, you get to be the protagonist of a fantasy tale, performing a quest in behalf of the Bard Queen. One gets prizes along the way, and completing the quest gets you a heap. This year offers the quest "The Magic of Dragons." A year ago, a dragon had four offspring. Now, the young dragons seek to bring new life to a land damaged by the Unweaver years ago. But they need help to do so. 

To play the game, you'll need the required HUDs. They can be found at kiosks at Fairelands Junction at (183/178/124) and Nova Nadiya. The kiosks are being placed at the landing points of the other Fairlands sims, but not may be at all of them yet. The smaller one contains the basic game for 250L, the gaming HUD. The larger one has the deluxe version, which includes the game HUD and a themed outfit for 350L. After purchasing, just add the item, which appears on your hand, and click to unpack.

There are separate male and female outfits.

 

 Once the HUD is set up (and the outfit if you got it worn), the first part of the quest is to find the Bard Queen, who is somewhere in Fairlands Junction. When you get to her, she will explain what's going on, and what she wants you to do, the first part being to find and pick up your companion. 

 

Eventually, you'll find the four young dragons, each of whom asks for a few items, which will have you going across the Fairlands to search for them. Pressing on "hint" will get you a few clues on where to look. You're searching for small chests around the sim.

 

The Quest is in two parts, so if you got the first part fairly early, you'll have to go back to the kiosks to get the second

More information can be found on the Fantasy Faire blog Here.

Bixyl Shuftan

Fairelands Poetry

 

 We sail the mysts,
 Fairelanders are we,
Aboard The FaireChylde we seek out others who thirst for  hope.
Each in our own lands search for those who need to find the magic of the Fairelands.
I set sail to sail the mysts With my dear friends .
Our dreams and memories of Past Faires fuels our Quest.

Come there is always room.

Lets seek more magical lands of HOPE.

We sail between the realms touching each for the length of a dream.

We sail for the horizon.

Our hearts as our guide.

The light of the stars of hope call to us.

We sail till the mysts part and we hit land fall again.

 

 Pookie Wolfsong (Helixer Resident)

 

From Final Fantasy chat

Tha Fantasy Faire Is Open

At last, after the weeks and perhaps months of getting ready, and the equally long anticipation by fans, the Fantasy Faire, the 15th this year, is finally open.

Welcome one and all to the 2023 Fairelands! It has been a long time since we have all been together, and it feels so good to be home! The doors are now open. For the next 18 days we will live, love and celebrate in the company of friends and family. As you start your explorations, be sure to turn up the volume on Fantasy Faire Radio and listen to the musical introduction to this year's worlds.

There is a LOT to see, with twenty sims that are beautifully done with numerous spots to explore. And there's just as much to do, with the Littlefest Tours, the music events such as the parties on the Fairchylde, the Literary Festival, the Children's Roleplay, the Masked Ball, the Jail and Bail events (Patch Linden will likely be in one), the Fairelands Quest ("The Quest hasn't started yet" Fairelanders sometimes musingly tell one another), and of course lots of shopping, the stores cleverly worked into the landscapes and buildings, a portion of the money going to the Relay for Life (for some items, all of it).

Have fun at the Fare, but don't delay for too long. The events end on Sunday May 7. The sims will likely remain up for a few more days, but just how long is uncertain.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fairelands%20Junction/180/184/124

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "Fantasy Faire 2023 - The 15th Age of the Fairelands Cometh!"

 

 (Click here to see the video)

After weeks of preparation, the Fantasy Faire finally opens today. At 12 Noon SL time, head of to Faireland Junction and the 19 other sims of this major Relay for Life event. 

For more information, check the blog: https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/

 

SL Video: "The Chrysalis Gardens"

 

(Click here if the video does not play)

From Akiko Kinoshi on May 2, "The Chrysalis Gardens at Fantasy Faire 2022"
 

The Fantasy Faire For 2022 Ends

 

Wednesday May 11 was the final day the sims of the Fantasy Faire, the Fairelands, were open to the public. And fans of the Faire were using the time to enjoy them while they could. And they were in avatars of many kinds.

I found gatherings of people at various sims, partying or just chatting and having fun.

I missed out on some of the unofficial events. I never did come across "The Final Ravedown," the blowing up of the Wild West-themed Dasset Town, or "the not so secret Pool Party." I came across a film of the latter by Saraminka Nova, though. 

I would go about some of the sims on my own or with a friend helping them out with the Fairelands Quest. It was still fun taking in the scenery. Sometimes the avatars I came across added to it. 

As always, the builders did a first class job. If the Newser has time, we'll show more pictures I took. But you can check out more in the Flickr page (link). One thing I kept hearing in Fairelands chat, inworld and on Discord, was of how some were so sad to see it all go. But there will be another Fantasy Faire to experience in 2023. In the meantime, there's more fun to be had with the Relaystock this weekend, and the Sunbeamer Air Show next weekend. And next month, the Relay Weekend.

Bixyl Shuftan