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 

Memorial Service for Jimmy Branagh

 

Saying goodbye to a friend for the last time is never easy. And earlier this month, the residents of the Steamlands and a few other places did just that. Jimmy Branagh, known best as a child avatar or "urchin" in the Steamlands, had been declared missing after evidence came to light he had most likely passed away. At the Babbage Town Hall on Saturday February 12, a memorial service was held for him. Various residents gave touching words about him in what was almost certainly the final farewell to him.

Read the story in People.

Announcement: 3rd Annual Rosehaven Regatta!

Come enjoy a fun-filled afternoon along the waters of Laudanum in Rosehaven for a proper Regatta!

August 30^th, 1-3 pm SLT, at Dragonlight Plaza, Realm of Rosehaven, hosted by Chateau Trikassi.

In addition to the rides, games, food, dancing, there will once again be the Anything that Floats but is NOT a Boat contest.  Prizes will be awarded for creativity.  Rules are simple…the craft cannot be a boat of any kind (ship, submarine, row boat, speedboat, canoe, etc)…but must be a homemade thing-a-ma-jig that floats… sailing and steering scripts are allowed in order to parade on the water.

It wouldn’t be a Regatta without crew racing!  Beginning this year, the Rosehaven Regatta will feature the Race for the Golden Oars!  

Teams from around the Steamlands are invited to enter.  Each 2-person team will have the chance to compete for the coveted Golden Oars Trophy.  This trophy will be awarded to the winning team. The trophy will remain for display at the winning team’s region for one year.  The trophy will move to the next winner’s region the following year, and so on.  The trophy will be engraved each year with the winning team name.  This will be much like the America’s Cup.

Each team is comprised of two people (team must be from same region).  Should a community or estate initially sign up with several teams, heat races will be held during the week of August 24^th through 28^th, to determine their one team competing at the Regatta. Scull boats will be available for practice at Dragonlight Plaza in Laudanum, Rosehaven, beginning August 21^st.  Please sign up via Vic Mornington or Lady Oriella Charik by no later than Sunday, August 24^th.  No last-minute teams will be allowed.  It is highly recommended all teams practice with the scull boats.  The boats have a synchronized rowing anim…so you and your teammate need to work together to control the boat.

Countess Cassie Eldemar has made the Golden Oars trophy, and it’s QUITE impressive! Rora Stytwytch, from RFL ACTS team, is making each official team special racing shirts for the rowers.  If enough crew teams sign up, there will be a special pre-Regatta dinner held at Flock and Feather Tavern in Reverie, Rosehaven for the competing teams and their supporters on August 29^th.  Plan on some good-natured taunting and possibly a food fight!  

Doctor Holocluck Henly will provide wonderful music for the day.  

Mark your calendars!  See you all at the Regatta!

Annoucement: RFL Team ACTS "Time Traveller's Ball"

The Time Traveller’s Ball is the extravaganza that kicks off Team Aether Chrononauts Tiny Steps’ season.  Come enjoy your travel through time led by Team ACTS. Music by DJ Otenth Paderborn,  The venue is built by Cassie Eldemar and decor by Wildstar Beaumont. This is an great and fun tradition of the steamlands. This is a PG event. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rosehaven%20Reverie/94/92/1225

Announcement: May's Aether Salon - Royal Ascot

Liz Wilmer and Oriella Charik join the Salonistas again to share the history and customs of England's most renowned horse race and social event, the Royal Ascot.  (You may fancy dressing appropriately to help set the mood.) 2 pm, Sunday, 21 May at the Aether Salon building.

New Babbage - Academy of Industry (0, 64, 106)

Announcement: Time Traveller's Ball

The Time Traveller’s Ball is the extravaganza that kicks off Team Aether Chrononauts Tiny Steps’ season . All are welcome. All attire welcome Come enjoy your travel through time with DJ Otenth Paderborn, in a venue built by Cassie Eldemar and decor by Wildstar Beaumont. This is an great and fun  tradition of the steamlands.

Sat. March 18th from 1-3pm SLT 

 Rosehaven Reverie (101,95,1225)

Press Release: Steamlands Halloween Decorating Contest Winners

Tally ho - Steamlanders far and wide!

The 2015 Spoopy Steamlands Halloween Decorating contest was a resounding success, and the results are in - your votes have been tallied!

First, I want to acknowledge that without the generous donations of time and effort by Fauve Aeon who created the event poster, the event trophies, and extended the event - beyond prior years - out to encompass all of the Steamlands, this event would not have happened.  Secondly I want to heap accolades upon Herr Baron Klaus Wulfenbach, also without whom this event could not have transpired, through his dedication to provide Town and Shire announcements to send out the decree unto all the Steamlands, and procurement of the neutral vote tally~ment.

So without further ado Maestro, timpani roll, please!

First place goes to... pause for dramatic effect...
Softpaw's Indoor Tea Garden!
'I never knew tea could be this frightening!'

Second place goes to: Bleue Lacroix
'Loved how over the top this ended up being. Fun, scary, and treats!'

Third place goes to: Sneaky Sam
'Wonderful layout, amazing pieces and really great place to hang out with friends.'


But wait that's not all; there's a special award!  The Dauphine's Golden Key Award goes to...
Softpaw's Indoor Tea Garden for 'delightfully creepy atmosphere'!


And there you have it, a first in the annals of a united Steamlands Halloween decorating competition, where you, Steamland residents of hither and yon, contributed your building creativity and cast yer ballots to decide the outcome!

Stay tuned for future events, and we hope to see you all next year for a redux!

This event was brought to you by the Councillors of the City of Steelhead, the Consulate of Europa Wulfenbach, Fauve Aeon, and Bleue Lacroix.

Announcement: Caledon Newcomers Ball

Have you joined Caledon this year?

Or do you know someone who did?

At this year's Harvest Festival, we'll have our first Newcomers' Ball, where we officially welcome new Caledonians to our fine sims!

Please send name and picture, and if you'd like anything special said about you to Stereo Nacht, Ms. Beth Ghostraven or Ms. Patty Poppy. The Ball will be on October 24th at 7pm; even if you can't be there, you can be celebrated.

Press Release: The Spoopy Steamlands Halloween Decorating Competition

A long-held Steelhead tradition is being brought to the Steamlands as a whole.  The Community of the City of Steelhead invites you to participate in:

The Spoopy Steamlands Halloween Decorating Competition!

ENTRANTS:  Submit a notecard to Bleue Lacroix (bluelacroix Resident) indicating your intent to enter.  This notecard needs to include:

1. Your name (and account name)
2. SLURL and landmark both of the decorated property
3. Optional: A description of your entry - any mention you wish to make of theme, Windlight or time-of-day settings, or sound settings which might optimise the experience.

PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ENTRIES BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD OCTOBER 27TH.  A list will be sent out with all the entries so interested parties may tour the locations to decide their favourites.  We request that decor be left intact until Tuesday, November 3rd, to give voters sufficient time to visit.

VOTERS:  After receiving the list of decorated participants, visit each one.  Create a notecard titled 'Spoopy Steamlands Vote' and indicate your first, second and third favourite decorated sites. 

Set your notecard to 'no modify' and send it to Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (KlausWulfenbach Outlander) promptly once you have made your decisions.  The votes will be totalled by a neutral party and winners announced after the 3rd.

This event brought to you by the Councillors of the City of Steelhead, the Consulate of Europa Wulfenbach, Fauve Aeon, and Bleue Lacroix.

*Addition: the deadline for entries has been moved forward to October 27*

Announcement: Mail-Clockworks Sought for UCPS Steampunk Roleplay

Are you ready to do what it takes to give people faith in the mail?

Are you of a most steady and sure make and model?

Are you good with a side-arm (if you have them) or front arms (if you have no side-arms)?  Do you have arms?  If not, care’ying the mail may be hard.  You may want an other line of work.

If you are a fan of steampunk, role-play, and civil service, the UCPS now seeks workers to staff its post office branches in New Babbage and Mar’kesh.  Please send a note to the Post-Mistress of the UCPS showing you have an int’rest in playing a clockwork mail servant – or that you have questions about doing so.

You are welcome to discuss this further with Nika.  Working with her, you will create a clockwork mail-servant, complete with backstory, purpose – and your own clockwork key.  You will work with Nika to spearhead new and wondrous ways to serve the Steamlands of Second Life – and to improve roleplay for one and all.

To learn more about Nika and the UCPS, please visit http://werksfromtheironroad.com – or just drop her a note.  Thank you for your time – but it’s time to run.  After all, the mail never sleeps, and neither do we.

To inspect the three offices that are now being built are attached below -

The UCPS Head Office:
Ravenwood Forest (70, 246, 25)

The UCPS Branch Office - Mar'kesh:
Mondrago (191, 167, 24)

The UCPS Branch Office, New Babbage:􀀁
Academy of Industry (193, 145, 111)

Work on both branch office structures is slated to be complete on October 18, 2015.

Baron Wulfenbach's Anniversary Party

On Thursday night, one of the more unique personalities of Steelhead and the Steamlands, and his partner, celebrated their anniversary with a dance party. The requested wear was traditional Japanese clothing.

Baron Klaus Wulfenbach and Baronin Zantabraxus invite you to join us for our Anniversary Celebration. Thursday Aug 6th   7-9 pm SLT. Please join us in Edo for a Traditional Formal Japanese celebration held in beautiful cherry blossom gardens. We will have live music provided by Zanya, dancing, gifts, and enjoyment for all.

The event was held in the Caledon Stronghold sim. Getting there, the place was packed with people in kimonos and other older style Japanese

fashions. But DJ Zanya's music was familiar enough to the steamlanders and friends of present. Among those in the Asian flaire were the Baron  amd Baronin, Klaus whom had put aside his normal Victorian era and slightly unkept hair (the common fashion among Steam-Age scientists), was wearing a male kimono and styled his hair in.

The Baron, and Baronin Zantabraxus, can be found at Steelhead's City Hall meetings on Tuesday nights, Steelhead's Friday night dances, and several other regular Steamland events.

Bixyl Shuftan

Goodbye, Charity Way

Last weekend on Friday May 29, Steelhead bade goodbye to the "Charity Way," an airship that had been the scene of a number of local events in the area.

You are all invited as we say adios, au revoir, auf wiedersehen to the Charity Way, the floating skyship and bar that has been both a dance hall and my home in Second Life for nearly three years.

For nearly three years The Charity Way has served the Steamlands as a place to find merriment and togetherness. It has seen at least one wedding, one bachelor party, visits by Time Lords, more dances than I can count, and an attack by a giant air-kraken. It has served as a temporary home to those I care about and a store to sell my wares. Alas, all things must eventually pass and the ship must now make what may be its final voyage back to my inventory. You are all invited for one final dance in her main hall tonight, Friday the 29th.

The party started at 7PM SL time with Fuzzball Ortega DJing some science friendly tunes. Next at 8PM was Willow Leafstorm. Finally at 9PM, Zanya the owner of the airship played for the last hour.

There were a number of jokes made and tales told of misadventures past. At one point, someone let loose a giant chicken. But local furry Beryl Strifeclaw (Gager) pounced on it before anything "fowl" happened. Finally at 10PM, the end of the part was marked with a fireworks show in the room. But as the ship was filled with helium, it didn't end in the kind of "bang" some feared. As the fireworks faded, people spoke their goodbyes, "Glad I've made the final night here."

The ship was formerly in  Steelhead St Hellens.

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: Swashbucklers for Life

Swashbucklers for Life is a collaboration between the various pirate/privateer/buccaneer groups throughout the Steamlands in support of Relay for Life; originally conceived as a (relatively) simple gathering of the Black Moon Marauders and Crimson Pirates of Caledon and the Winterfell Privateers, SFL quickly grew into a weekend-long event involving a number of different groups and spanning numerous sims.

Get buccaneered up and get ready for a day of fun and adventure on the high seas! Swashbuckling attire is encouraged, but not required. Come for as much of the weekend as you can (or for as much as you dare…) and show your support for Relay for Life in the Steamlands! There will be tall ships and epic battles. There will be dancing and drinking. There will be music, modeling, and mayhem. There will be comely wenches and dashing buccaneers. There will be rum. What more could ye possibly ask for?

===============================================================

Swashbucklers for Life 2014 Schedule (all times listed are SLT)


Quick Reference:


Friday, June 27th:

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Buccaneers’ Ball (Black Moon Marauders)

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Saturday, June 28th:

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Treasure Island Literary Adventure (Mary Read Pirate Library)

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Tall Ship Race (Winterfell Privateers)

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Sea Battle (Trade Winds)

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Seahorse Water Polo (Scoundrel Fleet)
   
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Walk the Plank Fashion Show (Black Moon Marauders)

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Swashbucklers’ Ball (Crimson Pirates)

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Sunday, June 29th:

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Ship Mod Contest (Trade Winds)

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - TBA (Antiquity)

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Privateers’ Ball, SFL Edition (Winterfell Privateers)

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Mermaid Frolic (Alley Cats Alley)

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Belly Dancing

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Burlesque Dancing and Silent Auction

Discussion of Victorian Medicine and Surgery At The Aether Salon

 Medical practice as the world knows it developed in the 19th Century. Things people in all but the most isolated areas take for granted such as anesthesic drugs and doctors washing their hands and instruments before surgery came about at this time. The development of these practices, and other details of medicine and surgery during the Victorian Era, was the subject of this month's Aether Salon discussion, on Sunday April 27 in New Babbage at 2PM SL time. Normally on the third Sunday of the month, as Easter fell on it's normal time it was delayed a week.

 Jimmy Branagh, whom normally roleplays a young "scamp" in Steelhead and other places in the Steamlands, though given credit for developing a "mechanical musical liver" led the discussion. Before the use of ether for surgery, the only way for the patient to deal with pain was a "mug of rum and a stick to bite on." And although disinfecting one's hands before surgery was proposed by one doctor in 1847, his "observations conflicted with the established scientific and medical opinions of the time, and his ideas were rejected by the medical community." It would be years later, after the acceptance of germ theory, in which doctors would start washing their hands before surgery.

The high point of the discussion was when Jimmy performed a demonstration of an amputation before the use of knockout drugs, in which the only thing the doctor could do, besides getting assistants or restraints to hold the patient down, was to do the job as quickly as possible, using a knife to cut through muscle, "it's much like ... cutting through a moderate sized ham," then a bone saw. A skilled doctor could get the job done in under a minute. Jimmy stated the subject, securely restrained, was "drunk ... with luck he will sleep through the entire procedure and be none the worse for wear."

Unfortunately for the audience, the subject didn't stay unconscious, and the place was filled with horrible, blood-curling screams, combined with the sprays of blood, staining Jimmy's hands, making the demonstration a bit too realistic for some, "Grossest thing, ever." Once the demonstration was over, one observer remarked, "Jimmy, you have a sick mind. I am proud to be your friend."

Edited and unedited transcripts of the discussion are available on the Aether Salon blog. More and better detailed pictures of the surgery can be seen on the New Babbage Municipal Gallery.

Bixyl Shuftan

Interview With Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (And Baronin Zantabraxus)

Fans of the "Girl Genius" steampunk comic, at least those outside Second Life, know him as the major antagonist to the story's main character. But as it turns out, Baron Klaus Wulfenbach can also be found here in virtual reality in the Steamlands. Bixyl Shuftan recently interviewed him and his wife, Baronin Zantabraxus. They talked about a number of things, such as how he first came here, his role in the Steamlands, his helping out with the upcoming "Walpurgisnacht" celebration, and waffles.

Read the interview in People.

Happy Birthday Caledon

Caledon, one of the larger Steamland areas in Second Life, is turning eight years old. So one of their social spots, the Gold Dragon, threw a party to celebrate on Wednesday Feb 26. "Wearing the Caledon tartan or colors is encouraged, or just put on something festive with a touch of red, gold, green, or black." The party was well attended, with over two dozen showing up.

Press Release: Relay For Life - Swashbucklers for Life

Swashbucklers for Life is a collaboration between the many pirate/privateer/buccaneer groups throughout the Steamlands in support of Relay for Life. Originally conceived as a relatively simple gathering of three different pirate crews in Caledon and Winterfell, SFL quickly grew into a day-long event involving many different groups in multiple sims across the Steamlands. For SFL's third year, we're expanding to an entire weekend of swashbuckling excitement!

Get buccaneered up and get ready for a day of fun on the seas! Swashbuckling attire is encouraged, but optional. Come for as much of the weekend as you can (or as much as you dare...) and show your support for Relay for Life in the Steamlands! There will be dancing and drinking; there will be music, mayhem, and modeling. There will be comely wenches and dashing buccaneers. There will be rum. What more could you possibly ask for?

Saturday, June 29th:

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Sea Battle (Fair Winds Battles)

Why not have a taster of life as a gunner on a fine ship???

TAKE to the high seas and fight side by side on a ship of the line
experienced and novice crew members welcome - instructions, weapons, and meters will be provided before the battle

The aim of this battle is NOT SINK THE SHIPS but to board them shoot everyone and take the ship! - and stay alive!.........easy right?

Donations all go to RELAY FOR LIFE (please donate before the battle as dead men cant pay!)

Location: Fair Winds, (167, 62, 24)


11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Tall Ship Race (Winterfell Privateers)

The Tall Ship Race is part of the Swashbuckler for Life multi-team RFL Event, organized by the Winterfell Privateers

The race will start South of the Nepenthe Gate, the border between Winterfell and Caledon and will end under the gate itself, after a tour of the Southern Winterfell sims. The race field is shown in the image below.

Eligible ships are 2 or 3 masted sailships propelled by SL winds, usually used in naval battles and belonging to the SPD, TSS, SCS, SSS, JRS, AT, BRS classes (any ship usually approved for naval battles is eligible, even if not listed here). There is no other limit, but keep in mind that not all the ships fit under the Nepenthe gate. Even if the bridge will be opened at the required moments, the opening is rather narrow and ships that fit under the gate will be able to get more room to maneuver and will find themselves at an advantage (an SPD Frigate, for instance will require the gate to be opened).

Each race will be one go through the race field once.

- If 2 ships will enter the race we will have a direct final
- If 3 ships will enter the race we will have a round robin (each ship will compete against the other two). In case each ship wins one  race we will have a 3 ships final
- If 4-5 ships will enter the race we will have 2 semifinals (one with 3 ships and the other with 2 ships) and the winners will meet in a final
- if 6-7 ships enter the race we will have 3 semifinals and one 3-ships final
- If 8 or more ships will enter the race we will have quarterfinals, semifinals and final

Contact Wildstar Beaumont or Oriella Charick in world for information.

Fair Winds to all the Captains!

Landmark: Winterfell Absinithe  (29, 46, 42)

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Steam Pirate Derby (Armada Scoundrel Fleet)

What's a pirate like most? Treasure and Glory, that's what! The ASF Steam Pirates Derby is an event that will test ALL your pirate skills in a Dash for Treasure! Think you have the skills to be the baddest of them all? Well, here's your chance to prove it!!

The Derby consists of a race in a rickety steam powered ship, following a map map to the TREASURE! It's buried on an island, you see, and you need to go claim it. But that's just the beginning! The other pirates will be gunning for your ship, and for YOU! There may be unforeseen hazards along the way.

But you won't be left defenseless - donning a special HUD will supply you with a compass and weapons, as well as a health meter. You may find upgrades along the way!

ALL you need to do is work your way through the clues and be the first back to Scoundrel HQ with the treasure!! You may take the chance to slow the competition by shooting their ship, or temporarily killing them. Oh, and you must SURVIVE the attempt...

Location: Blake Bay (203, 119, 21)

For more events that day, check with the Relay For Life in Second Life.