Wedcot's Last Festival of Fantasy Parade of 2026

 

On Friday September 25, there would be a parade at Wedcot, the "Festival of Fantasy Parade." It would be announced in the group as the last one for this year. 

 

Join us tonight as our Fantasyland friends gather one last time for 2026 to perform a festival parade! We look forward to celebrating with you!

 

 A number of floats were in the parade, rezzing near the water, slowly moving down the street, and eventually reaching the end and vanishing. Most had Disney characters on them, some were static bots, others were staff in character avatars. Some would occasionally greet people in the audience, "(name) have you ever wished upon a star?"

 

There were a number of people watching, as well as one small dragon whom occasionally flew up to get a better look and swooped by a couple floats, including one representing Malificent's dragon form in "Sleeping Beauty."

 

The last float had Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Minnie clearly enjoying the parade. 

 

While the Festival of Fantasy parades may be over for the year, there will almost certainly be other events in the meantime, especially with Halloween and Christmas coming up. And of course there are the rides and displays at the park. 

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Real%20Dreams/85/9/102 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Island of Misfits About To Close

 

It's a sad event when a community in Second Life is about to lose it's home. And for the Misfits led by FantaC Nymph Alexain (ladyfantaC Resident), this will soon be happening. It was announced in their group that the money to keep the place going is running out, and regular events were closed. While the sim is still up, it won't be for long. The Newser had a few words with FantaC about what's going on.

 

Read more in Places.  

 

Fantasy Faire Opens

 

 The Fantasy Faire is open! This favorite megaevent of the Relay for Life is now taking place with 18 sims to explore, shop, and other activities.

 

 The 2025 Fairelands are revealed! Come home Fairelanders. Embrace friends, explore new worlds, experience the magic of the 17th age of the Faire. Today we open the gates for the 2025 Fantasy Faire. For the next 18 days, these regions are yours. The adventures you have here will change your life. All in support of Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society's vision of a world without cancer.

 

 Besides the landscapes, some of the people are interesting to look at. 

 

 

Yes, that is a fifty foot avatar, or is is 100 feet?

To get there, head to Fairelands Junction. Or join the Fantasy Faire group and get the teleport HUD.

 

More information here: https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fairelands%20Junction/78/140/83

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Nydia Tungsten Publishes Third "Switched Destinies" Novel

 

Seven years after the publication of her first novel, "Switched Destinies," and five years since it's sequel, "Switched Destiny: Kevin's Return," Nydia Tungsten has finally released the third book of the series: "Switched Destiny: Acceptance of Fate."

 

It's been many years since a laboratory experiment sent Kevin Baron to a world of magic, populated by people resembling many of the animals of his former one. He has come to be the head of one of the land's most powerful houses, and a large loving family. But he also made some enemies doing what was right, and has just withstood a plot that could have cost him almost everything if not for the help of his family and a strong new friend and ally.

But the challenges of life on this world continue. Aware of the powerful magic he passed on to his children, he begins training them. After a miracle saves the life of one child, he desires to know more about the Goddess of this world. Some challenges seem almost impossible to overcome, but through determination, his magical ability, his friends and family, or some combination of the three, he gets through them.

This is Kevin's third story, in which he and his family go through new challenges. But not all challenges have quickly resolved endings.

 

"Acceptance of Fate" is available on Amazon for $14.25 for the paperback, and $4 for the kindle version. 

To read the interview with Nydia about the first story, Click Here. 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Abnormality Shopping Event

 

 

The Abnormality shopping event is once again active. This "human-alternative and furry shopping experience" is active a few times a year, "serving all human-adjacent and fantasy styles," although a number of the wares are good for those who stick with human avatars.

The theme is season is Badlands, "Are you ready for the apocalypse?" And the grounds have a look of ruin, with a haze over the area as you pan away and surrounded by dead trees. The shops look dilapidated, and there's wreckage in between. And there are numerous avatar skins and parts up for sale.

The event started Aug 7 and goes on to Wednesday the 28th. It takes place in the Abnormality sim. 

 

For more information, check the website (warning, some pages are not safe for work): https://abnormality.is/coming-soon/

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Abnormality/120/118/17

 

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

New Fantasy Linden Home Option: Treehouse

 

 

For those waiting for the next style of Linden Home, there's now a new option, at least for those who have signed up for Fantasy style houses. There are now options for treehouses. 

 

Patch Linden would post about them on the official forums, and Flickr. The forum post had a funny story about Magellan Linden ordering their construction, followed by:

Introducing new Fantasy Treehouses! With panoramic views across the stunning fantasy regions. 

2 completely new models with regular and open floorplan versions, available to both new and existing Fantasy homeowners in Bellisseria. 

One with a spiral staircase leading to a loft and built in bookcases.
Another with clean lines for those who want more freedom in their decorating choices.
Both come with an outside deck, panoramic views at treetop level across the Fantasy landscape and a climbable rope to get from ground level up to the deck.

The new homes should be available to rez on the menu on the house Controller throughout the day today.

 

I dropped by the demo homes at BeliHub and WelcomeHubLindenHomes. The houses looked pretty fun. One had the option of flying up to them, or clicking on the rope, and your avatar would shimmy up the length. But these demos weren't quite perfect. I ended up hovering off the floor and was unable to walk inside. 

On Flickr, Patch himself would say "Please, be patient. The team is working on that. Everything will be fixed as soon as possible." As mentioned, in the forums he stated there were two models, one with smaller rooms, one with fewer but larger ones. Bellisseria chat was abuzz with comments about them on Thursday October 26, some people with Fantasy homes trying out the theme, and loving it. 

To check out demos of the new treehouses, head to  WelcomeHubLindenHomes (161,59,26) and BelliHub (163,242,22)

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Nightgarden

 

I recently came across a detailed fantasy-themed place in Second Life: Nightgarden. Set in a magical-looking forest at night, there were numerous places to walk around and explore in. There were a few portals to take people from one spot to another. So just what did yours truly see?

 

Read more in Places. 

The Fantasy Faire is Coming

 

 

In just a few days, one of the most popular macro-events of the Relay for Life fundraising season begins: The Fantasy Faire. For seventeen days from Thursday April 20 to Sunday May 7, there will be much to see and do. There will be twenty sims, full of places to explore and stores to shop at. There will be numerous music and dance events, notably at the "Fairchylde" flying boat. There's the Fairelands Quest. There's the Children's Roleplay. There's the Literary Festival. There are the Jail and Bail events, which lately have included Lindens putting themselves on the line. And much more.

 

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

SL Video: "Forest of Mystical Dreams in Second Life"

 

 

 (Click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Jackson Redstar on April 10, "Open to the Public - Donations Appreciated to Keep the Sim Running."

The Deep Woods

 

Gemma was recently at the latest of "The Spark Project." Their latest project was titled, "The Deep Woods" Raven Banrion Falconer and her staff have created displays based on fantasy and fairy tales of old, as well as settings for parties. But the exhibit won't last long as it won't be long before the parties, and the exhibits, will end.

 

Read Gemma's story in Design.

 

EOTB: Second Life Destinations - Dwarka

 

 

Recently, Second Life Destinations featured an underwater area: Dwarka.  

Dwarka is an elaborate universe that allows a fully immersive role-play experience underwater. Races that live on land and in the water coexist here, form alliances, do battle, and imagine intricate scenarios within the existing but constantly changing lore of Dwarka. Oh and yes: folks at Dwarka do go shopping, hang out in taverns and educate themselves at the Merbrary, where books are available under as well as above water.

 

The place is run by Kei Kawanish, "Dwarka was created with about 75-80% of it underwater, and the rest on land. There are 3 underwater districts - The elven city, the Mer city and royal court, and the depths." The article would say there's places for both land dwelling races such as humans and elves, and oceangoing ones such as merfolk and aquatic kobolds. There's also a "D&D style" roleplaying HUD, " "Whether you're already an aquatic fanatic and want to take your RP skills to a new level or you're an already experienced RPing nerd who is looking for something new. The destination will bring something for everyone." There's a number of themed shops there, as well as an aquatic spa, "Rumor has it that each approved new member gets a spa ticket on the house!"

For more information, read the full article here, or check the Destinations Guide.

 

Video by Draxtor Despres 

 

Faerie Tale (158/135/1003)

 

Goings On At The Fairelands

 *

Quite a bit has happened to the Fairelands, much of it deserving of articles all of their own. Among them was this year's Children of Stories' roleplay, "The Sniffer Moles of the Hunros Mine." With Loki Eliot having designed the sim, the roleplay's plot was that a group of child miners of magical energy at an elven mine suddenly found their livelyhood threatened by both the magic growing thin, an unknown saboteur, and the town mayor's response to the thinning magic. After several says of roleplay with numerous twists and turns, events came to a head on Saturday April 30 in an event that raised 1.3 million Lindens, Loki posting a video on Twitter. One can read the roleplay's day by day happenings (here). 

Wednesday May 4 was the Centaur Parade. While the majority of these six-limbed folk were from the Centauria community,  there were others present. In the meet-up before the parade. When they gathered in the Necturn Moon sim before the walk, there were over sixty in the seem. Needless to say, many of my pictures had a considerable amount of gray, and I crashed just before the walk started.

Wildstar Beaumont took a few other pictures of his own: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildstar_b/albums/72177720298648596

Later on Wednesday from 5 to 7PM, Team Sunbeamer's own DJ Mattie played the tunes at the Fairechylde, the flying boat over the Effervescent Cleffs sim. Mattie played a combination of pop and country tunes. Some of these had some deeper meanings to the Relay such as "Braid Her Hair" and "Clouds."

Mattie's set raised almost 41,000 Linden dollars.

Also, the second part of the Fairelands Quest is up.

The Fairelands Quest team is so grateful to each of you for your kindness and patience. And we're delighted to tell you that Part 2 is now open.

Two recommendations: First, don't all pile into Clouded Mountains at once :)  Finish what you're doing, maybe do something else, then start part 2. The region will be there. Second, because there's been a delay, you might like to remind yourself where the story left off. You can see the second video by clicking History on your HUD and choosing

That's about it for now from the Fairelands. Sunday May 8 is the last day. After that, the sims disappear into the mists once more.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

The Tenebris Falls Roleplay Community

 

The Newser recently heard about a promising new roleplay area and community: Tenebris Falls. The roleplay was organized by people who wanted both a place that would last, and a group that was open to a broad range of character types. In the story behind it, various supernatural beings try to live side by side with humans in a modern North American town. We met up with a few people behind it, who talked some about what it had to offer, as well as exploring the place.
 
Read the story in People.
 

Reader Submitted: "Elf Equality" Protest

 *

"Having toured and scoured the Fantasy Community Center I have detected a glaring lack of a statue to our beloved Rillifane, Leaf Lord and primary Deity to Wood Elves, and many Fae, faeries, humans and lovers of the wildes.  This blatant slap in the face can nae stand unanswered. Tis bad enough we must endure taunting from Sun Elves about our natural ways,  They call us simpletons and ignorant.  And they say we are nae fit to sleep with pigs but I assure ye we are.   I stand at an appropriate location to correct this injustice, and urge an exploratory board be formed, a committee convened, a clutch clatched to resolve this injustice forthwith, fifthwith even.  I submit this with a resounding,  Hmmmph!" 

Tealcie Annibles 

Editors Note: The "protest" was in the name of fun.
 

More on the Wedding in Bellisseria

 

I recently wrote about the lovely wedding of Riot and Kalia. Here is the gorgeous video I promised to let you know about showing the region and the wedding.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46spRfTiJDY   

I returned now that the newly decorated Eyrie fantasy community center is in place. It is charming and will be a good place to hang out for the fantasy home residents especially but for anyone else looking for a place to rest and visit with friends.

Magic Mole has created a statue of Patch Linden to greet all visitors standing at the top of the stairs .

There is a charming Luna Moth ride installed to take a look around the region. Go visit.  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eyrie/128/197/25

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Fantasy Subcontinent Off Bellisseria Open, Fairgrounds Water Park Closes

 

Near the beginning of the month, the subcontinent for the new Fantasy-themed Linden Homes had appeared off Bellisseria. Recently, the land was open to all, and the houses were available for those with Premium accounts to claim.

Dropping by, the place looked much like the display area showing the houses at the Second Life Birthday. the four types of houses were there. So were the trees, crystals, mushrooms, and other decorations, as were the bridges over the water. There was one notable difference. As the houses were now being claimed, some were being decorated for individual tastes with pets, statues, more lights, and other items. I had yet to hear about a community center of some kind. But this may change in the future. 

On another note about news from the Linden Home continent, There's been a water park in the Bellisseria Fairgrounds, with pools, lounge chairs to enjoy the sun, and four tall slides that took close to a minute to go down into the water. Some wag also put a Bellisserian Slenderman doll in the water as a joke. But the fun didn't last forever, and last week it's closing was announced.

This week will be the final farewell to the water park. It's been an amazing summer and Vari and I would like to sincerely thank you all for your continued support of the Belli Animal Sanctuary and the Bellisseria Fairgrounds!

There were a few farewell events. But people continued to drop by afterwards to slide, or just to relax. But this isn't necessarily a permanent end. The water park may be back sometime in the future.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Fantasy Subcontinent Appearing South of Bellisseria

 

The land that will no doubt be the future home for the Fantasy-themed homes for Premium account residents has arrived. Hearing reports that the sims were now up, I checked the map around the Bellisseria continent, and there wasa a patch of landmade up of many dozens of sims.

The sims had various names. Some were quite fitting for a fantasy-themed area such as Laughing Witch, Halfling Hill, and Moon Bridge. Fairy Tails sounded more humorous than fantasy. And some such as Bunnyhug, Otter Lake, Digerido, and Ginseng could fit in other places, though still noteworthy. One, SSPE2539, hadn't been given a real name yet.

The sims are still closed to public access, so our only clue to what they look like are the examples at the Second Life Birthday. Maybe it's because they're new on the map, but checking it, they're often a solid light green in color, or invisible with only the name showing there should be a sim there.

On Bellisseria itself, the northeastern tip that's just off the continent of Satori, on the sim of Buffalo Springs there's a new airfield and dock at (199/83/36). So people can rezz a plane and take off, or rezz a boat and sail away. For those who like exploring around either continent, or a liesurely sail or flight, this is a spot to check out.

More information on the fantasy-themed Linden Home area will be available as it comes in

Hat Tip: Daniel Voyager

Bixyl Shuftan

A Visit to Inspire Space Park

 

This week, I decided to drop by Inspire Space Park. It's considered a "must-see" area as it's a visual treat with it's sights of what could best be described as a cosmic dream with it's asteroids, planets and stars orbiting all around the planetoid and rocks you're on. It's not a new area, but has been around since 2008. But thirteen years later, the place still looks dazzling. 

We wrote about the place a decade ago. And we wrote about one of the many events there a few years ago. But it's best to see such a place in-avatar. Head on over along or with a friend and just admire things from the platform or hop on a poseball and just drift away in the stellar skies of imagination.
 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shinda/33/223/1560

Bixyl Shuftan