by CYDONIA LLEWELYN
One of the most attractive aspects of SecondLife, to many inhabitants, is the ability to let one’s imagination flow almost limitlessly. With a bit of land and a lot of imagination, we can create anything from tiny shanties surrounded by trees to vast skyscrapers that recreate things we know and love in our “first lives”. It is worth taking time to take a look at what can be done with a little time, effort (and a lot of “prims*”).
Obscuro Valkryie, with the help of his friends and group members, had created what was one of the most beautiful castles in SecondLife, known as the Vampire Empire. At the time of writing this article, he is in the process of moving this fantastic build to his very own island. Prior to this move, it was located in the sim known as Io, and it was an impressive and expansive building.
Taking up 43,920 square meters of the sim, Obscuro created a beautiful gothic castle which included one main hall, two wings, a casino/lounge and an adjoining shop. To reach the castle, visitors would walk over a long bridge and pass by a small, frightful funeral procession. A warning, perhaps, of what could be expected inside the castle gates. Opening the front doors, guests would be greeted by a very eerie voice, “Welcome foolish mortals!” followed by laughter that could send shivers down your spine.
Exploring the Vampire Empire was an adventure unto itself, as there was much to admire and take in. Detail is one of Obscuro’s greatest talents, and this highly creative builder spared nothing. In fact, with over 11,000 prim* to work with, he had the room to do it in! Each room was set up beautifully with detailed wood and brick textures to give it the feel that you were really in an ancient gothic castle. The furniture also stuck to the theme, most items being textured in velvets, silks and other decadent fabrics.
Rooms included a courtyard, libraries and lounges, a meeting room complete with Tarot cards, a private suite with jacuzzi, a Master bedroom, a research lab, a sparring ring, a tribute to Ancient Egypt, a jail cell, and even secret passages and rooms through-out!
Though dark, with it’s Vampire theme, the castle itself is creepy in a fun way, and definitely an impressive example of what people in SecondLife can accomplish. I am sure that Obscuro’s next project, on the island sim of Transylvania, will be even grander and I look forward to seeing it, and the many other examples of the talent residents of SecondLife have to offer.
*Newbie dictionary: Prim = Primative. Every time you create an object in the world, it takes up a certain number of “prims” (similar to pieces). Each square meter of land has a certain number of prims allotted to it. See How To: Build by James Otis for more info!
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