According to Wagner James Au, Second Life is "...an Impression Society,
where any cultural, economic, or social contribution is valued in
direct proportion to its organic creative flair and sustained
effects." In other words, appearance is everything.
Therefore, what we like about Second Life is what appeals to us
visually. In the graphic world of SL we tend to be impressed by
artistic talent and attention to detail. "That looks so real!" seems to
be thecompliment most often used as high praise for the components of a build, or the beauty of a photograph taken in-world. Such a place of visual appeal as well as peaceful tranquility is the island of Selidor.
First, an editorial aside. I heard in SLTTD group-chat a time or two a complaint about destinations with a commercial element. This complaint makes no sense to me. Everything in Second Life is commercial, and every region must be paid for on a regular basis by its owner; therefore, income must be generated somehow. The vast majority of people who visit other people's regions do not contribute significantly to the tier for that region (most contribute nothing). The monthly tier on a SIM is approximately $74,000L, but donation boxes in most places stand nearly empty. Therefore, the owners must either lease land or sell products to help with expenses. And besides shopping is fun, and statistically the most popular activity in Second Life ... yes, even more popular than that OTHER activity. That said, this post is not about the merchandise at all, it is about the beautiful SIM on which they are housed.
Selidor was created by a charming lady with a lovely avatar that goes by the name of Alia Baroque. The region is home to her line of products (skins, primarily) that are sold under the brand name of Fallen Gods, Inc. The dominating feature of the island is the giant pyramid (Temple of the Fallen Gods) that houses the majority of the product display/vendors. But make no mistake, this is not a warehouse, this is art. The pyramid is a beautifully-detailed structure with exceptional textures that beg to be examined more closely. Vast staircases lead up the sides of the building to the apex, and at the very top is a pose ball to sit on and strike a dramatic posture for a perfect panoramic photo-op.
On the beach side, at the entrance to the pyramid, there is a sign, "What to do on Selidor Island." Click it and receive a notecard of all the attractions on the island. On the ground in front of the sign is a scroll, half-buried in the sand. Click and receive a mysterious message that may be a clue to a treasure hunt(?). At the center of the pyramid's interior is a pond with a knee-high wall around it, but if you venture to look over the edge of the wall you will see a wide staircase leading down beneath the water. Descend it to find yourself in a subterranean maze of rooms and cells. I'll leave the visual surprises there for you to discover.
Near the pyramid is a dock with a tour boat. Sit in the boat and it will take you on a leisurely and scenic trip around to the other side of the island, then will dock in the port of a small town. Get out to explore the town build, including the beautiful library, the blacksmith's shop (where there are animations for you to make chainmail or forge a steel sword), the stable (where there is a kissing animation in the hay for an interlude with a partner), and an alchemist's laboratory. On the floor of the alchemist's quarters is a rug partially covering a grill. Click the rug to open the trap door and find yourself in yet another subterranean maze to explore. Find the hut with the Tarot deck and get a reading for the day.
Or, from the town, you can walk past the black horse grazing in the yard and across the massive wooden bridge where you might want to pause to enjoy the waterfall. Beyond the bridge is a small building housing works of art for sale, mostly fantasy characters and landscapes. All are beautiful original paintings by Alia herself.
A bit further on there is an orchard with an apple tree in the center. By clicking the pose ball near the apple tree you will receive a picker's shoulder bag and a picked apple (both free) to wear. Then sit on the pose ball and an animation will allow you to pick apples from the tree and put them in the bag. Fun photo op!
Walking through or around the pyramid from the orchard will bring you to the Shrine of the Elementals where there are more products to peruse if you are so inclined, including a very unique and beautiful line of silks that always draw compliments when I have seen them worn out and about the Grid, as well as vendors for the "living light" attachment that fae and elven folk like to wear.
Continuing around the island you will find a meadow and a large tree that has a swing to ride and poses to sit in the branches. A bit further on, near the water, is a field of shoulder-high wild flowers to walk through. This brings you to the foot of a hill which is topped by the now famous Rezzable statue "Captive Angel." The statue is facing out to sea, and is on one of two peaks enclosing a small bay at the back of the pyramid. The bay has a ship with a large shark circling ominously around it, and a leaping dolphin that seems to be daring the shark to chase it.
Selidor is a wonderful place for a leisurely walk and a relaxing natural setting for conversation and reflection. And there is certainly enough ambiance and artistry to serve as a backdrop for photo sessions or role playing. Give it a visit!
