Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Reign Congrejo Fashion Editor Bronxie Asst Fashion Editor Shantal Gravois CONTRIBUTORS Jackson Redstar Arya Braveheart CompE Lockwood Bronxie Sammie Audion Ai Lee Jamee Sandalwood Magissa Denver COVER PHOTO: Adonis Hansome COVER PHOTO BY: Magissa Denver
BOSL Magazine SEPTEMBER 2019 Edition
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THE WASTELANDS 10 SECOND LIFE PIRATES
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GOING GLAMPING 36 BOSL FASHION-BOHO IN STYLE 58
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THE WASTELANDS Article and Photography by: Sammie Audion The dark, post-apocalyptic or dystopian vision of a future with huge wastelands and almost total devastation of nature is not a new concept. Movies like Mad Max and books like the Mortal Engines series have investigated several versions of this, from war-caused devastation to natural disasters leveling the Earth as we know it. Many of us question: just how unrealistic are these predictions? Sadly, they don’t seem as farfetched as we once believed. When we look at the world in terms of globalization and international trade – true macroeconomics – globalizing is certainly a great thing. Products are manufactured where they can be produced cheap and sold where they bring the greatest profit. However, that means much manufacturing is moved to countries with
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low labor costs. Entire areas and regions will lose the work, and eventually die down – unless they manage to adapt, and offering services and goods that are in demand and being competitively priced. This, of course, is often a difficult task in reality, as the type of labor changes and retraining takes effort and costs money. Especially when people resist and wish for the “good ole times” back. We could very well end up with huge wasteland areas, and today’s wonderful cities could end up becoming tomorrow’s ghost towns. Just think about how many little prosperous towns and villages became ghost towns because of the freeway system we all enjoy when visiting
friends and family! In most cases, whatever – the Fissure. It is easy to imagine that these nomads these towns tried, they were not able to would not likely share that water peacefully. Over tens attract enough people to prosper. of thousands of years, humans developed a strong sense for tribalism; back then, this was crucial for survival. Something like that must have happened The nomads at the Wastelands have understandably at The Wastelands. Perhaps desperation to formed groups or tribes to increase their chance of find a solution for the shrinking economy survival. The Wastelands is the oldest and larges Postand lack of resources resulted in a desperate Apocalyptic Roleplaying community in Second Life thrive for survival. Resource wars without (SL). The organisers set up events, games, and combat any compromises might have led to the exercises. Check out the RP convent at apocalypse. In such a world, water must http://wiki.the-wastelands.org/Covenant. have been the most important and treasured resource. You don’t have to RP to experience the Wastelands. Many details and scenes are worth exploring. iNow the nomads at The Wastelands have built their homes with junk they found around the one water source in the region
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The ruins are incredibly realistic with nice textures, and some areas feel like the locals just left. Pay attention to the signs, as some are surprisingly funny! The place is certainly worth a trip or two, and photographers will find much to make the stars of their lens. Granted: Many places we show are inviting, and this one does not exactly match this label. However, the place is amazing and will hopefully t inspire visitors to consider where we are heading as a society. Often when exploring worlds, sitting in a secluded spot and imagining how it would feel living in a world like this can be worthwhile. For some, living an unlimited desert might seem like a fun vacation. But for most, I believe it would be terrifying. Perhaps the Wastelands might help some of us become aware of how important it is to take care of the watery and lively green Earth.
In any case, enjoy your visit to The Wastelands-perhaps even immerse in the RP while making new friends.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20 Great%20Fissure/41/252/74
SECOND LIFE PIRATES You know you’re in for a good time when the conversation starts with, “We’re a friendly bunch when not shooting each other.” With sails hoisted, tricky sea maneuvers deployed, and guns blazing, good times roll like cannon fire. Oh wait, that is cannon fire... and this is a pirate ship, so let the good times roll. Second Life is full of maritime adventures, ranging from kayak paddling through gurgling streams to full-service ocean liners on the Blake Sea. One can sail through any time period. Today’s quest is a blast from the past – a cannon blast, that is. The cyber-world contains an assortment of swashbuckling adventure, maritime travel, and lucky looting for fun and profit. As Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew might sing, “Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate’s life for me.” And as Second Life would say: bring it on, matey. What better way to experience a pirate’s life than by joining the crew? You’ve read the tales of Jolly Roger-hoisting shenanigans but this is the immersive experience. We don’t read about sea battles, we join them. Ahoy, and welcome aboard.
Article and Photography by: CompE| This ship’s captain is Votarn; VT to his friends, “the guy who sunk our ship” to his enemies. About five or so times a week, VT and friends stage pirate battles: ships at sea firing on each other until one vessel transforms into an involuntary submarine. Several aquatic war fields are available, but among the best are the Antiquity and Pirates Destiny estates. For this article, we board the good ship Crooked Canary. ‘Canary’ is so named from VT’s RL home, Norwich, which is famous for breeding canaries. And “Crooked? - “Well, I usually play a pirate,” explains VT with a ‘LOL.’ Enough said. The ship is berthed at Antiquity Cambridge. Old wooden barrels dot the wooden pier and surrounding buildings. Games of cards, backgammon, checkers, and all sorts await as perched buzzards watch but do not play. At the appointed time, friends become friendly combatants, commanding ships of war
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in ports of pillage. Man your battle stations; let the games begin. VT has five-plus years’ experience in SL sea battles. “It is quite hard to sail and gun,” he says, giving me a crash course. “Some people have more experience in this than I do; I probably don’t practice as much as I should, but I love it here.” Before we skirmish, a word about the ship: pirate battles are specialized. Just because a vessel be seaworthy doesn’t mean it be pirate-worthy.
The Crooked Canary is a medium-sized vessel with ten guns, custom made for battle. According to participants, a wide range of war-ready ships are available in many SL stores or custom-created by skilled artisans of buoyant pixels.
Wind-powered vessels of war come in various sizes, starting with Small and Fast with 6 to 8 guns and more. The really big ones can shiver your timbers-12 guns minimum.
You will also find custom-made vessels such as frigates. You will know a frigate when you see it, but if you are the enemy, then you won’t see it long-unless you’re viewing it from Davy Jones’ Locker.
For each successful strike, points are registered until someone loses. Let’s just say today we swam to shore thanks to a worthy adversary, the Continental Navy.
But enough of that, let the games begin! An opening volley fires from the starboard side. Enemy “Most of our battles take place between what approaching. The Crooked Canary answers with a we call medium-class ships,” explains Admiral fiery retort. Amanda Dallin-Vanbeeck, the Continental Navy’s Status reports scroll across the screen, such as Commanding Officer. “We’ve been hit, Captain!” or “Taking on water!”, to warn of trouble.
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“Those ships have 20 to 25 hull points depending on the ship and 6 to 12 guns. Each hit by a cannon ball on the hull of a ship takes away one hull point.” She adds, “I enjoy the battles because they are very strategic and tactical like a game of chess. When I attack a ship, I try and find an angle where I can shoot them and they can’t shoot me back-- or at least can’t hit me as often as I hit them.”
. At the end of the battle, good-hearted losers congratulate the winners. But, keep your powder dry: typically two battles occur in a set. “Why do I do it?” says pirate Pin Stormcliffe. “Why does anyone do anything here - because it’s fun!” This captain of both Dawn Raider and The Chough adds, “I have many friends on Pirate sims. It’s like a large family. Friends on SL, but enemies on the water.” All in a day’s work for pirates of the briny deep. It’s a pirates’ life for me.
help recharge the batteries a little, finding a place where one’s mind can be in harmony and relaxing serenity for a while. Grove Country Estates is only one estate within the big world of SL that can become the perfect fantasy hideout for some. The Nobel Prize–winning British author William Golding?
After all, there is nothing wrong with getting to know our dreams and desires a little bit better. Moreover, finding more and more things we like about ourselves can help build a healthy
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GOING GLAMPING Before you comment, yes I know autumn has come to SL and this design is incredibly green. However, half of the world is in springtime-- for them, it is time to come out of the house and explore the world again. That, naturally, leads to camping. Now, if you have read my articles or blog for a while, then you will know that I am quite adverse to camping. I love nature, but I like to be able to sleep in a comfy bed, use a flushing toilet, and take a warm shower. My idea of camping is a hotel with a cafe downstairs. However, I am intrigued by glamping. I have seen some fabulous ideas on tv and the internet. I might be tempted if glamping was as good as the scene I have set up today. All it needs is some kind of movie viewing or wifi, and I am in. Imagine sitting in the bath or hot tub under the stars while watching a great movie or listening to some music. Then when your skin is all pruney, you can get out and sit by the fire or whip up some hamburgers on the barbecue. When you have had enough of eating or tea and some guitar playing by the campfire,
Article and Photography by: Arya Braveheart you can retreat to your comfy bed and fall asleep to the sound of crickets and cicadas. Perfect. My central piece was obviously this lovely new Backcountry Camp Tent in Cuyahoga styling from Trompe Loeil. As soon as I saw it, I knew what this scene would be and that this tent would be the centre of it all. The tent comes in a variety of colours, and you can grab it at The Arcade starting in September. Next up in my placement lineup was the bath area. Normally I would rez a few baths to try in a scene, but as soon as I saw this one, I didn’t need to see any more. The tub and the stool next to it come from NOMAD and are part of the Industrial Bathtubs set. I decided on the lovely ground table next and then realized that there needed to be somewhere to cook and prepare the food. In my camping world, someone would come and cook for me, but they need to be able to do that somewhere; hence the BBQ Pavillion from CIRCA. The area that took me the longest to sort was, in fact, the toilet. I rezzed so many sheds,
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shacks, and beach huts before I found this one from Sway’s that was just right. The piece is actually a garden shed, but I added the camping toilet and accessories to make it the perfect outhouse. It also had the added bonus of doors that didn’t keep closing when I was trying to take a photo! Whether September means autumn or spring for you doesn’t matter. What is important is the change of season that means it is time for a new or redecorated. Get out and about. Find new stores, check out new events, and most of all, have fun doing it! Credits: Trompe Loeil - Backcountry Camp Tent Cuyahoga, CassIa Camping Chairs Brown, Beloeil Rustic Hot Tub, Nicolina Basket + Towels [CIRCA] - “Brookside” Adirondack Chairs A and B - Light Grey, “Galloway’s” BBQ Pavilion w/ Lights - Natural Wood, Food & Serve Table - Natural Wood(Giver), BBQ Oil Drum - Black (6 pos), Food & Drink Table - Natural Wood(Giver)
Serenity Style- Camping Guitar, Serenity Style- Military 4x4 Blue, Cozy Winter Logs Crate CHEZ MOI - Provence Crate Picnic Set , Camping Fun Campfire Multiposes {what next} - Decorative Huntington Bicycle - Turquoise, Vacanza Scooter Set2, Row of Books A (Everyday), Caliente - Burger Plate (beige), Hotdog Plate (beige), Kebabs & Corn Plate (beige), Pine Ridge Crate Table 22769 ~ Magazines, Rusty Lantern, Rustic Water Pump, Rusty Bucket, Transistor Radio Teal, Vintage Toilet Paper Stand, Tea Box, Rustic Kettle, Teacup Little Branch - Elm Tree, Red Maple.v2, LimeTree, Elm Shrub, White Ash Tree, Hibiscus Shrub, Red Bud Tree.v2 Sway’s - [Peony] Garden Shed NOMAD // Industrial Bathtub .001, Bath Stool, Crocus Bucket // Blue LISP - Mesh - Kepler Telescope Bazar - Traveler-Bag 2 ASW ~ The Bluegrass Back Porch Garden ~Lavender, The Cassia Wall Planter tarte. - lighted pallet wall (walnut) - shadow
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ADONIS HANSOME
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JAMEE SANDALWOOD
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MILA BLAUVELT
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SHANTAL GRAVOIS
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LUCEMIA
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YHISHARA
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BRENDON HERON
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AVERIL
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DESIREME
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QUEENBRAT BRACKEN
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TANYA GREEN
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AVAJEAN
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ISSY FLATLEY
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SABINE MORTENWOLD
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