Nemo

Those with a fascination for Steampunk, fans of the classic novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” or even just a simple interest in either, may want to head to a certain place in Second Life: Nemo.

The entry point is a metal platform, with a walkway leading to a metal tube poking up through the surface, a doorway open and leading to an elevator. One can take the elevator down, and find oneself in the middle of an undersea city. The structure is done in the style of the Victorian era, but with strange machines mixed in. Near the entrance is a model of the complex, which can help in seeing where one can go while down there. There is also music in the background, which was a bit haunting at times when I was there.

The underwater complex is well detailed. Some rooms are simple living quarters in which one can sit on a couch by an amp and read the books of the day. There is also an occasional portrait of a notable person, appropriate to the setting, at the time, such as scientist Nikola Telsa. There is also an organ in one

In other places in the structure, one can look at electrical and plasma-filled equipment fit for a mad scientist’s lab. There are robots in the place, resembling sea creatures, in various stages of assembly, as well as sketches of the contraptions on the wall. If one looks outside, an occasional working model can be seen moving through the water. There are also other machines for use outside the lab, such as a fortune-telling machine. The machines are done in good detailed, sometimes with moving gears and other parts.

Nemo was built by Sextant Shepard, a French journalist in real life. In the Linden Blogs, he stated he was working on another area, the Oruchalcum Mine. Nemo itself is still a “work in progress,” evidenced by a closed door with a sign at one point.

A fascinating sim that anyone who’s read the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells will enjoy.

Nemo is at the FRANCE3D futuna sim at (91/148/21).

Someone also did a Youtube of the area, which one can see: Link.


Bixyl Shuftan

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Magical Beginnings

The fascination with the steam punk era is alive and well in SL as it still exists in RL. 
While doing a hunt which took me to many steam punk sites I joined a hunt group to keep up with hints. 
Last week I read a notice that intrigued me : the opening of a new sl school that would instruct in the lifestyle of the Victorian steam punk San Francisco. Classes will be offered in Deportment, Etiquette, Dancing, the Arcane Arts, Drama, History, English and a host of other academic and cultural courses. 
There is an impressive list of professors for the school which offers boarding or day school facilities for children avatars.
 I went to tour the school and found a delightful setting with interesting living and  instructional areas. When the notice came for the first class I dressed in my finest steam punk gown and went to observe. About twelve eager participants sat before a stage while the Mayor of Mieville, and a professor at the new school, Perryn Peterson welcomed us all to the inaugural presentation. He concentrated on stagecraft, introducing elements of the theatre stage to everyone and  inviting participation from the students.
 The future classes look very interesting and the professor is very patient and thorough.
I asked him how this idea came about and he said “There are no boarding or day schools that we know of which provide an education for the child avatars in SL interested in the Victorian Steampunk culture.  We sought to fill that need.  We have 14 students so far and a Head Boy for the Lower School.  We have begun classes and so far have had a nice turnout.”
 The students appeared eager to learn and it looked like an auspicious beginning. Looking around at the various venues it looks as if  there will be magic potions involved in future classes for sure! The school is open to all  so if you are interested be sure to visit and contact the headmistress, Jezzie Warden or the Deputy Headmistress Vian Magic for more information.
Take a look at Doyle 60, 199, 31 .
That will put you right in the area of the new school.


Gemma Cleanslate

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