A Dragon's Christmas - POE5, MFH VII, TRH II Hunts

Oneiria felt awkward without her usual wings and teeth. She always felt awkward in her human form, that tiny two-legged shape was more a burden than a pleasure, so slow, so weak. Yet… Prince Talias, her fiancé, had never seen her in her real form, a magnificent red-and-gold dragon. Dearest Talias, he wanted to marry her, and he intended to break the news with his family at Christmas Eve... and what could Oneiria do? She would play along, she indeed liked Talias quite much, he was handsome, patient and generous.

Christmas Eve... Oneiria remembered those evenings with her own family, the feast, the fun, the laughter. Her folk was gone by now, but she still could hear the chatter and the music, her little brothers howling and giggling, and she still could smell the delicious roast her mother used to prepare. Mmmmm... the roast. Maybe she could have that this Christmas. Talias and his family were well fed, nice people, she recalled. Oneiria softly cackled and her golden eyes twinkled ominously. Christmas time wasn’t that ugly, after all.

December is THE hunting season in SL, so many generous and talented designers shower you with gifts at Christmas time, and what can you do? You’re forced to pick what you like most, which doesn’t mean that the other gifts are worthless or ugly... only that you, one little blogger, do indeed have limited time to show the world one small slice of SL creativity. So, where to begin?

Gown: Mystic Hope "Splendor" Outfit – The Medieval Fantasy Hunt VII gift (0 L$). It’s an absolute knockout, so role players, damselles and ladies, pay a visit to Kira Lavendel’s shoppe, it’s worth it!

Hair: ChiChickie “Serafina” – POE5 Hunt gift (0 L$). It’s a very pretty updo, a perfect match with many festive SL gowns, so don’t hesitate to go for it.

Skin: Style by Kira “Amber” – POE5 Hunt gift (0 L$). The fat pack contains 10 skin tones and makeup versions, so feel free to pick your favourite, as Kira Paderborn is really generous with her gifts.

Necklace: Elemental Jewellery “Renaissance medallion”– The Renaissance Hunt II gift (0 L$). Wear this lovely gift and you may feel like any of Henry the Eighth’s wives.

Eyes: Sterling Artistry Feral Eyes “Brandy” - camping prize (0 L$). It looks like Silverr Andel is back to SL after months and months of absence, which is wonderful news! You can pick up the monthly gifts and a big box of lovely Christmas surprises at his good olde shoppe at Porcupine.

Poses: Exposeur - Advent Gift No. 7 (0 L$). I hope it’s still available; and if not, there will be another package of lovely poses for tomorrow in RubyStarlight Writer's shop. 

A dash of Cinnamon

December rolled around, and the forest took on its winter plumage. Snow had fallen throughout the night, and all through the day. Its chill gripped the creatures of the land, causing some to curl up in hiding, knowing the time for their hibernation to come. Others, however, came into their season.

Cinnamon was a part of the forest the whole year round, of course, but only once the snow fell did she feel her time of year had come. This was when she felt most comfortable, away from the heat of summer, that even the dappled shade couldn't entirely prevent. The ground carpeted in a thick layer of crystalline white, its coating making the leaves still clinging to frozen plants sparkle, far from the rotting loam of autumn. Snow crunching under her decorated hooves, she grinned, even with all the work ahead of her, she knew it would be a lot of fun, a chance to stretch herself. Descendant of the line of Blitzen, toward the end of December she would take her place with the others in the mad dash around their world. Some might think the adornments to her hooves and antlers would slow her down, not a bit of it. They added to the fun, turning the race into an enjoyable game.

Feeling a bit in the spirit of the season, but in a frugal way, I though I'd see what I had lying around from winters past which would work for a look now. All except the hair, which is a new purchase, have been lurking in my inventory for at least a year or more. The items listed are all still available!

Antlers :  HBD holiday antlers 2.1     L$25
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Reindeer-Antlers-w-Blinking-Lights-v21/556939

Hair :  Truth Hailey w/roots- blood  Reds Pack    L$250
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/TRUTH-HAIR-Hailey-Mesh-Hair-reds/3690446

Skin : Petrichor Fawn (mocha)    L$240
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/PETRICHOR-Fawn-Mocha/2450578

Tattoo : Panda Express  OH Deer spots tattoo    L$150
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Panda-Express-OH-Deer-Spots-Tattoo/1747019?id=1747019&slug=Panda-Express-OH-Deer-Spots-Tattoo

Ears and tail : [D O D I E] Oh Deer! UPDATE   L$200
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/D-O-D-I-E-Oh-Deer-UPDATE/1935333

Top and Stars pastie :  Nadas naughty xmas    L$99
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/NADASNAUGTHY-XMAS/399714

Leggings :  Erratic  Laser cut leggings    L$150
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/erratic-laser-cut-leggings-black/1827634

Legs and hooves : Epic  Festive faun legs   L$199
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Epic-Festive-Faun-Legs-Black/3020931

Splish Splash

Down the rain came. Late November, but it was warm enough under the storm clouds that gathered over the city, keeping the heat of its inhabitants and industry in. Even the drops of rain that streamed down were not enough to chill those who headed out there with the intention of enjoying the experience. Separating them, with their squeals and shouts, jumping and splashing, from those who hurried along, avoiding puddles and grumbling about the weather...

Isolde and Vyl were most definitely in the former group. One called her new shoes gumboots, the other, wellies, but they had to be taken out for some fun and games, as soon as the first storm of autumn rolled in.

Waterproof and bouncy, they kept their feet dry, even though the rest of them was soaked to the skin by the rain. To those wrapped up in coats and hats, with umbrellas blowing about in the gale, this seemed like utter madness. Perhaps they still found, somewhere deep within, the spark of joy that came from youth, when they too had jumped in puddles, or it may have been smothered entirely over the years by a need to dress correctly, and not be silly. Those who still splished and splashed knew nothing of this little death. Joined suddenly in the rain by Mzzy, friend and wellymagnate, the three jumped for joy at the silliness of it all, cavorting through the rain.

Gumboots, Wellies, whatever you want to call them, these are great, and come in a mindboggling array of designs. Here we have L>R Black Arts, Squid and Pink Dots.

Each pair is MESH, costing L$99
You can find them on Marketplace here...
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/REDRUM-Gumboots-Bones/4234980
Or inworld here...
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/22/42/28 

Pose in 3rd pic : *MP* Jump! Pose L$ 159
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MP-Jump-Pose-ad/2170138 

Caught in the crypt

Just as Bluebeard had his secret room, a place to hide the reminders of his past, the cathedral had its crypt. There were bones scattered throughout the building of course, centuries of use and abuse had taken its toll. Some rooms were completely unusable, as anything but the storerooms they had become. The triumph of gothic architecture was the grandest charnel house the world had ever seen.

This was Millia's domain. The fires roared hot in the vast vaults of their inglenooks, the air in the rafters maintained a constant chill, keeping the bats happy, even as the latest bones consigned to the flames blackened and cracked. Bones were her business, she could only make use of the best in her craft, the rest served to keep the place warm enough for her guests. They came each night to browse and to admire, to look, but never to touch her creations, at least, not until coin of suitable value had dropped into the collection box.

Millia was her work, she was proud of the beautiful new items she could inspire from things the living had left behind. Her home, and her appearance were her hallmarks. They were the only advertising she needed, if people had the wit to see it. As the lucky few who came with the darkness took their time, and browsed her wares, she could relax. Sinking comfortably into the soft leather of her favourite chair, tracing her fingertips over the tattoo still visible on one of its arms, she sighed with satisfaction. Some may think her ghoulish, perhaps. She was the most innovative of all those who cared for the world they shared, after all. She recycled everyone.

Dress :  +REDRUM+ Bones Dress L$ 79
MESH Comes with 5 sizes - XS S M L XL
Tattoo :  +REDRUM+ Paws Tattoo L$ 89
Pack includes 4 versions "Because the sweetest kittens have the sharpest claws!"
+Full Body Tattoo+ +Body Only Tattoo+ +Face Only Tattoo+ +Butt Only Tattoo+
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/22/42/28

Skin :  : S u g a r :  -C- :3: Fireball {Like A Virgin}
Not from the current range of skins - but still a stunner. Got to love those red lips. For the current range, head over here...
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/211/72/28 

Eyes : REPULSE - Nocturnal Eyes (Green) L$99
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REPULSE/97/143/23

Boots : BAX Prestige Boots Black Leather L$ 875
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/BAX-Prestige-Boots-Black-Leather/424094

Hair : >TRUTH< Yolanda 2 Black and Whites pack L$ 250
Worn here is colour 'Crow' - the bands around the hair are colour change by clicking on them.
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/TRUTH-HAIR-Yolanda-2-black-whites/1826681

Remember what I said about temptations?

Such advice was fine for the little wooden boy who came to life. For others of more importance to the cosmos, those deities at the edges of life and thought, something with more depth was needed, and found. Each to their own, Zathor chose to listen to both sides of each argument.

In one hand could always be found Desdemona... she saw things from a dark perspective. All actions and motives from the softest smile to the harshest blow she viewed with eyes open wide, seeing the currents running underneath like smoke.

She knew every level of the world, saw deep into the hearts of its people, the flames of their desires and hatred kept her warm. Yearnings cried out to her, and she could interpret truth from lie. She spoke these dark truths and no others, letting Zathor see the darkness burning within each person.

Anabel, the eternal balance to Desdemona was always to be found at Zathor's other hand. She saw everything her opposite did, but from the perspective of light. Eyes open just as wide missed nothing, streams of consciousness, motives drawing across the faces below like strands of silk.

Her gaze sought out each level of life, each strata, every interaction. The goodness and fairness which shone from the hearts of the living kept her serene, brought light to her existence. She spoke the truth of justice and good, letting Zathor see the best in people and their works.

Desdemona :

Skin :  : S u g a r : [3] DB - Lush {Cleav-3} [Teeth] Crease

This beautiful skin is coming out in December 2012 - there will be more shots of this coming up soon!

Dress :   +REDRUM+ Knot Dress Alchemy Red  L$89

Oh yummy yummy. a MESH dress that really really fits. Amazing on the bewbs too fantastic shape, and as ever from REDRUM, kickass designs, here a Dantesque heart and flames.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/22/42/28

Hair :   >TRUTH< Cheyenne - Blaze

Always amazing from TRUTH, epic colour options for a fantastic price. The MESH hair shown here is from the FADES fatpack L$ 300

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth%20Hair/106/85/25 

Tattoo : +REDRUM+ AVE SATANA TATTOO  L$199

Eyeliner : +REDRUM+ Black Eyeliner - Heavy L$29

Nails and rings :  [VIRTUAL/INSANITY] ASIA Rings & Nails Red v2

Sadly these don't seem to be available any longer - I may have missed them in the store, it's always worth a nosey around!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bada%20Bing/142/134/34

Shoes : : S u g a r : Dangerous Heels L$499

Love these. Love love love them. Fantastic textures to shoe and foot, and with the HUD a wide range of colours for shoe and sole. Mix or match. Perhaps handiest of all, is the included HUD which has the option to match to each of S U G A R's skintones at a single click. Well, two clicks, as these beauties have options to the footpart, and the ankle, for a more seamless join to your legs.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/211/72/28

Anabel :

Skin : *Epic Skins* Dark Elfin Singles {Darkest Mist} [Glo] Cleavage

This skin came from the EPIC vendor at this years Fantasy Faire

Dress :   +REDRUM+ Knot Dress Alchemy Cream L$89

Same style of dress, with the design that puts me in mind of money!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/22/42/28 

Hair :  >TRUTH< Cheyenne w/Roots - surf

This hair is from the same FADES pack as that worn by Desdemona -so you can see what a great range of colours are included. Two styles shown, Anabel wears the w/Roots version. L$300

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth%20Hair/106/85/25 

Tattoo : +REDRUM+ ANGEL TATTOO L$199

Nails and rings : [MANDALA]Milky Nails/Atlantis Blue  L$97

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MANDALAMILKY-WAY-RING-and-NAILSatlantis-blue/2329530

Eyes : REPULSE - Zombie Eyes (Veined) L$99

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REPULSE/97/143/23

Shoes :  : S u g a r : Dangerous Heels L$499

Here again, to show the sheer versatility of these beauties! As mentioned above, included is a HUD to match skintone to the range of skins available at S U G A R. There is also another HUD included, where you can match the skintone of ankles and feet to any RGB colour you can think of, so you can wear the shoes with any skin you like!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/211/72/28 

Prop : [Virtual Props] The Masters Hand Photography Prop L$700

Spent a long while after thinking up the idea for this post thinking I had imagined this props existence. Thankfully a shout out plea for help in the Virtual Props chat led me to this. It includes 10 poses, and is 12 Prims.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Endless%20Death/30/106/22

Cloud brush used on Anabel shots can be found here..

http://fabricate-stock.deviantart.com/art/Clouds-for-PS7-imagepacks-65740811

Come Back To Me - The Enchanted Frost Hunt

Hrotswytha Frostgarth looked through the window and shivered. She was indeed an ice witch, but the blizzard ruthlessly raging in the outside world was too much even for her... and she was also deeply worried. Her beloved pet was outside, somewhere in the snow, trying to find his way home. Oh, Hrymwyr was so bold and stubborn, and enjoyed wandering alone in the wilderness so much! Now he was in trouble... because even the stamina of the boldest and most stubborn stag is eventually consumed by the wind, the frost and the ice.

Not far away, Hrymwyr was to lie down in the snow... the deadly snow, which was so inviting and soft, it beckoned him and whispered, it offered him a cosy feather bed. Yet, in the last second, he pricked his ears and stood still. Hrotswytha was near, he suddenly realised, and she was reaching out for him. Hrymwyr started walking, and at a faster pace. His task was simple now. He must return home. Hrotswytha was waiting.

A borrowed PC and some very limited time in SL... what could I do? With much luck and friendly help I rushed through The Enchanted Frost Hunt by MadPea and boy, was it worth it! You must buy a HUD for 10 L$ at the starting point, but it’s really a symbolic sum if you look at what you receive in exchange. The gifts are simply amazing and I’m truly sorry I can show you only a very few items here! Just to tickle your curiosity a bit more: do you remember Ceri the friendly giantess who was a regular at The Tides during the 2012 Fantasy Faire? Well, you can become just like her, because you find a complete set of Colossus avatars, outfit included, among the endgame gifts. The hunt is on until December 22nd, so you'd better run... errmmm... slide or skate for your HUD!

On her:

Skin: Azil Snow Skin in “Winter Ice” by Curious Kitties. It was a seasonal gift not available any more, but the “Winter Forest” skin is quite similar (800 L$).

Hair: Melinda in “Lucky White” by Alice Project – Lucky Board gift (0 L$).

Eyes: Ice Elf Eyes in “Dark Glacier” by Fallen Gods – “The Enchanted Frost Hunt” gift.

Tattoo: Gods TAO Female in “Young Frost” by Fallen Gods – “The Enchanted Frost Hunt” gift.

Hat: “Winter Spell” Hat by Whimsy – “The Enchanted Frost Hunt” gift.

On him:

Skin: “Crystal” by Fallen Gods – it was a Fortune Teller prize now regularly available in various tones and makeups (990 L$ for one skin, 2200 L$ for a fatpack of four, and 5200 L$ for a full pack of 16 skins).

Hair: Melinda in “Lucky White” by Alice Project – Lucky Board gift (0 L$).

Eyes: Ice Elf Eyes in “Dark Glacier” by Fallen Gods – “The Enchanted Frost Hunt” gift.

Tattoo: TAO Male in “Young Frost” by Fallen Gods – “The Enchanted Frost Hunt” gift.

Antlers: “Frosted Faun Antlers” Male by Vita’s Boudoir – “The Enchanted Frost Hunt” gift.

Shape: “Ian” by Tellaq - an old Menstuff hunt gift not available any more.

Dirty Turkey

Busy, Busy, Busy.   How can it possibly be halfway through November already?

Halfway through November is halfway through The Depraved Nation's  Dirty Turkey Hunt!

So, you should still have time to make it through all the stops if you hurry, nearly 150 stores, so better get a wriggle on!  Here are some of my highlights from the prize haul. All prizes are free to purchase, all you have to do is find them!

All the hints and SLurls are here... http://depravednation.com/tdth-3-0

Shape : FROSTING!! Linsey
Skin :  [MC] TDTH-Frapp Skin D-Cup Smoke
Minidress : Devilish Designs Hollar Dress Silver
Tattoo : Goth1c0: Serenity to Detroy 
Earrings :  ...:::SCRUB:::...plumes Earrings 
Horns :  .::Kre-ations::. Rapsodia Horns 
Seating and pose : Before sleep - pile o pumpkin poufs 


Eyemakeup :  [VIRTUAL/INSANITY] MAKE ME UP - Liquid Glimmer - Brulant
Ears :  :Z.S: Gobble gobble plugs
Necklace :  (flaunt) Clawed Necklace
Tattoo : [trs] Dirty Bitch Tattoo
Top :  FATAL   Ravaged Dirty Turkey
Pastie :  H.E.D. Maple Leaf Pastie 
Arm warmers :  =Razorblade Jacket= Arm Warmers /// Plain Brown
Jeans :  ToXiC HiGh   Unisex Dirty Grunge Jeans
Boots :  :{MV}: Fuck Me Uggs
Pose :  SSP Pilgrim Girl and shotgun

One noticeable difference with this hunt made things a little more difficult, but it's a step the creators have taken to keep the hunt a hunt. On some viewers, people have long used area search to cheat while hunting, taking out all the fun, and cutting the time they spend in each store. Part of the fun of hunting, for me, is to get to browse through stores I may not have ended up in otherwise. This, infact, has led me to some of my all time favourite designers and stores. As a way to curb this area search cheating, most of the stores in the hunt have named their hunt prize object something random - which I can only agree with, and take steps while hunting to make sure I know which objects and folders came from the hunt in my mess of an inventory. So if you are setting out on your hunt, keep an eye on your recent items, perhaps move them into a folder before logging off, so you don't lose out on any of these goodies. Of course, if your inventory is organised... can you do mine?