The Gift Area, And The Swaginator Hunt

 
By Bixyl Shuftan

When there's a birthday celebration, there's often gifts. But at the Second Life Birthdays, the gifts are for the residents. This year, they're at the Tapestry of Time, in the center of the building. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Impressive/111/127/24

Some of us prefer a little challenge. So there's the Swaginator Gift Hunt. To start, you need the Swaginator HUD. You can get it at a number of locations, though I got mine at SLB Beguile (173/204/47). Just click on the HUD in your inventory and "add," and it will appear in the upper left of your screen.

It will then offer your first clue, "Meshing gears and open skies beguile us with a ship that flies. Find a bar tucked down below and leave there with a gift in tow." "Beguile" is a giveaway to the sim, which is where you already are, and you're already on something that flies.

So just find where to go down below, and next to a bar is the pickup location for the first gift. You then get the next clue, "Weeping willows do abound where another prize can be found. Come on in and sit right down in the house with an ivy crown."

The clues can occasionally be difficult, but the locations are all within non-exhibit areas at the Second Life Birthday grounds. If you stumble across a higher prize location than the one you're looking for, you won't be able to get it's prize yet. You have to get them in order. 

There are a total of five prizes to get. To unpack, just click on them in your inventory and "add." They'll then appear on your screen. As it says, just click to unpack.

You can get two versions of goggles, an old camera, a cane, two necklaces (male and female) and two backpacks (also male and female).

Happy hunting.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Salem Halloween Event and SL's Top Haunted Places Tour and Hunt

By Gemma Cleanslate

Creepy crawly time.... the Halloween craze time in Second Life is here! Already the ghouls are beginning to appear. I will be looking for fun places to visit but at this time am looking at places where one can get decor or outfits or anything to help you enjoy the holiday at your home or club.

My first visit was to check out Salem, and event that will run right up to October 31 so you can get your fill of last minute things  you need. There is a decoration contest going on in the communties of the new continent, Bellisseria, so everyone has been talking about Salem 2019  put on by  Prism Events.  “Designed to evoke the tenor of the 1692 witch trials, Salem hits the grid with over 100 vendors and two ways to shop! Dive into Salem's Macabre Market or if you dare, try your luck in the Gacha Gallows. Salem runs 9/28 - 10/31 and promises to bewitch you!” is the land writeup .

When I arrived there were parts of avatars adding to the macabre by floating all over the place.. be prepared for lag.  The market is huge. Many of the outfits are can be used for daily use as well as Halloween parties. Some of the makeup will be great for those special events that will be held at clubs.

For those building haunted houses you will find some eerie creatures and skeletons  as well as old furniture to fill the rooms.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Prism%20Events/128/112/21

My next stop was at “"SL's TOP HAUNTED PLACES TOUR and HUNT"  in Quincentival . Oct. 1 - 31st.

“The 10th year for SL'S TOP HAUNTED PLACES TOUR and HUNT! There are many creative Haunts and Hunts you can visit and enjoy grid wide and if you like you can also do some Halloween shopping at some of SL'S best stores. “  Pick up your card and get information on the Hunt and grab your first gift next to the sign. Then walk and visit all the wonderful decor and houses filled with wispy ghostly creatures.

Here I am watching a football game with some friends in one of the houses. 
 This whole place is a creation of Carolyn Avro of Favorite Things.

Before you leave stop into the Candy Cauldron and pick up some wonderful treats!!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Quincentival/101/165/600

And stop off at Carolyn’s Halloween shop where you will find pumpkins and trees and other decor for your yard for sale.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Quincentival/48/210/73

Gemma Cleanslate

The Creative Christmas Hunt

If you’re a creator or builder, or have ever wanted to try your hand at it, you need to check out the Creative Christmas Hunt. The Hunt is going on now through December 22. This Hunt is unique because the prizes are Christmas-themed gifts you can use to create your own special items. Everything comes with full permissions, but you have to agree to not re-sell or give away the item directly. You must use the item to make something, which you are free to give away or sell.

The Hunt starts at Christmas Lane, located at Saint Pierre at (41, 104, 22). Follow the path to hunt for the small green tree that will contain the prize and a landmark for the next location. Nearly 100 stores are participating, which is amazing. Not only will you find a wide variety of items, but you’ll probably visit some locations that are new to you. I know I did.

I liked the textures best, but there are also wreaths, a toy train, trees, ornaments, holly, and many other items. The picture shows me with only a tiny sample of the goodies I have collected. Best of all, many of the participants wrote out directions so you can learn.

There have been a few glitches along the way: stores that were not quite ready or landmarks that didn’t get you to the correct spot. Mandi Blanco, the Hunt coordinator, has been quick to fix things, or at least send out notices to alert participants and offer advice. But the problems have been minor, especially when compared to the valuable prizes and information that has been donated.

Some of the shops have put their trees in easy and obvious spots. Others have been much harder to find. I skipped a few, but I was able to find almost all of the items. A few places give out hints, which is helpful. Usually I think the thrill of the hunt is the most fun, and the prize is secondary. But with the CCH, the prizes are the greatest. It’s a perfect way to learn how to make things without investing a lot of Lindens.

In fact, I think I’ll stop writing and start making things now.

Grey Lupindo