Myst-Uru: Crux Isle

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Myst-Uru Style Crux Isla
Myst-Uru Style Crux Isla

This is the semi-secret build that Jandai Writer and Taimaru Hak are working on with maybe a hand given by a few here and there that are sworn to secrecy. Its Jandai’s build. Originally code named Puzzle Island (I’m being dramatic) a few of us have been privileged to see it. We had to promise secrecy. Since Jandai put pictures on her blog and linked from the ECC (Explorers’ Community Chronically – SL Group Newsletter), I figure I can let that much out of the bag.

This is a Myst-Style build and game. You are not going to see any of the Myst/Uru ages (regions) in Crux Isle, at least as far as I know. You may see an artifact here and there that reminds you of something in Myst-Uru. This is all new puzzles and I think new story. We will have to wait until it opens to find out. But you can see pictures now on Jandai’s blog Coffee Break: Crux Isle and learn al little about the Isle.

Second Life Without SEX?

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Sex-Clubs_001
Second Life Sex Club
(Large not office safe)

For many the seamy side of Second Life is a problem. For the many family oriented Myst-Uru players the presence of adult content has been a problem, making THERE a popular choice for many Uru Refugees. That is changing. The Linden’s have come up with a way to eliminate much of the adult content for those that so choose. Probably in June that choice will go away. Then one either age verifies or they are excluded from adult content. That blocking will be handled by a new viewer. In April and May that upgrade will be optional. In June it is planned the new viewer will be required.

A few weeks ago the news about Linden Labs creating a new Amsterdam Red Light district was all the rage in the blogs. Those hosting adult or violent content now have to deal with ‘zoning laws.’ Specific areas of SL are setup to host adult content. A new region designation of Adult has been added. While it is still confusing as to what will and won’t have to move we do know that ‘adult content’ meeting a rather nebulous definition will be removed from the general main land. Whoever it is, the moves are expected to be complete by the end of August.

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A New Thing in Computer Logic

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College of Scripting, Music and Science
College of Scripting, Music and Science

Second Life’s College of Scripting, Music and Science is a handy in-world reference for the Linden Scripting Language (LSL) that allows browsing. It is also a great place to send new residents to learn about Second Life. Around the landing area they have instructions every new player needs. Inside their building they have the scripting language references. But they have added something really different in their recent update.

The college’s reference rooms are a quick answer place when I can’t remember an LSL command or how something is done. The information is displayed on small billboard type reference cards. They have been updating them. I found a wonderful but surprising addition in the logic section. There is a set of reference cards on … thinking … or may be ‘debate’ would be a better word choice.

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Myst-Uru & Money

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Eder DUru Guild Hall Replica
Eder D'Uru Guild Hall Replica

Being an international game Myst-Uru has players from the world over. There is a mix of players from different countries with different philosphies about money. With the coming of Myst Online open source (MO:OS – acronym from an inside Uru joke) the fan community is looking at hosing the game in commercial servers and finding ways to pay for the bandwidth needed for game play. Many fans want the game for free or to cost just enough to cover expenses. How that funding saga plays out is likely to be a reflection of real world financial philosophies played out in a virtual world. Whichever philosophy is yours, the choices will likely decide the fate of Myst-Uru. Consider and take your stand.

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Blender and Shrink Wrap for Second Life

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If that title makes no sense to you and you make sculpties then pay attention. There are some great 3D models spread around the Internet. The problem with using them in SL is there is no easy way to get them into SL. The only meshes we can bring in, for now, are Sculpties (4/09).

Sculpties have strict limits on the number of vertices a mesh can have and the number of rows and columns of vertices. You can bring in almost any arrangement of vertices. The problem is it may look like vertex vomit (I heard that somewhere). One must get the numbers right for it to look good in Second Life. Shrink wrapping is a way to turn those models into sculpties. One can take a premade sculpty mesh and shrink wrap it over another model. Presto easy conforming mesh.

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FREE TEXTURE ORGANIZER

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OMG! This is so great! I just stumbled across it. Someone was using it in the IBM Sandbox. This organizer was made by Liandra Ceawlin. It is free and you can get it at her place. She has a few scripts she is giving away for free. They are worth having.

Liandra Ceawlins Chessboard
Liandra Ceawlin's Chessboard

She also made a huge chessboard/game. You can play chess.

She offers custom programming for SL.

The ECR&D (Explorer’s Community Research & Development – a Myst-Uru fan thing). Is studying textures in SL. They have Monday meetings. Contact me for more information.