ROMANCE! Discussion Today at the 24th Æther Salon

Here is your carriage:  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Babbage%20Palisade/252/54/106

Today we will discuss such excellent topics as the social season, debutantes, appropriate gifts to give while courting, the etiquette of romance, the silent languages, engagement, marriage, and private passions.  

It is my honor to be part of this very fine New Babbage institution.  Hopefully we'll see you there!

Music Appreciation: Crooners

I am so pleased to have been asked to present a music appreciation evening at the New Champagne Rooms in New Babbage this Sunday night, May 16th at 8pm SLT.

In honor of the latest edition to the New Champagne Rooms family in Seraph City, I will be playing a set based on the theme "Crooners". We'll enjoy the music of those singers of pop standards from the early part of the 20th century through more modern times over the course of our 2-hour musical journey together.



Hope to see you there.

Personal Journal Entry: Battle in New Babbage (reference case # 8774-NB)

**This first section written Out of Character**

The Role Play events developed by the folks in New Babbage have been quite brilliant. Most of the play has occurred out of world in the Ning and in other blogs. Story-telling is an art and the shared story among many of the residents (and those of us related to them) has been very interesting and fun. Kudos to all involved. Various journals have reported on events, however, the bulk of the story may be found in the Primgraph blog and the New Babbage Ning.

I first really became involved in this story when the Wrath Fleet group were asked to assist in the wrap-up of the story. I was sent the telegram verbiage by the New Babbage Navy's Commodore, Jedburg Dagger. I was happy to assist as I could in the role of the head of MI-5, and as Commander in Wrath Navy.

The culminating event - the ironclad battle - was fought this past Thursday evening. Several of us met during the week of the event and plotted out the scenes and familiarized ourselves with the story that would be told....and would continue. (hee hee)

As someone who has run not a few events, and who has assisted with many an ironclad battle scenario, let me just say that this event went really very well, particularly given the numbers of observers and participants, the lag in the script-heavy, texture-heavy sims, and the numbers of folks who were part of story development.

Gathering for the briefing: Dia, Eva, Aeoleus, Hotspur

We all gathered at the docks at 7pm SLT - when I say all, I mean a very large contingent from New Babbage (from both the good and evil sides), a strong group from the Wrath Fleet, Caledon Navy members, Steelhead Navy members, and at least one from Steeltopia's fleet (actually, Mr. Calamari himself). We also had press members there covering the event.

Emperor of Steeltopia and several of the New Babbage group.

Hotspur gives the rules of the engagement to the growing crowd.

Cross section of New Babbage crowd.

The organization of this large group including the rules of engagement and specifics to the scenarios was conducted in about 30 minutes, and then the first of two mammoth battles was begun. There were about 8-10 boats (ironclads and subs) in the water, a battery of cannon at Dr. O's island, and several airships about the sims. Each battle lasted around 20-30 minutes.

Yes, there were many crashes among players. Yes, sometimes folks steamed off world for a while - but they did make it back to the site of the battle. In the end, I heard no complaints at all only folks really hamming it up in character and discussing how fun the thing had been despite the limitations or problems.

A lot of fun, really!

**And now my in character journal entry (with the odd way that stories and roles in the Steamlands can be combined, I write it not only as the head of intel for Wrath Fleet, but also as Director of MI-5).**

Personal Entry
This allied flotilla came into the Vernian Sea as the sun was beginning to show first rays over the horizon. We had our orders from Commodore O'Toole and Mayor Tenk. I was in one of the Holland class subs. My objective was to sneak into the city while the battle raged and to bring a small group of marines with me. We had several purposes: the marines were to secure any anti-ship guns, and to capture or dispose of any of Obolensky's minions; I was to be in contact with them via ætheric transmitter - guiding Master Sergeant Abernethy as needed, but the crusty old marine would hardly need me, he had his orders directly from O'Toole and would follow them (perhaps creatively) to complete his mission or die trying. Meanwhile, I would also be surveying the area for the strong-holds (perhaps Obolensky, himself), and the resistance fighters, and maintain communication with command central.

The sub departs after dropping us at the designated point.

It did not take long to spot the Doctor's cannon (they were not trying to hide them, really)
Regardless I transmitted the position to the fleet and marines via secure channel.


My initial view of the beginning of the engagement
A dragon perched atop an airship - was that a good or ominous sign?

More of Obolensky's followers found (or just some of the residents watching the show - it was not always clear, nevertheless). Positions sent to Abernethy and command.

*must be getting closer*

I found where the villain was on his island at about the time I heard chatter on the allied fleet's channel about it.

I spotted Dr. Fabre observing the battle as I moved through the area.


The battle raging on

*note to self: interrupted by a call from the Royal Society offices, must go and return to complete my personal note on this incident later - pick up journal entry at battle conclusion*

The Prodigal "Sister" Returns

My agents in New Babbage have been diligently sending reports to me about Dr. Oblensky's overthrow of Mayor Tenk's government (while he was away, mind you) for weeks now.



The mysterious telegram initially seemed to have no connection to such activities, but once I began investigating it's origin and sender identity, it seemed obvious.

Jed Dagger had sent the telegram remotely from outside New Babbage. "Tell Papa to expect six guests for supper." She meant that she and some of her officers &/or sailors would be heading to Roatan, I suspect for shelter or assistance (I still don't know which). And Papa was the name that some of the sailors had taken to calling Commodore O'Toole (most simply called him The Old Man).

I had been in close contact with Desmond and Lunar regarding the intelligence that we were getting from Babbage so that both Caledon and Steelhead could be prepared to take whatever action the nations felt appropriate as conditions in Babbage changed. I had also been giving regular briefings to the Wrath officers. In fact I was just on my way to discuss the telegram with O'Toole and Somme when I heard the excitement on the docks. Commander Murakami and the Commodore were on deck with a young signalman who was was sending a message. I looked in the general direction that he was facing.

"Ah - I see the telegram had been delayed in transit. She's already here!"

I took off running, grabbing every seaman in my path to meet the Babbage exiles; to assist in the mooring of the boats, and to help with any medical needs that might be present since they had likely not been escorted genteely out of the port.

What more will Jed and her crew be able to tell us? What do they need?

**** (OOC)****
For detail on the kinds of intel that MI-5 has received in this growing story please do refer to the following sites for the work of some of the Steamlands' residents:

The Primgraph - there are many entries in this journal from various authors. The first entry in the series appears to be here by Beq Janus. The rest of them may be found in reverse order including the story which runs parallel with the entry above in The Primgraph.

The New Babbage Ning also carries many stories and announcements regarding this.

Jedburg Dagger's Journal - here and here.

A Caledonian Journey

And Hibernia on the Skids

We'll see you Thursday for the battle in Port Babbage - part of our Ironclad Melee series. 7:30pm SLT.

MANY YEARS!

MANY YEARS!

Kate has taught me that "many years" is a traditional blessing that is given at the end of each Sunday service to those in her local Orthodox congregation who are celebrating birthdays. As I began thinking about writing this piece on our 3rd Rez Day celebration, I thought this was just the perfect thing to say avatars in SL. There are at least two reasons.

1)the desire to wish the person behind the avatar well, expressing the hope that their avatar will remain and flourish for years to come.
and 2) the recognition that every year in real life equals 6 years in SL. (Many years indeed.)

It felt good and right that Kate and I would celebrate our Rez Days together this year since we met on my very first day in world and have been fast friends ever since that time. Her real life has kept her out of SL a lot over the last year or so, but we do try our best to spend time together in world when the chance arises, plotting and planning good things for the Royal Society, or exploring, or simply just catching up.

There have certainly been times in the last 3 years that I have seriously considered giving Second Life up all together. I need not recount the reasons or dramas here, but I will say that there have been many lessons-learned.

What has kept me here?
Good friends are the first and foremost reason.

The outlet for creativity - expressed both in world and in this blog as well as others. The sheer joy of discovery that happens when one goes, for instance to visit AM Radio and his latest work of art.

The humor and silliness that can also happen are truly draws as well. It's good to be able to let one's hair down at times and just laugh and play.

I should also say that as someone who's human works full time in her professional field and is raising two fabulous children that one should not diminish the feeling of stress relief that can be gained by a friendly (or not so friendly) match on the tournament sands, the fencing piste, or behind the cannon of an ironclad. :) Sometimes you just can't top battles or blowing things up!

The STEAMY party itself was great fun! Thanks to all of you who attended. We went an hour over the scheduled time because we were all just having too much fun for it to end. And during that time as people came and went, we maintained about 35 or so guests. The dancing and conversation were fabulous, and the music provided by Gabrielle Riel was perfect! Once again, my dear cousin created a play list for us that was spot on.

Thanks also for all the good thoughts and well wishes; for presents and private notes. I will cherish these things - and do.

Much love & many years, my friends!

Getting Steamy for the party

The Rez Day Girls party on with friends.
(seen in this shot, Otenth Paderborn, Klaus Wulfenbach, Gabrielle Riela & Azul Draken)

JJ Drinkwater and TotalLunar Eclipse

Kate and Eva

Steam dancing

Roy Smashcan

Nabila Nadir

Crowd early in the evening.
We were blessed to have friends from Winterfell, Caledon, Steelhead, New Babbage, and other varied sims.

Icarus Ghost dances with Frequency Picnic as Jed Dagger looks on.

My favorite feline: Kamilah Hauptmann

Martini Discovolante
(also seen in this shot: Miss Lumina & Mr. Squirrel Zuhal)

Eva and Kami

Squirrel Zuhal

Serra Anansi, Otenth Paderborn, Klaus Wulfenbach, Kate Nicholas, Eva Bellambi

Icarus Ghost, Hotspur O'Toole, and a lovely couple of ladies from Winterfell.
(one looked very familiar :p)

Klaus and Kate

Frequency Picnic and MissLily Nightfire

Duchess dancing. :)

Lunar and Roberto with many others in the background.

Present to us both from Lord Bardhaven in his absence.

A most excellent bird! Thanks, Vee!

New Steampunk Boots, new ring, and new flight ao. :)

57 Avatars witness the swearing-in of Mayor Tenk

Despite the dreary, rainy weather in New Babbage today, there were 57 of us present to witness the Clockwinder, Mosseveno Tenk, take his oath of office. Thankfully there were free umbrellas for all, and I just happened to have promised the Mayor that I would bring along a cask of my Uisge Beatha Reserve.

Remington Pinion and Krystine Qinan

I stand among the many.

Taking the oath.

[2009/02/22 13:04] Hotspur Otoole: I (state your name)
[2009/02/22 13:05] Mosseveno Tenk: I, Mosseveno Tenk
[2009/02/22 13:05] Mosseveno Tenk: Being quite lagged
[2009/02/22 13:05] Jim whispers "Hoy Mr. Dagger. Hoy Dickens"
[2009/02/22 13:05] Moses Mureaux chuckles
[2009/02/22 13:05] Hotspur Otoole: do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Great City of New Babbage against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
[2009/02/22 13:05] Skusting Dagger: whspers: Shhh!
[2009/02/22 13:05] TriloByte Zanzibar waves at skusting and dickens through the purple rectangles
[2009/02/22 13:05] Mosseveno Tenk: no matter how long it takes me to get through the lag.
[2009/02/22 13:06] Mosseveno Tenk: do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Great City of New Babbage against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
[2009/02/22 13:06] Tyger Freenote takes 10 minutes to walk 10 metres
[2009/02/22 13:06] Hotspur Otoole grins
[2009/02/22 13:06] Dickens whsipers: SHHHH!
[2009/02/22 13:06] Hotspur Otoole taps his foot, waiting for a reply
[2009/02/22 13:06] TinCupOfRum: Want a little Capn' Smythe in you eh Mate?
[2009/02/22 13:06] Babbage Mayoral Inauguration Pin: The time is 13:06
[2009/02/22 13:06] Hotspur Otoole: that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
[2009/02/22 13:06] Mosseveno Tenk: that I will bear true faith and allegieance to the same
[2009/02/22 13:07] Hotspur Otoole: that I take this obligation of Clockwinder freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
[2009/02/22 13:07] Elfod Nemeth: (I just turned all particles so I can see)
[2009/02/22 13:07] Mosseveno Tenk: that I take this obligation of Clockwinder freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
[2009/02/22 13:07] Hotspur Otoole: that I will keep her gears oiled, her mainsprings wound, and her steam engines stoked with coal,
[2009/02/22 13:08] Mosseveno Tenk: that I will keep her gears oiled, her mainsprings wound, and her steam engines stoked with coal,
[2009/02/22 13:08] Doctor Obolensky: ((hmmm...can't see a bit of it.))
[2009/02/22 13:08] Cask of Uisge Beatha - Reserve: Drink it in good health, Salazar Jack!
[2009/02/22 13:08] Hotspur Otoole: and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of Clockwinder on which I am about to enter. So help me God
[2009/02/22 13:08] Aleki Tarber should've brought her parasol.
[2009/02/22 13:08] Cask of Uisge Beatha - Reserve: 428 yet left to pour.
[2009/02/22 13:08] Uisge Beatha mug (2) whispers: Slainte!
[2009/02/22 13:08] Mosseveno Tenk: and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of Clockwinder on which I am about to enter.
[2009/02/22 13:08] Jim whispers and points "Look, Bob fell asleep already!"
[2009/02/22 13:08] Mosseveno Tenk: So help me God.
[2009/02/22 13:09] Wiggy Undertone: HUZZAH! GOOD SHOW MR. TENK!
[2009/02/22 13:09] Annechen Lowey: `*.¸.*´ APPLAUSE `*.¸.*´APPLAUSE `*.¸.*´
[2009/02/22 13:09] Meadow McBride: wowi think i got here :)
[2009/02/22 13:09] Ceejay Writer kicks Bob.
[2009/02/22 13:09] Eva Bellambi: Slainte!!
[2009/02/22 13:09] Hotspur Otoole: Congratulations! CLOCKWINDER TENK!
[2009/02/22 13:09] KlausWulfenbach Outlander applauds
[2009/02/22 13:09] Krystine Qinan APPLAUDS!!!
[2009/02/22 13:09] Vivito Volare applauds
[2009/02/22 13:09] Jimmy Branagh applauds.
[2009/02/22 13:09] TriloByte Zanzibar cheers
[2009/02/22 13:09] Jimmy Branagh applauds.
[2009/02/22 13:09] Ghilayne Andrew applauds.
[2009/02/22 13:09] Sofia81 Zessinthal cheers wildly
[2009/02/22 13:09] blakopal Galicia: yay!
[2009/02/22 13:09] Elfod Nemeth shouts: cheers
[2009/02/22 13:09] Salazar Jack: Here here!

The crowd of witnesses

An urchin's eye view


Rapt attention from the crowd

Mr. O'Toole and Mr. Tenk

The Historic Mace of Olaf, the First Defender of Babbage

[2009/02/22 13:18] Mosseveno Tenk: The orle of First Engineer boils down to this: we're dividing up the work so we get more done. I'll ask him to do things that are suited to his skills, while reserving the (much more fun) stuff for myself. Looked at another way, he gets to go kiss babies and pose for the kinescope, while I toil away in the bowels of underBabbage getting real work done.

The Mace given to the First Engineer of New Babbage, Æolus Cleanslate

Congratulations and Godspeed, Mr. Mayor!