Difference between revisions of "Limbo - a Guide"

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A Guide to Limbo

If Cathedral is the soul of the Isle of Wyrms, Limbo is perhaps the heart. With Cathedral, it forms the central core of our land. It contains a sandbox area, a major market place, waterways and meeting places. It lies immediately south of Cathedral, and many a new Hatchling , Wyrmling or Wyrm has flown from there down to Limbo to try out a new avatar. Much of the key information a resident of the Isle of Wyrms requires is available from displays in Limbo. The lawned sandbox area is a popular meeting place. Groups of friends often are to be found there, discussing all manner of issues. There is so much to describe here, it was difficult to know where to start!

The Hatching circle and its environs

This Guide starts in the extreme North East corner of Limbo. (247, 256,41) is the point to reach. You will find yourself on a trail descending from Cathedral. To your left you will see the Guildhall in neighbouring Tir na Lir, and another trail from it joins our path as we descend. This network of trails is well worth exploring, but a description is beyond the scope of this article.

We walk down to find ourselves in a woodland of silver birch and apples. A Sundial is placed in the centre of a paved circle. We can pick an apple from the tree, and admire clumps of handsome toadstools surrounded by foxglove flowers.

(214, 207, 21) is the centre of the Hatching Circle. This is often a quiet and secluded spot. You might want to make use of the bird seed vendors, sit in the woodland and enjoy the serenity, especially if you have walked in on the trail network. You could easily imagine yourself to be in a Scottish Highland birch wood here, it only lacks the rain and the midges! Pan and zoom the camera about, and soak up the views and vistas. Walk over to the colourful homepoints of the different groups, and make a donation to St Tiggywinkles if you wish. A statue of a snail overlooks the scene here.

Spiritually refreshed, we return to the sundial and follow the paved walkway west. The birch peters out, and with it the apple trees, and we go down a set of steps to find a choice of routes. The trail to our right climbs sharply and impressively around Cathedral, and leads to Hatchie Haven via a dramatic bridge. The walk is well worth making, but again is not within the scope of this Guide.

The left hand choice of route takes us over an ancient bridge, complete with handsome feline faces on the keystones. Below us flows the river leading to Pirate’s Cove in Hatchie Haven. As we cross the bridge, a fascinating view opens up before us. The bridge is guarded by a pair of masonry snails. The riding snail is an important part of the island culture, and it is fitting that the loyal and intelligent creatures are honoured in statue form. For completeness, there should be a statue of some snails nicely cooked in garlic butter, but plans are still under discussion. We pass between the pair of snails to find ourselves in the heart of the Limbo sim.

The Sandbox and surroundings

A glance to our left will reveal one of Limbo’s great mysteries. Limbo has been the home of Dragons for a time beyond memory, yet there stand three apparently human artefacts - “moai” – similar to those found on Easter Island. It was always assumed that the “moai” were made by ancient humans – but perhaps Polynesian Dragons made them – no-one knows. The statues themselves remain silent on the subject, and have proved immune to the most potent spells tried upon them to reveal their secrets.

The area is popular for picnics. Some claim to have seen the mythical Loch Limbo monster here, but your author is not convinced. Our neighbours and friends, the Elves, make potent wines often enjoyed on the banks of the lochs and rivers of the Isle. Perhaps the sightings of monsters and the consumption of wine are linked.

If we shift our attention from the mysterious figures, and look straight ahead from the bridge, we see a structure of monumental appearance, covered in text. We are looking at one of the most useful and important features of the Limbo sim – The Information Point. The side facing us has a useful summary of the rules of Limbo so that all are aware. It’s a handy reference for staff members who may have momentarily forgotten some minor point of law as well, or so I am told. However, all Citizens and visitors can use it to make sure that they do not accidentally transgress!

If we walk around the Point in a clockwise direction, we find a second face with more useful information. There are panels on display. The one at top left, with a blue dragon motif, contains information cards in a range of languages – Japanese, Polish, Spanish, Italian, German, English, Portuguese, Dutch and French at the time of writing. Next to it is a poster with information on the IoW Help Group.

Below are two more ornate panels. The left hand one, green with a red Dragon motif, will give a list of the Guides and Mentors currently online and available. The right hand one, red with a green motif, will provide a list of the Guardians available, when only a talk with someone in charge will do!

Finally ,at the base you will find an IoW Herald news vendor – so you can read the local press.

We can then walk round to the third and final face of the Information Point. This is where you will find posters about forthcoming events. There is also a suggestion box, so you can suggest an activity yourself, and a mailbox for matters relating to events.

The Market

Off to the right of the lawned area is the Limbo Marketplace. With shops on two levels, there is almost everything a Dragon could wish for on sale there, although I still despair of ever finding a REALLY good scale polish. However, don’t let me put you off, have a good look round and be amazed. The Limbo market merges seamlessly into the Hatchie Haven shopping area, so be careful not to wander off-sim just yet.

There are two floors of merchandise, including some big SL names like Avilion and Illusions. The building is a handsome one, with a fountain and statues. The Rotunda part of the Market is for Citizens, If you are an IoW Citizen you can use vendor space here at great rates. Plenty have made use of this facility, and there is a fascinating and ever changing range of items for sale here. The result is a market that has a mix of the bigger names, and smaller part time retailers.

The wall of the market is another information source. Check out the map that shows where in RL IoW people live! Forthcoming events are often advertised here also, so keep an eye open for new posters, and be in the know.

The Island

So, you are shopped out, your paws ache from all the walking, and your head is spinning with all the information you have received. Time to chill out. Where to go? Well, there’s a perfect place in Limbo. We’ll fly there to save our paws and to stop us getting a soaking, as we are going to an island. Set course for (198,96,21). You’ll land to find yourself on a dock. Grab a rod, sit on a crate, and fish. There – doesn’t that feel better? See if you can catch something Superultra Rare.

Relax and look around you. For another day, note that 3 waterways leave the Limbo Lake – all very explorable by boat, or in your mer-avatar. The rest of the Isles await you!