Otherworldly

The Fantasy Faire has now been going on for a few days and many of you have probably had a chance to visit. If you are anything like me, you probably have favourite stores that you check out first. I even tend to go so far as to make a list of stores to visit for each sim, just to keep myself organised. But if you always head for the known quantities, how are you going to find those exciting new things? The “My New Shiny” Blogger Challenge is about encouraging bloggers—and everyone else—to branch out a bit. When I was on my browsing the sims during the blogger preview, I tried to do so with an eye towards finding something new that would catch my attention. That is how I came across Arx Loricatus. And when I needed an outfit to go with my fancy new sword, one of the review copies sent out seemed to fit particularly well. As it happened, it came from a brand that I’ve never blogged before either, 22769.

Arx Loricatus specializes in historically authentic weapons, though the sword I ended up purchasing—the Espada de Sereia, which is available in three different colour schemes as RFL donation items—has quite fantasy component as well. There are spell effects on the blade (as seen here) and it comes with animations both for a female fencer and for a mermaid. I cannot give a thorough review of the scripted elements of the sword since I don’t use scripted weapons for combat in Second Life, but I certainly found the HUD that it comes with easy to use and the instructions quite thorough. I can, however, say that it is a beautifully made weapon (the hilt design, which features two mermaids, is quite lovely) and the animations that come with it look very appropriate and well-made. The first photo was done during the draw sequence and the following two were captured during two different attack animations.

The outfit from 22769 is made up of two of their items for the Fantasy Faire; the Linnen Tunic in Red and the Battleskirt in Grey. They’re designed to be worn together and I like how they combine a touch of elven ornamentation with a fairly practical design. The linen of the tunic and the leather of the skirt is brought to life through materials, adding that extra touch of realism to the outfit.

The Lolita boots are from Sax Shepherd Designs for the Fantasy Faire. They have quite a high heel and a nice lacey pattern. Both the leather, the pattern and various details can be changed into different colours via a HUD.

Though most definitely not a new shiny as a brand, Wasabi Pills has yet again produced some gorgeous hairs for the Fantasy Faire, all of them perfectly suited to fantasy/roleplay looks but also to more modern circumstances. There is, btw, a male version of this hair as well, which is fortunate because I did feel there was a bit of a lack of things for the guys this year.

If you also want to discover some new or new-to-you stores at the faire, I suggest taking a sim at a time once you’ve checked out all your favourites. There’s plenty of gems to be found!