Category: Fantasy

The Magic of Armor

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Magic of Armor

Armor is rather critical to any kind of warrior, whether it’s modern day (think Kevlar) or medieval or pure fantasy or even mental, and it constantly amazes me the creative ways that different designers attack it (sorry, it’s late and I get a bit punny)…This is a completely different take on armor than my last post… I feel that both are exceptional & are designed beautifully for different uses.  IMHO, the key to good armor is finding the right balance between protection and mobility.  Different styles of armor are needed for different uses and situations.  There are so many stories about knights of yore toppling over and then, because of the weight of their armor, being unable to rise and defend themselves.  But just because I’m not in a battle, it doesn’t mean that my body doesn’t need any protection out alone in this sometimes harsh world.  This beautifully articulated set is designed to protect the legs and the ribs, which is all I need for my daily trips into the forest with my trusty axe…  As I like to think of it, it’s lightweight but heavy duty where it counts!!!  (It’s also quite helpful in those crowded weekend shopping venues where folks are pushing and shoving to get at the latest deals lol)…  Speaking of which, it’s weekend, and it’s time to start doing all those things that manage to escape getting done during the week…  Happy weekend!!!

  • Outfit:  Noble Creations – Arcane Armor.  Sized for Legacy F/Perky, Slink HG/P, Freya, & Maitreya, the armor is available in both iron (worn) & black.  The leg armor (which is sold separately from the top) consists of separated pieces (thighs, calves, knees, & laces) for a very detailed realistic look & so that you can use the knee, calves, thighs & foot parts singly or in any combination. It even looks comfortable for day wear (as opposed to true battle armor), & is a rather sexy look for armor.  The top armor (includes the panty which has a hide/show option) is available at the main store; the leg armor is available EXCLUSIVELY at the October round of The Liaison Collaborative, Believe in Magic, open through Nov 10th.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  IVES Beauty – Dove in Orange Flame
  • Hair:  KMH – Hair F189
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Renzo Eye Makeup (GROUP GIFT)
  • Tattoo:  Ghost’Ink – RUNA (face & body)
  • Horns:  Rainbow Sundae – Aylin Horns
  • Wings:  Cats Claw Designs – Fantasy Wings (Red Fire Black)
  • Bracers:  On A Lark – Dragon Bracers
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Archer, combined with Normandy – Sigyns Battle Axe

O Mystic Orb, what do you mean? Not just for Halloween?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://O Mystic Orb, what do you mean? Not just for Halloween?

A little bit more of a modern feel than normal for me, but I decided to venture a bit out of my time zone as-it-were in order to try on a totally different culture…  isn’t that what role-playing (if not ALL of Second Life!!!!) is all about? I just love it when I discover items that totally spur my imagination and help me go somewhere I’ve never been before.  So much fun!!! This is what makes me love what I do!!!  And it being Halloween, it’s when even those of you don’t generally role play can go ahead and try it on, and just have fun without feeling self-conscious.  And who knows? You might discover a whole new side of yourself! (As an aside, that is exactly how I, Thea the fae, came to be.  Ceja & partner dressed as elves and had so much fun, alts were born!)  Sprinkles some dark fairy dust (it IS Halloween, after all) & dashes off to explore more hauntings…

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Samantha.  One of the things I most love about Jangka designs are that they not only offer an extremely authentic fantasy outfit (at least, it FEELS authentic, since it’s fantasy, who’s to say lol?) because of all the solid details, but each one seems to have a personality of its own… & that really helps kick off MY character creation to a much higher level.  100% fitted original mesh, & sized for Legacy & Maitreya, Samantha outfit has a definite Asian feel to it but with a blend of the old classic kimono with the very new & punkish (at least what IMHO constitutes punkish lol).  See the full-length pic below & make your own decision!  She comes in 4 “regular” colors plus 2 colors that are limited in number, with matching leggings & booties (sold separately); fatpacks are available for both the outfit & for the bottoms.  As always, the detail is just so authentic, this time with a flair of the Orient! Brand-new, she is EXCLUSIVELY at the Halloween Shop & Hop, for 25% OFF!  The Shop & Hop is open only through Nov 1st, so hop on over! (sorry, couldn’t resist!!!) Demo available.
  • Pose:  Something New – Mystical Orb.   Single pose & prop that includes the Oriental gate, the skulls, candles & orb (touch the orb & get a message!)  EXCLUSIVELY available at Trick or Treat Lane, a Dark Passions event, open through Nov 1st, but this is one pose/prop that is definitely not just for Halloween! It’s perfect for so many fantasy scenes for a multitude of races & cultures!
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Moccino – Boo Papaya
  • Hair:   Kuni – Yuna
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Dragon
  • Makeup:  Knife Party – Millenium Eye Makeup; Loa – Ixchel Warpaint; Amis – Elfie Lips
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Uletia Horns
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Venom Fae Wings
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; Rise Design – Kyoto Necklace

Always watch your back

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Always Watch Your Back

AAARGHHHH… aggravation!  Even as a fae I can’t always avoid all those modern-day woes of computer issues…  suddenly inserting images directly into this blog has become a nightmare, taking HOURS.   So glad that I only visit that modern world occasionally as opposed to having to actually LIVE there…  Tosses my head, stretching my wings, gazing up into the sky and taking a few deep breaths to relax and soak in the beauty of nature all around me.   Reminding myself that I can’t afford to get lax and inattentive… you never know what dangers or opportunities may suddenly appear, and it’s usually not in the direction you’re focused on.  (Hence those suddenly appearing and extremely frustrating computer issues, since there has been absolutely ZERO focus on computer maintenance of late… bad bad human lol)…   Well I’m off for a much needed shopping break… Fae blessings to you!

  • Outfit:  Pure Poison – Helena Armor.  Includes HUD with 8 texture options for the top, the armor skirt, & the fabric skirt, plus 3 metals.  Sized for Maitreya & Perky, both regular & petite. EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of The Liaison Collaborative, Believe in Magic, open from Oct 18th – Nov 10th.  Demo available.
  • Makeup:  Loa – Gaia Face Paint.  Includes 26 different BOM tattoos (!!!!), from cheek stripes to vines (base + top), shading, contours, eyeshadow & liner, a bindi, & more… & best of all, they are all tintable (which I’ve done)!  Compatible with EvoX & AK ADVX, see the closeup below for greater detail.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of The Liaison Collaborative, Believe in Magic, open from Oct 18th – Nov 10th.   Also worn:   Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lipstick
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Shairi Horns.  9 wear styles in 3 shapes, 100% custom mesh & textures in fabulous unisex styling.  Available in 5 color palettes, each with its own HUD of 50 textures for the horns & 50 for the gemstones, or as a fatpack that includes a bonus palette of Fadegems.  See the closeup below as well as the ad.  EXCLUSIVELY available at Trick or Treat Lane, a Dark Passions event, open through Nov 1st.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Hair:  EscalateD – Solaris
  • Eyes:  Celesticat – Stardust
  • Accessories:  Jangka – Shauni Armbands; Petrichor – Castanys Kel Collar
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Pose:   NANTRA – Brynhildr

Malificia

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Malificia

I may not be a fan of the more macabre side of Halloween, but I am constantly amazed at so much of the creativity I see around me.  Some of the builds are so fabulous, my shoots take forever because I get so lost in the experience and just spend hours exploring…  And the events!!!  For a fae like me to be able to wander at an event and not draw looks because of my skin, my wings, my horns… well, it’s definitely an interesting experience to fit in so easily outside of a role play region!  One event that should definitely be on your DON’T MISS list is the 7th Annual Trick-or-Treat Lane! Grab your treat bags and your favorite ghouls to explore this year’s witches’ brew themed venue. 56 designers have been conjuring some amazing creations and special gifts just for you! Note that some of the trick-y ghosts hid some of the free treats in the booths too! The event is from Dark Passions, and runs from Oct 7 – Nov 1, 2022; it’s awesome Halloween fun for humans & non-humans alike!!!

  • Outfit:  BamPu Legacies – Malificia Twilight Gown.  Take a walk on the dark side in this absolutely fabulous look, including an evilly sexy gown with a deep plunge in front with a “tattoo” & an even deeper one in back, an optional feather collar, the horned headpiece, & the magnificently textured wings (which have a built in resizer).  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis, Maitreya, & Kupra, Malificia is EXCLUSIVELY available at Trick or Treat Lane, open through Nov 1st.  There’s a free gift too hidden inside the booth, a flaming sceptre!!! (see pic below)
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Muted.  I’ve blogged these skins before, they are just so fabulous & they change subtly depending on what you’re wearing that I’m drawn to use them in posts, again & again.  Highly detailed, gorgeous muted tone skins in your choice of 15 colors (see below for these awesome textures; I’m wearing Filaurian).  Both male & female versions feature all new shading & details, in BOM/default layers only plus EvoX.  Includes Vareni ears (which I’m NOT wearing), new brows in 10 colors for both classic & EvoX , & several other options to help customize your look.  A definite “must check out”! Demo available.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  Celesticat – Stardust
  • Makeup:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX; Zibska – Quell Eye Makeup layered with Tanzi Eye Makeup; Pout! – Little Lip Tint
  • Staff:  deviousMind – Abraxas Raven Familiar Staff
  • Pose:  an lar poses – Paulette (does NOT include the crow)
  • Location:  Shadowfell

My friend, is that you? Shambles Halloween Photo Contest 2022 Entry 1 Chrysanthea Navarathna

Posted on by cejalaval

http://My friend, is that you? Shambles Halloween Photo Contest 2022 Entry 1 Chrysanthea Navarathna

I do love it when it all just comes together!  I’d like to say that it’s all the magic of fae, but I’m a bit too honest for that… truth is, the gods were smiling and the planets were aligned, and who knows what else !?!  It just happens that way sometimes, when fabulous new items from different sponsors just fit together to create a unique and fantastic whole that is even beyond the sum of its parts…  In fact, I had absolutely no intention of joining a photo contest when I went to The Shambles to do my photo shoot.  I was just looking for some fog and some atmosphere, had seen some fabulous pix but hadn’t yet had a chance to explore the sim.  But once again, all the pieces just fell together, and the result? Well, I honestly don’t feel that ANY pic can truly capture the atmosphere that has been created here, with swirling mists & flying ghosts, especially not if you want to show an outfit lol!  My skills just aren’t there to do it full justice (I DID plan on adding some swirling fog around the edges, but wasn’t sure if I (a) had the skill, and (b) if it would disqualify from the contest).  But I did my best, my wings are beating happily, and honestly, that’s what really matters to me (although awards and such are always greatly appreciated, especially on those down days when the gods are NOT smiling!)…  But that is not this day… THIS day I urge you to go see this fabulous sim, while it’s still here…

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Yumi.  And yet another amazing role-playing outfit!!!  100% original mesh, & sized for Legacy & Maitreya, the Yumi outfit (which consists of the coat & the top) comes in 7 individual & truly rich colors or as a fatpack; the pants & boots come in 2 black & brown or as a fatpack of both.  As always, the detail is simply exquisite, this time with a flair of the Orient! Brand-new, she is EXCLUSIVELY at the current round of We Love Role Play open Oct 4th – 29th, for 25% OFF as is a limited number of a special color!  Demo available, 
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Varisei Headdress.  One thing I’ve learned… anything by the team of Petrichor & Ersch is going to be exceptional, & these unisex horns are definitely NOT an exception.  100% custom mesh & textures,  Headdress comes in 3 styles (full as shown, single chain, or bare),   including earrings, a forehead bindi, & floaties for the left & right (not used for this pic).  The headdress is totally HUD controlled for color (40 x 2 in each of the 3 color styles) for every detail, from the horn base to the florals, gems, skulls, & metal, with each element being able to be hidden or shown.  Truly exceptional!!! EXCLUSIVELY at the current round of Fameshed, open Oct 1st – 27th.  Demo available.  See the ad below for a more detailed closeup.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  IVES Beauty – Dove in Lavender Fairy
  • Hair:  KMH – Hair CP008
  • Eyes:  Celesticat – Stardust
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Quell Eye Makeup
  • Wings:  Decoy – Angela Wings in Sunset
  • Pose:  Animosity – Wiccan Poses w/ Props
  • Location:  The Shambles

Orange Glory of Harvest Time

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Orange Glory of Harvest Time

It’s harvest time!  One of my favorite seasons, between the fresh air and the fantastic colors of fall, just so much to enjoy!  The air is so refreshing after that heaviness and lassitude of the summer heat, I feel energized and ready to take on the world!  And of course, at the back of my mind is the thought that this amazing season is relatively short-lived, and will soon enough give way to colder hair and harsher winds, but for now, it’s pumpkin time, and I will go join the others as we enjoy the fruits of the fall and revel in the orange!

  • Outfit:  Viki – Viviana.  Lovely medieval dress with a tartan print skirt for everyday wear.   In 6 individual colors or as a fatpack, you can match your plaid to your clan!  Viviana is sized for Maitreya, Hourglass, Physique, Freya & Isis, is Material Enabled, 100% Original Mesh, & is Viki’s EXCLUSIVE only at the Fallen Gods 15th Anniversary, open Oct 1st – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Garden Gate:  CJ Creations – Lost Garden Ruin Gate.   NEW RELEASE!  This lovely all-in-one set includes the gate, trees, sunflowers, stump, paver stones, grass & more (see the ad below).  Touch the lamp & the light turns on/off; it looks awesome by day or night, in just about any windlight!  On display at the main store.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Moccino – Boo Papaya
  • Makeup:  Mea Tenebra – Xelanah in Orange
  • Eyes:  Ojayo – Yoshi
  • Hair:  monso – Chowon2
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Stranded Swyrl Horns
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Irid Dark Wings
  • Jewelry:  Bliensen – Dreki Necklace
  • Pose:  Black Tulip – Ice Queen
  • Prop:  Ariskea – Autumn Harvest Basket

What do you mean, why can’t a unicorn be in a Fairytale?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://What do you mean, why can't a unicorn be in a fairytale?

I hear nonsensical statements like this all the time (well, maybe not QUITE like this, but nonsensical just the same).  Rules, rules, rules. It’s always been this way, why make a change. It’s never been done before, so there must be a good reason.  Yada yada yada.  But as a fae, I believe that there’s magic in trying new things, new ways… defending our way of life doesn’t have to mean stagnation, it can mean growth and progress and evolution.  Yes, certain things may be lost as our knowledge and experience grows, but so much else can also be gained.  There are times I use my fae magic to travel to other times (I do love steampunk!!!), but for me, my heart is here in the olden medieval life (with some modern advancements lol).  But that doesn’t mean that we have to follow all the old, restrictive rules, now does it… if a unicorn wants to join in a fairytale, why should he be denied?  Shakes my head in frustration… horses can be so stubborn…

  • Outfit:  Petrichor – Nelestine Dress.  Feel like a celestial queen in this fantastical look by the amazing design team of Petrichor & Ersch!  Nelestine combines flowing silks with glowing stars with multiple wear styles & packs (see the ad below for just a few of the other styles you can do).  Available in 10 single colors, 4 tonal fatpacks, or a megapack of all these fabulous choices.  The color HUD allows you to pick a color for each element (the neck, sleeves, body, panty, & skirt); a separate HUD has controls for the skirt length, show/hide for all elements,  & of course 14 options for the stars.  See below for a closeup of the fabulous detail & textures. Sized for Legacy + Perky, Lara + Petite,  Reborn + Mounds, & Kupra, Nelestine is now available at the main store under “New Stuff.”  Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel
  • Hair:  Doe – Miria
  • Horns:  Les Encantades – Capri Horns
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Oda; Venge – Ear Blushing
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Shoes:  Eudora3D – Charro Flats
  • Props:  Luas – Triss Lantern White; HEXtraordinary – Unicorn Companion (in Snow)
  • Backdrop:  InkMe – Princess backdrop

Sentry Duty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sentry Duty

I’m breaking all the rules with this post… all MY rules, anyway.  First off, I’m blogging as a male, which I haven’t done in ages.  Secondly, I’m blogging as a fantasy male, which I’ve NEVER done.  And thirdly, I’m posting this late at night rather than in the AM, but I have company coming and I need to be at the airport by the time I normally post, and then my time is not my own till next week.   Besides, I think this is an awesome fantasy look for a guy, and its from one of my favorite designers (who also happens to be a sponsor!!! I’m so lucky!!!), and it’s at an event that also sponsors me!   Not to mention that my “rules” obviously aren’t rules in any strict sense, just guidelines… and hey, those need to be updated all the time now, don’t they…  Be all that as it may, sentry duty may be boring but it’s important, and I really should pay better attention to my surroundings rather than to my mental wanderings…

  • Outfit:  Viki – Wayid.  Very simple garb, for simpler times… just a gorgeous fabric belted at the waist, allowing complete freedom of movement for when things get more complicated.   In 9 individual colors or as a fatpack, Wayid is sized for Belleza, Signature, Slink, & Kario, is Material Enabled, 100% Original Mesh.   EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE with a 25% discount only at the current round of The Narrative, open Sept 1st – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Logan
  • Body:  Belleza – Jake
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Styliste
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_PAST
  • Eyes:  Tville – Solar Eyes Cobalt
  • Headband:  Angelicus – Thunder Amber Headband
  • Pose w/ Spear:  Caress Poses – Winter Warrior

The Magic of Fairies

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Magic of Fairies

It’s another one of those days when I find myself in a strange place, not particularly wanting to chat about anything, just aching to return to my world and explore and create and indulge my newest passion of building (whether that will eventually become something I share overtly is yet to be seen, but my backdrops have made it into a few of my pics already, just without any fanfare).  But that is part of the magic of fairies… we say so much without actually uttering much of anything…  Sprinkles a little fairy dust, and happily goes on my way, still pondering whether I’m catching or releasing my diminutive cousin…

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Eirwen Crown, which to use a phrase I’ve used previously, can be the crowning achievement of any fantasy look.   As always with this designer, the customization options for the crown are amazing, with every element — the front “points”, the jewels on them, the back “points”, the decorative points, the beads, the forehead jewel, the hanging chains… all customizable with the incredibly easy color-coded HUD.  A definite must have for every fantasy female’s wardrobe!
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Purples.  Highly detailed, gorgeous purple-toned skins in your choice of 30 colors (see below for these awesome textures; I’m wearing Kailauma).  Both male & female versions feature all new shading & details, in BOM/default layers only plus EvoX.  Includes Vareni elf ears (worn), & new brows in 10 colors & 8 shapes for both classic & EvoX (worn in Snowqueen), plus a whole range of more add-ons.  Mainstore release, with other color sets available as well.  (I’ve previously blogged the Muted tones.)  Demo available.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Elvina
  • Eyes:  Samia – Ziyu
  • Makeup:  POUT! – Angel Cake HD Liners:  SCIAVO – Amore Liptint
  • Pose:   AAP Angel’s Art Pose – The Magic of Fairies

Against All Odds

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Against All Odds

I am a defender.  Others may like to hunt or to be the aggressor; I’m a more peaceful, nature-loving tree hugger type of fae.  But threaten my people or my way of life or the hidden wonders of the forest, and I’m there.  Being on the slighter side and very attuned to my surroundings, I tend to be relegated to either the outer or inner edges, acting as scout or one of the last lines of defense.  But just because I’m not huge and solid like the male warriors of my tribe, it doesn’t mean that I take my job as protector any less seriously or that I’m not willing to lay my life on the line for what I love…  I have trained and trained, to the point where my skills now equal those of any warrior, even if my size and strength do not.  I have learned how not to just compensate for what many see as shortcomings but to use them to a winning advantage against my foes…  And it looks like it might be the day when they are once again put to the test.  My inner warrior is ready and we will face whatever challenge awaits that threatens the inner circle!!!  This is how legends are born… when one small soul takes a stand against all odds to defend all that they love…

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Shenarah.  Another amazing role-playing outfit!!!  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya, the Shenarah top comes in 6 individual colors or as a fatpack, everything else (the pants, boots, armbands, armor, & headdress) come in 2 colors or fatpacks.  I LOVE the gleam of the armor & the headdress, adds that special touch of realism to kick an already fantastic fantasy outfit up to a whole new level!  Brand-new, she is EXCLUSIVELY at Enchantment Twisted Fairytales, open August 13th – Sept 3rd, for 25% OFF.  Demo available. 
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Muted.  Highly detailed, gorgeous muted tone skins in your choice of 15 colors (see below for these awesome textures; I’m wearing Filaurian… in an earlier post HERE, I wore Mylaela).  Both male & female versions feature all new shading & details, in BOM/default layers only plus EvoX.  Includes Vareni ears (which I’m NOT wearing), new brows in 10 colors for both classic & EvoX (which I’m wearing in Obsidian), & several other options to help customize your look.  A definite “must check out”! Demo available.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  KMH – Hair F177
  • Eyes:  Samia – Ziyu
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Renzo Eye Makeup & Vieno Lips
  • Horns:  not a peep – Lilian (natural)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX
  • Pose:  Black Cats poses – Ishii
  • Sword:  BAMSE – Drengr – Legendary
  • Dinosaurs:  JIAN – Dino Buddies, Fast Biter