Salvage Station: The Restaurant at the End of the World

(click to enlarge)

The Restaurant at the End of the World by DevinVaughn

’Twas the day before Christmas on top of Old New York,

A wind turbine was stirring, making power with torque;

The meal was prepared by busy Bots with care,

In hopes that rare customers would soon be there;

Owner Claus was nestled all snug in his furs,

While holiday cheer warmed the restaurateur;

And Ruby the Red Leg Slayer with her Zombie Claymore,

protected the cobbled together outpost against war.

There were no gifts, or days of scavenging in crippling fear;

Only love, joy, and hope for a better Christmas next year.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Years everyone!

On Him, Claus:

Mask: Butanik83 Scavenger Mask [mesh](Salvage Station)(250L)

Jacket: Badwolf Toxic Jacket [mesh](Salvage Station)(499L)

Tablet: kosmii & mizu Industrial DataPad [mesh](Salvage Station)(699L)

Headband: Rise [ rD ] Exodus Fauxhawk [mesh](Salvage Station)(399L)

Glasses: KROVA X-Specs - BLK [mesh](Salvage Station)(175L)

Earring: Normandy 0.50Cal.EarRings [Animesh](Salvage Station)(200L)

Boots: Lapointe & Bastchild L&B Swear Patrol Combat Boot [mesh](899L)

Hair: Raven Bell Mack Hair[mesh](350L)

Fur: Gabriel GB:: FUR Stole (Gray) Rare, gacha [mesh]

Pants, belt: LOB Stylepunk pants [mesh](199L)

Head: LeLUTKA lel EvoX KANE 3.1 [mesh](3990L)

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.0) [mesh](5000L)

Pose: Del May Need socks

On her, Ruby the Red Pegleg Slayer:

To see Aarya Phantomhive's complete stylecard and continuing story, go to: Dark Phantom Blog

Top: AsteroidBox Survivor Shirt [mesh](Salvage Station)(269L)

Leg: Cubic Cherry Rust pegleg [mesh](Salvage Station)(275L)

Helmet: Evil Baby Artillery Shell Helmet [mesh](Salvage Station)(399L)

Necklace: Static The Orthodontist [mesh](Salvage Station)(225L)

Pants: Hotdog Torn leg trousers [mesh](Salvage Station)(250L)

Setting, the Restaurant at the End of the World:

Metal Fence: SEKAI Metal Fence [mesh](Salvage Station)(299L)

Chair: Violetility Boom Chair [mesh](Salvage Station)(150L)

Dining Set: Eclectica Curiosities Wasteland Dining Set [mesh](Salvage Station)(395L)

Guests: RachelBReaker PretendFriends [mesh](Salvage Station)(250L)

Robot: StudioDire /sD/ Rust Bucket - NPC [mesh](Salvage Station)(105L)

Turbine, stairs: Crocodoggle [CD] Newhaven Maintenance Stairs, Utility Tower [mesh](Salvage Station)(499L)

Bus Shelter: ChiC Buildings [Cb] A Place Called Home [mesh](Salvage Station)(750L)

Lamp: Static Glass Scrap Lantern {Burning} [mesh](Salvage Station)( 245L)

Butler Accessories: Silvery K Cloth of the butler, Tea set Tray[mesh]

Land: Studio Skye Skye Land Forms Snow 64m Flat [mesh](199L)

Snow: Dysfunctionality [DDD] Snow Piles & Snow Dust [mesh]

Platform: Entity AntiZombie Liberty Refuge [mesh]

Thanks for your help, Aarya!

Salvage Station: Nuclear Winter

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Moments before the nuclear warhead detonated over Cairo, a lone being with supernatural speed flew deep inside the womb of his ancient origins. It was a fitting place to die, he thought, the King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza. But the blinding nuclear flash did not penetrate the 2.3 million bricks surrounding him. There was impossible heat, the ground trembled, and then slowly the stone turned colder and colder. He didn’t know how long he sat in the dark hoping to hear any signs of life, the flutter of bat wings, the scamper of a beetle.... Nothing. Silence. It wasn’t until finally the thirst grew so intense it drove him out of hiding. There was no way to prepare for the horror he witnessed. He fell to his knees. He had once been so regal, so proud, so convinced of his divine right to rule, but now the tears flowed and there was no one to dry his eyes. No birds in the sky. No creatures on the land. The Nile was frozen and buried under snow and ash. What had once been a bustling city of 9.5 million was vaporized like it never existed. The only proof humans had ever lived there at all was a shadow of a man burned into the pyramid’s stone. He was frozen from the shock, and then an old saying unexpectedly came to mind, "Man fears time, but time fears the Pyramids." Yes, like these 4,500 year old stones, he too endures. He took a deep breath, brushed the hair off his face, and plunged deep into the radioactive snow. He had a new purpose now, -- find survivors of the apocalypse. Not to kill. No, those times were over, but to nurture. It was a bitter irony for an old monster like him who cared so little about "the food." There was no time to waste. He detected a faint scent of living blood on the cruel winds. A woman of breeding age was nearing death. Could he get there in time…?

SLS Syndicate brings to you a brand new event, Salvage Station! Round one takes place in a post-acoplyslic wintery world cobbled together from technology from multiple eras, whatever gets the job done. The sim is decorated on theme and even includes a cool hunt to find objects and use them in recipes to create new objects. Nice touch!  This post was inspired by my Blogger Bat buddy Aarya, as we came up ideas for her post. A story grew and then lead to this one. (For the next part in this story, head over to Aarya Phamtohive's post. Salvage Station: Languish)

From Krieger is the Industrial Respirator. Touch it to bring up a menu to change its look. From Requistion is the Zombiehunter's Claymore which comes with animations you can access by touching it. Wicca's Scavanger Coat comes with fits for men and woman and a hud to change the textures. From Persephone + apocalyptic is what every survivor needs, a good pair of goggles.

I also want to take a moment to thank a hero to me, Anne Rice. She passed away yesterday at age 80 from complications of a stroke. Her imagination, and point of view on many topics deeply resonated with me. Her influence will live on inside me, and her creative spark still burns bright on the printed page. RIP

On him, Kaiser Kruel:

Respirator: Krieger Industrial Respirator 1.0 [mesh](Salvage Station)(400L)

Weapon: Requisition The Zombiehunter's Claymore [mesh](Salvage Station)(500L)

Coat: Wicca's Originals Scavanger Coat Jake [mesh](Salvage Station)(499L)

Goggles: persephone + apocalyptic goggles [mesh(Salvage Station)(249L)

Belt: The Forge Aftermath Belts [mesh](Salvage Station)(350L)

Capelet: Rekt Wanderer Scarf Gold  [mesh](100L)

Pants: Lapointe & Bastchild L&B Swear Havoc Leather Pants [mesh](379L)

Hair: No Match NO FICTION [mesh](200L)

Makeup: TT Industries ::TT::. Unisex Right-Eye Horus Eye Tattoo (49L)

Claws: Tardfish Distressed Claws, male yellow [mesh](149L)

Earrings: Quixe Crusade Earrings Male [mesh](299L)

Gloves: Contraption Dapper Dandy's Gloves soot [mesh](350L)

Cape: Cureless Senshi of the End  Senshi Cloth, gacha [mesh](100L) 

Hair: Air Kazura A01_Tail white [mesh](200L)

Tattoo: Nuuna makeups v12  7 male (300L)

Makeup: Pin Me Down Tili in black, Cheeks

Head: LeLUTKA lel EvoX KANE 3.1 [mesh](3990L)

Setting:

Giza Plateau: Kalopsia Pyramid Flat [mesh]

Footprints: Shax Homes & iNteriors -SHN- Snow Prints Straight [mesh](75L)

Land: Studio Skye Skye Land Forms Snow 64m Flat [mesh](199L)

Necrotize: The Laughing Aliens

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: The Guardian wrapped his arm around his best spy and laughed. "Wonderful work, Agent Tri, the humans are running away! Did you hear how loud that last one screamed when my children hatched?" The aliens both roared with laughter. "You were correct, Tri. the Hairless Apes could not be reasoned with, none of our numerous warnings to avoid the Plague Nebula were heeded. Terror is the only true language lower lifeforms understand. I will pass this valuable information to the Queen should we have any trouble with Terrians again."

Happy Alien Celebration Day! Well, in their corner of the universe anyway. lol This big Necrotize finale today was inspired by the BeSpoke Centipede mesh head and the idea I had for the series. I hope you enjoyed it! Aarya is here with me as we collaborated at break neck speed on the last Team Blogger Bat image. Head over to her blog for more details on what she is wearing. For the Centipede head, I took the alien's look in a radically different direction. I added teeth, and tongue. The glasses and crown are by Evil Baby. I really wanted to use the Static Hexxus hands, so I pulled a little trick so I could, I wore Maitreya hand on Jake body and hid the seam with the A&Y arm Boosters. (UPDATE: Static has added male fits and flat chest to Hexxus, you can find it on the marketplace, link included below) The Tail on the left is Ambix's Serrated Tail. And the cool statue in the back is Zone88's Cyborg Escape. 

On him, Alien King:
Head, skin, eyes: BeSpoke  Centipede - Gothic Burgandy [mesh](Necrotize)(600L)
Crown: Evil Baby Biomechanic Headpiece [mesh](Necrotize)(349L)
Glasses: Evil Baby Biomechanical Glasses [mesh](Necrotize)(199L)

Tail: AMBIX Serrated Tail [Bento] [mesh](Necrotize)(599L)
Hand goo: Static Hexxus Symbiote {Black} Claw - Male Maitreya [mesh](Necrotize)(450L)
Armbands: A&Y Cyber Bunker Arm Booster Male[mesh](390L)

Coat: A&Y Cyber Bunker NJ Cyber Coat (Jake) - Black [mesh](390L)
Top, pants: L'Emporio&PL Perseo Space Suit, Black [mesh](430L)
Teeth: [ni.Ju] Flesh Eater Teeth [mesh](50L)

Tongue: [Pirocious] Akaname Tongue [mesh](199L)
Legs: Ghoul Orochi Legs - JAKE - Ghoul Glossy [mesh](399L)

Hands: Maitreya Mesh Body Lara [BOM] [mesh](2750L)
Body: Belleza Jake 3.0 Bento Mesh Body  [mesh](2999L)
Pose: Inertia Loiter

On her, Alien Spy:

To see Aarya Phantomhive's complete stylecard and continuing story, go to: Dark Phantom Blog

Helmet: Level 9 Xino Helmet [mesh](Necrotize)(500L)

Outfit: Normandy Hibernation Suit [mesh](Necrotize)(450L)

Collar implant: SOLE SA - CL-Joint tech, White[mesh](Necrotize)(299L)

Boots: Cubic Cherry Orici [mesh](Necrotize)(275L)

Set:
Statue: ZONE88 Escape Cyborg [mesh](Necrotize)(488L)

Eggs: torment bilu egg [mesh](Necrotize)(100L)

Cityscape: Strange Merchant Light City [mesh](Beauty60)(60L)

Thanks for your help, Aarya!

Necrotize: The Pest Patrol

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Lieutenant Gooch was a hired mercenary for a very dirty job, -- the Pest Patrol for the Scheol Nebula Outpost 943. He threw the last noxious alien egg he found on the ground. The slime was all over this fingers. He angrily tried to wipe it off and called his commanding officer. “If you send me on one more damn mission investigate space herpes, I quit!" A faux friendly voice responded, "Buddy..., buddy, calm down. You’re not the first solider who threatened to desert, why do you think we took your passport? No passport, No travel." Gooch roared and threw his communicator against the brick wall with such force, it shattered on impact. He sunk down in the chair, defeated. "This is bad.” The strange purple egg at his foot began to vibrate and shake. He looked down and saw seams on the slimy thing begin to split open. “VERY bad.”

Continuing in my mini series for Necrotize, Gooch was inspired by Cyber Goth and Aliens elements. The Raxlas back claws are bento by DeadBoy and have a texture hud. The gasmask by Psycho Byts  also includes a texture hud with many options to change the look of the mask. The shoulder armor by Dreamcatcher non-rigged and mod and you can change the texture of the metal and blood. And once more I am using the fun Petrichor Syrre eyes that have great alien type textures. In the setting is the Level 9 Xino Helmet that really change its colors and looks from Xenomorph, to Squid Game, to Oni or Samurai. And the eggs are by Torment which come with a little alien inside and textures options. If you haven't been to Necrotize yet, hurry hurry. It will be ending this weekend!

On Him, Lieutenant Gooch:

Appendages: The DeadBoy Raxlas Claws Bento [mesh](Necrotize)(450L)
Facemask: PSYCHO:Byts PAZUZU RESPIRATOR [mesh](Necrotize)(350L)
Shoulder pads: DREAMCATCHER Necromancer's shoulder pads [mesh](Necrotize)(299L)
Eyes: Petrichor :[P]:- Syrre Eye v.1.2 [mesh](Necrotize)(399L)
Pants: RIOT Birds of Prey pants black [mesh](past gacha)
Gloves: Contraption Dapper Dandy's Gloves [mesh](350L)

Top: Contraption Roamer's Top SUNDOWN [mesh](350L)
Hair: No_Match NO.LIME male [mesh](200L)
Boots: Lapointe Bastchild L&B Malefit Swear Patrol Combat Boot [mesh](849L)
Skin: Kooqla Knight of Rose - silver (990L)
Eyelid: Izzie's Eyelid Changer Monolid [BOM](149L)
Tattoo: Izzie's Neck Blender 01 [BOM](149L)
Head: LeLUTKA lel EvoX KANE 3.1 [mesh](3990L)
Pose: [3M]**_chair5_1 (40L)

Set:
Helmet: Level 9 Xino Helmet [mesh](Necrotize)(500L)
Eggs: torment bilu egg [mesh](Necrotize)(100L)
Chair: 22769 ~ [bauwerk] Un hommage a HR Giger [mesh](395L)

Skybox: ANTINATURAL[+] Post-Human Meeting Point [mesh](past gacha)

Thanks for your help Aarya!

Necrotize: Synthetic B.U.G.

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: The Weyland-Yutani Corporation was growing tired of the numerous disruptions to the Inter-Planetary Commerce around the Scheol Nebula. Yes, yes, they knew there were going to be occasional pirates, this was getting ridiculous. That's why they unleashed their own secret weapon, a marvelous miniature Synthetic creation, a Biomechanical Unicode Gynoid, or B.U.G. Its mission was to destroy the enemy ship's AI.

One of amazing creations at Necrotize this round is the Oomukade Centipede tail by Aii&Ego. It comes in Bento or Animesh, and a hud with many texture and color possibilities. Touch the tail to change its animations. Good for aliens, bugs, and youkai!  Also shown on the upper chest, is the CL Joint implant by SOLE that can add an extra cyber touch to your outfits.

On the Synthetic B.U.G.:

Tail: Aii&Ego Oomukade Centipede Animesh Body [mesh](Necrotize)(1500L)

Collar implant: SOLE SA - CL-Joint tech, White[mesh](Necrotize)(299L)

Corset: Fika Chassis Augmentation [mesh](700L)

Arms: Contraption SP1NDL Prosthetic arm [mesh](500L)

Wings: HARO Wasp Wings Long [Animesh](500L)

Antenna: HARO Wasp Antennae [mesh](gift)

Head, eyes: Aii Arachnia Head [mesh](99L)

Bodysuit: Graves G242 Mainframe - White - male [BOM](460L)

Effect: DevinVaughn System Error Code Containment Shield

Hair: No_Match NO_TENDERNESS [mesh](group gift)

Collar: A&Y Lorna Leather Collar, Red 06 [mesh](past gacha)

Armband: SOLE GRPE - CArm White [mesh](past gacha)

Cheek Implant: SOLE SA - CK implant (White) [mesh](past gacha)

Hair: Tableau Vivant Editorial Laying, Underwater  [mesh](past gacha)

Horns: Lovely Alien Seer Horns [mesh]

Body: Maitreya Mesh Body Lara [BOM] [mesh](2750L)

Necrotize: Incubation

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Crewmen Stephan couldn't shake the feeling he was being watched. The cargo freighter USS Charon was dead in the water near the Scheol Nebula. Unless he could find the problem and make the necessary repairs, he was stuck until help arrived. And since that could take years, it was up to him to fix it, no matter how much his skin crawled as he ventured deeper and deeper into the heart of the dilapidated spaceship. His stomach growled angrily. He hadn't been feeling well since he ate that lousy dinner on a passing freighter a month ago. "Never Again," he swore under his breath. No sooner had he opened a hatch in the floor, then something flew out and attached itself to his face. He screamed and clawed at it, gagging and thrashing wildly. Something going down his throat! But it was too late, a paralytic venom was already slowing his movements. His vision was blurred as a dark shape loomed over him. It knelt beside him, saying “Shhh, shhh..." and stroking his hair. Tears rolled down his eyes. What was it? It looked alien, but human too. The creature’s sharp claws were caressing him like a pet. "I know it hurts, my poison will kill the foreign food-born egg growing inside you." His limp body was picked up like he weighed nothing. The alien carried him to a hole melted in the ship's hull, and judging from the leaking fuel lines, this was most likely the cause of the engine failure. Another ship was attached outside. It's black surface gleamed and seemed alive with pulsing green goo in its biomechanical veins. "We are going to a safe place," his capturer said, "Nothing will ever hurt you again as long as you are with me."

ALIENS! HORROR! Necrotize is a unique event full of things to haunt your nightmares. This image was inspired by the tale of Hades and Persephone with an Aliens twist. On the Alien is the super cool Giger outfit by Somnium. It comes with an infection BOM tattoo which I combined with the Human Glitch Ncthr tattoo. The haunted Syrre Eyes are by Petrichor and have so many options, its great. Poor Stephan is wearing the Krova Animesh Facehugger, and Antaya Incubator attachment. I discovered it works on male and female avis that wear a layer alpha. His outfit is Orther by Asteroidbox. It has support for many mesh bodies, male, female, and the Mait flat like I used here. The gorgeous setting is Level 03 by Varonis. All these awesome items are at Necrotize, and there are gifts too in the Green Eggs.

On him, Crewman Stephan:

Outfit: AsteroidBox Orther Outfit - Mait Flat [mesh](Necrotize)(289L)

Facehugger: KROVA Fleshbug green [mesh](Necrotize)(350L)

Belly: ANTAYA Incubator [mesh](Necrotize)(299L)

Gloves: Contraption Dapper Dandy's Gloves [mesh](350L)

Hair: No_Match NO_TENDERNESS [mesh](group gift)

Tattoo: The White Crow [TWC]- Your tears -Black- 

Skin: Tableau Vivant Rays Skin - Tone 03 - natural [BOM]

Mesh head: Raven Bell  BJD Bento Head James // OMEGA-UV [mesh] (2000L)

Chest: [V-Tech] Boi Chest Mod - Maitreya [BOM](499L)
Body: Maitreya Mesh Body Lara  [BOM] [mesh](2750L)

On him, Xeno Hades:

Outfit: Somnium Giger - Black -  [mesh](Necrotize)(450L)

Tattoo: Human Glitch NCTHR tattoo white tintable [BOM](Necrotize)(399L)

Eyes: Petrichor :[P]:- Syrre Eye v.1.2  [mesh](Necrotize)(399L)

Claws: L'Emporio&PL Oblio Vampire Claws male [mesh](350L)

Tail: Aii Daemonium Tail [mesh](400L)

Underpants: BareRose ::: B@R ::: Cavalier Noir Optional Underpants [BOM](150L)

Skin: Tableau Vivant Ryan Sent to destroy 4 [BOM]

Mesh head: Raven Bell  BJD Bento Head James // OMEGA-UV [mesh] (2000L)

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.0) [mesh](5000L)

Pose: F*cking Ninjas FN Hades and Persephone, edited (50L)

Setting:

Skybox: VARONIS "Level 03" Backdrop [mesh](Necrotize)(449L)

Thanks for your help, Aarya!

Engine Room: After-Hours Gossip

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: “No no,” the Newspaper Delivery Guy said, “I heard it was a secret society behind the Earthquakes.” His incredulous friend, the Barista of Steam Beans, laughed and slapped him on the arm. “For a newsman, you sure do love your fancy conspiracy stories!” He huffed, “It’s not a conspiracy story if its a real conspiracy!” She shook her head and poured gain alcohol on a napkin and dabbed his face with it. “Ouch,” he jumped. “So tell me, you big baby," she smiled, "how you really got those nasty gashes on your face?” He blushed with her so close to him, tending his wounds. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” She gave him The Look. “Fine, fine. I saw a comet hit the ground, buildings fell, and people running out of that Secret Society building I told you about. One of them was screaming back to others still inside, “Lord, he’s coming! Reset it! Reset it!” She was leaning in on his every word, “and then?” He shifted nervous, “I saw a giant emerge from the crater. He was twice, no four times as tall as me. He looked really pissed. And he held a great sword. But get this, it was on fire!” She had that skeptical look on her face once more, "And then what?” "Nothing," he shrugged sheepishly. "Nothing?" ...“Ok fine, I ran! You would have run too if you were there!" She laughed, "Don't tell me, you tripped on a stack of newspapers, and hit the railing with your face." He looked away and blushed. "Oh shit, you did! Poor baby," she pet his arm. He yanked it back, "Nuh uh! I fought that big Angel barehanded and kicked his huge big ass!" She chuckled and shook her head. 

Head over to the Engine Room for steam coolness and gifts, today is the last day! A gallery of products can be seen here: https://secondlifesyndicate.com/events/syndicate-events/engine-room/

On Him, the Newspaper Boy:
Shirt: oni vintage man grey Jake/Legacy [mesh](Engine Room)(300L)
Hat: Deadwool Newsboy hat "1920" herring light [mesh](Engine Room)(120L)

Tattoo face: Broadwing B.W. Mechaneer Wound, Scar [mesh](Engine Room)(200L)

Shoes: Deadwool Dandy shoes - non rigged - black/silver wingtip [mesh](360L)

Tattoo: Clemmm Wretched Arms Black [BOM]

Pants: TheShops PANTS Legacy m Chinos Black(bundled with mesh body)

Head: LeLUTKA lel EvoX KANE 3.1 [mesh](3990L)

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.0) [mesh](5000L)

On Her, the Barista:
To see Aarya Phantomhive's complete stylecard and continuing story, go to: Dark Phantom Blog
Dress: Insomnia Angel Francesca dress Blouse Mpetite [mesh](Engine Room)(350L)
Boots: Eudora3D Ylva Boots (Legacy) [mesh](Engine Room)(399L)
Earring: Arts & Gear *AG* Steam earrings [mesh](Engine Room)(180L)
Hat: Wicca's Originals  Engine Room Gift Wickham Hat [mesh](Engine Room)(gift)

Setting: 

Cafe set: Kumagami KMGM Steam Beans Cafe [mesh](Engine Room)(398L)

Hanging Plant: Architect Airship Plant [mesh](Engine Room)(275L)

Hanging Light: Air Light_Anniversary gift for CCB_Light [mesh]
Bottles: Apple Fall Argentinian Malbec [mesh](gift)
Newspaper: Apple Fall Crumpled Newspaper [mesh](100L)
Glasses: Apple Fall Wine Glasses [mesh](gift)
Desk Lamp: 22769 [bauwerk] Petroleum Lamp [mesh]
Posters: Noctis barber shop posters
Skybox: TROPIX Vintage Room 01 [mesh](275L)
Poses: ExclusiveShop Bar [mesh](1950L)

Thanks for your help, Aarya!

Engine Room: The Golden Express Bandit

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Kurt Jameson, (formerly known as the Golden Express Bandit), lurched forward falling out of his chair. He had been fast asleep on his post outside the Dark Inventor’s door when the Clocktower Hotel violently shook. Danger! Danger! Danger! All around him were little mechanical sparrows sounding the alarm. He cursed under his breath and searched the wooden floor with his hands until at last he found what he needed. He quickly snapped the strange visor into place over the ruin of his face once more. As it hummed to life, he was able to see again. Without wasting more time, he grabbed his weapons and darted to the window to look outside. A dark ominous crack had formed across the sky, and from inside it, something impossibly bright fell to the ground with such a force the hotel shook again. He took a few steps back. Had the device malfunctioned? When his gaze returned outside, everything was normal. He shrugged and was about to leave when the crack reformed and the bright flaming object fell, but this time when it struck the ground it was so violent two brick buildings nearby fell. He gasped, “What the hell?”

On him, Golden Express Bandit, Kurt Jameson:
Top: Deadwool Malone working vest Legacy taupe[mesh](Engine Room)(390L)

Weapon: AiiZawa Songbird Claw Revolver w/ Grappling hook [mesh](Engine Room)(499L)

Weapon: Val'More Prototype Chainsaw V.2 Steampunk Sling [mesh](Engine Room)(400L)

Mask: Omise OctaScopes FaceArmor [mesh](Engine Room)(200L)

Hat: toksik Varmint Hat [mesh](Engine Room)(300L)

Holster: toksik Varmint Holster [mesh](Engine Room)(400L)

Pet: Rivendale Aether Birb Copper [Animesh](Engine Room)(250L)

Bracers: L'Emporio&PL Bullet Bracers LEGACY/Athletic [mesh](350L)

Pants: TheShops PANTS Legacy m Chinos (Sand)(bundled with mesh body)

Head: LeLUTKA lel EvoX KANE 3.1 [mesh](3990L)

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.0) [mesh](5000L)

Pose: sakupose+ yzk mens pose 4 hero2 (70L)

Setting:

Birdcage: Air Septem birdcage silver open [mesh](Engine Room)(300L)

Chair: Architect D'Arcy Steampunk Armchair black[mesh](Engine Room)(295L)

Table: Architect Porthole Coffee Table dark [mesh](Engine Room)(245L)

Hanging Plant: Architect Airship Plant [mesh](Engine Room)(275L)

Decanter: HEXtraordinary Kraken Decanter[mesh](Engine Room)(275L)

Skybox: TROPIX Vintage Room 01 [mesh](275L)

Thanks for your help, Aarya! 

Engine Room: The Society for the Prevention of Aging

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Like most bad ideas, “The Society for the Prevention of Aging” sounded like a noble cause at first. It began as a rich and powerful secret society's pet project. They threw an extravagant fund raiser. And not long after, a gifted inventor and powerful witch were commissioned. With the combined forces of science and magic, a time portal was created. However it could not stop aging, it could merely freeze time for anyone who dared to enter. Obviously, it was dangerous. A few limbs were lost before they realized they needed to bring their own oxygen supply, (frozen time has no chemical reactions). However with practice, they grew more bold. At first, it was innocent pranks like removing the chair from under a frozen person who was about to sit down. The prank played out flawlessly. The culprit never discovered. Since there was no law governing each and every moment in time, abuse of the society's newfound power escalated quickly to all manner of ghastly atrocities.  Is it any wonder, the sky itself cracked?

Aarya and I, (Team Blogger Bat!), joined forces once more for this image. We have been collaborating with Discord for awhile now; coming up with ideas, storylines, feedback on outfits, camera angles, lighting and EEPs. Its been wonderful. This image started as an idea for her dress, and quickly grew into Time Villains!   Many interactive scripted items on this one from the current round of The Engine Room. Ex Machina's Prof Baltazar's Astounding Portal is a site to site teleporter. It uses a cool special effect you can see in Advanced lighting. From Celeste is the Nixie clock that keeps SL time for you. From Whats Lost Spirits is a Steampunk greeter and Enforcer Orb. The lvl.9 Masks come with a hud that lets you retexture its many parts. (I loved the animated flames on the lenses.) I'm wearing the Tempus Shirt by AsteroidBox. It comes in male and female fits, and its mod. I opted to hide the corset part. On the shoulder is a fun SpiderBulb prop by White Crow. In set, you can see the fun Pipework Lamps by Dictatorshop. Touch them to turn on and off, and in distance is the underside of the D-Lab Capsule Sky Island. For more details on Aarya's Time Witch, head over to Dark Phantom Blog.

On him, Dark Inventor:
Top: AsteroidBox Tempus Shirt, Legacy [mesh](Engine Room)(289L)

Pants: Somnium Mage Trouser & Boot, Legacy [mesh](Engine Room)(450L)

Mask: lvl.9 Ninth Life Mask [mesh](Engine Room)(500L)

Pet: The White Crow Spiderbulb [mesh](Engine Room)(220L)

Arms: Contraption SP1NDL Prosthetic arm *AETH* [mesh](500L)

Cane: Deadwool Goat cane - v1 [mesh](group gift)
Hair: Wasabi Pills Hawk Male - Night shadow [mesh](250L)

Pose: pose maniacs {pm} Male & Female 27

On Her, Time Witch:

To see Aarya Phantomhive's complete stylecard and story, go to: Dark Phantom Blog

Collar: Silvery K Steam Libera [mesh](Engine Room)(280L)

Dress jewelry: Kosmii Bedelia Chatelaine, gold [mesh](Engine Room)(399L)

Hair: KMH F175 hair [mesh](Engine Room)(325L)

Setting:
Set: Ex Machina Prof Baltazar's Astounding Portal [mesh](Engine Room)(587L)

Clock: Celeste Steampunk Nixie [mesh](Engine Room)(187L)

Robot, orb: Whats Lost Spirits Steampunk Greeter [mesh](Engine Room)(888L)

Fans: D-Lab Capsule Sky Island [mesh](Engine Room)(150L)

Light: Dictatorshop Pipework Lamps Brass [mesh](Engine Room)(395L)

Thanks for your help, Aarya! 

Engine Room: The Guardian of Time

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Time is a serious matter. It separates what-was from what-will-be. Without a present, there is no future. This simple fact is what caused the Great Time Calamity of New London. Freezing the movement of time cracked the sky. Through the fissure, a powerful being fell to Earth, Chronus.

This round of Engine Room is to die for. I can't believe just how amazing these items are! This post was inspired by the Time themed items, wings, and flaming sword at the Engine Room. 

The wings by Aii & Ego are the best so far in SL. They come with armor, halos, texture change hud, and lots of animations. I'm just blown away by the feather textures.   Let's talk about this lovely time themed coat by Somnium. It has matching hat, pant and boots, and a hud to change the colors. You just know my dapper heart is doing flips for this. So awesome!    I recently discovered Legacy Female Boots can often fit Legacy Male. So I just had to try this with the Eudora3D boots! It's not a perfect fit, there was a little poke on the outer inner thigh, but otherwise it works, just make the foot shape larger.   RavenBell has created another elegant hairstyle for men and women, Soleil. The braid down the back worked perfectly with the jacket.  The pants are a BOM texture by toksik, which comes in handy for thigh boots.   The earring by Quixe are a rigged fit for the Evo Elf ears.  And of course I wore my favorite L'Emporio&P claws.   ....yeah yeah, you want to hear all abut that flaming sword, right? Its Beautiful! I love it so much! It comes with a sheath, just click to draw the sword, and then touch the sword to light the blade! The flames are animated and even have sparks when start it it or extinguish the flame. Super cool. 

p.s. For Freebie Hunters, I just came from the Engine Room event and can confirm there are 39 gifts there. To get them you need to join the "Second Life Syndicate" group here:

( secondlife:///app/group/d35c55f4-6a4f-eb2d-1dae-af9665f6f4cd/about )

On him, Chronus:
Coat: Somnium Chrono Mage Tailcoat - Legacy [mesh](Engine Room)(450L)
Wings: Aii & Ego tarfire Angel Wings - Windy [mesh](Engine Room)(1500L)

Sword: Requisition Avalon's Tear Rapier [mesh](Engine Room)(850L)
Hair: RavenBell Soleil M2 Mirror [mesh](Engine Room)(250L)
Hairpins: Static Chrono Hairpin {Cluster} [mesh](Engine Room)(265L)
Boots: Eudora3D Ylva Boots (Legacy) [mesh](Engine Room)(399L)
Earrings: Quixe Crusade Earrings Male ELF

Claws: L'Emporio&PL Oblio Vampire Claws male [mesh](350L)

Pants: toksik Leather Leggings, Black [BOM]

Head: LeLUTKA lel EvoX KANE 3.1 [mesh](3990L)

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.0) [mesh](5000L)

Pose: Poseidon Nightmare Slasher 2

Location:
Memento mori

Thanks for your help, Aarya!

The Janitor

Death Row Designs has cooked up another fun event for Halloween this year, a haunted hotel! This is my entry to DRD's the "Scarlet Hotel" contest. The story is inspired in part by my time working in the news, and discovering who to talk to for the real scoop. Enjoy. Style Credits below. Contest Details here.

The Janitor

Bobbie R. Murrow was an aspiring journalist who wanted to do a really great “School of J” investigation into the infamous Scarlet Hotel for his high school’s Halloween edition newspaper. His teacher loved the idea. However Bobbie was having a hard time getting past dubious murder rumors, ghost stories, and urban legends. What he needed was facts, cold hard truth, not stories told to frighten children. Surely there was a kernel of truth to the rumors. But what was it? He poured for days in the library hunting for old newspaper stories about the Scarlet Hotel, but at every turn, when there should have been an article about the hotel, that part of the paper was ether cut, or damaged. It was frustrating. His brilliant idea was turning into a nightmare that could threaten his precious grades.

After sighing over his uneaten dinner, his father noticed Bobbie’s sour mood. After explaining the problem, his father smirked, “Son, if you want to find out what’s really going on at a business, talk to the janitor. They see all. They hear all,” he leaned in close for emphasis and whispered, “…They know where all the bodies are buried, if you know what I mean,” he winked and leaned back to stab another slice of steak.

Bobbie was completely stunned. Of course, it was perfect! He immediately formed a plan. 

Later that night after dinner, he stalked the dumpster of the Scarlet Hotel, waiting to see the janitor when he came out to dump the trash.

It was a night Bobbie would never forget.
He found out far more then he ever hoped to know.

On him, the Albino Janitor:

Outfit: Dusty Hut Repairman Suit - red [mesh](385L)

Id Badge: White Canvas Templates WC Chest ID Card Badge [mesh](100L)

Gloves: Contraption Dapper Dandy's Gloves, *SOOT* [mesh](350L)

Shoes: Livalle Payne Combat Boots Male (For Pants) [mesh](299L)

Cigarette: NikotiN SLIM_Black [mesh](499L)

Hand prop: Insomnia Angel rotting my hand [mesh](250L)

Belt: Death Row postopocap male Belt M [mesh](past gacha)

Hair: Dura U108-HAIR-FAT PACK1 [mesh](330L)

Tattoo 1: Izzie's Face & Body Dirt & Mud (199L)
Tattoo 2: Izzie's Face & Body Blood & Wounds (199L)

Tattoo 3: Absinthe! Apocalyptic Wounds, dirt (299L)

Broom: POST Marquette Broom [mesh]

Cart: Bunker Cleaning equipment [mesh](19L)

Bodies: Death Row Bluebeard bodies [mesh]

Eyes: Gloom Galaxy Collection - Fatpack (150L)

Head, Lips, brows: LeLUTKA lel EvoX KANE 3.1 [mesh](3990L)

Body: Belleza JakeV3 BOM/Bento Mesh Body [mesh](1500L - limited sale) 

Pose: sakupose+ yzk mens pose 4 hero2 (70L)

Wizarding Faire: The Trouble with Doyle, part 3

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Fia ran up the cobblestone path to Doyle’s medieval family home. He had his back to her and was wearing a long hooded green cape. “Finally,” she panted. “Hey, was that the Headmaster I just saw leaving?” Doyle didn't react. He seemed stunned. In one hand was an empty tea cup and in the other was some kind of formal owl mail letter. She peered over his shoulder, “Oh, is that an acceptance to bring you back to Hogwarts?” He only seemed to notice her when she lost her balance and almost fell onto him. He turned a solemn face towards her, and she gasped. His beautiful long locks were gone and he was wearing a mask. She took a step backwards. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought he was a Death Eater. “What happened to you?” 

Doyle looked down again and stared at the tea cup. “There was an accident. A misfire. Apparently I am dyslexic.” She couldn’t help but feel nervous, he was acting very strangely. “So umm…, what was the Headmaster doing here?” 

“He said he would never have expelled me, but the Ministry of Magic forced his hand. Someone embedded in the Ministry wants that cursed Dementor summoning spell I accidentally created.” He turned and looked at Fia. “The Headmaster erased the original spell from textbooks to prevent any attempt to reverse engineer what I did. All of them. Every single book, like it never existed. And from the minds of all students too, ...except me.” Doyle looked off towards the setting sun. “He said, I’m its discoverer. The first new spell in over 133 years. He says I need it for leverage. …You should go away from me.”

“No, Doyle,” she tugged on his cape. “I don’t understand what’s going on, why you are dressed that way, and what's in that letter…”

"Here," he gave it at her. It was invitation to join an elusive private school for pureblood witches and wizards. “They made it clear they were a very expensive. Too expensive for a simple farmboy, but they would graciously waive all fees if I give them the Dementor spell.”

“No. Don’t do it!”

Doyle shrugged, “Do I even have a choice? My magic is growing stronger and I can't control it. Either I join them, or discover which of them infiltrated the Ministry of Magic. If I do that, and I can return to Hogwarts under the Headmaster's protection.” 

He looked down at the tea leaves in the cup. “Apparently, its a very dangerous mission.” He dropped the cup and it shattered on the rough stones. “Goodbye.” He mounted his broom and turned to leave. 

“No, Wait!” She shoved the symbol-casting spellbook at him. “Take this. It will help you!”

He looked at the book, then his eyes opened wide in amazement. It was like he finally saw her. "Its simple," she beamed, "Don't chant, Draw! No more accidents!" 

He carefully tucked the book inside his robes, nodded a thanks to her, and flew away.

I got a little crazy with the Grand Finale to the Trouble with Doyle series. Its been fun. The Wizarding Faire is ending soon. Hurry over and get all the awesome stuff for your own HP inspired stories.

On him, Doyle:

Cape: Hotdog Shady cloak Tall Green [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(250L)

Teacups: Ladybird Trelawney Tea Set [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(250L)

Ring: Hopscotch Magical Ring Snake [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(150L)

Mask: KROVA Vitzili's Mask green [mesh](Midnight Order)(200L)

Nose Chain: Garmonbozia Write me earrings [mesh](Midnight Order)(1 L)

Hair: barberyumyum *barberyumyum*S01 blonde [mesh](300L)

Head, Lips, brows: LeLUTKA lel EvoX KANE 3.1 [mesh](3990L)

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.0) [mesh](5000L)

Setting:

House: Hisa The Windburrow [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(1475L)

Mailbox: Noxturnal Ye Old Public Spellbook Library [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(300L)

Location: Angel's Nest

Thanks for your help Aarya!

Wizarding Faire: The Trouble with Doyle, part 2

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Fia flopped down for lunch in the Great Hall of Hogwarts and sighed, "Has anyone seen Doyle? He's missing again." Her Griffendor roommates exchanged knowing looks. "You didn't hear? He reversed the word order of a spell, its some kind of learning disability, and summoned a small Dementor." Fia's eyes grew wide. All color drained from her face. "Shut up. He did not!" The other girl nodded, "It's true. Lucian's mom reported him to the Ministry of Magic. She demanded he get expelled immediately. You would think those slimy Slytherins would love to have a Dementor for a pet, and..." Fia suddenly stood up and slammed her fist into the table. "Don't talk about Doyle that way! He's wonderful!" She ran out of the hall to her favorite tree and sunk down to think. This was horrible. It wasn't right to kick him out of school for one mistake. Poor Doyle. She pulled from her pocket a treasured doodle drawing. Doyle made it on a lunch napkin. When no one was looking, she stole it. She traced the lines with her finger. He was really talented. It wasn't right he was getting kicked out....  Suddenly, an idea hit her! She raced to the library, grabbed a book of spells on casting magic by drawing symbols (instead of using chants), and raced to the Slytherin Dorms. She banged on the door like mad. "I need to see Doyle!" It was unlike her to be so bold. The Slytherin boys were annoyed. They told her it was too late, and to go away. But she refused to accept Doyle was already gone, so they showed her his empty dorm. It was only then her shoulders fell. "...but, I have the perfect plan to save him...." 

On her, Fia of Gryffindor:
Dress: ALTAIR cassandra uniform lion [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(399L)

Umbrella: Insomnia Angel Witch Wand Umbrella gothic lolita [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(420L)

Book: AERTH Grimoire Azaghun [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(299L)

Gloves: Viki Wizard Glove [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(250L)

Skin, head: Persephone [p] ginerva skin creme browless (Wizarding Faire)(849L)

Glasses: Fantastical Notion [.fn] Astral Glasses Solar golden rust [mesh](Midnight Order)(300L)

Hair: RavenBell Gem Hair v1, crystal [mesh](350L)

Boots, socks: Cute or Die! [CoD!] Vampire Academy Boots Maitreya [mesh](299L)

Head, eyes: LeLUTKA lel EvoX LILLY 3.1 [mesh](3990L)

Body: Maitreya Mesh Body Lara [BOM][mesh](2750L)

Pose: R.icielli CUTE Poses 2 / 03 (179L)

Setting:

Bed: Raindale Nightingale bed [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(350L)

Chair: Disorderly Common Study Chair Green [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(149L)

Pet castle, tree, bowls: PandaFace Magic House Cat Castle fatpack [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(450L)

Books behind bed: Pitaya Harry's Books [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(98L)

Owl light: HEXtraordinary Owl Sconce [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(299L)

Screens: Eclectica Curiosities Revival Dressing Room Screen [mesh](Midnight Order)(350L)

Wall Scone: Static Ghast Claw Sconce Eldritch [mesh](Midnight Order)(275L)

Skybox: Candle and Cauldron {C&C} The Serpent's Lair [mesh](500L)

Thanks for your help Aarya!

Wizarding Faire: The Trouble with Doyle

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: There are many kinds of aspersing witches and wizards at Hogwarts. But there were none quite like Doyle. Popular with a burning desire to be the best, he landed easily in House Slytherin. Everything seemed to be going his way when his grades began to slip. He was in real danger of failing. He stopped going to events and parties. He disappeared often, and spoke to no one. The headmaster of Slytherin had enough, he searched all hidden corners of Hogwarts before finally discovering a sad and frustrated Doyle, alone in the tower trying over and over to cast a spell right. ...You see, spells require concentration, and an exact recital. Change any word, or any order of an incantation, and horrible things could happen. In fact, there floating over Doyle's shoulder was a baby Dementor. The headmaster gasped. He never knew such a thing was even possible! Troubled, his eyes darted to the spellbook in Doyle's hand. And then, he suddenly realized what happened. “Doyle, are you dyslexic?”

It's finally here! Grab your broom and race to the Wizarding Faire 2021, it opens today and runs until August 21st. The image above was inspired by the tiny pet Dementor by Hopscotch, HotDog Cape, the richly detailed Mage decor items by DRD, and a little bit of my childhood experience Dyslexia. The Dementor you can wear and it will hover over your shoulder. The Cape comes in rigged sizes for small, medium, and tall, and also includes an unrigged version. It also has a hud with a few poses you can trigger to work with the cape. I am a huge capes fan, I love this. The Skull Wand is by the team of Skellybones and Star Sugar. It has several built in animations you can trigger by touching it. Nice animations for wands too. The Spellbook by KitCat also comes with a wand and an animations. You click the hud and choose a fun spell to prank your friends, like give them a fit of giggles. lol The Mage Den decor by Death Row is a delight to look at with so many fun details. I especially love the table with crystal magic. Very cool. From over at Midnight Order, I have three super cool items that work well together for the gothy inclined men, the Nocturne Arms by Wicca, Hot Dog broken glasses, and Mitore outfit by AsteriodBox. The Armwarmers have a nice texture hud to change the colors to fit any outfit. The Broken Glasses are by Hotdog come in 3 different metallic colors. And the Mitore outfit fatpack also includes a hud to switch round the colors all you want. The thigh high boots are also built into the pants. If you want a grittier version, there is a side texture pack you can get at the event. 

On him, Doyle, the Dyslexic Slytherin:

Pet: HopScotch Soul Sucker (Animated) Shoulder Pet [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(250L)

Cape: Hotdog Shady cloak Tall Black [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(250L)

Book: KitCat Magic Potter Spellbook, interactive [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(200L)

Wand: StarSugar / Skellybones SS/SB Skull Wand Silver, interactive [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(250L)

Arms: Wicca's Originals Nocturne Arm Gianni [mesh](Midnight Order)(399L)

Top, Pants: AsteroidBox. Mitore Top, Pants Belleza Jake, Fatpack [mesh](Midnight Order)(1889L)

Glasses: Hotdog Broken glasses Gold [mesh](Midnight Order)(200L)

Hair: RavenBell Aster Hair M2 solids [mesh](350L)

Head, Lips, brows: LeLUTKA lel EvoX KANE 3.1 [mesh](3990L)

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.0) [mesh](5000L)

Pose: Fashiowl - Hermione - 15 (Wizarding Faire)(250L)

Setting:
Decor: Death Row Designs DRD The Mage's Den, Fatpack [mesh](Wizarding Faire)(2175L)

Skybox: VARONIS Sombre Skybox [mesh](429L)

 

Thanks for your help Aarya!