As the days shorten and a crispness fills the air, many of us find ourselves drawn to the cozy comforts of autumn. While the physical world outside may still be transitioning from the heat of summer to the coolness of fall, the virtual world of Second Life offers its own unique and vibrant take on the season.
Forget raking leaves or bundling up in heavy coats; in this digital realm, autumn is a celebration of creativity, community, and breathtaking virtual landscapes. From meticulously designed homesteads adorned with pumpkins and fiery foliage to bustling community events held in virtual cider mills, Second Life’s autumn season is a spectacle of imagination. Join us as we explore the enchanting ways residents and creators embrace the spirit of fall, proving that even in a virtual world, there’s nothing quite like the magic of autumn.
Unlike games with a built-in calendar or weather system that automatically shifts the environment, the Second Life grid’s aesthetic changes are driven entirely by its residents and creators. This means that in the late summer or early fall, finding sims already decorated for the autumn harvest can be a challenge.
Many sims may still be in their vibrant, summery state, and it takes time for content creators and landowners to update their builds with fall foliage, pumpkin patches, and cozy, harvestthemed decor. However, a patient observer will notice a slow but steady shift as individual residents and businesses begin to roll out their new autumnal items and update their landscapes, creating a gradual but widespread transition across the virtual world. This collective, communityled change makes the arrival of fall in Second Life feel particularly organic and exciting.
Right now, many sim owners and designers are already beginning to embrace the season with breathtaking autumn makeovers. The sims I am showcasing have fully committed or are actively transitioning to the fall aesthetic, and they’re proving that the magic of autumn is very much alive and ready to be savoured.
So, as the real world ushers in cooler weather, consider logging in and exploring this dynamic grid. Whether you seek a quiet stroll through golden forests or a lively Harvestfest gathering, the ever-changing and eversurprising world of Second Life awaits with a whole new season to discover and enjoy.
Get out there and kick some leaves!
PHOTOS: ARYA BRAVEHEART
SOUL DEEP - HOPE
OCEANS
LIFE IN THE ALTERNATION
OR HOW TO EXTRICATE YOURSELF FROM AN INCONVENIENT
RELATIONSHIP
Coco St. George
That evening, I was alone in my home, minding my own business—which, in my case, means purging my inventory of unwanted, unnecessary, or simply ugly objects—when I received an IM from an unknown person who went by the name Gracey423. Now, before we go further, I need to clarify something: I’m all about being as cautious in this digital realm as I am in real life. Not that I’m a paranoid nutjob who thinks everybody’s out to get me, but I do feel a healthy distrust toward someone who sends me a message out of the blue. That’s why I responded with a noncommittal “wassup,” open to whatever news might come my way.
“I’m your friend Stacey422 Resident,” she replied, citing her full official name as if she had ever used it. “I had to create a new account. Let’s meet, and I’ll explain everything.”
The girl did have a pattern, I thought, noting the alliteration in the names and the sequential numbers. Did that mean I had missed her 420 previous incarnations?
“No, silly, that’s just a mnemonic trick to help me organize my thoughts,” she explained later when we met at our usual gin joint. “I actually started as Tracey420… ‘420’ for obvious reasons, you know?”
She flashed a smirk at me and, not willing to delve further into that, I feigned a knowing nod.
“So, look, the story is simple. It all began when I met Harrison. Well, not me, but Tracey. It was Tracey who first met Harrison.”
She went on to tell me that he was the owner of The Back Room, a speakeasy where she was a frequent patron. Not long after they met, Harrison and Tracey started dating, she added. They were even an item. According to Gracey… wait, should I call her Tracey? Technically, it was Tracey who dated Harrison.
The problem began when she met Mingus— also at The Back Room. He was a charmer and a very handsome guy, with an irreverent sense of humor that took Tracey by storm.
“But what about Harrison?” I asked.
“Oh, Harrison is a terrific boyfriend. I wouldn’t want to hurt his feelings by letting him know about Mingus. That’s why I had to create Jacey421, see? I made an alt to date Mingus,” she explained, very matter-of-factly.
“If he was such a terrific boyfriend, why would you want to date others?” I asked, sincerely intrigued.
“It’s the thrill of meeting new people, dear,” she replied with a hint of a condescending tone. “Maybe you can’t understand, but some of us love the challenge of trying our charms on a new person, just to check if we still have it.”
Honestly, I didn’t know what to say. There she was, admitting to cheating on Harrison with an alt. But I wasn’t aware of any protocol for handling situations like that, so I kept my mouth shut.
“Technically, dating others with an alt isn’t cheating, you know?” she added.
PHOTOS: COCO ST. GEORGE
She fixed her smiling eyes on mine, as if waiting for my reaction. I was still baffled by her subtle use of this particular technicality. That reminded me of my friend Kara from high school, who insisted that technically she was still a virgin. However, her dalliances with the entire football team were not only well-known but also documented, both in pictures and videos. Whatever happened to her? I have a faint recollection of someone telling me she joined the Peace Corps in search of atonement.
Suddenly, I realized I was so immersed in my own thoughts—that memory lane had turned out to be a veritable rabbit hole—that I hadn’t paid attention to what Gracey was saying. It was fun to hear her talking without any of her words resonating in my brain, almost like watching TV with no sound. Yes, fun for me, but rude for her when she learned I wasn’t paying attention to her heartfelt confession. So, I just waited for a pause in her thread and commented:
“Interesting!”
“You know how vulnerable Harrison can be, and I wanted to protect his feelings, knowing that if I dumped him, he would take it very badly. A breakup would be devastating for him. So I used Jacey to date Mingus. That way everybody was happy.”
“Everybody? Did Mingus also want to protect Harrison’s feelings?” I asked.
“Oh, no, Mingus isn’t aware of this arrangement. He’s very possessive and wouldn’t want to share me with others… In fact, Mingus wanted to collar me— well, not me, Jacey—but he wasn’t willing to cough up the lindens, you know?”
“Isn’t Open Collar free?” I asked.
“Oh, yes, but… Mingus with freebies? I don’t think so. He’s too picky. Anyway, the thing was that I went to the collar store alone, and that’s when I met someone else.”
“Let me guess—the Tony you dated as Stacey, right?”
“Right!” she said. “I see you’re getting the hang of it now. And yes, that’s the Tony you met. He’s so cute and sweet; he even offered to pay for the collar. And it wasn’t cheap, let me tell you.”
Sure, I had met him: he was easy on the eye and a dancer in some production company whose biggest
talent was to click on a dance ball and look pretty.
“But enough talking about me—how about you?” she asked. “Are you dating nowadays?”
I realized I hadn’t dated anybody in ages. Larry had been my last boyfriend, and he dumped me… when? Four? Five months ago? He said I was too delicate, and he would hurt me eventually, so it was best to end things early. But at that moment, I didn’t want to talk about it.
“I’m in between boyfriends,” I said vaguely.
“Wait a second,” she said, her eyes sparking with an idea.
A few minutes later, an orange cloud appeared beside our table, from which finally emerged someone who could only be described as handsome. He flashed a playful smile at me, showing off his perfect teeth.
“Meet Barry, a very good friend of mine,” she said with a naughty smile.
A cold shiver ran down my spine as a disturbing idea dawned on me. Could it be possible that Barry was one of Tracey–Jacey–Stacey–Gracey’s alts? Dating my friend in one of her numerous personifications would amount to a biblical abomination. I could hardly greet Barry back and, claiming I still had a lot of organizing to do in my inventory, I TPed back home.
SECOND NATURE JEWELRY DESIGN & ALESSIA GRACE
Compe Lockwood
With over a decade experience in creating ornamental shimmering delights, creating jewelry is second nature for Alessia Grace. Hence the name of her store – Second Nature Jewelry Design.
Take her main location for example, the one with the massive sign reading ‘Second Nature.’ This is an elegant warehouse of all things realistically blinging.
Each wall is adorned with precious stones crafted into fine jewelry. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, gold, silver and more are transfixed into ornamental necklaces. Rings, pendants, and other types are displayed.
On today’s visit garnet, opal, and other stones not typically seen in SL await your approval. Second Nature jewelry is sold as individual pieces or in sets. Glistening finery for the nose to toes are awaiting. If it sparkles, it’s here.
“I guess I’ve made thousands,” Alessia says, pointing at endless walls of jewelry in her store. “A thousand may sound like a lot but I’ve been doing this for over 15 years. I would say that number is normal.”
In addition to the main store, there are others, including a shop in the BOSL Innovation Pavilion. Walking the cobblestone path to the BOSL location she notes, “I love being here because it is such a nice artsy community.”
Chosen pieces are displayed at the pavilion, specially selected from the jeweler’s sparkly collection.
Her venture started in SL at about the same time she did. Alessia recalls, “I joined in 2008 on my original avatar and started making things almost instantly.” She came to the cyberworld with design experience from the real world.
In addition, the SL creator started making furniture with husband and partner Phil Setner (they own Why Not Home & Garden).
But making jewelry was and is her first love.
“When I started, SL jewelry just did not look that great to me,” she notes. “It was either ‘blingy’ or had animated features. Neither of which were realistic. So, I decided to make my own.”
PHOTOS: CARA PAINE
She approaches jewelry as art, not as an assembly line production. “It all starts with design,” she says. “The muse is not always present at deadline time.”
The artist of bling also notes, “sometimes I get the ideas while just standing around, maybe stringing a gem shape or working on a color before an idea pops up.” She laughs, “those are not my favorite days.”
Once the idea is there the work begins. Alessia makes some of her components with software and imagination. “I can pretty much always get what I am looking for,” she says.
The creator notes that some pieces are difficult to create but she has access to a couple of mesh makers (someone who will make specific pieces of mesh) who work on request for help.
Many people think jewelry is a seasonal product purchased during the Holiday Season and Valentine’s Day. Those people are incorrect.
“People buy my jewelry all year round,” Alessia says. “Many customers buy every release. Many buy multiple pieces.”
The shimmering products are done solely by Alessia. “I am a bit of a control freak,” she laughs.
Second Nature’s prices start at about $250L for
a mid-range set and around $500L for elaborate sets with gem huds. There are many returning patrons.
Frequent customer Kai Resident notes, “Second Nature is one of my favorite stores in SL. The jewelry is not only beautiful, it is not overly dramatic and it is not underwhelming either.”
Customer Sylver Vaher adds, “I have referred many people to Second Nature. Alessia’s jewelry is gorgeous. very well made and her service is just as great. She is always willing to go that little bit extra to please her customers.”
Also a fan, Lizzy Marquez notes about Alessia’s work, “She is very gifted in what she does.”
As for the future for Second Nature, Alessia plans to keep on keeping on. “I do not really have a plan, she recalls. “I will do what I love to do until I cease enjoying it.”
She has been at it for 15 years and shows no sign of slowing down. When asked ‘what sets your work apart from others,’ Alessia responds, saying “I think it is my design element. I am pretty good at dreaming up ideas, then logging in and reproducing them.”
Creating jewelry is an artistic endeavor. To make jeweled art that one wears is not an easy task. Most of us cannot produce such realistic jewelry in SL. Alessia can. It is her second nature.
OF OLD FRIENDS AND HOMEY PLACES: THE STARRY NIGHTS BALLROOM
Jay Anson
I’ve been a terrible friend. Although we have stayed in touch, it’s been sporadic at best. I blame myself. Not only is Ayko (djaykoaya) a wonderful person, she is also a DJ with a smoother voice than Dina Krall sprawled across a piano.
Neither of us remembers when we met, although I suspect it was on New Year’s Eve some year, years ago, and at Frank’s. While Jimmee and Nancee were still running the place. It may even have been in 2008, at her first gig.
When we realized how long we’ve known each other, I felt guilty again for not keeping in better touch. She patted the back of my hand and smiled. RL is RL, and SL is SL. And never the twain shall meet.
But, “...a true friend is one that when you do meet up, you pick up right where you leave off.”
We were sitting in her most recent home base, The Starry Nights Ballroom. A lovely, tree-lined venue that murmurs of the comforts of autumn leaves and out-of-season fireflies. Unlike many ballrooms, there is no sense of urgency, of needing to be anywhere other than where I am right at that moment.
I smiled and looked at her.
“Okay, let’s get this party started. What got you into DJ’ing?”
She considers for a moment. “Having a small radio almost ‘surgically-implanted’ on the side of my head.” I laughed— perhaps not so oddly, I understood her. I am a writer by nature. She smiled and continued: “The voice work, deliveries… I wanted to do that. So, in ‘07, when I got into SL, I hung out at clubs where there were live DJs, and I was in awe. They made it sound so easy. In 08, I met a gent who had a streaming station in SL, based in Canada [Elbows Up!]. He taught me the ins and outs...I am grateful to him.”
“Really?” I asked. “What was his name?”
Her smile broadened. “You’ll Love it: Pasing Wind.” We both laughed hard.
“Seriously? That’s his name?”
She smiled and assented. “The station was RageRadio. He was a great guy.”
I commented on Canucks being awesome, and we continued. “Did you work for him? Or just apprentice?”
She answered, “I worked for the station. We had assigned sets at clubs, and Bogart’s was one of those.” I had been a regular at Bogart’s years ago.
“I loved Bogart’s. Kinda dead now.”
She clarified, “The original Bogart’s!”
I grinned and replied, “Yes, Ma’am.” I chuckled at her look of satisfaction.
I looked around from where we sat and realized that in the course of the evening, and seeing the venue at midnight, I had fallen in love with the place all over again. Fireflies had come out and were swarming
about the dance floor, in and among the weeping willows and the riotously colored trees.
“All I can say,” she said, “was that The OG Bogart’s had some of the best memories, and some of the greatest friends…”
About then, my wife messaged. She had just come in-world, and our time was limited. I offered for her to come and sit in on the interview. She assented. “Ah, the wife is wanting to meet you. Is that okay?”
“Please, invite her in.” A teleport later, and a wholly unnecessary but amusing “Now, get your butt up and have her sit down,” and my wife Arihn had joined us. The two chatted for a bit. I twiddled my thumbs, again fascinated by the atmosphere of the place while my interview was completely hijacked.
Eventually, “Also, if you look to my left, you see a special tribute spot for my Dear Friend, Nema Ravenheart. Whom we lost last April. She was with me since almost the beginning.”
“Oh, I remember her,” I replied. “I am so sorry.”
Ayko looked at me. “She was a hostess, one of the best.”
Yes. Yes, she was.
The two ladies talked for a few more minutes as I walked around, again captivated by the autumn colors in the summer, the fireflies illuminating and accenting a dance floor perfect for two souls to get much better acquainted.
The Starry Nights Ballroom.
My friend DJs. The venue fascinates me, as I feel more at home there than in many places.
FEMDOM FLOURISHES IN SECOND LIFE: THE IMPACT OF FCC AND THE MELD CONVENTION
Sita Writer
Second Life continues to be a vibrant ecosystem for niche communities, with the Femdom subculture emerging as one of its most dynamic sectors. At the forefront of this growth are Femdom Community Connections (FCC) and the annual MELD Femdom Convention, both of which have played pivotal roles in fostering visibility, support, and a sense of belonging among Femdom enthusiasts.
The Femdom community in Second Life is built around values of consensual power exchange, reverence for feminine authority, and mutual respect. At its best, it’s a space where dominance is not about ego, but about intentional leadership— and submission is not weakness, but a powerful, conscious offering.
There’s a strong cultural emphasis on emotional intelligence, self-knowledge, and relational accountability. Many communities uphold rituals of service, devotion, and discipline, but these are layered with creativity, play, and deep personal meaning. People come here to explore identity, liberation, and intimacy in ways that often aren’t possible in the outside world.
There is an artistry to how Femdom is expressed in Second Life. The community values aesthetic beauty, symbolic structure, and belonging. Whether it’s through architecture, ceremony, or protocol, spaces are carefully designed to hold both the erotic and the sacred. Underneath all of this is a shared desire to honor the feminine as powerful, wise, and worthy of devotion— whether expressed in the regal energy of a Domme, the spiritual pull of a High Priestess archetype, or the everyday authority of a woman who knows her worth and expects integrity in return.
The Second Life Femdom community offers a uniquely immersive and symbolic space for exploring power dynamics. It blends fantasy, intention, and relational depth in ways that real-life environments often can’t fully hold. While real-life Femdom scenes are often constrained by logistics, privacy concerns, or social stigma, Second Life allows people to embody their dominant or submissive identities more freely, creatively, and consistently.
One of the most powerful aspects is the ritualized architecture of space itself. In Second Life, you can walk into a cathedral built for female worship, kneel before an altar glowing with intention, or live inside a Matriarchal world where every detail—down to the light, music, and script—reinforces the values of reverence, discipline, and feminine sovereignty. These spaces aren’t just imaginative: they function as living temples of dynamic power exchange.
Another key difference is accessibility and diversity. Second Life draws people from around the world, across generations, identities, and backgrounds. It becomes a shared cultural experiment, a place where older paradigms of gender and power can be questioned, redefined, or reimagined entirely. In some ways, it’s more emotionally honest than real life. People lead with their inner truths first: their desires, wounds, ideals, and archetypes. Many discover deeper parts of themselves here more than they ever could in conventional spaces.
The community is also highly relational and philosophical. It’s not just about play but about meaning. Conversations around obedience, leadership, healing, and erotic devotion often unfold with surprising depth. Protocols are not just kinky rules: they’re tools for self-discovery and transformation. And because people are unbound from physical form, there’s an emphasis on energy, presence, and intention. It becomes less about what you look like and more about how you carry your role.
Finally, Second Life allows for ongoing immersion. In real life, a Femdom dynamic may only exist in the bedroom or in short-lived containers. In SL, dynamics unfold 24/7 in dedicated communities, households, and friendships, supported by rituals, symbols, and shared mythologies that grow over time. The lines between character and truth can blur in empowering ways.
Established in 2017, FCC has evolved from a simple networking group into a robust community network, boasting over 1,650 members and 38 affiliates that include a range of Femdom and Femdom-friendly venues and merchants. The FCC HUD, renowned for its convenience and versatility, offers instant teleportation to affiliated locations, a comprehensive event calendar, and real-time community updates. Weekly open houses provide an accessible entry point for new members and veterans alike, further strengthening community ties and encouraging meaningful interaction.
The MELD Femdom Convention, launched in 2023, rapidly established itself as Second Life’s leading celebration of D/s culture. Running from September 19–28, 2025, the convention features in-depth workshops led by experienced community members, immersive live performances, curated shopping opportunities, and social mixers— all within a strictly Femdom-positive environment. MELD distinguishes itself not only as an event but as a cultural milestone, welcoming individuals across all roles and orientations, and serving as the only dedicated kink convention in the virtual world.
“On the partnership side, we’re thrilled that MELD continues to gain visibility as a dynamic Femdomled convention experience. Each year, it seems to get ‘discovered’ all over again. This year, we’re especially excited to be featured in BOSLMagazine, which expands our reach far beyond the Femdom niche and into the broader Second Life culture,” said Devi Ashe. “We also have a partnership with the GEL Community, and we are hoping to partner with Kinky and Linden Lab on cost savings for community land.”
To extend this momentum, the MELD Community Center (MCC) now offers year-round engagement through the MELD Encore initiative. Regular classes, workshops, art installations, and supportive gatherings ensure that the spirit of female dominance and empowerment endures beyond the annual convention.
Together, FCC and MELD are redefining what it means to support alternative identities in virtual spaces, demonstrating that with intentionality and inclusivity, virtual communities can thrive. Whether you are a seasoned Dominant, a savvy switch, a curious soul, or a respectful admirer, the Femdom community in Second Life welcomes all who seek to learn, connect, and grow. For more information, join the FCC group in-world, grab the free FCC HUD, and keep an eye on the FCC Community Calendar for details about the upcoming MELD Fendom Convention.
As the Femdom landscape in Second Life continues to shift—as it always will—FCC remains committed to moving with that evolution, not clinging to past models or gate-kept ideals. In the future, we will encourage deeper member engagement and a broader embrace of allied venues, especially general BDSM spaces that welcome Femdoms with respect and openness, often more so than niche Femdom venues bound to older models. “Most importantly, we will continue our education and event programming, which supports growth, not just in kink skills, but in emotional literacy, relational health, and spiritual power within the D/s dynamic,” said Devi. “And, whether Second Life evolves, fades, or gets replaced entirely, FCC is not tied to a platform—it’s tied purpose.”
COLOUR OF COUTURE THE NEXUS WARRIOR
COLOUR OF COUTURE
PHOTO: NÉMESIS
PHOTO: REIGN CONGREJO COLOUR OF COUTURE
MODEL: MONROCIE PONTECORVO
PHOTO: NÉMESIS
PHOTO: REIGN CONGREJO
MODEL: NIKKI PLAID
PHOTO: NÉMESIS
MODEL: STARCHILD SINCLAIR
PHOTO: NÉMESIS
PHOTO: REIGN CONGREJO
MODEL: ZELLY NEXUS
CREDITS
FASHION STYLE CARD
MZPICKLEJUICE PASSION
Hair | Vanity Hair - Like a Fool
Hairbase | Studio Exposure - Sublime
Gown | Mesh Entity - Supernova Dress
Feathers | Sascha Design - Charlotte Black Feather Stola