Dear Readers and Friends,

Welcome to the July issue of Fang. As the temperature rises with summer the population of SL decreases. It’s cyclical and it used to be a time for us as creators and business owners to revamp, create, and re-build before fall comes around and the population climbs back up to “normal” levels. In the spirit of new creations and ideas, we at Fang would love to feature some of what you our readers create. It could be a product or service, or if you don’t create or build maybe you found something that was highly creative that would fit being covered by Fang Magazine.

Our premise for the creation of Fang Magazine was to make it about you, our readers. WE need your help. What do you want to see featured?

Please enjoy our July issue of Fang. We appreciate your support of this project!

Roxi Richez & Chip Rhode

Alpha Lycan…Beasts of Bane

I was born in the year 1937 in a small village in Finland. I didn’t know it then but I was born a full blood Lycan. Perhaps I was cursed. Perhaps I was blessed. I only know that I am what I am…a tangle of contradictions. I am human and yet not. I am wolf and yet not. I am vicious and gentle. Perhaps I am the most perfect expression of “bi-polar” you will ever meet. But…you should pray to whatever god you believe in that we should never meet. For all the things I am and am not, one thing is for certain…only one of us would leave said meeting alive. I used to deny my existence. I tried to live outside of myself. Subdue my yearnings until I became a lifeless husk. But my yearnings would not be denied. They are as old as time. Passed down from generation to generation of beast. I am Lycan. A killing machine like no other. I know no other joy. There is no love. There is no hate. There is only the scent of my prey upon the wind, the feel of my prey in my grasp, and the elation of the life force be-ing forced from the body as I consume all they were and make it become me. I am Venera. I am Lycan. Hear me roar and know your fate for once you hear it’s already too late.

Beasts of Bane Pack Stats:System: NitebreedzOverall kills: 1446 killsVenera Halsey: 1049 kills-Dante Decycla 193 kills (R.I.P.)Alice Darkmatter 200 kills-Jennifer Darkmatter 4 kills

Blood Stats:-Venera Halsey: 1,005,282L-Alice Darkmatter: 117,824L-Jennifer Darkmatter: 54,519L-Billy Hadisson: 61,668L

Fang wants to extend a special thank you to hyasynth Tiramisu the creator of

~silentsparrow~ for providing her special brand of clothing for the Steampunk

Nouveau Isle travels.

“A Gem in The Haze”

Arriving at this SIM, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I was told it was the creation of a talented builder. There are many characteristics that come with the general idea of “Steampunk.” One could have expected something of a romantic tone, or even one of hardened industrial steel. But I found myself needing to take a moment to behold the detail of the build as it all unfolded before me.

Stepping off of the aircraft, I followed the pier up to a set of emerald steps composed of pleasant shades of blue and green that caught my attention. There, standing before me, was a Lighthouse. The bubbling porthole windows suggested an umbrella theme of “Underwater.” The metal-grate stairs spiraled around the outer walls balanced this theme into the familiar steampunk style. Investigating further, I was intrigued by the mixture of natural sea elements and the tell-tale technology on every floor up.

As soon as I could tear myself away from the lighthouse, I wandered onto the mainland to see what else I could find. A cathedral-like castle temporarily satisfied my curiosity as its doors lead to even more fascinating discoveries. Proud flags of varying clan marks hinted at both a futuristic and primal air. Climbing the stairs, a collection of antiquated portraits added to the psychological sensation of elder times. The way both modern technology and an older era were captured in a seamless creation was a continuing trend throughout the SIM. It made me wonder, was there anything here that wasn’t so smoothly depicted? If I ventured even further, would I find a secret stashed away in some far off corner?”

A left turn took me into yet another aspect of steam punk culture. I found a circus tent, merry-go-rounds, and a shooting booth. An evil clown asked me if I had ever seen an Elephant in a strawberry patch...of course being the curious person I am I stopped to mull that idea over for a moment.

As I traveled further in the sim, I found a few aircrafts that embodied the soul of steampunk. One of them was an airballoon

design entwined with the technology to run on more than just the heated uplift that would have been found in the original era of steam

Needless to say, I couldn’t find it within my ability to pause until I had explored the ENTIRE sim. Afterward, I headed over to ask the owner and builder a few questions to end the overall suspense of everything I had experienced.

LC: Where has your general muse come from?

BA: From the deepest recesses of my Psyche. Billie Adored is the embodiment of that creative aspect of myself. If I use any of my alts my inspiration is lacking, however with Billie Adored I experience a constant flow of ideas. I can’t wait to see the next new concept that bursts forth into life. It happens without conscious thought or mental effort and is a very fulfilling experience.

LC: Why did this Steampunk genre become interesting to you?

BA: My Sim started out in January of this year as a Homestead on which I placed and decorated a big manor house. As soon as I had finished decorating it I became instantly bored and had the conviction that I should remove it and create a village. I couldn’t quite picture what shape and style such a community might take. In the harbor I had a gorgeous Lightning Buoy--a beautiful corroded copper and iron navigational buoy lit up by electric sparks. Its style was different to anything else I had and I kept getting drawn to admire it as a work of art. I wondered if there were other objects in Second Life that were of a similar quality and style. In my search I discovered that some very talented artists and designers made similar high quality works for the Steampunk genre. I had

BA: From the deepest recesses of my Psyche. Billie Adored is the embodiment of that creative aspect of myself. If I use any of my alts my inspiration is lacking, however with Billie Adored I experience a constant flow of ideas. I can’t wait to see the next new concept that bursts forth into life. It happens without conscious thought or mental effort and is a

LC: Why did this Steampunk genre become

BA: My Sim started out in January of this year as a Homestead on which I placed and decorated a big manor house. As soon as I had finished decorating it I became instantly bored and had the conviction that I should remove it and create a village. I couldn’t quite picture what shape and style such a community might take. In the harbor I had a gorgeous Lightning Buoy--a beautiful corroded copper and iron navigational buoy lit up by electric sparks. Its style was different to anything else I had and I kept getting drawn to admire it as a work of art. I wondered if there were other objects in Second Life that were of a similar quality and style. In my search I discovered that some very talented artists and designers made similar high quality works for the Steampunk genre. I had

always had a fascination with Nikola Tesla and steam engines so I quickly got hooked. That Lightning Buoy is still in the harbor. It acts as a frame of reference for the overall Steampunk look and feel of the island.

LC: What is your most prized creation or idea that you wouldn’t mind sharing?

BA: The idea to expand this world into the depths of the surrounding waters brought me a flood of new ideas that still keep coming. It adds a whole new dimension and is there but is not...unless you look and discover it for yourself. The casual visitor rarely discovers it but those who are drawn in by my vision are rewarded with some unique experiences.

LC: Is there anyone you admire most or keep in mind when you are building?

BA: Well I’m inspired by all the creators of the great works I have collected and put on display. I really want to show their designs in the best possible light and I take great pleasure in admiring their creations. Curiously the best designers often seem to have the lowest prim count which explains why I have fitted so many items on my Sim with room for more. That being said I have had much encouragement and selfless assistance given to me by Daallinii Rae of Daallinii’s Creations. In fact it was a question from her that stimulated me to expand into the ocean. As a surprise, Daallinii even created a Bathyscaphe as a gift to assist me in that new direction. I have used nearly all her buildings throughout the Sim for their artistic beauty and ambiance. I also greatly admire the creations of Jenne Dibou and Mandy Marseille from JD Mechanical Toy Shop. They too have been very generous with their assistance to bring my vision to life. As a present they customized a vintage car to enable it to be raised and lowered on a car lift in the village garage. Things like this really add to the interactive realism of the place and are fun to play with. To me their vehicles are works of art with unique programming designed to match the style of each vehicle with a sense of fun.

LC: For someone just starting to take interest in building Steampunk objects and buildings, what are some of the main things they should keep in mind?

BA: One good approach is to study the works of those who are now developed to the highest artistic levels in Steampunk and similar genres. To this I feel you need to get your own unique look, your own unique slant on the subject. This will help to stand you out from the crowd when your skills blossom, then the virtual objects you create will become sought-after works of art. When I buy a Steampunk object or building from someone it is because I am drawn to their attention to detail such as realistic rust or mold or chipped and aged paint, as well as the overall look compared with their competitors’ products.

Who would have expected such an intriguing jewel to be rooted in the midst of a quaint sim? A gorgeous mosaic lighthouse, nestled brilliantly to overlook the open water. The smile-inspiring merry-go-rounds

of teacups and various Steampunk features. Even an awe-striking clock tower! All

of these picturesque creations are all thanks to one inspiring passion.

For all of you lovers of the marriage of Technology and the Steam Age, I bid you fiery nights of genius and tranquil days of progress.

-Laurent Cheviot-

of these picturesque creations are all thanks to one inspiring passion.

For all of you lovers of the marriage of Technology and the Steam Age, I bid you fiery nights of genius and tranquil days of progress.

-Laurent Cheviot-

Destany Laval and Thomas Keen - Synergy in Steampunk

Several months ago I became fascinated with the Steampunk culture in Second Life. My friends and I searched stores to play out our dreams of sci-fi and fantasy role play. Steampunk is a sub-culture of the 19th century era when steam power was widely used. With Victorian influence, Steampunk embodies classic beauty with industrial strength. In most circles the genre intertwines with cyberpunk and often gothic influences. In our exploration for our new obsession my friends and I stumbled in to the SL store that would literally change our in-world shopping experience forever. Tesla Isle and the Megaplex is home of Unzipped and Steam Powered Nuts, also known as SPN. There are also other reputable designers featured there such as Fallen Gods and Earthstone Jewelry. With the sim’s intricate details of brass, wire, gears, nuts and bolts Tesla embodies exactly what Steampunk is all about. Tesla is far from the normal big box store that has a few walls and vendors thrown around. Every detail has been thought out to perfection. With a recent renovation the store has a more distinctive Steampunk atmosphere. Although the space is massive in size (you literally could shop there for hours) it is easy to navigate and find the individual category sections such as Victorian, Steampunk, Nocturnum, Formal wear, Vehicles etc. A newly updated club literally inside the store, The Reactor Club, has been completely redesigned to hold special events. Even with all of the upgrades and changes, performance has been increased and the lag meter is unbelievably low… great for someone like me with a less then optimal pc.

The owners of Tesla Isle, Destany Laval and Thomus Keen have been business partners and friends for several years. Although they met in-world they have since became great RL friends and even traveled extensively together. Destany is the designer and owner of Unzipped, the clothing portion of the store. Thomus is the weapons and vehicle creator. The partnership came out of a love affair with all things Steampunk. They became fast friends, hung out and “caused a lot of trouble.” Laval was renting shops and Thomus helped refine the looks. Both designers had searched out stores to address their need for the genres clothing and accessories. Needless to say, neither of the two was truly impressed with what they had found. They decided to start designing their own creations and it was not long before other Second Life residents were asking to buy their products. Thus, the Unzipped and Steam Powered Nuts stores were born. There is no lack of talent either between these two designers. Destany has an extensive background in photoshop and graphic design and has been teaching the mediums for many years. She learned of Second Life from designing in another virtual 3D world, Moove, and decided to come to SL to begin designing here as well. Thomus has been in the gaming industry for years working as a Senior Environmental Designer and Programmer for systems such as the Xbox360 and

Nintendo Wii. He was invited to SL by fans of his fantasy artwork. Apparently, Linden Labs had asked that he come in to talk about Second Life as a Gaming Industry prototyping platform and using Second Life as a collaborative development environment. “I believe then, and now that Second Life is the future of Game Development” Keen says.

The combination of the two has formed a partnership that seamlessly transitions a love for all things steampunk into a Second Life reality. Industrialized Steampunk (a style that Laval and Keen created themselves) is a form of Steampunk that places focus on the Mechanical (or kinetic) aspects. In the Tesla creations, focus is placed on the kinetic (pneumatic) parts, such as the tiny gears and mechanics that make up a watch. These parts are brought out, enlarged and are the focus of the designs. As a result the creations of these designers are amazing to not only wear and use… but to simply see work together. There are moving gears, steam powered boots, weapons ready for combat mode, air ships that fly, and huds with more bells and whistles then you could ever hope for.

Laval’s clothing style ranges from the Nocturnum line, which has a more gothic or vampire feel, to industrial steam-wear that portrays a grungy and mechanical feel. Classic Victorian style ensembles are also found in the Unzipped design line to reflect the 19th century era. Almost all of the outfits are made for male and female and seamlessly go beautifully together. To even further the role play experience Keen has developed weapons, goggles, boots, watches, armor and vehicles to mirror Laval’s fashion designs. Destany and Thomus’ design process is a collaboration of ideas and soon a storyline is developed to influence the specific line they are working on at the time. Laval says, “It’s like having a story-line in my mind. I guess that’s why role-players love them (her designs) because they can add their own story-line. It’s all imagination. I just imagine, and then create. What I try to do is imagine myself in an era, what materials I would have and how best to use them.” She goes on to say, “All the women appear strong,

line in my mind. I guess that’s why role-players love them (her designs) because they can add their own story-line. It’s all imagination. I just imagine, and then create. What I try to do is imagine myself in an era, what materials I would have and how best to use them.” She goes on to say, “All the women appear strong,

independent, depicting the past to the future, yet also sexy. The men are always strong, fighters and protectors.”

As for the quality of Laval’s and Keen’s creations… perfection comes to mind. Every detail is painstakingly placed and thought out. All of the textures are created from scratch. No shortcuts are made, no tricks used; just good old fashioned hard work gets the results of the best Steampunk creations in Second Life. Due to their attention to historically accurate attire and a true understanding for the sci-fi and fantasy community, both Laval and Keen have had a strong influence in the increasingly popular Steampunk culture in Second Life. Do to their aggressive pace in creating they can continue to up the ante and try to outdo themselves with each creation. Working effectively toward their goals and as a great team together they can create even better products for their customers. “…better clothing with more options, and better combat sets with ever increasing coolness. Things that normally spread creators too thin…are melded between two individuals working synchronously towards a shared goal,” explains Keen.

I took the opportunity to ask some of their customers what they thought of Unzipped and Steam Powered Nuts, the creators, and the customer service received. No matter how impeccable the designs, ultimately what makes the designer successful is how the patrons feel about their shopping experience. Here is what several had to say:

“I’ve been following Unzipped since my early days of sl. I have over 30 items from the shop and go check it at least once a month…its original, a lot of outfits in one pack and amazingly done…it’s a style by its own…the vehicles are amazing…you can’t find that (kind of ) quality anywhere but there.” -evilfie Scarpulla-

“In my eyes Destany and Thomus create the best male outfits for Steampunk. I love the details and dark colors. Destany is always nice and helpful!” -Amadeus Hammerer-

Audrey Cluny enthusiastically replied to my questions with, “I am a fan of Destany. Her creations are modern, fun and very well dressed. The quality of textures is amazing. I try to buy the entire collection. Destany sends a notice and

for the sci-fi and fantasy community, both Laval and Keen have had a strong influence in the increasingly popular Steampunk culture in Second

continue to up the ante and

effectively toward their goals and as a great team together they can create even better products for their customers. “…better clothing with more options, and better combat sets with ever increasing coolness. Things that normally spread creators too thin…are melded between two individuals

I almost jump on top of it, I want to be the first to buy. My inventory is full of Unzipped clothes.”

There was no end to the positive responses I received regarding the store, Destany, Thomus, and their overall customer service. As from my own personal experience, I have become a regular customer of Unzipped and SPN. I could not begin to count the number of items I have in my inventory from these stores. The compliments I receive from wearing their creations and the conversations that are sparked from other Second Life residents asking about my style are worth all of the lindens I can buy. Speaking of, the prices at the stores are remarkably competitive and there is something for everyone’s price range.

Keen has this to say about their price points. “We put a lot into our products, and we price things at a very fair (albeit low) price, because we want really nice things to be accessible to more people. We are charging what is essentially a few dollars for what represents many months of extremely hard work; that caters to a low percentage of the Second Life population. It is true dedication.

You can follow Unzipped and SPN on a number of other media outlets as well.

The main website http://www.unzipped3d.com Interactive blog http://unzipped3d.wordpress.comFacebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Unzipped-Steampowered-Nuts-

SL/114220731946538

Destany Laval and Thomus Keen will be guest speakers at the Wild, Wild West Con in March of 2011You can check out their website at http://wildwildwestcon.com

Particularly, do not miss this amazing video featuring Unzipped and SPN designs

http://www.unzipped3d.com/Nocturnumvideo.html

-Esme Violet-

SL/114220731946538SL/114220731946538

Destany Laval and Thomus Keen will be guest speakers at the Wild, Wild West Con in March of 2011You can check out their website at http://wildwildwestcon.com

Particularly, do not miss this amazing video featuring Unzipped and SPN designs

http://www.http://www.unzipped3d.com/unzipped3d.com/Nocturnumvideo.html

-Esme Violet-

I bet you thought I was over you...turns out - I’m not.

I go to the restroom several times a day. Not for that though, no. I go to show myself and the rest of this world some level of decency. I grab tissues by the handful to stem the flow of blood from out my nose.

It rushes out like determination. I walk out and away, knowing that I am slave to my body’s flaws. I am weakness given shape and form. Every thought of you breeds in me the insecurity, and I find my face caved in once again. Sure it’s just the ghost of the memory beating my face in, and not really you. But truth be told - you left your mark quite well. Even now, as I write this, I feel it running itchingly down out my nose, and over my trembling lips. It catches along my chin, escaping in tiny drips down onto my shirt. Everytime I sniff, it’s counterproductive and only encourages more bloodflow. Socially, I am destroyed by you. In this - you’ve taught me far

-Archus Brodie-

beyond humble.

I walk to my car, but it’s never the same walk these days. I find new and more inconvenient(and yet only slightly more protecting) paths to the vehicle to take, so as to avoid detection, or maybe to avoid retracing those same battered steps I took every single time before.

You had a special way of burning it into me that I would go nowhere. I will not go anywhere, even though I run everywhere. It’s my attempt to escape the impending collision with the cold reality of your words. I’m hinged to the tracks, and no matter the amount of determination I believe in myself to have(it’s entirely false though), I cannot derail. I cannot.

My skin is coated lightly in sweat, and it’s your doing. There’s so much more I want to say, but at this point, you’ve walked away, or maybe you’ve tuned

me out. If this is written down, I think you might have ripped up the page, or let it drop from your hand into the puddle of rain gathering at your doorstep.

I’m disposable - I know. I’ve always known. When it finally started to sink in...you’d think I’d be able to walk away. I wanted to I think, somewhere inside me.

I even told myself once(or twice) that I was done. Really though, I’ll never be through with this. I could keep talking or keep writing or keep feeling everything I need to for this, and it will never be enough.

As much as I tried to take it all back - you still hold a part of me. -Archus Brodie-

Nautilus - The Submarine City

SS: Before I answer your questions I want to salute all the readers of FANG. I am much honored by your interest in my builds. Please forgive my bad spelling, English is not my native language, but I will do my best.

GS: Tell me your vision of life in a steampunk universe?

SS: This is a wide subject! in a few words, I envision a steampunk universe through an omnipresent technology. Technology that could be, futuristic, with an architectural context that belongs in the past. In this case the end of the 19th century to the 30s. An old fashioned and romantic science-fiction, if you will.

GS: What draws you to the Steampunk style?

SS: In one hand, I’m a lover of art and design, especially the movement that one would call “art nouveau”. I could quote artists as Gaudi or H.Guimard but also from architects of the beginning of the 20th as famous Eiffel Gustave. On

the other hand I’m a lover of science-fiction, so mix both and you’ll know what draws me to the Steampunk style.

GS: Where do you draw inspiration for your builds?

SS: In Second Life, it’s a bit particular. I have made my first build in SL because I was looking for a specific object and I wasn’t able to find it. But in a more general way, I can say that I draw inspiration from museums where I often go in Paris, France, in particular “Art and Works” museum that is a mine of inspiration for all steampunk lovers. I draw inspiration too from books I have read when I was younger such as books of Jules Verne.

GS: How do you envision your builds being used by others?

SS: Well, most of my builds have no utility except being nice to see. So I build them in the only purpose to be used by people who want something different, something not

useful but beautiful ( laugh )

GS: What builds do you have in SL?

also from architects of the beginning of the 20th as famous Eiffel Gustave. On the other hand I’m a lover of science-fiction, so mix both and you’ll know what draws me to the Steampunk style.

GS: Where do you draw inspiration for your builds?

SS: In Second Life, it’s a bit particular. I have made my first build in SL because I was looking for a specific object and I wasn’t able to find it. But in a more general way, I can say that I draw inspiration from museums where I often go in Paris, France, in particular “Art and Works” museum that is a mine of inspiration for all steampunk lovers. I draw inspiration too from books I have read when I was younger such as books of Jules Verne.

GS: How do you envision your builds being used by others?

SS: Well, most of my builds have no utility except being nice to see. So I build them in the only purpose to be used by people who want something different, something not

useful but beautiful ( laugh )

GS: What builds do you have in SL?

SS: I have many! I rent a sim where I build my “own universe”. The sim name is “France3D Futuna” and the build there is called Nemo, There is a submarine city, a giant submarine the “Nautilus”, a very nice Steampunk village, and soon, a gigantic Flying City.

GS: Do you RP within your builds? If so, tell me about the story of the character you play.

SS: No I don’t RP within my builds, I was in a RP some time ago using a CCS meter. My character was a Lycan, a very stupid one, with a heart that was too small to correctly drain oxygen to the brain when I was turning into a beast. So no I don’t RP within my builds, but I know that some people do.

GS: Do you create your builds from the ground up? (custom textures, ect)

SS: Absolutely! Half of the time I spend on a build is spent in Photoshop creating textures. I have a precise idea of what I want regarding the design of a build and I work faster if I work alone. I only work with other creator when I need a special script, and it’s always custom orders.

GS: Do you have a store or product line? If so, please provide its location and tell me about the products.

SS: Yes I have store, its located at the FRANCE3D Futuna sim at (91/148/21) Concerning the product I sell textures from my own collection, Sky houses in a Steampunk style, and objects such as globes, planetarium, clocks etc.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions, we look forward to seeing your gigantic flying city in the near future. -Grathum Seriman-

SS: Yes I have store, its located at the FRANCE3D ) Concerning the product

I sell textures from my own collection, Sky houses in a Steampunk style, and objects such as globes,

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions, we look forward to seeing your gigantic flying city in the near

-Grathum Seriman-