Do you remember Sheraka?
Sheraka is a Second Life character/account I created years ago. It’s my teen account. At the time, I used it for naughty high school role-play and research about age-play in Second Life.
I woke her up recently for the same purpose. Things turned out differently, and Sheraka got drawn into her own storyline.
School Role-Play in Second Life?
Sheraka needed to find a new school. My old school, Rockey Valley, closed a long time ago.
Hence I was “sim-hoping” to find a fun place for college or university role-play, preferably with an adult touch.
I did visit the few ones I found via Inworld search. There are few school or college role-play regions in Second Life (I will write a guide about these soon).
The ones I did find were nice to look at, but something was missing.
None of them gave me a “wow effect.” Most were not dedicated to school role-play regions but were part of a more extensive community role-play theme.
But worse, I didn’t see role-players around.
I was about to give up on the idea of school role-play in Second Life, but then I stumbled over something that sparked my curiosity. It was Chandra who first told me about it.
A group called “mischief managed.”
The Return of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Are you a Harry Potter fan? If yes, you must see the region created for role-play at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Second Life.
Yes, I know.
It is not the first time somebody created a region that resembles Hogwarts.
My blogger colleague Nalates wrote an article about a previous project. I was not enthusiastic about those previous attempts.
The return of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to Second Life is different. A different building level and an advanced role-play system make it the best role-play region you have ever seen in Second Life.
I am not exaggerating, and I am not easy to impress either.
Joining Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Second Life
(Of course, before you can join the role-play group called “mischief managed,” you must create a Second Life account first. You can do so for free here: Join Second Life.)
Joining the group proved to be complicated.
You need to apply for membership and create your character. A so-called ALO (no idea what it stands for) will guide you through the process.
My ALO was very picky about details in my character’s backstory. They require a detailed backstory, and every detail must align with how the characters are described in the Harry Potter books.
I had to make several amendments to my story and background until the ALO was happy enough to approve my character and invite me to the group.
It went as far as I had to explain the size of my wand. I had chosen a very small one in the application, not knowing that it mattered (size does matter after all).
You can fill in an application at the landing point or on their website. Try to be as specific as possible.
Don’t be disappointed when you don’t get approved straight away. Instead, tweak your story and background until it is suitable and detailed enough.
Yes, it is a bit of work, but at least this ensures all role-players are on the same page. Immersion will be a lot better that way.
Important note:
This is not an adult theme. The entire region is strictly PG-rated. Any form of sex play is strictly forbidden, including for adult characters.
The reason is apparent: Many characters played are minors (students), and age-play is against the TOS of Second Life. They give an in-depth explanation about this on their website.
Getting An Appropriate Outfit.
Like in every role-play theme in Second Life, you need to dress the part. The dress code at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
To get started, you do get a free school uniform at the Landing point. It could be more spectacular, but hey, it’s free.
Free Hogwarts School Outfit:
Initially, you may not want to invest money into your appearance because you have yet to determine if you will like the role-play. Hence, you should get your toe in the water on a free outfit first and buy the cool stuff later.
I am different.
I raided the stores behind the landing point straight after being accepted and got some cool outfits there.
Time to Visit Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
There is more to it than “just” the castle itself. There are some other locations you may remember from the Harry Potter books.
Here are some pictures of different places to get an idea of what a great building it is.
Hogsmeade:
Diagon Alley
Ministry of Magic
Oh, you have been patient. What you want to see are some impressions of the castle itself.
Here we go.
Gallery of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Second Life
Sherakas New Storyline
I am a 16-year-old student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in my sixth year. I am a half-blood, my dad is a muggle, and my mother was a witch.
My mother got killed under mysterious circumstances when I was very young. Ever since, I have lived with my muggle dad, a brother, and a sister.
My first showing of magic was when I got the chore to sweep the house floor. Suddenly, the broom started to move on its own.
When I joined Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I was placed in the house of Ravenclaw.
I keep you updated.
Note:
Do watch the videos on YouTube about how to get started. It will save you a lot of time.