storm
stɔːm/
noun: ⚡ a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow.
⚡ a tumultuous reaction; an uproar or controversy.
verb:
⚡ to move angrily or forcefully in a specified direction.
⚡ to suddenly attack and capture by means of force.
Stormy Valley is an atmospheric role-play environment created within the virtual worlds of Second Life. It was created out of desperation for a back-to-basics role-play that catered for adult themes and realism, and wasn't set in a the much-used and often cliche urban setting.
THE CONCEPT
A year of renting various parcels throughout Second Life had left me wanting more. Certain aspects of some environments and role-plays, such as Somersley Estates, Missing Mile, and Dead End city, though thoroughly enjoyable, did not give me complete satisfaction.
Initially I focused my energies on decorating my rentals to fit the chosen environment and making my home as realistic as possible. After the decoration was done however the role-play often left much to be desired or was not happening at all (quite likely due to timezone clashes, something unavoidable in SL). I tried to focus on raising a family only to find my adult desires with other adults restricted by G or M rated parcels. I had to travel elsewhere just to "be" an adult, then go home to "be" a mother. It didn't sit right with me (though, where child avatars are concerned, is in keeping with LL's ToS). I continued moving and searching for something that would actually feel like home. I couldn't find anything.
A lot of Sims and role-plays out there cater for 'happy families'. While I don't condone a constantly miserable family, positive 24/7 just didn't appeal to me. To be happy all the time seemed unrealistic. I wanted a balance of both dark AND light, to have time with the kids, and to have time to myself. I grew tired of having to rent M rated land for the family and A rated land for "my" place. I grew tired of having to live two separate lives. Stormy Valley was born from this; specifically, the need to combine family life with a more gritty adult experience.
While I understand this may not be to everyone's likings, by coming here and reading this perhaps in some way you are in search of a more realistic balance to your virtual life too. I hope you have fun and enjoy spending time in my humble creation. Stormy Valley is my new home. I hope you will consider making it yours and your (prim) families too.
See you there!
~ Rae G.
Renae Lee Genovese
Mayor (and creator) of
Stormy Valley, Utherland, SL
