Find Us in Second Life
Visit The Old Forest
Our gates stand open in the virtual realms of Second Life, awaiting those who would walk our paths. Whether you are a seasoned traveler of Linden Lab’s worlds or newly arrived to these digital shores, the way to us is clear.
- Enter Second Life using a current viewer (we recommend Second Life’s official viewer or Firestorm)
- Open the map (Ctrl-M or via “World” → “World Map”)
- Search for The Old Forest
- Teleport directly to our landing point.
OR
- Open your Second Life viewer
- Open the SL / Firestorm Search by clicking “somewhere” on the SL screen and pressing Ctrl-F
- On the “Places” tab, enter “The Old Forest”, and click “Teleport”.
OR
- Request a landmark: Contact one of our (staff) members in-world (see “Contact Us”) to receive a landmark you can save and use anytime
- Ask a friend (who is already a member of the The Old Forest community) to offer you a teleport.
Once there, proceed to the Boathouse to collect further information, the current Unity Maxim meter, clothing, and weaponry (if needed).
Visitor Guidelines
All who come in peace and with respect for the spirit of Professor Tolkien’s vision are welcome within our borders. We ask only that guests honor a few simple expectations that preserve the character of our community and the experience we seek to create. Complete Second Life newbies may want to allow themselves a little time to get acquainted with the dos and donts of SL avatar handling before visiting us.
- Courtesy and Conduct: You walk among folk engaged in living out a story. Treat others — visitors, residents, and staff alike — with the courtesy you would show in any gathering of kindred spirits. This is a place of peace; bring no discord through our gates.
- Appropriate Attire: Come dressed as one who belongs in these ages: elven finery, human practicality, or the weathered garb of rangers and woodsfolk. Fantasy and medieval attire befits these times. Modern clothing, as comfortable as it may be in other realms, has no place beneath these ancient boughs.
- Know the Land’s Laws: Upon arriving, you will receive a notecard titled “- * The Old Forest * -” explaining our ways in greater detail. We ask that you read it. Additionally, review our Covenant through Second Life’s interface (“World” → “Region Details” [Alt+R] → “Covenant” tab). These documents exist not to burden you, but to ensure all who walk here understand what we preserve and protect.
- Respect the Realm: Honor any areas marked as restricted — some places are not for casual wandering. Furthmore, the forest’s peace is its greatest treasure; guard it as we do. Griefing, harassment, or disruptive behavior will see you escorted beyond our borders.
- Images and Recording: If you wish to capture images or create machinima of The Old Forest for sharing beyond our community, seek permission from our Administrators first. We are often agreeable, but courtesy requires that you ask.
- “Unity Maxim” and “Void” Experiences: We use Second Life experiences to enhance our daily roleplay. We ask visitors to refrain from using them until they have read and understood the “- * The Old Forest * -” notecard and apply for and are granted membership. We appreciate your understanding to the extent.
- Questions? Seek out any Ranger or community member. We are here not merely to enforce these guidelines, but to ensure your visit is memorable for the right reasons.
- Legal Notes: Even in places built from imagination and goodwill, clarity about rights and responsibilities serves everyone who walks these paths. See the "Legal" page to learn more.
Walk well beneath these trees.
Roleplay & Events
Our Community
The Old Forest draws its folk primarily from across the United States and Europe, and so we speak in the Common Tongue — English — as our shared language (not speaking English too well? There are in-world translator apps). Newcomers need not be scholars of Professor Tolkien’s works; what matters more is a willing spirit and respect for the world we seek to bring to life. We are happy to teach what we know, and we learn from each other in turn.
We strive to remain in character as much as circumstances allow, though we understand that the line between the world and the story sometimes blurs. Roleplay here is organic rather than scripted — it emerges from the daily life of the community, from chance encounters on forest paths, and from the challenges we face together.
Regular Gatherings
The community gathers at set times for activities that strengthen both skill and fellowship:
Saturdays at Noon (SLT) - Barding Sessions
Our Chief Bard leads gatherings where tales are told, songs are sung, and the ancient arts of story and memory are kept alive. Some tales draw directly from Professor Tolkien’s legendarium; others are born from our own experiences in these lands. All are welcome to listen, and those brave enough to share their own stories will find an appreciative audience.
Sundays at Noon (SLT) - Sparring or Book Club (alternating)
One week, we gather for martial training: sword-work, archery, and tactical exercises that keep our Rangers, Fighters, and (yes, also) Healers sharp and our borders secure. The next week, we delve into Professor Tolkien’s published works, discussing passages, debating interpretations, and deepening our understanding of the world that inspired our own.
Other Events
Beyond these regular gatherings, special occasions arise as the seasons turn: festivals, councils, expeditions into wild places, and responses to threats both expected and unforeseen. Watch for announcements, or speak with community members about what may be brewing.
Join us. Whether you come to listen or to contribute, to learn or to teach, there is a place for you at our fires.
"The Road goes ever on and on…"
— J.R.R. Tolkien