Thursday, June 22, 2023

Exploring Kingdoms: An Interview with The Kingdom of Unity

The Kingdom of Unity.


What inspired you to create the Kingdom of Unity, and how does it differentiate itself from other kingdoms?

One day the thought came to me - I'd like to see what I could accomplish to make a new kingdom. There had not been any announced since...well, for as long as I could remember. I was in a kingdom already and while I was not unhappy there, I just felt like I needed to move on. I sat on the idea for some time. I asked my closest friends and loved ones if they thought it was something I should do, and I was encouraged to. I would not have been able to do it without knowing others believed in my ideas.

 

I think what differentiates Unity from most other kingdoms is that we strive to avoid tribalism and hierarchy. We wear other kingdom flags if those kingdoms share our ideals of community and kindness. Unity is more like a family - and all families have extended family! I ask to not be called the "queen" of this kingdom. I do not wish to be considered a queen in this family. I may have founded Unity but I do not rule it. 


Can you share some of the Kingdom of Unity's major achievements and milestones?

One time we had all three spots in the Weekly Royal Tournament! It was quite an achievement. Milestones...hmm... Purchasing and creating our headquarters. I have tried to make it a nice home for all. We are almost to 50 members, and I honestly am a bit surprised and a lot happy about that. My short tenure as Queen of Society I have to also give credit to the kingdom for. If it were not for their encouragement and the fact that they believed in me, I would not have had that honor. 

 

What are the core values that guide your leadership and the culture of your kingdom?

Kindness, helpfulness, positivity and respect. Without respect we have nothing at all. That does not mean we all agree all of the time. I encourage discussion and debate, but we do not tolerate hateful behavior or words. While we may not always be happy about things, we can discuss that without it devolving into nothing but negative thought. 


How do you envision the future growth and development of your kingdom, while maintaining its atmosphere?

When I started Unity I expected rather slow growth; I have been surprised to see how fast we have grown in number and our movement in kingdom points has been much faster than I expected. However,it is important to keep our values steady and add on those who are similar in their attitudes. For this reason, while I encourage some recruitment by members, I ask that they get to know a person before encouraging them to join the kingdom. We welcome differences...but not when it will keep us from maintaining our peaceful atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, but I am okay with telling folks that it may not be the right home for them if they are hurtful to this.

 

How do you handle conflicts or challenges that may arise within your kingdom?

First, I encourage those who have conflict to try to work it out themselves. If they are not able to do this, I may mediate if all parties wish me to. My RL job requires that I do this also, so I am not a stranger to this sort of thing. I always encourage our people to do what is right for them. As we are all different, we will not always agree with each other. As long as we do this with love in our hearts I think we will be okay. 


Challenges - oh we have faced a few. I try to keep my eye on the big picture and to see things from all possible angles. I also try to maintain a positive attitude when things are challenging, and encourage, encourage, encourage. I'd rather celebrate what works well than focus on what doesn't. You get more of what you focus on. 


How do you attract and integrate new members into the Kingdom of Unity community?

I think the best way to attract new members to our community is to be visible, wear the flag (if you want to), help others, and show kindness to others. When new members arrive I think integration is pretty easy as we have a very welcoming group of people. Everyone gets a welcome folder with our Unity flag, gestures, landmarks, and I announce them. It brings me a lot of joy to see how excited folks are to see a new name. And of course, I know if a new member has a question or needs help with anything they are going to have plenty in our family who will volunteer to show them the ropes.


Can you discuss the benefits and amenities available for your kingdom's members, such as discounted farm rentals and private buoy access?

Oh yes... who doesn't wish to know what joining a kingdom will get for them? You  do pay taxes, after all. We have private buoys, discounted supplies at our headquarters, discounts at Mana Sidreal Rentals, and monthly prizes for active fishers and top fishers. Everyone gets a gift of potions each week. We have a nice headquarters that members may set to home with a bunch of games, a TV, and some cute little KittyCats everyone seems to love. A small bit of free land is offered for beginning farmers - more to come as we grow, of course. 

There are also events in the works. We want to have fun! As we grow, so do the benefits. There will be much more in the future. 


Can you discuss the decision-making process within your kingdom and how members' voices are incorporated?

Yes! First, before I take any money from our tax funds I ask in our chat or via a survey what the kingdom would like me to do with it. I may have ideas, but there is always a place for others to make suggestions. 

Some members were also very generous with donations. Before I use those donations I also ask for permission to use them. These donations helped me to purchase our kingdom headquarters land. The members had asked for our own home, and they approved the purchase. If I purchase decor, anything with kingdom donations or taxes it is first discussed with members.

The same goes for our chat rules and the like. I had a very open policy at first, but some members felt this was leading to very very negative discussions. And again, I want people to feel free to discuss concerns; however, we need to be mindful that this can lead to a collective "down" feeling and understand we don't need a spiral. This led to some rules in regards to positivity and not calling people names and such. You aren't going to get kicked out if you come in upset and need to vent. That's not the goal. The goal is to collectively find a way to help you turn around whatever is not going well and help you to find your smile again. 


What inspired you to create a kingdom where everyone has an equal voice, and how has this impacted its growth?

It's my belief that people who work together are much stronger than a group of people who just happen to have the same flag. I also think it is important that everyone feels empowered and knows it's *their* kingdom. Not mine. You know, the rules for kingdoms actually state that if the person who leads the kingdom is not doing it right and the group is not satisfied, they may have a vote to have that person removed. And it should be so. 

Now... there have been some losses in our kingdom because while this is a lovely idea, not everyone feels this is the way to do things. Or they realize it is not what they want. Everyone having an equal voice means that someone you may not be incredibly fond of has the same power as you do. It also means that if a majority decide to do something and you disagree you need to be okay with that. 


How do you envision the future growth and development of your kingdom, while maintaining its commitment to equality and respect?

 It's important to know people before encouraging them to join. We are not in a race to the top, and while I know our group wishes to grow, I also know that it's not a goal to be the biggest. It's much better to know that everyone believes it is important to keep this kingdom one that is fair and where we show each other respect. 

 


 Stay tuned for more interviews in our exploration of kingdoms!


Monday, June 5, 2023

Unleash the Magic of Genetic Breeding with Snuffles

 Unleash the Magic

of

Genetic Breeding with Snuffles!

Unveil the enigmatic origins of Snuffles, mystical creatures inhabiting Second Life's forests. Once tamed, Snuffles become loyal companions, forging deep bonds with their owners. Engage in genetic breeding to unlock captivating appearances and trading opportunities. Snuffles' advanced system simulates the exchange of genes, offering limitless variations in skins and body parts. Join our vibrant community, connect with breeders, and shape Snuffles' destiny.

The Snuffles ecosystem is intentionally designed to support a robust secondary market, where fortunes await those who act swiftly.

Don't miss out on this incredible chance to make your mark in the world of Snuffles and secure your financial success. Join us today and immerse yourself in a world brimming with potential!

Quick Getting Started
Guide for Snuffles Breedables
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To kick-start your Snuffles breeding adventure, here are some initial steps to get you started. For more comprehensive information, make sure to visit our website at http://www.snufflesbreedables.net.

Already bought a Snuffle Tree or Stump?

Placing the Tree and Hatching New Snuffles:

  1. Begin by rezzing your Nest Tree in a suitable location.
  2. Watch as Burrows start to appear beneath the tree, signaling the potential arrival of new Snuffles.
  3. Interact with the Burrows by touching them, and from the menu, select "Hatch."
  4. Give your newly hatched Snuffle a memorable name as it emerges in a mesmerizing flash of light.

With these steps completed, you are well on your way to expanding your Snuffles collection.


Buying a Snuffle

To purchase a new Snuffle, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have Lindens in your Goldtokens account. (In the ATM Hut you will see a ATM with the word 'Snuffles" on it, right click and pay) You will need enough Lindens to cover the cost of the Snuffle you wish to buy.

    ATM Hut

    Snuffles ATM (Right Click and Pay)

  2. Search the profiles of Snuffle breeders on the website to find the listed Snuffles available for sale. Take note of the ID number of the desired Snuffle.

  3. Make sure you have enough available prim allowance on your land to accommodate the Snuffle you are about to purchase.

  4. Obtain a supply of crystals if needed. These crystals can be found on the Second Life Marketplace at the following link: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Snuffles-Breedables-Energy-50-Energy-Crystals-Genetic-Breeding-System-Trade-Burrows-Farm-Resources/4244878

  5. Set your Snuffle tree/stump as the primary tree by accessing its menu options.

  6. When you are ready to proceed with the purchase, bring up the menu on your Snuffle tree/stump and select the "Buy Snuffle" option. Enter the ID number of the desired Snuffle and click "Send."

  7. Your new Snuffle will be delivered to the vicinity of your Snuffle tree/stump shortly after completing the purchase process.

Please note that if you purchase a Snuffle directly from a seller in-world, you will need to use the re-burrow tool on your Snuffle Nest, enter the Snuffle's name, and select the appropriate option to collect your Snuffle.

Preparing for your New Snuffle


Before bringing your new Snuffle home, it's important to prepare your land for their arrival. Follow these steps to ensure everything is ready:

  1. Purchase a Snuffle tree or stump, also known as a nest. You can find these for sale in-world (ATM Hut has them in BP) or on the Second Life Marketplace.

  2. Stock up on seeds, (tree or stump comes with some) which will be the primary source of food for your Snuffles. You can acquire seeds from the Marketplace or in-world seed exchange. If you buy seeds from the Marketplace, rez the seed box on the ground and click it to transfer the seeds to your tree. If you obtain seeds from the in-world seed exchange, they will automatically be sent to your tree. Ensure you have your tree or stump already rezzed before acquiring seeds.

  3. Gather a small supply of crystals. These crystals can be obtained from the Snuffles Marketplace store. You need these for breeding new Snuffle's.

  4. Check your available prim allowance to ensure it can accommodate the number of Snuffles you plan to have. Each Snuffle has a land impact of 15, but if you freeze them in place using the appropriate option, the land impact is reduced to 9 per Snuffle.

  5. If you prefer to keep your Snuffles private and not have them listed on the Snuffles materials collections resource list, please contact the staff to request setting your tree as Private

Nourishing Your Snuffles - The Importance of Feeding
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Feeding your Snuffles is a vital aspect of their well-being and breeding success. The Tree you possess initially provides enough sustenance in the form of Sunflower Seeds to support the number of burrows it comes with. However, once you deplete this supply, it's crucial to replenish their food source promptly.

To acquire Sunflower Seeds, you have two options:

  1. Visit our marketplace store at https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Snuffles-Breedables-Food-1000-Sunflower-Seeds-50-discount/4212578 and make a purchase.
  2. Look for a Sunflower Seed Vendor, usually found in Business Park (Fish Hunt Headquarters, near Wili's Snuffles and the ATM Hut) or other locations within LGH. Right-click the vendor and pay. I have found that buying seeds at 20L at a time works for me, look in Nearby Chat you will see how many you have bought.
How many Seeds Do You Need?
Please note that the rate of food consumption can slightly vary over time due to time dilation between servers and sims. As of the latest update on November 30th, 2018, Snuffles now consume approximately 216 Sunflower Seeds per day. The current market price for Sunflower Seeds ranges from 0.02 to 0.03 L$ per seed.

Here's a breakdown of the cost based on different multipliers:

  • x1: 4.32-6.48 L$ per day / 0.18-0.27 L$ per hour
  • x2: 8.64-12.96 L$ per day / 0.36-0.54 L$ per hour
  • x3: 12.96-19.44 L$ per day / 0.54-0.81 L$ per hour
  • x4: 17.28-25.92 L$ per day / 0.72-1.08 L$ per hour
  • x5: 21.6-32.4 L$ per day / 0.9-1.35 L$ per hour
  • x6: 25.92-38.88 L$ per day / 1.08-1.62 L$ per hour
  • x7: 30.24-45.36 L$ per day / 1.26-1.89 L$ per hour
  • x8: 34.56-51.84 L$ per day / 1.44-2.16 L$ per hour
  • x9: 38.88-58.32 L$ per day / 1.62-2.43 L$ per hour
  • x10: 43.2-64.8 L$ per day / 1.8-2.7 L$ per hour

Remember, Snuffles consume approximately 3 seeds per cycle of materials produced, regardless of the multiplier setting.

Ensuring a consistent and nutritious sunflower seed supply for your Snuffles guarantees their well-being and maximizes their breeding potential.

Pathfinding and Recovering Lost Snuffles
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Pathfinding is essential for Snuffles to navigate their surroundings and prevent them from wandering away. By setting up a navmesh, an invisible 3D map that defines their movement boundaries, you can ensure a smoother experience and reduce sim lag caused by pet activity.

To enable pathfinding, follow these steps:

  1. Use the official Second Life viewer and refer to the guide provided in the link below: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Pathfinding_Tools_in_the_Second_Life_Viewer

    This guide will help you configure a navmesh for your Snuffles to walk over using prims. However, if pathfinding is already enabled in your sim, the ground should have a navmesh ready for your Snuffles to traverse.

If you prefer to restrict your Snuffles' movement, you can utilize the 'freeze' command found in the menu options.

Recovering Lost Snuffles

Do you have 2 stumps and you forgot to set one to Primary?

O..O WHERE'S YOUR SNUFFLE?!?!?

In the event of losing a Snuffle, you can easily recover it using the following steps:

  1. Obtain the name of the lost Snuffle, which can be found in its description.

  2. Alternatively, you can access your personal profile on our main website, where all your Snuffles are listed. Here's an example profile page: http://www.snufflesbreedables.net/tools/player.php?name=Elanna%20Althouse

    Check Your Profile and Snuffle Details

    Access your profile on the Snuffle website by visiting: http://www.snufflesbreedables.net/tools/lab.php

    Use the Owner-Specific Filter and enter your name to search for your Snuffles.

  3. Click on your primary tree or stump.

  4. From the menu options, select the 're-burrow' option.

  5. Enter the name of your lost Snuffle in the provided text box.

  6. Wait for a few seconds, and a replacement burrow will appear under your tree.

You can also use this method to fix a Snuffle that has become a ghost due to running out of food.


Breeding Snuffles
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To start breeding your Snuffles, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Snuffle Website Visit the Snuffle website by clicking the following link: http://www.snufflesbreedables.net

Step 2: Check Your Profile and Snuffle Details Access your profile on the Snuffle website by visiting: http://www.snufflesbreedables.net/tools/lab.php

Use the Owner-Specific Filter and enter your name to search for your Snuffles. You will find two sections below the Snuffle stats that indicate which Snuffles can be bred together. It also shows the percentage chance of the resulting baby's appearance with each breeding partner.

Step 3: Ensure You Have the Right Breeding Partner Check if you have the suitable Snuffle partner to breed with. If not, you may need to trade with other players to obtain the desired partner. You can explore the Snuffle marketplace at: http://www.snufflesbreedables.net/market or view the available markets at: http://www.snufflesbreedables.net/tools/markets.php

Step 4: Prepare the Breeding Pair Once you have both breeding partners in-world, ensure they have reached their minimum breeding age. They will breed approximately once per Human Day. Click on the male Snuffle and select "Breed" from the menu, then do the same with the female Snuffle partner. Both partners should select "Breed" within a 10-minute timeframe for a successful match. (Usually seconds to be honest :) )

After a short wait, a new Burrow will appear underneath your Snuffle Tree, containing your new Baby Snuffle!

To explore limited skin possibilities and learn more, you can visit: http://www.snufflesbreedables.net/guides/possible.php

For a comprehensive list of all possible Snuffles, visit: http://www.snufflesbreedables.net/snuffles/

By following these steps, you can begin breeding Snuffles and explore the exciting possibilities.



Snuffles FAQ
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Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Snuffles:

  1. What does the "Freeze" option do under commands on the tree? The "Freeze" option is intended to prevent Snuffles from moving.

  2. Is there any way of renaming Snuffles after you've named them? No, if you wish to rename a Snuffle, you will need to re-burrow it.

  3. Is it possible to place my tree in a public parcel with other Snuffle trees? Yes, you can place your tree in a public parcel with other Snuffle trees. Just make sure to put your Snuffles in the new tree and set it as the primary tree.

  4. Do Snuffles lose stats by re-burrowing? When you re-burrow a Snuffle, its age and breeding timer are reset.

  5. How much food is consumed in one day? Each Snuffle consumes 216 seeds per day.

  6. If I save the Snuffle in inventory, will they stop eating and die? No, Snuffles will be fine when stored in inventory. They don't eat while in inventory.

  7. Can a re-roll change the genders of a burrow? Yes, a re-roll can change the genders of a burrow, but only if it was originally male.

  8. Can we farm sunflower seeds? Yes, you can acquire a sunflower seed farm and grow your own seeds.

  9. How often do Snuffles poo? Snuffles poop every 20 minutes, and every 2 minutes when on 10x speed.

  10. When can Snuffles breed? Snuffles can breed between 100 and 10,000 Snuffle years. After reaching the minimum breeding age, they will breed approximately every 24 hours if there is no multiplier. If you want to breed them after age 10,000, you will need to re-burrow and age them to 100 again.

  11. How fast do Snuffles age? Snuffles age with each poop. With recent changes, aging is now faster. Roughly, they can age to 100 in one day. However, you can speed up the aging process by using a multiplier, up to a maximum of x10.

Snuffles also produce valuable materials, including poop, trees (charcoal), and red and purple mushrooms. These resources can be used in crafting potions, farming or sold back to the community. It's important to collect them quickly as they have a limited lifespan.

 

Saving Seeds and Preventing Starvation

To save seeds and prevent your Snuffles from starving during server downtimes or when you're not actively using them, you can follow this simple trick:

  1. Click on each Snuffle while holding down the Ctrl key and select the "Edit" option. This allows you to select multiple Snuffles simultaneously.

  2. Once you have all the Snuffles selected, pick them up by right-clicking and choosing the "Take" option. This will store them in your inventory as objects.

  3. You can keep the Snuffles stored in your inventory for as long as you want without any negative effects. They will retain their age and breeding status.

  4. When you're ready to bring them back out, simply rez the Snuffles from your inventory.

By using this trick, you can avoid unnecessary costs and time associated with feeding the Snuffles while they're not in use. It also helps prevent starvation during server downtimes, ensuring the well-being of your Snuffles.

Please remember that SL servers can experience glitches or downtime, and this method safeguards your Snuffles from starving in such situations.

Sunflower Seed Farming:

  1. Feeding Cost: Snuffles consume approximately 216 sunflower seeds per day. These seeds can be purchased or farmed.

  2. Farming Sunflower Seeds: You can farm your own sunflower seeds by setting up a sunflower farm on your land or a rented plot with rezzing rights. Upon rezzing, the farm will initially require 1 prim, which will gradually increase to 13 prims as the plant grows.

  3. Sunflower Farms: Sunflower farms can be purchased on the Second Life Marketplace or in-world stores.

  4. Farming Experience: As a new farmer, you will gain farming experience with each harvest. The initial harvest yields 650 seeds, and each subsequent harvest increases your overall farming experience and provides a bonus seed, up to a maximum of 1000 seeds per harvest. Note that Farm Frenzy XP does not contribute to Sunflower farming XP.

  5. Watering Sunflowers: Sunflowers need to be watered (touched) 10 times to facilitate their growth. You can offer small rewards in Lindens or Gold Tokens for players to water your farm, or you can do it yourself without a reward. The minimum time from planting to harvest is 72 hours.

  6. Farming Materials: To plant the sunflower farm, you will need the following materials: 5 Biowaste, 5 Clean Water, 65 Fishes, and 10 Small Worms. Keep in mind that removing the farm after planting will result in the loss of materials used and any progress made.

  7. Harvesting and Replanting: Once the sunflowers are ready for harvest, you can collect the seeds and replant the farm for subsequent growth cycles.

If you wish to set a reward for watering your farm, remember to do so before adding the ingredients and starting the farm.

In conclusion, Snuffle breeding in LGH is a rewarding experience. With their adorable looks, evolving skin families, and valuable resources like poop and mushrooms, Snuffles bring joy and potential profits. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newbie, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to dive into the world of Snuffle breeding. So, get ready to collect the poop before it disappears, and let the Snuffle frenzy begin! Happy breeding and may your Snuffles thrive and your sunflower seeds never run empty!



Exploring Kingdoms: An Interview with The Kingdom of Unity

The Kingdom of Unity. What inspired you to create the Kingdom of Unity, and how does it differentiate itself from other kingdoms? One day th...