Escape to Atlantis

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of being personally toured around the brand new Atlantis 2100 build on the Verdana sim by its two owners, Braden Darkstone and his partner, Etcher Giano. I had briefly seen some of Atlantis 2100 the prior evening at a Second Pride 2009 Coming Out Party, but little did I know that I was about to be stunned with some of the most scenic views, amazing architecture and breathtaking beauty. I’ve tried to capture this in the photos above and below, but these really don’t do the place justice. This is a place that has to be seen in person.

From the amazing Secret Love Garden, Lucifers Remorse, Gabriels Promise, Celebration Temples and the convergence of heaven meeting hell, you will not be disappointed in what you discover on this truly amazing sim. It can be visited here at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Vernada/174,124,47 - I managed to sit down with both owners at their home for an exclusive interview to find out more about Atlantis 2001.
INV: Braden, Etcher, thank you so much for the wonderful tour of your new Atlantis 2100 sim at Vernada. It's a breathtaking build and one of the most amazing sims Ive seen in all my time here in Second Life. What led you to jump in and build such an incredible sim?

Braden Darkstone: Well, let me start if etcher doesnt mind....

Etcher Giano: go ahead love

Braden Darkstone: I originally came to SL to do artwork. But I found the personalities in SL so very diverse and amazing. I soon amassed a small group of friends. I loved clubbing in SL. Eventually after a few relationships I and a few properties I owned, I decided to build something I hadnt seen in SL. A themed community service area. And that is what Atlantis really is all about. This is actually the second Atlantis 2100 build.

INV: Upon the tour that you guys just give me, it's clear that there's a notable heaven and hell theme on the sim. What influenced you to run with that theme? Does it have any personal resonance?

Braden Darkstone: Well, I wanted a theme that is evocative, sensual and recognizable across international boundaries. The battle for souls is among the oldest, most recognizable themes. With the help of my friends though we spun it. Rather than God vs Satan. We took gods two favored angels. Lucifer and Gabriel and themed those areas of the build around the avenging angel and the outcast angel.

Etcher Giano: We both agreed to continue to run with that theme from there while I was building I just happened to be adding symbolism to the areas making them more then we both could have wished for.

INV: Those two Gods are clearly enshrined in several stunning statues across the sim, did you make most of the sim yourself?

Braden Darkstone: Well, as for me.....I built the basic skeleton for the two clubs, which Etcher then refined. He built most of what is here in terms of structure from scratch. The statues and amenities were all purchased.

Etcher Giano: We did collaborate on the major points of the structure. But yes I started building the structure with the celebration temples because they were going to be large and a major focal point, and then I worked from the heaven side to the hell side making them have similar architectural pieces yet having a complete different feel.
INV: You are both clearly a very happy couple. This is a perfect place for romance and a must for any couple to visit to spend some time here. You also mentioned that you were considering allowing weddings and other special events to take place here. Who does Atlantis 2100 appeal to? Any category of people? Gay, straight, mixed? Are you looking for any particular demographic of people to visit you?

Braden Darkstone: That part was a crucial component from my view. I wanted the two sides to be very much physically the same structure but vastly different in feel. We are a proud, out loud, gay couple obviously..... But Atlantis is built as a community space. It is open to anyone to use who is accepting of other opinions and views. We will focus on the GLBT and furry communities primarily, but I welcome any group that is not hate based or biased to hold an event there.

Etcher Giano: We are open to all demographics, Gay, Straight, Furry everyone is welcome in Atlantis 2100. We market as a Gay sim but encourage others to come and explore and party with usINV: You staged your first event here on Saturday with the special Coming Out Party to kick-start Pride 2009, which is in aid of Amnesty International this year. How did you feel about staging such a prestigious event and being affiliated with such a wonderful fundraising event that is "Second Pride" and do you intend or hope to be more involved with Second Pride 2009 in the new year?

Braden Darkstone: Well, of course Etcher and I are deeply honored to be affiliated with Second Pride in any way. This island was built for just such functions.

Etcher Giano: I attended Pride 2008 last year and it was a blast, I wish I had known about it sooner so I could have become a sponsor, This year we were approached about holding the Coming out event and jumped right on the wagon what a way to help then to give them a venue we have toiled over. I think we both definitely want to continue our work with Second Pride.

INV: That leads me on to my next question. You have 3 separate nightclubs here at Atlantis 2100. Each are themed very differently. For example, one is in the heaven side and another in hell. What will be your focus for the clubs and what can people expect to see from them that sets you apart from other gay dance clubs and nightclubs out there?

Braden Darkstone: Well, those who attended the Original Lucifers Remorse will remember that it was a rather theatrical experience. We will continue that tradition. We were also known for having great sponsors for our events and as many freebies as we could provide. We took a genuine interest in our patrons. Always strove to make them feel at home and welcome as friends. Beyond that though.....We took a genuine interest in our patrons. Always strove to make them feel at home and welcome as friends. Gabriels Promise will have quiter, more intimate vents. Ballroom dances, different music, etc.INV: You also have some fantastic looking condos for residential letting and commercial stores available in various mall space here at Atlantis 2001. What would you say to attract people to those?

Braden Darkstone: The really great thing about the shopping spaces is that they are open directly to the clubs. So patrons leaving the club to explore will see them immediately. And the condos are set off away from all the action in a very private setting.

INV: When does Atlantis 2100 officially open to the public? When will the clubs be open and when will people be able to rent residential condos and commercial space? Will there be an opening party?

Braden Darkstone: Well Etcher and I talked about this. We decided to leave the doors open after Second Pride's coming out party.

Etcher Giano: Our Official open date is December 31st. We are planning a great Opening Party to take place New Years Eve in the Celebration Temples. After that our clubs will be fully up and operational.

Braden Darkstone: Yup. A Masquerade Ball. It should be a blast.
INV: WOW, that sounds very exciting. If you were to each describe Atlantis 2100 in one single sentence to somebody who has never heard of it, how would you describe it?

Braden Darkstone: I would say this....Atlantis 2100 is a fun, romantic place to come shop, live and dance that has to be seen to appreciate.

Etcher Giano: Atlantis 2100 is a magical place were dreams have been brought to our reality, it is a place to enjoy solitude as well as company of others, definitely a place you wont want to miss.

INV: Atlantis 2100 sounds like a very exciting project and I would like to take this opportunity for giving me the personal tour and inviting me into your home. You are a very lovely couple and I wish you both the absolute best success in the future. Do you have any final comments or quick plugs to make?

Braden Darkstone: I would like to send out an open invitation to the community to come explore the New Atlantis 2100. It’s a great update of the original. I would also like to invite any group looking for a place to stage a meeting, ceremony, or celebration to contact Braden Darkstone or Etcher Giano. We would love to host you.

Etcher Giano: I want to take the time to thank Bigdaddie Beatie from the Gayborhood for building the Beach Condos and invaluable help when it came to building structures, Also a big thanks to Jace Lewis for returning to Atlantis to put his thumbprint on it as his build was much an inspiration. I hope everyone come and enjoys what we have done here and bring your friends its truly a special place.

INV: Thanks guys.

Be sure to visit the amazing Atalantis 2100 sim at the following link http://slurl.com/secondlife/Vernada/174,124,47