Kagami 2014 (general)

 I would really love to provide you with images that adequately deliver a sense of the Japanese Horror Event called Kagami 2014↑. The problem is that I was distracted.

You see I don’t often attempt games and so my focus was entirely on what I was doing, not what I was seeing. I’ll try to give you the more pedestrian information and show you other, more suitable sources at the end of this post.

Kagami 2014 (general)

It started with one of those childhood exercises that exist in all cultures, e.g.,  twist the stem off an apple while reciting the alphabet to get the first initial of your future husband/wife. In this case, the harmless-seeming bit of youthful wisdom became far more sinister:

“Hey, you know what? At midnight, put two mirrors facing each other.
　　Then you can see your future spouse in the mirror! “

For most of the children it was just a waste of time. For Kasumi, it became a terrifying adventure. This event is our opportunity to follow and explore in that dark world (kagami means mirror in Japanese).

Kagami 2014 (general)

There are 3 major components to this event. First, it is a game – you wear a HUD which controls your camera and location, and you look for clues and gather objects which are necessary for progress on the journey.

It is also a Hunt; on your way to solving the mystery you look for, and try to collect, 50 yōkai (each releases a soul when you find them). Talk to the right character and you’ll get a map to their locations.

The third aspect to the event is a marketplace↑. Participants were appearing in the game in stunning kimonos after doing their shopping.

The HUD will hold the objects you pick up, hints (when available), your map, the book where you keep track of the souls you’ve released, teleport buttons if you get stuck, and text conversations with the characters you click.

Kagami 2014 (general)

The good news is that this event will run for the full month of August. Keep that in mind because getting into it is not easy. Even the website↑ is difficult to access. I could before the launch on August 1, so I’m thinking it’s just really busy.

The sim is restricted to 35 avatars. You may have to just be patient and keep trying to enter, but it’s worth it though and there was almost no lag, in spite of all the scripts.

You will also want to make sure you have at least 2 hours to complete the entire adventure.

Kagami 2014 (general)

Set your environment to region default and ensure that your script memory is below 1.0 mg or you won’t be able to get the HUD (you can find instructions for checking that here↑, or use one of the stands just outside the gate).

Starting the game is easy↑. You’ll find helpful greeters in the Marketplace if you get stuck and your fellow participants are great sources of instruction. Devin Vaughn was my saviour. :)

I made it half way through and loved it, and I’ll keep trying to get back in to finish. Congratulations to Nao Adagio↑ and the rest of the team!

This video is a wonderful taste of what awaits you and the Flickr group is here↑. I don’t think I’ll be putting two mirrors face-to-face anytime in the near future. :)

Save the Elephants Event (moderate)

I have to start by admitting one of my weaknesses – I cannot deal with “animals in jeopardy”. I am incapable of watching or reading news items, listening to stories, or finishing a book/movie where this is discussed. I will have nightmares if I’m forced to do any of those things.

I do support all the efforts to combat cruelty or rescue victims I can. If I win the lottery I’ll wind up living with far more of them than I do now.

Save the Elephants Event (moderate)

Eliza Wierwight↑ is a much better person than I. She is able to confront a tragic situation, investigate the horror and then do something about it. You can read the genesis of, and important details about, her Save the Elephants project here↑, and this weekend you will be able to learn more, enjoy a fabulous concert, and contribute to the effort.

Save the Elephants Event (moderate)

The Save the Elephants Event↑ will open tomorrow, December 21, and it includes photographs by Lek Chailert↑, the founder of the Save the Elephant Foundation↑. Some of the information presented is ugly, but there is hope and sunlight.

All of the money raised, 100%, goes to the Foundation. If you can’t make the event you can donate at Eliza’s home sim Patron↑.

Patron (moderate)

I’ve given you just a taste of the installation in these photos so it seems appropriate that I give you a taste of the special concert. One of the many things Eliza and I found we had in common when we met years ago, was a true appreciation for Joaquin Gustav↑. I love his latin numbers – not surprisingly, he is from Argentina – but he’s known for romance and jazz and world music.

Joaquin volunteered to do a benefit concert when he heard about Eliza’s project. Tomorrow morning at 11:30↑ you’ll be able to support the efforts and listen to his fabulous sound. This seemed like a seasonally apt example to share, two pieces from his Christmas Album. I plan to be in the audience, and to donate what I can. I just won’t be able to look at all of the pictures.