Namaste

I believe that the Universe brings people into your life for a reason.  Some might need you at the time, you might need them.  Or it might be an ongoing exchange of information, support, and lessons.

 Being a liege has some interesting dynamics to it- a parent in one way, a boss/supervisor, a friend,  a mentor, a teacher all wrapped up in one. You are expected to be these things automatically for your minions. Then there are times when you absolutely connect with that other person. It's almost as if the lightbulb goes off and you think "Oh! Oh I see!" The Universe was at play here bringing us together. Fascinating stuff. 

It happened to me last night. Once again, I was taken by surprise by it.  Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised at all. We are all spiritual beings afterall.  In the swirl of many old friends logging in, the excitement, the energy of all being together again, I unexpectedly connected with a new minion.  And though I miss Audrey and DM and so many others, it was a reminder to keep my heart open to new people, new friends, new souls that just might have a lesson or two to teach me.

All images from Magickal Graphics

Loyalty

If there is anything constant about Second Life it's change. The game is constantly evolving and improving minute by minute.  There is always something new to see or try.  New players join every minute as well.  Some join the Bloodlines game, some not. This constant influx of new players requires vast amounts of time to teach them not only Bloodlines, but Second Life as well.

The trouble with Second Life is people get bored. We make our own amusement sometimes. It is a very social game. We make friendships. We joke, we laugh, we tease. Some players make romantic connections. Then come the breakups, the drama.  Others just can't seem to get along. Huge fights occur.  Friendships you felt would never end- do.

As I approach my second rez day on Second Life and my second anniversary as a Bloodlines player, I think of myself as a veteran now.  I've taught hundreds of classes (yes I have. I did the math). I've done more than 100 turnings. Spent endless hours helping, consoling, encouraging, and being a stable presence in this roller coaster of a game.

Throughout this time I have had many, many minions and helped friends' minions as well.  When there is drama- go to Freya. Need a hand? Freya. People leaving and you want to stay? Go to Freya.  I find myself in this position once again.  People leaving, wanting me to leave. Thanks for your help Freya, but we're gonna bail because someone else pissed us off.  Time and again, the stories are endless.You're great, love you forever. Bye.

At what point do I stop caring and throw my hands in the air? Well, I don't. I keep on helping, I keep on trying.  And I will sit here and continue to do so until they kick me off. I refuse to allow the drama to get to me. I refuse to allow someone else to drive me from my home. And though it hurts to have friends leave me once again, friends I thought would never leave me, here I am. You know where to find me if you need me.

Countess/Goliath Status in Bloodlines

Thursday was filled with disappointments but ended with a huge triumph thanks to my minion, Tonee.  Early in the afternoon Valedric and I went on a clan hunting expedition in pursuit of a blood doll for him.  We realized immediately it would be a miserable failure based upon the location. We teleported out and discussed a plan to hunt on our own at a later time.

I stressed the importance of making friends first. Good communication skills, having something in common with another person and patience are essential. I would much rather build a relationship with someone and wait a week or more for them to decide than to turn someone quickly only to have them leave. Minions depend on you for guidance, leadership, and stability. It is up to the liege to provide them with a sense of belonging and assurance. Armed with this information I know he will be an awesome liege one day.

Most of my minions I did not turn myself. I acquired them due to other vampires instability, personal issues, leaving the clan, or leaving SL. I strive to be available, encouraging, listen, help-whatever they might need.  I am loyal to the clan and do not ever have plans of leaving. I provide stability.  Based on these attributes I have had several people reliege to me. Laini, Gaz, Rainy, Cateyes, Adonis, Tonee, Azz. and Lina all were turned by others that relieged to me. I do not hunt them. I do not pursue them. Each and every time someone chooses to join me I am overwhelmed and honored. I do my damnedest to make them proud of their decision. I try to spend time with each of them too. They are my SL family and extremely important to me.

Due to their awesome skills hunting and building the family line I proudly achieved Countess/Goliath status in Bloodlines. http://www.slbloodlines.com/members/682774 You must have 250 souls in your line in order to achieve this. Tonee tipped the scales by bringing in 13 on Thursday. She and Azz reached Deathmerchant/Hellion status themselves. A great big Harrroooo! to all of you. So proud of each and every one of my "minnows". I could just burst!