I’d like to introduce an all-new role-play region dedicated to urban-noir stories – the port city of Laveau, or simply the Backwaters.

This is considered an expansion of the Crack Den community, mostly inspired by Dead End City which I had promised long ago that I would build them a new home. Though years have gone by, I finally find the right inspiration and purpose to create this destination for role-play.

What is the backstory?

Read it here: http://thecrackden.com/laveau

How is this related to the Crack Den?

The remote town of Laveau is considered to be “hours” away from Hathian, deep in the backwaters of Louisiana.

Crack Den is an urban sprawl with many story themes and opportunities, ranging from family to criminal. CD has stood the test of time because of our commitment to maintaining a creative community and demanding thoughtful story-making and writing.

Backwaters follows a similar theme, but is designed for more noir, and outright capture-type stories. The backstory underscores an ominous presence of the “Silent Syndicate” and an evil sheriff with an “iron-like” grip to maintain a sense of lawlessness. Youth characters are also not allowed here.

Do I need to create a new character to play here?

No. It’s the same Story HUD that works across Crack Den, Columtreal University, Seaside School, and now Backwaters. So long as you’re on a CD region, including Laveau, the story HUD will reflect the same character.

Your street cred and chapters will grow regardless of where you play within the Crack Den universe.

If you wish to play a new character, please do so on an alt so the HUD can create a new profile/character along with it.

How are groups like businesses and factions setup?

Similar to businesses in Hathian and CU, Backwaters has ~20 official businesses to instantly join. Each group has a vanity role/title and also helps reinforce the overarching sinister storyline and danger that the town is known for.

I will have taggable walls available here, as well. Factions from either communities will use a similar system. In terms of factions in Laveau, there will be more of an organizational crime element due to the trafficking (all kinds) that the backstory tells.

Do I need to register for Backwaters?

Technically, you don’t. However, I recommend it, to get into the main role-play group and have a more dedicated presence within the community. If you are a CD Citizen of student, the instant inviters will work for you.

The character registration process allows you to pick one of two starting roles: lost or lurker.

What updates were made to the HUD recently?

The latest HUD now supports your presence in Backwaters. Like the university, your HUD will visually change.

I will be rolling out another update soon with additional features and a few fixes – stay tuned for that.

What should we know about the build?

The sim itself was Dead End City once before I closed it down and attached it to Hathian. Some of the build, especially by the coast, are post-apocalyptic builds from Outbreak!

All CD regions have a custom windlight setting that I designed (from cloud, lighting to sun textures!). I went deep on immersion – all custom made sound effects. The lighting is intentionally a touch darker in Laveau to help enhance the danger and creepy ambiance … and also accentuate the neon lighting on buildings.

Final word?

Like CU, my hope is Backwaters will become a beacon and new home for role-players who yearn for this kind of genre and our commitment to immersion and story writing. I would appreciate you all doing your part to help promote the sim and even come over and help start up some stories.

If you have cross-over ideas, please do share!

Visit Backwaters here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Laveau/134/107/3157