Since my return to 3DX, I wanted to make some improvements to The Lake beyond just the boardwalk. There were areas at the Lake that I had always planned to update over time. My extended hiatus put a pause to that. Over the last month ,I have worked hard to add a few new areas that offer visitors to the Lake some amazing views, and places to meet, mingle and love. I outline them here and have made it pretty easy to get to the main areas of the Lake by adding a few easy-to-get-to portals. My plan is to continuing to help the Lake evolve as I can.

Upgrade Pavilion

The upgraded Pavilion takes a fresh approach to one of the most iconic areas of the Lake. It has always been the area visitors see first when entering the room. By modifying existing assets and getting inspiration from other rooms and designers, I set out to create an area that I think will add a lot more to the experience at the Lake. I have turned the entire room to face the everlasting sunset, which was not easy to do.

The Pool and Hot Tubs at the Pavilion are all new, offering visitors a much more welcoming experience. There are also large circular bed areas adjacent to the pool and tubs for those patrons who enjoy coming to the lake and just listening to music and watching the sunset.

The new bar area has been reoriented to accommodate more socializing and features a new upper area for socializing, dancing and more intimate encounters. I was inspired by the few visits to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and hope that the upper deck creates as much energy and joy as that annual party.

The Gondola Portal to the Lighthouse

I am certain there a few people who have never been to the top of the lighthouse, the Lake’s most iconic attraction. I have hopefully made it less of a struggle with a portal deigned around a gondola system. The gondola can take visitors to the top of the lighthouse or just midway up the line for an amazing view of one of the Lake’s largest waterfalls as well as the sunset. It is a perfect spot for lovers.

The Upper Cascades Pool & Lounge

One of the areas I am most proud of is the Upper Cascades Pool and Lounge area of the Lake. The large lodge on the cliff is largely ignored. It is not central to the room and up until now it just could not compete with the busier more accessible Pavilion area. The new pool at the lodge called the Cascades is a beautiful spot for a party or encounter. There is a lot of both in-pool seating as well as a large patio sitting area. The pool area also features a large dance floor and a bar area. It is my hope it becomes a regular spot for patrons of the Lake.

The Lower Cascades Waterfalls 

The lower Cascades is an area largely ignored in previous versions of the Lake, but this takes the single falls that existed there and takes it to another level. A series of falls lines the cliffside with the Lighthouse rising in the background creating an amazing vista for patrons to enjoy. There are several huts, yurts and outdoor bedding areas that line the area giving visitors plenty of options.

The Cave Upgrade

The cave was one of the first things I made at the Lake and one of the places people stumble into and are surprised at all that is within. I have enhanced the cave with a new out-of-this-world look and feel. New places of seclusion have been added also and I can not forget that there are bats, but they are harmless. It is definitely worth checking out.

May 2023 Update

Ferris Wheel

For the May 2023 update, The Lake added a large Ferris Wheel near the wedding chapel. The Ferris Wheel adds a variety of vistas from various heights to see the Lake from a totally new perspective.

Gallery Lounge

The Gallery Lounge was an addition to the second update in May. It fills the spot at the end of the thoroughfare near the Ferris Wheel and Wedding Chapel. The Gallery Lounge was created in the hopes that someday builders will be able to integrate jpg images into the game. My hopes are to provide a true gallery for my artwork at that time. Until then, the space offers an amazing lounge area for the Lake’s patrons to enjoy.

Hot Air Balloon

This was a requested asset for a long time and so I added it to the Lake for those loyal patrons. It sits aloft above the Lake facing the setting sun. It houses several bed spots and the only unlimited view of the entire Lake area.

Expanded Caves

Its amazing what you will find behind a wall. The entire new cave area existed already so I knocked down a wall, added some lights and some beds, and voila…a new area. Here’s a hint…there is a secret room that is not so secret but if you find it you will not be disappointed. Good luck because even I still struggle to find it. Try not to F5 to find it. Its fun to explore.

New Cabins

I have added a variety of new cabins and houses to the Lake with a new cliff area behind the main pavilion at the lake. I hope they bring the Lake’s patrons a lot of pleasure.

There are other fixes and additions this update as well, including the mention of a new room coming soon. Not to worry, the Lake isnt going anywhere, but I have created a new room to be used by the crew at Pussy Quiet who will be hosting some of their events in a room created by me. Once its release date to the public gets closer, I will add more about here.

Autumn Update 2023 – September

Over the course of the past month, the lake has undergone a series of changes. I know that some people are not fond of change. I still have people who come to me ask to bring the very first Lake back. What they don’t realize is that the very first Lake was nothing more than a sandy island with a bamboo hut. They don’t want that. Ultimately, the Lake is a living, breathing place that will continue to change over time. I add things and remove things based on inspiration and whether something I add is used. If I never see anyone use a place, then there is a good chance it will go away in a future update. There are exceptions. The Lighthouse will always be part of the Lake. It is the oldest, unchanged structure at the lake and I feel its biggest icon.

For the Autumn update, I am moving things around to restore some of the natural areas of the Lake. With the gallery lounge being moved to the pavilion area, I have heard rumblings that the Lake is becoming too commercial. I would argue it is becoming less commercial. Gone is the Ferris Wheel and the future of that area is to be more a natural sanctuary surrounding the chapel. But, even the chapel is not safe. I have never seen a wedding there and there are very few people who ever tell me they have had their nuptials at that location. So, the chapel may eventually go away.

There are a lot of new huts, spaces, and a couple secrets that I have added in this update. I was able to reduce the Lake’s size by more than a MB and that’s a quite a bit in the world of 3DX. I will keep adding and changing things in the coming weeks and months. You can always reach out to me and ask to bring something back or add something you think might really work at the Lake.

If you enjoy the Lake, I hope you will consider bumping it to the top of the room list when you visit. You can also support the Lake by going to my DeviantArt page and donating $1 / month. It goes a long wat to encourage me to keep improving the Lake with new features and new music. This latest build represents at least 100 hours of work, so anything you can do to support the room or me is helpful.

https://www.deviantart.com/fablesforge