Hello, my name is Kevor K-Rab Rabeni, and I am High Mindtropian of the Shai Sanctuary. Well at least that’s who I am when I am exploring the Entropia Universe. In the humdrum of everyday life my name is Kevin Stewart and I am a 44-year-old mature postgraduate recently unleashed into the unsuspecting world by the University of Stirling where I attained a BA(Hons) (first) in Film & Media Studies and an MSc in Media Research. I have a penchant for good quality aesthetically orientated cinema as well as a wider love of the arts and music. Oh, and of course not forgetting video gaming. I am mad about RPGs especially those that demonstrate the best use of aesthetic consideration and graphic know-how to pursue as realistic an in-world environment as possible.
Several years back, while up to my neck in some research in another virtual world - Second Life - I happened to meet some wonderful gamers who each suffered from a variety of severely debilitating disabilities, primarily as a consequence of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It soon became clear through observation, testimony and general conversations that each had gained immense benefit from their in-world adventures which not only had a significant impact on aspects of their respective disabling circumstances but also their quality of life. Several years later I came to realise that there were very few virtual worlds other than Second Life that could offer the disabled gamer such vital promise… except of course for the expanding worlds found within the Entropia Universe.
Compared to Second Life, the Entropia Universe is a much more complex beast both in terms of its underpinning foundational narrative, vibrant real-time real-cash economy, and its rather daunting user interface. Although bursting with potential, it can seem to be a little on the prohibitive side especially from the perspective of some disabled gamers.
Hence the Shai Sanctuary – one of numerous in-world societies - was founded in order that it could offer advice, support and assistance to all who may need that little bit of extra help, as well as organising in-world team events and the odd social get together.
Ultimately the Shai Sanctuary simply wants to enhance the whole Entropian adventure for its members by making it more engaging and enjoyable experience.
