When it comes to the fiction market, high fantasy beats science fiction every time when it comes to those crude all-important numbers shifted across the sales counter.

There are a number of reasons behind S&S's commercial success, but here at the 'Nest, we suspect there's a couple of pivotal reasons - first being the lower intellectual barrier to entry of the fantasy genre.

Let's face it, even when you're a near illiterate, most mundanes get the idea of a fantasy quest, well-toned barbarians, and evil monsters. The same isn't true of say, someone like Stephen Baxter's works. Cosmic string theory as applied weaponry ... like, what's that all about, Marv?

Second, is that high fantasy - with a few exceptions that prove the rule - is raw 100% proof undiluted escapism.

Now, hoping to capitalize on our second rule, and appropriately enough called the Second Kingdom, comes a virtual world where you can live out a fantasy life in a mystical land.

Like D&D, you can take on the persona of various races and careers .... wizards, faeries, trolls, elfen folk, human villagers, and interact with other members to follow various quests. You can even become a pet (hmmm, not one of the more popular options, we suspect).

Now, we know what you're thinking. Heck, isn't this multi-player game universe stuff all been done before by the likes of Everquest and its imitators?

This is where Second Kingdom have really gone to town, pushing the virtual world and avatar concept over straight multi-player gameplay.

For instance, once you're set-up, you'll have your own private home that you can furnish. When you're in their virtual world your avatar can walk, talk, sit, jump, wave, bow, and even cast spells on yourself and others.

Two million avatar permutations are promised, so you don't keep on bumping into yourself - only with brown hair instead of blonde.

You can choose your body type, the color of your clothes and skin, your head, hairstyle, hats, glasses ... you name it.

Whether Second Kingdom will appeal to the hack-N-slay twitch gamer crew, we doubt. But to be fair to them, this looks like a kinder and gentler kind of alternative online life - not just a 'stab the rat and sell the meat for 20 bronze coins'-affair.

Given the huge female component of fantasy readership, the Second Kingdom - if decently marketed - might well take off in a way that surprises the competition.

So step forward, Sir Second Kingdom, bow as we knight you site of the month for November 2002!

Visit them at www.SecondKingdom.com