Where is a good, highly active online forum to talk about chess?

This place is really... 

Also I'm interested in more than just chess analysis, but also the chess scene and chess mystique and chit-chat. 

ChessPub ? I am not sure how active is it.

I've run into some quality ones in the past, but they're much less active than here.

I wonder what "chess mystique" is? Sounds like you want a Paris cafe in the 19th century.

Chess scene where?  In Russia, the chess scene is established.  In the US, the chess scene is in the making.  Nakamura is the only stable American player with Shankland following.  Wesley So is an imported sellout.

Talk of the town should be on Mariya Muzychuk.  She is now officially number 1 in the world, for females.  Judit Polgar is essentially retired, Hou Yifan is taking a militia type of posture, and well Humpty Dumpty Koneru isn't making the cut, much like the Anand end dude. 

At least we have Jobava voodoo moves and Timur Gareev resigning after the opponent is thinking for 8 minutes to keep us entertained in the "mystique chit chat" loop.

lichess.org has a forum section. Not as active as chess.com forums, but less troll posts.