 |
 |
|
|
| Voidgamers Home | Printer Friendly Version |
|
By GEBOOM - Dec. 31, 1969 Wizards Workout (the School of Emerald Magic)The Facts, the Myths, the History The early period (creation of the firestone foundation) The existence of this magical facility is ancient, one of its kind and according to the ancient scrolls of “Mehir” unique in a historical way. Its fundaments were built out of legendary firestones obtained from the long forgotten Dwarven Fire mines. Stones tat glow darkest reds up to bilious oranges when sunlight strolls its surface. A very rare material that was formed in a time when the Balrog first must have set foot in this world, coming from the deepest pits of the darkest and desolated dead ends of the mythical underworld. It is said that the Dwarven people only once encountered a vein of the firestones in one of their more desolated and deeper mines. Afraid of what might happen, the dwarfs took notice of their find, shut down the mine and left it at rest for several hundreds of years. Dwarven people are a fearless race until you mess with a Balrog and by removing the firestone vein from their mine they felt like messing with him in an indirect way. Over time things changed. A terrible evil and threatening foe forced races to cooperate with each other that led to bonds and alliances that have never occurred in the known history of this world and did not occur ever since. It so happened that the Elven en Dwarven people combined its powers and skills to confront this global threat. It was in this time period that the dwarves reopened the mine and removed the firestone vein since it was also known at that time that the firestone withheld raw magical powers even unknown to elves. But since elves are magical skilled at a high level and dwarves only trust on their axes, the stones were given to the Elves as a gift and a token that their alliance would be as firm and everlasting as the firestone itself. Another storyline to this event is that the Dwarves were glad to get rid of this firestone so they could go on mining this high potential mining location. When the removed firestone should arouse some dark force they could always blame the elves. The Dwarfs, masters of handling harsh materials, helped the elves by making a foundation out of this firestone at the hill of “Tarantuïl” The slates of firestone seemed to cling on to each other and thus forming an unbreakable surface and so this firestone surface became the symbol of the unbreakable bond between the elves and Dwarves. But as centuries passed on like rolling waves that hit sandy beaches, this bond became weaker, unstable and fell, the foundation however did not. The Magical School of Emerald Magic (The first buildings were erected) The Elves, receptive to mystical and magical flows felt from the beginning the powers that came from within the foundation. The rough and unguided force challenged wizards and soon this place was thriving in a mystical way. To give some guidance to all the good intentions of all who came to see, seek and explore, the council of grand wizards appointed a wizard to run the events within the compound. (for further explanation see also the tale of grand wizard Moobeg) It was Emerald Magic, one of the fast range of magical flows within the Elven world, that connected fiercely with the fire stone fundaments. And thus the Elves built their first settlement out of emerald stones brought in from the hills up north about half a kingdom away. At the northwest corner of the firestone foundation it seemed that the magical current was the most eminent so there the Emerald Wizards Tower was erected as the first building upon this magical platform. Right after the tower was completed, the two thick walls were added alongside the Southern and Eastern side of the tower. The reason for this was that the wizards discovered a magical current that could be guided by erecting these walls. Once the walls were finished, the currents starting to flow through the walls up to the Wizards Tower increasing the magical intensity on this spot. The Magical Whirlpool Well (A great gift in a sad way) Looking closely to the foundation there is one spot that keeps the magical world wandering up to this day. At a certain point, a bit North-West off centre on the foundation, there is a hole. It is said that the last firestone did not let it self be placed on this spot. The stone would fit perfectly as we still know today, since the stone is still present within the facility. (See Shrine of the Final Fire Stone) Around this hole a strong magical current could be felt. Its presence excited many wizards but it also proofed to be a very dangerous spot. This became very clear when one of the High Mages was sucked into this hole and disappeared for good. Strangely however, his magical powers were not lost. In the contrary, the firestone foundation absorbed the High Mages powers and within moments after the tragic incident a strong magical flow was felt through the compound making the emerald structures glow and starting to produce a high frequency singing sound that lasted for several days. The magical power within grow. Although the loss of the High Mage produced a great gift, hiss loss was still immense and not desired by the Elves. There for the hole was protected by an octagonal emerald wall. The wall embedded the powers of the hole. The magical flow also became visible now since emerald has the ability to visualize magical currents. It is safe to approach the “Magical Whirlpool Well” as it is called since its encircling. History does not tell us of any other loss of live since then. The Residence (The tale of Grand Wizard Moobeg) The residence was built shortly after the enclosure of the Whirlpool Well. Again emerald stone was used for this facility. The lower level of the residence is built fully out of emerald stones in order to disband any obstruction to the magical currents that flow through the thicker emerald walls. The structure as it stands today has no positive or negative effect on these currents. Within the first floor of this structure we see 2 types of building material we haven’t seen before. The wooden beam structure, especially the more Redwood like pieces, are interesting since it is said that this is real “Entish” wood donated by the Ents of the forests of “Melanch”. This is why up to this day Druids of every corner of the world will go on pilgrimage once in their live in honour of the so called “Entish Trail”. (Also see the Warehouse, Fountain of Live) A second strange building material can be found in this structure. Although partially vanished, you still can see some plastered parts on the first level of the residence. About this unusual un-Elfish phenomenon there is a nice tail to tell, a tale that I would like to share with you. The Story of Grand Wizard “Moobeg “ As long as we know, through historical writings, stories, tales, myths, and legends this place is inhabited and run by powerful Grand Wizards. Within the magical establishment it has become a symbolic ritual that a grand wizard will be appointed to the task of running the magical facility of the Emerald School of Magic. It is one of the most honourable appointments a Grand Wizard can get and can only be obtained by those who have proven to have made a great contribution to the magical establishment in some way. This is the reason why we only see aging Grand Wizards being appointed in this position. History can tell us up to a certain stretch of time which wizards were appointed and for what reason(s). But in this case, history extends further than the written word tells us. There where the historical notifications stop, the stories, tales, myths and legends take over. It was in this time period that our Grand Wizard Moobeg must have been running the Magical Facility. The reason of his appointment will always be a mystery but the story tells us that Moobeg lived his live as a wizard in a way every apprentice only could dream of. His achievements, efforts an deeds were from a truly impressive historical magnitude that has seem to got with him in is grave since this is all we know bout his magnificent magical deeds. That is to say all but one…. When Moobeg was appointed to the task of running the magic facility he moved straight in to the residence. Once settled he decided to retire from his magical career and took up a hobby, “Man was he wrong!” He started to become interested in architecture and from there it was only a small step to home decoration. The council of grand wizards was first somewhat startled since it was custom that knowledge and wisdom in magical skills was thought and shared in this place. Moobeg did not bother; he had stashed his magical instruments, books and potions away and was totally focussed on tapestries, colour combinations and above all, the latest fashion in home improvement …. “Plaster” At this point Moobeg made his historical decision from which we still know him today. As a home improvement project he decided that the upper level of “his” residence was outdated fashion wise. He had already redecorated his quarters and now it was time to do some external structural improvement. So Moobeg started to plaster the outside emerald wall of his residence. The Council of Grand Wizards was extremely discontent since the emerald structure contributed to the foundation in an important way as it was. Moobeg did not bother, he was appointed for live and since an appointed wizard is solely in charge of the on goings within the facility the council could do nothing more then to protest (They stopped reasoning with him a long time ago) The emerald façade on the first floor turned trendy beige. Fortunately the beam structure was left unharmed but this was just because Moobeg liked its soft Redwood tones in combination with his freshly beige plastered walls. After two weeks the trouble begun… There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, not even the tiniest brush stroke of wind when suddenly a big rumbling noise, followed with a loud bang, asked for some attention of our Grand Wizard. When Moobeg stepped outside to see what all this noise was about, he looked around from the walkway over the foundation and saw nothing unusual. Without any further investigation Moobeg went back in and continued his readings about the art of soft tone lighting as an interior individual impressional home design expression. Again, half an hour later, there was this same noise again and now Moobeg did investigate thoroughly. It did not take long for him to find out that the plaster on the South and West side of the residence came down for most parts. Moobeg thought many thoughts, Magic? ......... no, Sabotage? ……… not likely, Beginners failure of an exterior home designer? ……… likely. So Moobeg picked up his plaster tools and repaired the damage that was done and since his taste of colour was somewhat shifted, he gave the new plastered walls a peach nuance this time. Within the next month Moobeg was confronted with the same disaster. Again on a un-despicable beautiful day the plaster came down again with a big bag, only this time from all sides of the residence leaving certain parts in tact where other parts were totally gone. There where the emerald wall was visible again it glittered in such an intense way as if it was delighted to finally see sunlight again. Determent as Moobeg was, he took up his plaster tools for the third time but now decided to strip the parts that still clung on to the emerald walls. The fact that the pieces that did not come down the first time and did not come down during the last little disaster, did at first get not much attention until Moobeg started to remove those parts. He simply did not get them off. It looked like these parts were simply melted down upon parts of the emerald wall. Moobeg could not explain this and although he felt that magic played a role here, he quickly suppressed that thought and picked up his tools to fulfil his plaster crusade. (This time in an almond colour setting) But the council who followed Moobeg’s strange ways tried to stop him, they wanted to investigate. Moobeg refused he simply wanted to re-redecorate so indeed the almond plaster modernised the residence before the council could take any further action. To be honest, it seemed Moobeg did do a good job, the plaster seemed to last. Even members of the council came to visit Moobeg to compliment him on his astonishing work. In the meantime the council members made wagers on how long this last plaster effort would stay on. Exactly seven weeks to be precise. Moobeg started to feel hopeless, the council slightly relieved. Again some parts, or even better said, the exact same parts as the last plaster disaster were still clinging on the emerald walls and refused to let go. Yes this was magic for sure. Here starts Moobeg’s final and only known magical achievement he made during his long live as a wizard. Moobeg “The Grandmaster of Plaster” found out that the emerald walls did resonate on a high magical level in such a way that nothing can be attached to it. (At least for his plaster work that is) But why did the plaster stay on, on certain parts of the structure? Furthermore, Moobeg discovered that the resonance within the wall is constant, not in time or intensity but constant location wise. There where there isn’t any resonance, there is a strong magnetic field that only reveals itself when you add plaster on it. (We most certain can leave desired plaster colour settings out of this technical explanation) Only plaster you might wander? Probably not but ever since after the plaster events, and after Moobegs peaceful lives ending, it is strictly forbidden to alter anything structure wise within the facility. What happened to Moobeg after his exterior home decoration plaster adventures? Well he picked up his old magical profession in order to investigate the resonance behaviour of the emerald wall structure intrigued by the fact that “As he saw it” the wall was his greatest home improvement critic. Moobeg lived on for another 55 years, did about 123 plaster tests on the residence in total and concluded that the plaster had no effect on the magical contribution it made to the wizards tower. (Obvious since he did his plaster testing on the residence walls and not on the actual outer walls) Of all 123 plaster attempts, the pieces that remained on the walls are those who reminds us of Moobeg the Grad Wizard that became famous under his nickname “The Master of Plaster” The Warehouse (Shrine of the Final Firestone) The final great structure within the compound is the warehouse. Since the School of Emerald Magic became a thriving place there was soon need for more storage room and working space within the facility. The final great enterprise was the extension of the emerald wall on the east side of the Wizards Tower. At first the wall that goes in the North / South direction was built with on top 2 storage rooms that also formed a shelter underneath for more goods and horses. Since this new building did again had no effect on the magical currents, the link was made between this new wall and the Eastern wall by adding an angled wall. Another storage facility was added up on the North East end of the wall. Again most of the woodwork on these buildings originated from the ancient Ents of “Melanch” In honour of their noble contribution the elves erected the fountain of live on the North Eastern outside wall, freely accessible for all who come to visit. The final section I will discuss with you is “The Shrine of the Final Fire Stone” At first this final stone (Also see “the Magical Whirl Pool”) was stored underneath the residence since it seemed there was no further use for this stone. The true reason for erecting a shrine dedicated to this stone stays a mystery. Although it is said that this stone glowed fiercely at the event of the tragically loss of the High Mage it is unknown if this was the true reason of erecting the shrine. The shrine is located just above the little Fountain of Live in a corner of the compound that seemed not very useful for anything else. Here the Final Fire Stone found his quit little resting place since seldom someone pays a visit to this corner of the compound. Finally With its long history the “Wizard Workout” as I like to call it, has survived many natural disasters, encountered wars and has seen the rise and fall of several Empires. And yet it stands strong as if time has forgot to set its teeth into this little needle point of the world. So today it still stands on its hill as it stood there from its beginning. You might wander where you can find this place, I’m sorry but I wish I knew. This summer holiday I made some nice long walks into nice and friendly old forests. On one of my hiking trips I get caught up in a thick mist that left me struggling for days into unfamiliar territory. It must have been on the fourth day that the mist disappeared and the skies turned blue again. And there it was, the mystical and mythical facades of the Emerald School of Magic. MAN WAS I LUCKY TO HAVE MY DIGITAL CAMERA WITH ME! -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- Building and painting information: First You will see a series of about 40 pictures of the finished project. After that I posted a selected range of pictures during some building stages and finally a series of pictures concerning the painting of the project. Most info can be found with the pictures themselves. Especially some nice building tips are there to be found. You can find a list of all colors I used in this project a bit further down but the actual explanation and possible tips can be found with the pictures themselves. The building blocks used come from (or originate from) these molds: Gothic Church Mold #54 Turret Mold #61 (only altered pieces) Octagon Tower Mold #63 (only altered pieces) Fieldstone Wall Mold #70 (also altered pieces) Fieldstone Accessories Mold #71 4" Round Fieldstone Mold #72 (also altered pieces) 6" Round Fieldstone Mold #73 Dragon's Teeth Accessory Mold #80 (only altered pieces) Floor Tiles Various Sizes Mold #201 (only altered pieces) Wooden Plank Mold #220 Gothic Roof Mold #235 Wood Shingle Roof Mold #240 (also altered pieces) Small Brick Mold #250 Large Flagstone Mold #265 When I write altered pieces I mean blocks that are transformed from regular building blocks into fieldstone blocks or transition blocks. So sawing a wooden plank in two is not an alteration but adding an iron ring on a fieldstone block (for example) is. I kept count of the blocks I used in this project but it is not that interesting since you can use different types an sizes of blocks and get the same result. All in all I stopped counting somewhere around 1800 blocks. The project measures; 18,00” from East to West, 17,50” from North to South, 15,25” from top to bottom. Other building material: - Foam board Used for base, wall and roof support. - Tooth picks Used as railings on walls and roofs - Clay Used for modelling certain pieces and to fill in gaps. - Transparent glue Guess what, it would not stay in place without it. - Acyclic paints and varnish Used for painting and sealing the structures Tools: - Hobby knife - Fine saw - Dental scraping tools - Pincers - Tweezers - Elastic band - Pen - Brushes - Measuring tool Used colors (all acrylic): - Beige - Beige Dusty - Black (normal paint and spray paint) - Blue Dusty - Blue Lustrous - Blue Soft - Blush Deep - Bronze - Grey Dusty - Khaki Deep - Khaki Dusty - Orange Medium - Poppy Medium - Poppy True - Raw Umber - Sage Deep - Silver - Spruce Soft - Terracotta - Turquise Medium - Red True - Verdigris - Yellow Ochre - White Ivory OK, lets go to the pictures now!
You must be a registered member to post comments. You may sign-in Here. |
| Shortcuts |
 |  Voidgamers Home |
|
|
