How To Engineer A Magical Staff

I want my own magical staff. Actually, I need one for The Sibylline Chronicles. My husband is a concept illustrator and art director in the animated film and television industry. So, when I needed help figuring out the engineering of a critical storytelling tool, he came to my aid with his pad and sketch pencils.

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Here’s a sneak peek at the black staff of Alashiya. It is the weapon carried by the head of the Amyntas order of Sibylline, Eusebia. This staff is more than a fighting stick. It plays a key role in the climax of the novel that shifts the balance in the ancient world.

Diagrams of A Magical Staff

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As you know from my map work, I am a huge fan of working out the intricate details through this process.

In this case, it was critical for me to understand the height, design, material make-up and functionality of the staff. This allows me to give it the necessary identity and movement throughout the novels. Having these schematics in hand, as well as determining the specifics on how it is used, made a huge difference in how the storyline played out.

As always, I’m grateful for team Sibylline helping me bring this vision to life.

2023 update:

Nothing could have been more critical than these schematics. Five years later, they are the foundation of the staff and the heart of The Mother House. It is what takes Marie to Bucharest, Romania. Her recovery of it is the crux of the conflict.

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