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Dear all

I'm looking to start a "dark" magic set, e.g. a lot of tension, scary props and dark stories, with historical "artifacts". I feel that it suits my personality and with the right stories, could be really good.

So far I'm thinking:

• From Hell
• Scorpion

But I haven't found any other suitable props that are scary enough. Also the above props require very little skill. Any recommendations please for some great, powerful tricks to fit in my set?

Thanks

Cerulean

Cerulean wrote: Also the above props require very little skill.

Are you sure? The "trick" may or may not be easy, but that's just the beginning. The real skill is in the presentation.

You're obviously already aware of Lebanon Circle, so how about taking a look in 13 Steps and PMM? As well as the darker routines outlined in these books, almost any mentalism effect can be given a darker edge with a little thought. Centre tears and billet switches can be killer spooky routines given the right presentation.

And of course that's before we go onto specific "seance" books. Modesty forbids me from mentioning my own. Seek and ye shall find. Cough. Lebanon Circle. Cough.

Good luck to you as I think you've chosen one of the most difficult areas of magic(k). As for the effects you listed, I'm glad you think they require "very little skill" because that is not a phrase I would have used to describe them. What is your experience in this area of magic? Perhaps you could look at Luna from Outlaw Effects.

Welcome to TM.

=Koff, koff= note Blue Panel above with yellow text on it...=koff, koff=...

Nasty cough going around. Here you go, gents...



(Ooh, looks like blood...)

Thanks guys. When I said "little skill" I meant little sleight of hand and whatever, with the above effects it's obviously all about the presentation which I suppose is a good thing if you're a good storyteller.

I've had only a little experience, but I've found that dark ambient music and a dark room with flickering candles is a great accompaniment

I will definitely check out the rest of Lebanon and Outlaw catalogues, Luna looks sweet but bloody expensive though - $90 for one book? Has anyone had experience with it and can justify the price? :/

Cerulean

You might want to take a look at this thread : http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic32928.php&highlight=

Lebanon Circle stuff is excellent and well worth the money. Having said that you can also darken down other 'normal' routines using old photos downloaded form the web, suitably aged with tea bags or whatever, stained playing cards, old jewellery, boxes, old theatre tickets and coins as props. They, with a bit of imagination, all add a great deal to change a basic effect into something much more!

Black Hart does a great range of dark stuff and he even sells the smells to go with 'em !

In addition to the books that Paul listed (13 Steps and PMM), I would also highly recommend you check out Rick Maue's Book of Haunted Magick, if you don't already own it. It is regarded as one of the best books on the subject and is certainly one of my favourite magic books. It contains lots of material and a several essays on the darker side of magic. Great value, too. Go get.

Any dead-or-alive effect gets my vote.

White Star is good. You don't need to use the props suggested (old penny etc.) but they do add to the drama and might suit the style you suggest.

Oh how I love White Star!

Til Death Do Us Part is also a good 'creepy' effect but it needs a killer (no pun intended) presentation to illicit the required response.... I think there might even be a review knocking around somewhere on the site...


Sean

Cerulean wrote:Thanks guys. When I said "little skill" I meant little sleight of hand and whatever, with the above effects it's obviously all about the presentation which I suppose is a good thing if you're a good storyteller.

Mentalism doesn't mean "without sleight of hand" either...
Most of my own mental effects require technical skills far above the skills required for good gambling/cheating demonstrations.

On the other side, the toilet monster is scary and doesn't requires specific skills...

the Curator wrote:On the other side, the toilet monster is scary and doesn't requires specific skills...

Unless it disappears up your bum.

If you think $90 for a quality aged prop book is expensive, this might not be the branch of magic for you!

'Luna' is very good indeed, and was created by one of the fourm members, in conjunction with Outlaw.

I think you might be better off buying some books on the subject, and then working out what you need to buy/make.

If you are an experienced magician, and good at adapting what you know, you might be able to find suitable props for dark effects by going round junk shops, charity shops and flea markets. The Curator (Christian Chelman), makes some amazing effects and curiosities by doing this.

You can do a dark routine with the simple use of a pocket writer and a small peace of paper. I think they're called Living or Dead tests. Plus there is a ton of Spooky stuff in 13 steps and PMM.