talkmagic.co.uk

The Effect

King's Cuss Cards - Alchemy Moon

http://www.alchemy-moon.co.uk

Cost

£36 + postage for 13 lavishly printed reproduced Cuss Cards straight out of a Chaucer tome, and a detailed booklet

Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
Uber easy (1), but the difficulty will be in not selling this effect short.


My two cents
Firstly, I've no recollection as to how I came across Alchemy Moon, it was as if it had always been part and parcel of my magic knowledge, and I can only presume my stumbling across it was by the guidance of mentions on TM.

But stumble I did, and on first purchasing another Alchemy Moon product, Zoltar, some moons ago, there was a sense, in joining its forums (admittedly idly lurking in the forum shadows like a timid poltergeist) and on perusing the haphazard and cluttered feel of the site's earlier guise, that there was a growing sense of excitement but also a comforting security in knowing that there was another creator on the scene, and that there would be new effects to look forward to. In terms of feel, it was particularly exciting as there was a kind of Outlaw Effects vibe to the venture as to the atmosphere and tone of effects, and as well documented on this and other forums, there were similarities in that Chris, like Rick of Outlaw, would be happy to go the extra proverbial mile in terms of responding to queries. Indeed, like Anthony Jacquin of Reality Is Plastic, when that was breaking into the magic mainstream, as another example, it is abundantly clear that success requires dedication to assisting its customers.

Secondly, the polite notice that the Bazaar is closed is the equivalent of a Dita Von Teese peacock fan suggesting you avert your eyes, when the reality is that beneath the surface Alchemy Moon are in fact operating business as usual, although it seems their direction is to not fire on all cylinders so as to prepare for other projects.

And on this point, this takes me to a review of Cuss Cards:

As many on here will relate to, magic and mentalism is not always about the honing of performance skills, of sleight of hand, of showmanship, and so on. Even though one may be new to magic, there will, at some point, be stages of purchases as dictated by impulse as well as an ever growing wishlist (or so we doubt at the time). Much is fueled by the simple desire to collect strange artifacts, marvel at their construction, only for you to realise that either it is impractical to use, takes up too much pocket space or that it doesn't fit your style.

With Cuss Cards, my initial interest was the lusting after seeing aged, worn, tatty Cuss Cards Elite - the projects AM wish to focus on, for the more serious Bizarrist.

I knew it would be unlikely to fit my performing style, as I feel every effect needs to have a personal logic, but just wanted to see the Cuss Cards, in the same a magician will often buy an effect just to want to know how the puzzle is solved after seeing demos.

For other mentalism effects I often use the line about being fascinated about the related arts, and being a collector of the weird and wonderful, and certainly with this effect I could envisage doing so.

Whilst I adore the printing and design of the Cuss Cards, there is a disappointment that I didn't fork out the extra money to purchase the Elite set, as whilst the quality of the printing looks gorgeous here (tilted towards the light it does seem that the ink is raised in parts, giving it an oil painting look, which is testament to the quality of the product), for this effect to be credible, as I overlooked how setting and mood plays an important part in selling this to the spectator.

If anything, there is a reverence to the concept of the effect that I feel it would be an injustice if I performed it in this state: it certainly has to be an experience, and the believability must come from the props. This is not a criticism, as the effect was intended to be a reproduction of Cuss Cards, but my point is that going back to my own thoughts (many of you will no doubt be happy with the effect as intended) there is still a desire to possess the superior Elite set.

Whilst I have yet to try this out, I'd imagine it demonstrates the blank canvas that mentalism effects are. Now, I'd like to think of myself as a creative and competent performer, in which, like being given a guitar, in the right hands it could truly amaze and astonish, but in others that same instrument could fall on deaf ears, without the credence of the associated props that come with the more expensive set, there would be an incongruence to my performing persona that would undersell this effect.

Again, I should stress this is about personal persona, and despite how much you envisage performing it and creating stories that fit your performance mould, if it seems Bizarre in the wrong sense, it may be best to be an artifact and not a performance.

That is not to say I am not unimpressed, I do like the concept and thinking behind it, as well as the design. As a performance piece, in which spectators begin to question their own behaviour as to whether they should turn over the last Cuss Card, could well play highly for theatre. For that split moment of hesitation, I'd imagine if that doubt occurs, then the aim of the effect has been met, and whilst the aesthetic unusualness of the cards would add a visual element, it is precisely the visceral uncertainty that would question their own thoughts, and in doing so, creating disbelief, and ultimately, release at the climax.

I can't rate this out of ten due to my own inability to see a use for this in a routine, but for those who can, this could very well be a spectator engaging hook.

Chris Gould showed me these a while back and I must say they even have a lovely smell. Splendid things. Very "dark". Best used by candlelight.

Thanks for the kind words guys.

I do want to address a couple of things here however.
Obviously the Cuss Cards Elite are a more convincing 'prop'. This is why they cost almost ten times more, and why each set takes an age to make.

However, I would not put out the kings Edition if they were unworkable in any way. The routine behind both editions is identical. The kings cards were the set I originally used (for years), proir to evolving the Elite cards; they have a good pedegree. I still carry them, because they are pretty and sometimes suit the mood better than the darker elite set.

Obviously a great deal of time has gone into making the Elite set look authentic. However, the kings edition can be used equally effectively. It just need the right premise - i.e. that these are the reproductions of the original set that you have to keep at home - but by the agencies of sympathetic magic, are just as potent as the original cards. Again, this is the story I have used for years - effectively.

However, the cards are easily aged. For those of you who know how to contact me, I will send you the files needed, and the advice needed to do so.

I have received more than one email congratulating me on the quality of my work, but then going on to say something along the lines of - 'it is too difficult for me to perform' or 'I could not do it justice'.
I think that this is a result of depth and detail in the accompanying book. I do like to explore my work in great depth and pass on my full thoughts to the customer. Even the silliest things I put out tend to work on several levels. I like an intellectual engagement with magic, to explore it's perimeters.
However, as you rightly point out, Cuss Cards are utterly simple to perform in terms of manual dexterity. This is so that all your attention can be directed to the important stuff - rapport with the audience.
So why not get out there and try it out? Don't look at the impossibilities of what you could achieve with CC - be happy with a very paired down, simple performance. Basically you are forcing a card, then using this to engage the audience in a moral discussion. Even if you performed this in mime, you would have a more powerful 'effect' than a good deal of guff that you could buy for the same amount!
However, another factor. Is it not true that the good routines that you perform extend and teach you over time? The real stuff makes you a better performer (and a more interesting person). This is a good yard stick to apply to any 'prop' or 'effect' you buy.
So, perform Cuss Cards simply, do not expect to jump to the top of the mountain, you will still have a very powerful performance, let the cards teach you over time.

Tomo, I am afraid it was not the cards you were smelling... I am sorry.

I've given them a run out twice so far. The first by chance I got the least likely outcome which played very well. The next I went through the whole game and thoroughly enjoyed the build up. I've still got a lot more to prepare to get the most out of these, but had fun so far.

Yup, fully agree with the above posts, the effect as designed is still a powerful piece, but really my own thoughts were due to my own shortcomings, and has made my reassess whether bizarre magick is something that is a suitable area. Still a thumbs up though.

Also, I've always been confused by this on the Alchemy Moon site: is Chris Gould and Theodore J Grab the same person?

Rufio wrote:is Chris Gould and Theodore J Grab the same person?

One and the same! The quality of the AM stuff is well over and beyond the call of duty so they're always excellent value. Chris has often said that there are little extras hidden in the artwork on some of his items which adds a certain extra intrigue for each performer. As well as that, the apprearance of the goods and implied/written back story is a great example of how to approach a routine before you even pick up the props.

Mandrake is indeed right I am Theodore - this is my stage name. I don't use it when talk to people any more, as it can all get a little confusing. My customers have tended to become my friends, so it seems silly using a stage name. Unfortunately, I cannot find a way of changing it here.

btw, if I have been a little quiet on the scene, there is a good reason - I am working on three major projects at the moment, and an exciting transatlantic development - so I want to keep my head down until this has all come into fruition.

As Rufio has pointed out, Alchemy Moon's stuff is still available, if you know where to look. I am still making up the odd set for people. However, I do not want to shout about this, as I want to move things into new areas. A reminder that those fine fellows at Magic Box have Zoltar, Cuss Cards Kings and Hypnocard on their site. Go and have a sniff...

But to reinforce what I said before. Just get out there and perform Cuss Cards simply; as a simple force, then build onto it! I guarantee it will be the strongest piece you perform. As to not being sure if bizarre magic is for you, Rufio. I suggest you get rid of the labels. Too many people define themselves and set false restrictions. My reason for liking what has become known as bizarre magic (not a helpful label in my view), is that it concerns itself with story telling. As such, it takes us away from the crudities of the simple 'trick' and takes us into a richer and more intriguing world. For me, the ultimate trick, has no trick at all. Cuss Cards comes close to this aesthetic. Indeed, if someone says; 'you clever badger, how did you do that?' - consider that it has gone wrong. If however, you have built up dramatic tension and engaged people in a discussion about their moral and spiritual standpoint, you can consider it a 'hit'.