Top 3 Staff Designs (Lizzie)

While some may say the staff is merely an overgrown wand or a weapon missing a blade, nothing could be further from the truth. Why it's very length (maligned by some as a waste of wood) makes a bold statement about the bearer and adds tremendous usefulness unavailable in the wand. While both wand and staff have their places, one should never dismiss the staff to the umbrella stand with the hiking sticks.

Top 3 Staff Designs

1. The Scepter Staff

This elegant staff, the traditional choice of royalty--or the ambitious--due to its resemblance to a scepter, comes topped with a polished sphere sure to capture attention. The lovely ornamental topper is available in a variety of colors--to match your eyes or the colors of your kingdom--and can be made to glow with the slightest use of magic. The smoothness of the sphere also makes this design a comfortable resting place for pets or feathered servants.

Maleficent in Disney's 1959 Sleeping Beauty modeling
The Queen's Staff. Note how well it suits her in her
royal surroundings.

2. The Wanderer Staff

When you have places to go, nothing could be better than the durable Wanderer Staff. With a comfortable, polished grip and a decoratively rustic topper, this is the choice for those who love a good adventure. Walking stick, fighting staff, or magic-conductor, this is the choice of the wizards the world relies on.

Gandalf demonstrating the supreme usefulness of the
The Wanderer Staff on his journey through Middle Earth.

3. The Warrior Staff

Used by such heroes as Robin Hood and Errol Stone, this non-magical staff is for those whose skill, speed, and courage always save the day. Note: Skill, speed, and courage are sold elsewhere.

Robin Hood and Little John showing their prowess
 with The Warrior Staff in Disney's The Story of Robin Hood.

Which staff design suits you best? Or do you prefer the wand?

Top 3 Favorite Magical Beings (Julie)

I’m one of those people who like having background noise while I’m at home. It varies between music to movies to tv shows. Lately, I’ve gotten into watching I Dream of Jeannie. It’s so much fun watching Jeannie trying to be helpful with her magical powers except something always goes wrong. Poor Major Nelson. Jeannie isn’t the only genie out there, there’s the Genie in Aladdin, and then there John and Phillipa from the Children of the Lamp series (a great series by the way). As cool as their powers are, I’m not sure I’d classify them as my most favorite magical beings, although they’d be in my top ten for sure.  So what would be my top 3 favorite, fairly good, magical beings?

1) I debated with my top choice and wasn’t sure I was even going to include it on the list, but I decided that they truly are my favorites. And the winner is... fairies! The reason I vacillated with these intriguing creatures is because most fairies are known for being small, winged creatures who are vain tricksters. Except maybe the Sleeping Beauty fairies?  Unless you count the ordeal over the dress. But I’m a bit biased on my opinion of fairies because my book series is based on fairies, which are a bit different from the norm. I tend to associate fairies with nature. I didn't inherit my family's green thumb, but I like the beauty of nature and the ability to make things grow and flourish.

2) My next favorite magical beings are witches and wizards. Harry? Hermione? Ron? Gandalf? Need I say more? I think I like the idea of having something tangible, in my hand, to work the magic. Harry and the others have wands that they swish and flick to make magic happen. Gandalf doesn’t have a wand, but he passes by having an awesome staff. The downside of course is without the wand or staff, life gets a bit tougher.  

3) Finally, my third top favorite are elves...of the Middle Earth variety. They exude grace and beauty, yet are strong and fierce too. Bilbo Baggins couldn’t wait to see the elves again in Lord of the Rings. You just can’t help be drawn in by their ethereal presence, unless you are a dwarf.

What about you? What is your favorite magical being? It's okay if it takes you a minute to decide. It's a touch choice!