Eight years ago, I set out to create something special for the Hartington Board Game Club, what is now proudly known as the Owl Sage Board Game Club. I wanted an event that celebrated the joy of imagination, the spark of creativity, and the kind of wonder that has always drawn me to games and storytelling. That dream became the Magician Academy, our annual fantasy-themed event that has grown into a beloved tradition for players of all ages.
The Magician Academy was designed to do more than just play games, it’s about stepping into worlds of fantasy, exploring new settings, and building adventures together through collaborative storytelling, board games, and creative projects. Over the years, I’ve awarded more than 50 personalized wands to participants, each one a keepsake meant to remind them of the magic they brought to the table. Along the way, I’ve also shared painted miniatures, charms, marbles, and other mementos that add to the experience and connect players to the long history of games of imagination.
What started at a single location has now expanded into four rural libraries, spreading the joy of the Academy to even more communities. Two years ago, we opened the doors wider still, inviting players from across the United States to join us in celebrating the season of magic.
One of my favorite pieces of the Magician Academy is a customizable card game for Wizard Dueling that I design specifically for the event. Each year, I create a new expansion so returning players always have fresh spells to discover, new strategies to try, and evolving challenges to face. Watching participants learn the game, tweak their decks, and duel each other with excitement has become one of the highlights of my year.
Another tradition that has taken root is our club’s fascination with collecting and playing marbles. I often tell the story of how marbles were the “Pokémon cards” of past generations, treasured, traded, and played with as fiercely as any modern collectible. Seeing today’s players light up while rolling their favorite marbles, swapping with friends, and learning games from the past has been a delight. It’s a way of connecting them to a timeless sense of play.
At its heart, the Magician Academy is about nurturing the appreciation of wonder, my personal definition of magic. Every year from August through the first week of November, the Academy becomes a space where imagination takes center stage, where new friendships are forged, and where players young and old rediscover the joy of creating something extraordinary together.
Here’s to eight years of magic, and to many more wands, stories, marbles, and memories yet to come.
Peter R. Talley 