"Felo'meWHAT?" I hear you thinking ... Unless you've been venturing into Azeroth, fighting off the invasion of demons from the Burning Legion, this sentence won't make any sense either and you must think I'm talking nonsense. Bear with me ...
Simply put, World of Warcraft is an online MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Game) in which players complete quests to gain experience, become more powerful and save the world of Azeroth from certain destruction. Players have the ability to customise their character, starting with the selection of faction: Horde or Alliance, two factions that have been at war for ages. Each faction consists of different races combining forces: Dwarves, Night Elves, Humans, Orcs, ... are only few of them. Depending on the chosen race, different classes become available: Shaman, Mage, Warrior, ... each with distinct abilities and a different playing style.
Here's the trailer to the original game, dating back all the way to 2004:
Questing through the Broken Isles and Argus as a Blood Elf Mage, I gradually learned about the existence of Felo'melorn. An ancient Highborne runeblade once wielded by Dath'Remar Sunstrider himself, some ten thousand years ago. It was last seen in the hands of Kael'Thas, last of the Sunstrider line, in his fight against Arthas, the Lich King.
Its current fate is unknown ... but not for much longer. (cue dramatic "dun dun duuuun")
Project Description
I see Design Challenges as an ideal opportunity to experiment with new technologies, learn new skills and share experiences with other members and contestants.
This challenge will be no different. Where as in the past, I've balanced the electronics aspect of the project with woodworking or 3D printing, I'd like to try my hand at foamsmithing by creating an interactive video game prop, namely Felo'melorn, from EVA foam.
Source: Fire Mage Artifact Weapon: Felo'melorn - Guides - Wowhead 
Using the RedBear Blend, an Arduino compatible board, I'd like to control different things inside the prop:
- an addressable RGB LED strip (aka NEoPixel strip) to create a glowy lava effect
- a miniature smoke machine, enhancing the lava's heat effect
To keep the prop as clean as possible, and not have to embed various switches and dials, control of the different components would be done via ... Bluetooth (what a surprise!).
A PowerBoost 1000C and LiPo battery pack will make everything portable and rechargeable.
Budget Allocation
Having built up an extensive collection of electronic components over the years, I already own the ones I need. That's the reason I plan to allocate the budget to tools which will not only serve me for this challenge, but for future projects as well.
The first item on my shopping list is the Dremel 3000Dremel 3000. My last rotary tool died and I need one to shape the EVA foam. The second item on my list is a hot air gunhot air gun. This will allow me to shape the foam by heating it first, but also to seal it before painting. Finally, if the budget allows it, I'll toss in a spool of clear PLA filamentclear PLA filament for my 3D printer, to make custom light diffusers.
Felo'fact
To end this first post, here's a first little fact about Felo'melorn:
"Felo'melorn" is elven language for "flamestrike"
Until next time!
Top Comments