Megasakicam

Megasakicam is a name for a special type of instrument that may only be played by an adept magic user. These instruments come in many forms, some having entire buildings built around them (see the Hall of Næhmar). The basic mechanics of the instrument deal with the vibration of air via magical means. It is important to note that these instruments are distinct from illusionary magic, in that the sound originates from the instrument and not the spell itself.

Basic Principles
The basic idea behind megasakicam is that an dept magic user will manipulate the instrument in various ways to produce a unique sound as if they were playing any other instrument. Some instruments of this type require both physical and magical touches to play, while "pure" megasakicam are played entirely by magical means.

The instrument is seen as a conduit to translate a magical spell in to sound. Most common is the use of force-based magic, moving parts of the instrument or vibrating the material in ways that would be impossible in a traditional sense. Others use the movement of air in unique ways to produce unique tones.

In some cases the magic user must be attuned to the instrument, as the instrument has been imbued with a specific spell or charm.

Types of Megasakicam
Megasakicam come in an exotic plethora of shapes and sizes. They range from handheld instruments to architectural wonders the size of cathedrals or castles. Some are even used in war as weapons. Hybrids also exist, which combine traditional styles of instrumentation with magic.

Traditional
Traditional, or pure Megasakicam, are created and played by magic. After shaping the instrument through magical means, the instrument is played using certain spells. There are very few who can properly craft an instrument of this type, and even less that can do so well enough to be accepted by the musicians that use them. This makes these types of megasakicam priceless. Even the instruments that are deemed unplayable are considered valuable art pieces collectors will pay a premium for.

Traditional megasakicam are the only instruments permitted for official use in elvish religious practice. This classification of traditional megasakicam covers all types but hybrids.

Aekicama
Aekicama are played through the manipulation of air currents around the instrument. The most popular produce sounds similar to that of an organ or flute. However, the unrestricted nature of megasakicam allow for incredibly unique and sought after tones. The distinct difference between aekicama and shusekicama instruments is that the sound is produced specifically by the movement of air, and not the direct vibration of the instrument.

Shusekicama
Shusekicama are a type of megasakicam played by vibrating components of the instrument. This is done through a variety of techniques that require extensive study and knowledge of the instrument itself. Expert players may devote decades of practice and study on a single unique instrument just to play one piece of music. While both types of magasakicam ultimately produce sound through vibration, the technique used is distinctively different. A talented musician may be able to reproduce the sound of an aekicama instrument on a shusekicama and vice versa, but a fine listener can distinguish the difference in tonality.

Hybrids
Hybrid megasakicam use both magical and physical playing styles to produce sounds. These are popular due to their accessibility, though are looked down upon by many megasakicam artists as inferior instruments. Other believe they cheapen the qualities of both physical and magical instruments as compromises must be made in the design to accommodate both. However, a growing consensus believes this to be due to the lack of knowledge that comes from inexperienced musicians and craftsmen, and that with a better design and better training, these instruments could surpass both classes of instruments they originate from.

Cultural Significance
Music created using a Megasakicam is highly revered by many cultures due to the unique and awe-inspiring sound. Others see the use of magic to create music a cheapened form of art, or heresy at worse. The instruments are highly important to elven religions, which use music as a way to commune with the gods. It is believed that music created with magic is a language in of itself, and that it is the language of the gods themselves.

The Pipes of Næhmar
The Pipes of Næhmar is an aekicama built in to the Hall of Næhmar as part of the church's structure. The Pipes, as they are commonly referred to, draw a crowd of untold thousands every 73 years when a grueling fourteen hour long piece of music is played. Once the song is played, it is never played again.

The pipes require a band of five musicians, with no breaks during the piece in order to continue playing the Pipes. Four players stand at the base of the instrument, while a Conductor moves rapidly to multiple stations to redirect and create new flows and accent notes.

The instrument uses the shape of the church itself as a means to produce sound. Magically crafted pipes line the inside of walls and were even used as support or decorative pieces throughout the church. If placed end to end in a straight line, it is said the pipes would stretch across Midland twice over. The pipes range from pinhole width to massive openings large enough to fit six human men side by side. These all must be kept entirely clean and free from pests such as birds, spiders, insects, or rodents.

The Pipes took centuries to plan and construct, and are the only one of their kind. The original plans and design for the instrument is unknown, and was either forgotten or is kept secret and hidden away. It is a commonly held belief that only the five musicians who are approved to play the instruments are allowed the knowledge of its design in order for them to create their grand pieces.