Wand Lore

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Rowan gossips, chestnut drones, ash is stubborn, hazel moans

Wands A wand is a quasi-sentient (as close to animate as an inanimate object can get) magical instrument that allows a wizard to channel his magical powers. Most spells are done with the aid of a wand, though it is possible to perform spells without a wand. However, the act of producing a spell without the aid of a wand is very difficult and requires much concentration along with incredible skill. Only truly advanced wizards are able to perform such magic.

However, the use of a wand is not enough, and spells are performed with an incantation. But along with wandless magic, it is possible to perform spells without an incantation. This is called nonverbal magic. Though easier to perform than wandless magic, it is also difficult, and the strongest and wisest of wizards are able to perform these spells. Nonverbal magic is extremely helpful in duels because the opponent has no way of knowing which spell the caster is using, making it harder for the opponent to perform an accurate counter spell to protect himself.

Wands are created and sold by Wandmakers, the most famous being Ollivander and Gregorovitch in Great Britain. Each wand is made from a specific type of wood and a magical substance making up its core. Though wands may share the same core or the same wood, no two wands are exactly alike. Wandmakers are usually very knowledgeable in Wandlore, the study of history and magical properties of wands.

Acquiring a Wand A wizard usually goes to buy their first wand when they are eleven years of age, just before the start of their first year of magical education. Most English wizards get their wands at Ollivander's Wand Shop in Diagon Alley. Usually they will try several wands before their wand picks them.

Materials Wands are usually long and thin wands made of wood with a magical substance within them, known as the core. There are important factors for how a wand will perform, these being its core, wood, length, and rigidity. These characteristics also determine the strength of a wand as well as the branch of magic it is best suited for. The exact way to create a wand is unknown, though it is likely as difficult and complex as Wandlore.

General Wand Properties Due to the unique characteristics of each wand, the wand chooses the wizard. This is because the wand 's characteristics much match that of its wizard, and may not be able to perform magic if his and wand conflict with each other.

Numbers are also known to have magical properties, and so it's possible a wand's length have symbolic meaning related to their owners, much like the core. The length of the wand doesn't necessarily have to do with the height of the wizard, but rather their personality. For example, shorter wands match with those of which who seem to be lacking in personality.

When a wand chooses its wizard, a warm feeling is felt, and sometimes a wand will emit a few sparks, or some similar type of magic.

Wands are also capable of changing their masters. When a wand's master is defeated in a duel, the wand may accept its old master's challenger as its new owner. Most wands share an affinity with their owners, and as a result, will not easily change their allegiance with their owner, if at all. The original bond between wand and wizard is never severed. It it were, a defeated wizard would better be suited to purchase a new wand rather than continue using the old one. A wand forcibly taken in circumstances of competitive or friendly nature, or stolen without dueling its former owner are not going to change allegiance with its previous owner. A wand may be broken by spells or physical damage, and will not be able to perform magic correctly.

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Core A core is a magical substance placed inside the wood of a wand. Materials used for a wand core vary widely, though always come from magical creatures. The core type is known to influence the personality of the wand it resides in. Two wands that share the same core from the same creature are known as brothers, and therefore, are unable to attack each other like a wand without a connection would. If two brother wands come in contact are able to product Priori Incantatem.

Dragon Heartstring Dragon heartstrings produce wands with the most power. These wand cores are the most capable for the most flamboyant of spells, and tend to learn more quickly than the other types. Though they are known to change their allegiance, they bond most strongly with their original master. Dragon heartstring wands tend to be the easiest to be seduced into the Dark Arts, though will not do so of their own accord. Because of their temperamental natures, dragon heartstring cores are the most prone to accidents.

Phoenix Tail Feather The rarest of the different core types, pheonix feather cores are capable of the greatest range of magic, though generally it takes longer than the other wand cores to show this. These core types show to be the most initiative, and will sometimes act on their accord, much to the chagrin of some of their owners. It is known these are the pickiest when choosing their owners because a phoenix is one of the most independent and detached magical creature in the wizarding world. These wands are the hardest to tame, and their allegiance is usually hard to win.

Unicorn Tail Hair Unicorn tail hair cores generally produce the most consistent of magic, and is least subject to fluctuations and blockages. Wands with this core are usually some of the hardest to turn to the Dark Arts, and are most faithful of the different wand cores. They tend to stay strongly attached to their first owner, even if they are won over in a duel. The disadvantages of a unicorn hair wand core are they tend to not be the most powerful of wands, and are prone to melancholy if seriously mishandled, which may cause their hair to die and need replacing.

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Wand Woods The wood from which wands are made from are guarded by bowtruckles along with charms by their owners. When a wand chooses the wizard, the wood also plays a significant part in the choosing. If the wood of the wand doesn't match some type of characteristic of the wizard, it won't choose them. Certain woods are more adapt at certain magic than others, as is the temper of the wand.

Acacia Wands made from acacia wood proves hard to match with a wizard. They refuse to perform magic for anyone but their owners, and tend to hold their full power from all but the most gifted of wizards. Acacia wand owners are generally subtle wizards.

Alder Though alder is an unyielding wand, it's owner is often helpful, considerate, and most likeable. Unlike most wand woods where they seek the same characteristics as their owners, alder wand wood is unusual, as it prefers a personality different, if not directly opposite its own.

Apple Apple wood wands are not created in great numbers, and are quite powerful. A wand made from an apple wood is best suited to a wizard with high aims and ideals, and mixes poorly with Dark magic. The owners of an apple wood wand have great personal charm, and tend to be well loved and long lived.

Ash Ash wands should never be passed on or gifted to another wizard other than their original owner, as it tends to create a powerful bond with its original owner, and will loose power and skill if given to another wizard. This characteristic is strongest if the core is that of a unicorn. A wizard best suited to an ash wand are not lightly swayed from the beliefs and purposes. Ash wand owners are usually stubborn, and always courageous, though never crass or arrogant.

Aspen Aspen wood is white and fine grained, and has a stylish resemblance to ivory. Usually outstanding with charm work, the proper owner is usually an accomplished duelist. Aspen wands are suited for martial magic, and their owners are strong minded and determined.

Beech Beech wood is richly hued, and bonds with a wizard wise beyond his years, or rich in understanding and experience. They perform very weekly with wizards who are narrow minded and intolerant. When they bond with a wizard, the wand is capable of a subtlety and artistry rarely seen in other woods.

Blackthorn Blackthorn wands are best suited for a warrior, though its owner isn't always one to partake in the Dark Arts. A blackthorn wand will need to partake in danger or hardship in order to truly bond with their owners, and once done so, they become as loyal and faithful a wand as a wizard could wish for.

Cedar A cedar wand finds its ideal match with that of a wizard of strength of character and unusual loyalty, along with perspicacity and perception. A cedar wand owner is not one to cross, especially if harm has come to those they are fond of, and are capable of being a frightening adversary, and is not one a wizard should carelessly challenge.

Cherry Cherry wands make for a wand of strange power, and often pair well with an owner whom possesses truly lethal power, and should never be paired with a wizard without exceptional self control and strength of mind if its core is that of the dragon.

Chestnut With little character of its own, chestnut wands are often attracted to wizards who are skilled tamers of magical beasts, gifted in Herbology, and are natural fliers. Wands made from chestnut tend to take on the characteristics of their owners. If possessed with a core of dragon heartstring, their ideal match is that of a wizard overfond of luxury and materiaBLOCKQUOTEic things, and less scrupulous than they should of how these luxuries are obtained.

Cypress Associated with valor, owners of the cypress wand would sacrifice their lives if required to do so. Cypress wand owners are amongst the most brave, bold, and self sacrificing, and are unafraid of the shadows of their own and others' natures and demons.

Dogwood Quirky and mischievous, they have playful natures and bond with owners who provide them with excitement and fun. Though given their mischievous natures, it would be incorrect to presume dogwood wands are uncapable of performing serious magic when called to do so. Dogwood wands can perform outstanding spells under the most difficult of situations, and can perform dazzling enchantments when paired with a suitable clever and ingenious wizard. It should be noted many dogwood wands are rather noisy, and will refuse to perform nonverbal magic.

Ebony Jet black in color, ebony wands are best suited to any manner of combative magic, and Transfiguration. Happiest in the hands of those with the courage to be themselves, their owners are highly individual, and comfortable with the status of being an outsider. Owners best suited for this wand will hold fast to their beliefs, no matter the pressure, and aren't swayed from their purpose easily. Ebony wand owners are just as likely to be found fighting against the Dark Arts as they are performing it.

Elder Elder wands are exceedingly rare to pair with a wizard, and contain powerful magic, but refuse to stay with a wizard not superior to his company. As such, it takes a remarkable wizard to keep this wand for any length of time. In the rare case an elder wand pairs with that of a wizard, the wizard is destined for a special destiny. Strange it would seem owners of elder wands usually feel a powerful affinity with a wizard chosen by that of the rowan wand.

Elm Elm wands prefer owners with mresence, magical dexterity, and a native dignity. Elm wands produce the fewest accidents, and least foolish errors. Capable of highly advanced magic, elm wands are very sophisticated wands and produce the most elegant of charms and spells in the right hands.

Fir Fir wands demand staying power and strength of purpose in their wand owners, and are poor in the hands of those who are changeable and indecisive. Favoring owners who are focused, strong minded, and occasionally an intimidating demeanor, fir wands are well suited for Transfiguration.

Hawthorn Hawthorn wands make for a strange and contradictory wand full of paradoxes, and are complex and intriguing in nature, just like that of the wizard most suited for hawthorn. The wizard matched best with a hawthorn wand is that of a conflicted nature or is passing through a period of great turmoil. Not easily mastered, and should only be placed in the hands of a wizard of proven talent, or the consequences may be dangerous, and are capable of producing spells that backfire if not properly handled. Hawthorn wands are well suited to healing magic, and are also adept at curses.

Hazel Often hazel wands reflect their owner's emotional state, and are quite sensitive. They are best suited to the wizard able to understand and manage their feelings. Known to absorb and discharge energy gained from its owner who lost their temper or suffered a serious disappointment unpredictably, another should be very careful when handling a hazel wand in this state. Capable of outstanding magic when in the hands of a skillful owner, hazel wands are so devoted to their masters they often wilt at their master's death. Hazel wands also have the very unique ability of detecting water underground, and will emit puffs of silvery and tear shaped smoke when passing over concealed water sources.

Holly Traditionally considered protective, a holly wand works best with a wizard who may have a tendency to anger and impetuosity and needs help overcoming this feat, and are engaged in a dangerous and often spiritual quest. A holly wand varies most dramatically in performance depending on its core. It's proven fact a holly wand is difficult to pair with a phoenix feather because the wood's volatility conflicts with the phoenix's detachment. If such an unusual pairing is to happen, it should be noted nothing and no one should stand in their path.

Hornbeam Hornbeam pairs with that of a talented wizard with a single, pure passion, or obsession, and this passion will always be realized. Hornbeam wands become difficult to use even for the most simple of spells by another owner because a hornbeam wand adapts more quickly than most to its owner's style of magic and becomes so personalized so quickly. Hornbeam wands also absorb their owner's code of honor, and refuse to perform spells against their owner's own principles, creating for a particularly fine turned and sentient wand.

Larch A larch wood creates for an attractive and powerful wand with its strong, durable, and warm color. The wand has a reputation for instilling courage and confidence into their owners, and is hard to place with an owner, and trickier to handle than what others imagine. Larch wood create wands of hidden talents and unexpected effects, as does its owner. Often is the case the wizard paired with a larch wand will never realize the full extent of their considerable talents until paired with the wand, and larch wand and wizard create for an exceptional match.

Laurel The laurel wand bonds strongly with its original owner, and will happily stay with them forever. Laurel wands have the tendency to create a spontaneous lightning strike if another wizard tries to steal it. A laurel wand cannot perform a dishonorable act, though in the quest for glory, not uncommon for the owner, these wands have been known to perform powerful, and sometimes lethal magic. The laurel wand is unable to tolerate laziness in its possessor, and in such conditions, the wand is most easily and willingly won away.

Mahogany Hard and reddish brown, mahogany wands are powerful and great at transfiguration. These wands are well suited to powerful and strong wizards, and bond strongly with its original owner.

Maple Maple wand owners are travelers and explorers by nature, and prefer ambition in the wizard, otherwise its magic becomes heavy and lacklustre. This wand will literally shine with fresh challenges and regular changes in scenery.

Oak A wand for both good times and bad, oak wands belong with loyal wizards, and are as loyal to its owner as they are to their friends. Oak wands demand partners of strength, courage, and fidelity, and their owners have powerful intuition and an affinity for the magic of the natural wand, and the plants and creatures necessary for both magic and pleasure.

Pear Golden in color, pear wands have splendid magical powers, and belong to those of a warm heart, and are generous and wise. The owners of a pear wand are usually well respected and popular, and there has never been a dark wizard who was in possession with that of a pear wand. These wands are among the most resilient, and present an appearance of newness, even after many years of hard use.

Pine Pine wands always chooses the wizard who is independent and may be a loner, intriguing, and sometimes mysterious. Pine wands enjoy being used in a creative way, and will adapt easily to new methods and spells. Pine wands are able to detect and perform best with the owner who is destined for a long life, and is one of the most sensitive wands to nonverbal magic.

Poplar Poplar wands are wands to rely on, and their wizard possesses consistency, strength, and uniform power. Poplar wands are happiest in the hands of a wizard with a clear moral vision.

Redwood Redwood wands are strongly attracted to wizards who possess great luck, often said to fall on their feet, make the right choices, and snatch advantage from catastrophe. The owner of a redwood wand is known to make exciting exploits in their years.

Rosewood Rosewood is rarely used in wand making, and Ollivander does not use it for his wands.

Rowan Rowan wands are more protective than others, and create for especially strong defensive charms that can prove difficult to break. Rowan wands are uncapable of performing dark magic, and is most happy with the wizard with a clear head and pure heart. They are also known to outperform others in duels.

Silver lime Unusually handsome wands, they have a reputation for performing best seers and the wizard skilled in legitimacy, both known to be mysterious arts, giving the owner considerable status.

Spruce A spruce wand is not to be matched with those of cautious and nervous behaviors, as they become positively dangerous in these circumstances. Spruce wands require a firm hand because spruce wands have their own idea about what magic it should use. The owner of a spruce wand is a bold spell caster with a good sense of humor. The wand is a superb helper, and in intensely loyal to its owner, and capable of producing particularly flamboyant and dramatic effects.

Sycamore Sycamore wands loose their brilliance if engaged in mundane activities, and are eager for new experiences. Sycamore wands are handsome, and are known to combust if allowed to become bored. The ideal wand owner of a sycamore is curious, vital, and adventurous. These wands are able to learn and adapt, making them great questing wands.

Vine The owners of a vine wand seek a greater purpose, and have a vision beyond the ordinary, often surprising those who know them best. These wands seem strongly attracted by personalities with hidden depths, and are more sensitive than others when it comes to instantly detecting a prospective match. These wands can emit magical effects just from the mere entrance of their owners into the room.

Walnut Walnut wizards are usually attracted to those of high intelligence. Walnut wands are often found with those of magical innovations and inventions, and this wand is known for its possession in unusual versatility and adaptability. While some wand woods are difficult to dominate and resist spells foreign to their nature, the walnut wand will perform any task its owner desires if its owner is of sufficient brilliance, making for a truly lethal wand in the hands of a wizard of no conscience. The wand and wizard are able to feed off each other in an unhealthy manner when this wand is placed in the hands of an evil wizard.

Willow An uncommon wand wood with a healing power, the owner of a willow wand often has insecurity, though they'll try to hide it. The willow wand selects an owner with the greatest of potential, and have a lot to learn. The willow is a wand that will help them on their way.

Yew The owner of a yew wand, much like the wood its made from, is an unusual character. Yew wands have the reputation of belonging to a wizard with the power of life and death, though saying the owner of this wand is more likely to be attracted to the Dark Arts than another, and may prove to be a fierce protector of others. Wands made from yew are found to be in the possession of a villain as often as a hero. A wizard who wields a wand hewn from yew will never be mediocre or timid.