Post by Vallen Douglas on May 21, 2013 16:00:55 GMT -5
There are many different kinds of trees in the world. Not all trees make good wands, however. Furthermore, the core of a wand is crucial. Should the core and the wood not get along, one is bound to spend more time in the hospital wing than their classes. And no one wants that. It takes a very skilled and experienced wand maker to ensure that your wand will be able to perform at its best.
Below, you will find a list of the most common wand-worthy trees in North America. This is, of course, not a complete list. It is here for your information as you decide what type of wood would best suit your character. You will also find a list of the most common wand cores. You will be familiar with the first three, but the last two might pique your interest as well. Remember that the descriptions of the woods and cores are tailored to this site and are, of course, general guidelines.
If you'd prefer to see what type of wand might choose you, check out the wand quiz here: Wand Quiz
Have fun!
Woods
"Soft Woods"
Cedar: This aromatic wood is prized worldwide among muggles and wizarding folk alike. It's flexibility suits it to many situations, but it is a particular favorite among Potions Masters.
Cypress: This tree has been held sacred by many cultures since the earliest histories. It is little wonder; the mysterious Cypress has always held a strong connection with the ethereal, making it a fine fit for Divinations.
Palm: Calm and serene, the Palm tree is refreshing no matter where it is found. It is an adaptable wood and has long been associated with the art of Potion making.
Redwood: Tall, strong, and ancient; the Redwood's roots grown deep and its branches stretch to the heavens. It is a connection between past, present, and future. Some will claim there is no better wand for Divinations than a Redwood.
"Medium Woods"
Maple: A beloved tree in the Americas in particular, the Maple is well known for its dependability. It is also rumored to be particularly inclined to Transfigurations, should the owner be so inclined.
Oak: Sturdy, yet adaptable; the Oak can face whatever task its owner so inclines to put it to. To be sure, the owner of an Oak wand is well rounded and gifted.
Pine: In many forms, the Pine tree can be found around the world and in many different climates. So too, can the owners of Pine wands. Jacks-of-all-trades, one might say.
Willow: A strong wood is required of a tree that makes its home in unsound, muddy ground. The Willow is just that, and more. It combines strength with flexibility, giving it a particular inclination toward Transfigurations, where solid reality is mingled with flights of fancy.
"Hard Woods"
Ash: Strength and determination. These are the characteristics of Ash. In a wand, Ash provides these with gusto. Fickle witches and wizards will not pair well with such a wand. The strength of this wood is a boon to those who find themselves Dueling often.
Cherry: A curious name among the dense wood trees, but Cherry will surprise. It has a happy nature, and strength to back it up. One might find Charms to be a bit easier when wielding such a wand.
Elm: The beloved Elm tree has a way of inviting all manner of creature to gather beneath its shady limbs. It offers protection and safety. The Elm will do well in any task, but many swear by its natural knack for Charms.
Mahogany: Throughout the ages, Mahogany has been associated with power. Its deep, luxurious coloring has made it valuable to all. Its strength has made it famous. There are few woods stronger than Mahogany, and fewer witches or wizards who could beat one who Duels with a Mahogany wand.
Cores
Dragon Heartstrings
Phoenix Feather
Unicorn Tail Hair
Ground Griffin Talon*
Quetzalcoatl Feather**
*North America sports a particularly healthy population of Golden Griffins. Study has found that the talons, when ground, perform similarly to Dragon Heartstrings, though with a less... refined sort of power.
**The mysterious and benign Quatzalcoatl Bird of Central America is revered for its healing abilities. A feather from this bird must be given freely, or it can have disastrous effects in the creation of a wand. But, when given freely, it combines beautifully with the wood of a wand, making it comparable to Phoenix feathers or Unicorn tail hair.
A note on wand lengths: The general guideline is that the length of one's wand is more or less proportional to one's height. Take into account ADULT height, not how tall your character is at 11. The general range is between 8 (think Umbridge) and 16 (think Hagrid) inches long.
_________________________________________________________________
Again, please be aware that all of the above is meant to help you to understand the most common materials used in wand making in North America. The use of anything else might be considered slightly more rare. Please remember that rare doesn't equal awesome. You don't need a crazy, super-rare/unique wand to make your character cool. YOU are what makes the character cool.
Below, you will find a list of the most common wand-worthy trees in North America. This is, of course, not a complete list. It is here for your information as you decide what type of wood would best suit your character. You will also find a list of the most common wand cores. You will be familiar with the first three, but the last two might pique your interest as well. Remember that the descriptions of the woods and cores are tailored to this site and are, of course, general guidelines.
If you'd prefer to see what type of wand might choose you, check out the wand quiz here: Wand Quiz
Have fun!
Woods
"Soft Woods"
Cedar: This aromatic wood is prized worldwide among muggles and wizarding folk alike. It's flexibility suits it to many situations, but it is a particular favorite among Potions Masters.
Cypress: This tree has been held sacred by many cultures since the earliest histories. It is little wonder; the mysterious Cypress has always held a strong connection with the ethereal, making it a fine fit for Divinations.
Palm: Calm and serene, the Palm tree is refreshing no matter where it is found. It is an adaptable wood and has long been associated with the art of Potion making.
Redwood: Tall, strong, and ancient; the Redwood's roots grown deep and its branches stretch to the heavens. It is a connection between past, present, and future. Some will claim there is no better wand for Divinations than a Redwood.
"Medium Woods"
Maple: A beloved tree in the Americas in particular, the Maple is well known for its dependability. It is also rumored to be particularly inclined to Transfigurations, should the owner be so inclined.
Oak: Sturdy, yet adaptable; the Oak can face whatever task its owner so inclines to put it to. To be sure, the owner of an Oak wand is well rounded and gifted.
Pine: In many forms, the Pine tree can be found around the world and in many different climates. So too, can the owners of Pine wands. Jacks-of-all-trades, one might say.
Willow: A strong wood is required of a tree that makes its home in unsound, muddy ground. The Willow is just that, and more. It combines strength with flexibility, giving it a particular inclination toward Transfigurations, where solid reality is mingled with flights of fancy.
"Hard Woods"
Ash: Strength and determination. These are the characteristics of Ash. In a wand, Ash provides these with gusto. Fickle witches and wizards will not pair well with such a wand. The strength of this wood is a boon to those who find themselves Dueling often.
Cherry: A curious name among the dense wood trees, but Cherry will surprise. It has a happy nature, and strength to back it up. One might find Charms to be a bit easier when wielding such a wand.
Elm: The beloved Elm tree has a way of inviting all manner of creature to gather beneath its shady limbs. It offers protection and safety. The Elm will do well in any task, but many swear by its natural knack for Charms.
Mahogany: Throughout the ages, Mahogany has been associated with power. Its deep, luxurious coloring has made it valuable to all. Its strength has made it famous. There are few woods stronger than Mahogany, and fewer witches or wizards who could beat one who Duels with a Mahogany wand.
Cores
Dragon Heartstrings
Phoenix Feather
Unicorn Tail Hair
Ground Griffin Talon*
Quetzalcoatl Feather**
*North America sports a particularly healthy population of Golden Griffins. Study has found that the talons, when ground, perform similarly to Dragon Heartstrings, though with a less... refined sort of power.
**The mysterious and benign Quatzalcoatl Bird of Central America is revered for its healing abilities. A feather from this bird must be given freely, or it can have disastrous effects in the creation of a wand. But, when given freely, it combines beautifully with the wood of a wand, making it comparable to Phoenix feathers or Unicorn tail hair.
A note on wand lengths: The general guideline is that the length of one's wand is more or less proportional to one's height. Take into account ADULT height, not how tall your character is at 11. The general range is between 8 (think Umbridge) and 16 (think Hagrid) inches long.
_________________________________________________________________
Again, please be aware that all of the above is meant to help you to understand the most common materials used in wand making in North America. The use of anything else might be considered slightly more rare. Please remember that rare doesn't equal awesome. You don't need a crazy, super-rare/unique wand to make your character cool. YOU are what makes the character cool.