In this world, there are many tools one may use to direct magic. One of the most well-known of these is the wand. Of course, it is a common saying that "The wand chooses the wizard," with all wands having a degree of awareness with which they select...
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Hickory is a genus of trees comprising around 18 species. Five or six species are native to China, Indochina, and India; as many as twelve are native to the United States; four are found in Mexico; and two to four are from Canada. Several hickory species are used for products such as edible nuts and wood.
One of the densest woods in the United States, hickory wands are solid, uncompromising, and hardworking. The wood is noted for being exceedingly loyal and incredibly stubborn (most would say pig-headed). Hickory wands select equally stubborn, hardworking masters who tend to be uncomplaining. Ideal wand owners are those with determination and resilience, individuals who embrace challenges with tenacity and are not deterred by obstacles. These masters are often strong-willed and intellectually curious, with a knack for persistence in their pursuits. Interestingly, cooking spells cast with hickory wands impart excellent flavor to food. They are prized in China, Indochina, and especially the United States.
Hickory trees are known for their strength and resilience. Their wood's combination of hardness and flexibility makes it a good choice for making bows or other instruments that require excellent durability. Remarkably, when crafted into a wand, these properties translate into potent magical advantages. Hickory wands are exceptionally durable, providing resilience against even the most forceful spells, allowing their users to withstand magical pressure with ease and confidence. A hickory wood wand owner can often make it through pressuring situations without much discomfort. They may indeed have little tolerance for others' complaints. They often have strong opinions and care little about offending others, which can make them abrasive.
Nevertheless, they will bend their behavior to match their core beliefs before they accidentally cause harm and can be counted on to come through when it truly counts. The wand desires a master with integrity and, although not always obvious, a nurturing side. Hickory wands generally do not go to dark wizards. However, when they do, the wizard is a significant threat, inspiring fear in their followers while still bringing forward their most excellent lethality. More commonly, Hickory wands are found in teachers' hands, the type all the students complain about but remember fondly.
Though the wood is stiff and dense, it retains flexibility. As such, it has been used for baseball bats, bows, walking sticks, and various other athletic equipment. Likewise, its owner is strong-minded but flexible. They will hear the other side of an argument or issue, even if they disagree a bit. Their patience seems near-endless and pairs well with their persistence. They always finish their projects and do not like to start another project while in the middle of a current project. They do not like to procrastinate either, which can be a potential annoyance to their friends. They adore social gatherings and chatting people up. This love for socialization can distract them from their projects or goals. They also do not like to be alone, as silence can make them uncomfortable. In short, the ideal hickory wand owner is strong-minded yet adaptable, patient, persistent, and social. They possess great determination and resist procrastination, while enjoying the company of others.
This wood is talented in magic involving smoke, preservation, necromancy, and weather prediction. It is one of the best woods for resisting impact- and pressure-related spells. The shields made from this wood are dense and may absorb the impacts of spells to make themselves stronger. Hickory wands are more potent than other hickory wands nearby. It is also more powerful under the moonlight, especially that of the crescent moon. This wand will change color to predict significant weather changes or the timing of seasonal changes. To maximize the power of your hickory wand, store it in a place where it can occasionally be exposed to moonlight, as this enhances its natural potency. Regularly polish the wand with a soft cloth to maintain its sheen and magical conductivity. It is advisable to refrain from using it for trivial purposes, as the wood holds a strong preference for serious, purposeful casting. Periodic exposure to incense smoke can also help in keeping the wand's magic revitalized and alert.
