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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Zanthoxylum americanum, the common prickly-ash, common pricklyash, common prickly ash, or northern prickly-ash, is an aromatic shrub or small tree native to central and eastern portions of the United States and Canada. It is the northernmost New World species in the citrus family and is the type species in its genus, which includes the Sichuan pepper. It can grow to 10 meters tall with a diameter at breast height of 15 cm. It produces membranous leaflets and axillary flower clusters. The wood is not commercially valuable, but oil extracted from the bark has been used in traditional and alternative medicine and has been studied for its antifungal and cytotoxic properties. The wood is characterized by a fine, straight grain that makes it moderately flexible and easy to carve. It is particularly receptive to magical imprints, enhancing its suitability for wand crafting. Although it lacks the commercial value of other woods, its unique qualities make it a treasured find for wand makers. The genus name is sometimes spelled Xanthoxylum.
Familiar Prickly Ash is very similar to its close kin, Tembetari. It is a natural healing plant and is well-suited to aid people. It often looks for similar traits in potential masters, seeking those of an empathetic and compassionate nature, but also seeks the outdoorsy, to whom it often becomes a keen helpmate, in the case of injury, too far from a hospital to Apparate. Prickly Ash wands diverge in cores, much like Tembetarí, with some cores better suited for specific applications. Recommended cores include Unicorn hair or Thunderbird feather, which are known for enhancing the wand's healing abilities. These combinations result in a strong tendency towards restorative magic. More daring cores, such as Phoenix feather or Horned Serpent horn, open the wand up to more adventurous and risky spellwork. Despite these capabilities, it is important to note that Prickly Ash wands may have limitations in spellcasting power when paired with aggressive cores, potentially leading to unintended effects if not skillfully managed. Prickly Ash wands are famed for their unique magical effects, notably their role in creating the Balm of Vitality, a soothing elixir that accelerates wound healing and eases pain. In skilled hands, they can be used to cast the Glowmend spell, a powerful healing spell that envelops the injured area in a gentle luminescent light, promoting rapid recovery. Despite these incredible traits, it's very rare to find a prickly ash wand outside the United States.
