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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Rhamnus is a genus of about 110 accepted species of shrubs or small trees, commonly known as buckthorns, in the family Rhamnaceae. Its species range from 1 to 10 meters tall. They are native mainly to East Asia and North America. Still, they are found throughout the temperate and subtropical Northern Hemisphere and, more locally, in the subtropical Southern Hemisphere, in parts of Africa and South America. In the realm of magic, Rhamnus holds a special place due to its mystical reputation and legendary uses in wandlore. Revered for its dual nature, wands crafted from buckthorn are often linked with powerful spells and intricate magical nuances, captivating the interest of magic enthusiasts and historians alike. The physical properties of Rhamnus wood contribute significantly to these attributes. Buckthorn wood is characterized by its fine, straight grain and moderate density, making it workable and ideal for shaping into wands. Its flexibility allows for a responsive and dynamic wand, suitable for a range of spellwork. The wood's workability is appreciated by wandmakers, who find it favorable for embedding the preferred cores of unicorn hair and dragon heartstring, which enhance its dual nature and magical potency.
While an effective healer, Buckthorn is also an effective curser, and such contradictory points remain constant throughout the wood's use in wandmaking. While it can be easily shaped into a wand, it is often exceedingly picky about cores. Buckthorn wands tend to favor unicorn hair and dragon heartstring, both of which complement its complex nature. Despite its apparent duality, Buckthorn wands are especially adept at charms and protective spells, creating powerful wards or enhancing defensive spells with ease. However, they may struggle with transfiguration spells, often requiring extra concentration from the wix. For wandmakers seeking to overcome this challenge, pairing Buckthorn with a phoenix feather core can often provide the necessary adaptability to make transfiguration more seamless. Additionally, focusing on refining the balancing of energies during the crafting process can greatly enhance the wand's transfiguration capabilities. Though it often finds a wix of one extreme or another, it seems also to find those who will inevitably turn from said extreme. Interestingly, many spells cast with a Buckthorn wand have a slight yellow tinge, which can be used to distinguish a wand and its master on a dueling field.
Frangula
Like its parent or, sometimes, sister genus, Frangula, a separate genus closely related to Rhamnus within the family Rhamnaceae, wands often find themselves in hands that heal. However, they retain the potential to be quite dangerous. Frangula wands tend to choose those who are firm and particular in their beliefs, often even extreme, and extremely stubborn about them. However, those it picks will, again, like with wands of its parent/sister genus, almost always eventually turn away from those beliefs, due to long-term doubts and concerns. A notable historical figure known for wielding a Frangula wand was the legendary witch Elysia Bramblethorn, famous for her groundbreaking healing spells and her eventual transformation into an advocate for peaceful magic. Bramblethorn's journey exemplifies the transformative influence that Frangula wands are reputed to have.
