The Phantom
Consulting Criminal
The Studies of Aethermancy and Scholomance
Exposition:
This thread is to take place roughly 200 years after the events of Skyrim, and will go by the basic principals that the Dovahkin did indeed vanquish Alduin, the World Eater and Miraak; though his guilds will be left ambiguous. After the events of Dawnguard, the sun was occasionally blotted out by the Dragonborn to make events more convenient for him, however, after sustained use of Auriel's Bow for this purpose something went horribly wrong. The powers of Molag Bal infused within the Blood of a Daughter of Coldharbour were gradually weakening the aedric influence emanating from the sun (What remains of Magnus, the God of Magic) until rather suddenly, Nirn's sun was disconnected from the races of Tamriel. Though it still sustained Nirn and its inhabitants, it had become weakened to the point where only certain materials could establish control of magicka. All of the races of Tamriel, including the usually sensitive Altmer, were now unable to use magic unaided, and for many years, Tamriel was without magic. This ultimately brought about the downfall of the second Aldmeri Dominion, and the Empire reestablished itself as the ruling body on the continent. Now that for once in Tamriel's long history, the Empire had established peace, all nations willingly went under one banner, disbanding the Empire of Tiber Septim and it becoming the first Confederacy of Tamriel, a democratic and capitalistic society that thrived.
Despite the fact that Tamriel was without sorcery, two places formerly devoted to the study of the arcane remained. They were the Arcane University in what was formerly Cyrodiil (now referred to as, "The Capital"), and the College of Winterhold in Northern Tamriel, in what is still called Skyrim. They soon realised that if they were to have any hope of achieving their goal of reestablishing contact with Aetherius, they must merge together. The College building was abandoned, left to the seas, and the Arcane University became known as the School of Aethermancy. After years of research, it was discovered that if specific woods were to be merged with certain alchemical ingredients, they would react and allow a being to focus their magicka into a spell. Two variants were created, wands and staves. Examples of a wand/staff might be a pine wand, infused with a briarheart core, or oak and a heartstone core. These were seemingly sentient to a certain degree, and would only function for certain masters based on their personalities; certain combinations were also more efficient at different aspects of magic. Strangely though, their sentience was reflected through the fact that they only reacted to verbal commands from their masters, and non-verbal magic was difficult (though not impossible) to achieve.
The School of Aethermancy became an independent state over the next fifty years and was very selective about taking in new members, they soon became paranoid, as non-mages viewed them as a threat. The Elders of the school thusly cast a spell of concealment around the School, it essentially became both invisible and non-corporeal to those who were not inherently magicka sensitive. Though all races had at least some degree of magicka sensitivity left, a few individuals were far more sensitive than others. That is to say, should the average person attempt to wield a wand, it would most likely remain unresponsive or only produce pathetically weak spells, whereas should individuals who are more magically sensitive use one, they would be able to use it to its fullest potential. Therefore, the School of Aethermancy would seek out sensitive children and recruit them as students. From this point onwards, the main schools of magic: destruction, alteration, enchanting, restoration and illusion were classed within the term Aethermancy, as these were what the school solely taught. The students in the school were then placed within different guilds, based on their personalities. These guilds were that of Dolosus, Flamma and Callidus. The members of the guild of Dolosus are placed here due to their sheer cunning and potential as powerful mages; they are however shunned as somewhat arrogant and overly-ambitious people by the other guilds (though obviously, this was a generalisation) and their symbol is a Dragon. Those in the guild of Flamma are archetypically bold people, placed within the guild due to their ability to persevere and skill at field work and retrieval missions; their emblem is that of a Sabre Cat. Finally, those in the guild of Callidus are the best scholars in the school, and normally exceed with theory work though are considered to be lonely, submissive people. Their crest is a Spriggan.
Roughly fifty years later, some lost arts began to emerge. Two friends by the names of Corvus Larethian of guild Dolosus, and Titus Cicero of guild Callidus discovered old, forgotten and previously forbidden magics. They had begun to experiment with dark magic, necromancy and soul magic. These newly discovered forms of magic proved incredibly potent, Larethian accidentally murdered a fellow student, the lover of Titus, when reciting a soul magic spell he'd been practicing, tearing her soul from her body. This caused much outrage and the Elders of the school named these new arts Scholomance, and banned both their use and study. In-turn, Corvus thought that these new forms of magic shouldn't be wasted, as they surpassed Aethermancy in potency and could mean that mages wouldn't have to hide from the mortals for fear of persecution any longer. So, as he studied Aethermancy, he also secretly continued to study and invent Scholomance techniques, even converting other students to his cause. For years this continued, until finally he had grown so much in power that Titus was afraid of what he might do, and reported him to the Elders, who immediately expelled Corvus and all his colleagues from the school, breaking their wands and staves. This did not stop Larethian, who was now determined to overcome both the School of Aethermancy and conquer the Confederacy of Tamriel. Corvus had learned much of stave crafting, and forged himself a remake of his former staff, albeit shaped like a scythe, and crafted wands and staves for his followers. Then he founded the College of Scholomance in the former Winterhold college building, and declared war on the School of Aethermancy, recruiting magically sensitive children to his cause, and mimicking the guild system of his former school. Soon thereafter, his old friend, Titus Cicero, became High Elder of the School of Aethermancy, and now it seemed that there are only two possibilities: either the Scholomancers and Larethian will wipe out the Aethermancers and Cicero, or the Aethermancers and Cicero shall wipe out the Scholomancers and Larethian.
OOC:
I do hope that that exposition has piqued your interest in my new thread and that you will think about applying. In the thread you may apply as a member of any school and any guild; we will accept up to eight members, including my co-host, Sid, and myself. The beginning of the thread will focus on us learning magic (We will be students) and then progress to the war between the schools.
Below you will find a list of stave/wand materials, cores and their combinations. (I will admit that the concept of wand crafting and the personality matching/sentience was heavily inspired and the wood descriptions are by J.K.Rowling in her "Harry Potter" series) For the purposes of the thread, these are Titus' descriptions
Woods:
Alder
"Alder is an unyielding wood, yet I have discovered that its ideal owner is not stubborn or obstinate, but often helpful, considerate and most likeable. Whereas most wand woods seek similarity in the characters of those they will best serve, alder is unusual in that it seems to desire a nature that is, if not precisely opposite to its own, then certainly of a markedly different type. When an alder wand is happily placed, it becomes a magnificent, loyal helpmate. Of all wand types, alder is best suited to non-verbal spell work, whence comes its reputation for being suitable only for the most advanced witches and wizards.”
Apple
“Applewood wands are not made in great numbers. They are powerful and best suited to an owner of high aims and ideals, as this wood mixes poorly with Scholomance. It is said that the possessor of an apple wand will be well-loved and long-lived, and I have often noticed that customers of great personal charm find their perfect match in an applewood wand.”
Ash
“The ash wand cleaves to its one true master and ought not to be passed on or gifted from the original owner, because it will lose power and skill. This tendency is extreme if the core is of briarheart. Those witches and wizards best suited to ash wands are not, in my experience, lightly swayed from their beliefs or purposes. However, the brash or over-confident witch or wizard, who often insists on trying wands of this prestigious wood, will be disappointed by its effects. The ideal owner may be stubborn, and will certainly be courageous, but never crass or arrogant.”
Aspen
“Wand-quality aspen wood is white and fine-grained, and highly prized by all wand-makers for its stylish resemblance to ivory and its usually outstanding charmwork. The proper owner of the aspen wand is often an accomplished duellist, or destined to be so, for the aspen wand is one of those particularly suited to martial magic. In my experience, aspen wand owners are generally strong-minded and determined, more likely than most to be attracted by quests and new orders; this is a wand for revolutionaries.”
Beech
“The true match for a beech wand will be, if young, wise beyond his or her years, and if full-grown, rich in understanding and experience. Beech wands perform very weakly for the narrow-minded and intolerant. Such wizards and witches, having obtained a beech wand without having been suitably matched (yet coveting this most desirable, richly hued and highly prized wand wood), have often presented themselves at the homes of learned wandmakers such as myself, demanding to know the reason for their handsome wand’s lack of power. When properly matched, the beech wand is capable of a subtlety and artistry rarely seen in any other wood, hence its lustrous reputation. ”
Cedar
“ Whenever I meet one who carries a cedar wand, I find strength of character and unusual loyalty. The cedar wand finds its perfect home where there is perspicacity and perception. I would go further than my father, however, in saying that I have never yet met the owner of a cedar wand whom I would care to cross, especially if harm is done to those of whom they are fond. The witch or wizard who is well-matched with cedar carries the potential to be a frightening adversary, which often comes as a shock to those who have thoughtlessly challenged them."
Cypress
“Cypress wands are associated with nobility. Fortunately, in these less blood-thirsty times, the possessors of cypress wands are rarely called upon to lay down their lives, though doubtless many of them would do so if required, they will die well however. Wands of cypress find their soul mates among the brave, the bold and the self-sacrificing: those who are unafraid to confront the shadows in their own and others’ natures. ”
Dogwood
“Dogwood wands are quirky and mischievous; they have playful natures and insist upon partners who can provide them with scope for excitement and fun. It would be quite wrong, however, to deduce from this that dogwood wands are not capable of serious magic when called upon to do so; they have been known to perform outstanding spells under difficult conditions, and when paired with a suitably clever and ingenious witch or wizard, can produce dazzling enchantments. An interesting foible of many dogwood wands is that they refuse to perform non-verbal spells and they are often rather noisy. ”
Elm
“The truth is that elm wands prefer owners with presence, magical dexterity and a certain native dignity. Of all wand woods, elm, in my experience, produces the fewest accidents, the least foolish errors, and the most elegant charms and spells; these are sophisticated wands, capable of highly advanced magic in the right hands.”
Holly
“Holly is one of the rarer kinds of wand woods; traditionally considered protective, it works most happily for those who may need help overcoming a tendency to anger and impetuosity. At the same time, holly wands often choose owners who are engaged in some dangerous and often spiritual quest. Holly is one of those woods that varies most dramatically in performance depending on the wand core, and it is a notoriously difficult wood to team with phoenix feather, as the wood's volatility conflicts strangely with the phoenix's detachment. In the unusual event of such a pairing finding its ideal match, however, nothing and nobody should stand in their way."
Maple
“ I have often found that those chosen by maple wands are by nature travellers and explorers; they are not stay-at-home wands, and prefer ambition in their witch or wizard, otherwise their magic grows heavy and lacklustre. Fresh challenges and regular changes of scene cause this wand to literally shine, burnishing itself as it grows, with its partner, in ability and status. This is a beautiful and desirable wood, and wand quality maple has been among the most costly for centuries. Possession of a maple wand has long been a mark of status, because of its reputation as the wand of high achievers. ”
Pine
“The straight-grained pine wand always chooses an independent, individual master who may be perceived as a loner, intriguing and perhaps mysterious. Pine wands enjoy being used creatively, and unlike some others, will adapt unprotestingly to new methods and spells. Many wandmakers insist that pine wands are able to detect, and perform best for, owners who are destined for long lives, and I can confirm this in as much as I have never personally known the master of a pine wand to die young. The pine wand is one of those that is most sensitive to non-verbal magic.”
Red Oak
“You will often hear the ignorant say that red oak is an infallible sign of its owner’s hot temper. In fact, the true match for a red oak wand is possessed of unusually fast reactions, making it a perfect duelling wand. Less common than English oak, I have found that its ideal master is light of touch, quick-witted and adaptable, often the creator of distinctive, trademark spells, and a good man or woman to have beside one in a fight. Red oak wands are, in my opinion, among the most handsome.”
Rowan
“Rowan wood has always been much-favoured for wands, because it is reputed to be more protective than any other, and in my experience renders all manner of defensive charms especially strong and difficult to break. It is commonly stated that no Dark witch or wizard ever owned a rowan wand, and I cannot recall a single instance where one of my own rowan wands has gone on to do evil in the world. Rowan is most happily placed with the clear-headed and the pure-hearted, but this reputation for virtue ought not to fool anyone - these wands are the equal of any, often the better, and frequently out-perform others in duels. ”
Sycamore
“The sycamore makes a questing wand, eager for new experience and losing brilliance if engaged in mundane activities. It is a quirk of these handsome wands that they may combust if allowed to become ‘bored,’ and many witches and wizards, settling down into middle age, are disconcerted to find their trusty wand bursting into flame in their hand as they ask it, one more time, to fetch their slippers. As may be deduced, the sycamore’s ideal owner is curious, vital and adventurous, and when paired with such an owner, it demonstrates a capacity to learn and adapt that earns it a rightful place among the world's most highly-prized wand woods. ”
Vine
“Vine wands are among the less common types, and I have been intrigued to notice that their owners are nearly always those witches or wizards who seek a greater purpose, who have a vision beyond the ordinary and who frequently astound those who think they know them best. Vine wands seem strongly attracted by personalities with hidden depths, and I have found them more sensitive than any other when it comes to instantly detecting a prospective match. Reliable sources claim that these wands can emit magical effects upon the mere entrance into their room of a suitable owner, and I have twice observed the phenomenon in my own shop. ”
Walnut
“Highly intelligent witches and wizards ought to be offered a walnut wand for trial first, because in nine cases out of ten, the two will find in each other their ideal mate. Walnut wands are often found in the hands of magical innovators and inventors; this is a handsome wood possessed of unusual versatility and adaptability. A note of caution, however: while some woods are difficult to dominate, and may resist the performance of spells that are foreign to their natures, the walnut wand will, once subjugated, perform any task its owner desires, provided that the user is of sufficient brilliance. This makes for a truly lethal weapon in the hands of a witch or wizard of no conscience, for the wand and the wizard may feed from each other in a particularly unhealthy manner. ”
Yew
“Yew wands are among the rarer kinds, and their ideal matches are likewise unusual, and occasionally notorious. The wand of yew is reputed to endow its possessor with the power of life and death, which might, of course, be said of all wands; and yet yew retains a particularly dark and fearsome reputation in the spheres of duelling and all curses. However, it is untrue to say (as those unlearned in wandlore often do) that those who use yew wands are more likely to be attracted to Scholomance than another. The witch or wizard best suited to a yew wand might equally prove a fierce protector of others. Wands hewn from these most long-lived trees have been found in the possession of heroes quite as often as of villains. Where wizards have been buried with wands of yew, the wand generally sprouts into a tree guarding the dead owner’s grave. What is certain, in my experience, is that the yew wand never chooses either a mediocre or a timid owner.
Cores:
Briar Heart
"While this core does not generally produce the strongest wands-although the wand wood may enhance its power-wands that have unicorn hair in them are the least flamboyant, decreasing its susceptibility to fluctuations and blockages. Advantages of this core are that it usually produces the most consistent magic, and that it is the most faithful to its owner of the three cores. A wand with a core of briarheart is harder to turn to Scholomance than soul gems or heartstones, a factor that many witches and wizards like."
Soul Gem
"This core is the rarest of the three, as it is often regarded as unorthodox. Soul gem wands are capable of the greatest range of magic, although this means that sometimes they will act of their own accord. Wands with this expensive material as their core are the pickiest of all the cores in choosing the most suitable owner, and allegience is often hard-won."
Heartstone
"This core is the most flamboyant of the three, and often produces the strongest wands. Heartstone usually favours ambitious spell-casting and as a result the wand is more likely to turn to the Scholomance than any other core; however, a wand that has this core will not do so of its own will. Heartstone wands generally aren't sensitive to moving on from previous owners, but bond strongly with the current owner."
This is the model for Character Cards:
Character Name:
Alias:
Wand/Stave:
School Alignment:
Guild:
Birth Sign:
Currently Resides:
Hometown:
Age:
Race:
Gender:
Worships:
Appearance:
Height-
Weight-
Eyes-
Hair-
Scars-
Description-
Personality:
Laterality:
Sexuality:
Marital Status:
Positive Traits:
Negative Traits:
Likes:
Dislikes:
Fears:
Aspirations:
Quirks:
Description:
Magic Style:
Specific Skills and Preferences:
Battle Style:
Biography:
Exposition:
This thread is to take place roughly 200 years after the events of Skyrim, and will go by the basic principals that the Dovahkin did indeed vanquish Alduin, the World Eater and Miraak; though his guilds will be left ambiguous. After the events of Dawnguard, the sun was occasionally blotted out by the Dragonborn to make events more convenient for him, however, after sustained use of Auriel's Bow for this purpose something went horribly wrong. The powers of Molag Bal infused within the Blood of a Daughter of Coldharbour were gradually weakening the aedric influence emanating from the sun (What remains of Magnus, the God of Magic) until rather suddenly, Nirn's sun was disconnected from the races of Tamriel. Though it still sustained Nirn and its inhabitants, it had become weakened to the point where only certain materials could establish control of magicka. All of the races of Tamriel, including the usually sensitive Altmer, were now unable to use magic unaided, and for many years, Tamriel was without magic. This ultimately brought about the downfall of the second Aldmeri Dominion, and the Empire reestablished itself as the ruling body on the continent. Now that for once in Tamriel's long history, the Empire had established peace, all nations willingly went under one banner, disbanding the Empire of Tiber Septim and it becoming the first Confederacy of Tamriel, a democratic and capitalistic society that thrived.
Despite the fact that Tamriel was without sorcery, two places formerly devoted to the study of the arcane remained. They were the Arcane University in what was formerly Cyrodiil (now referred to as, "The Capital"), and the College of Winterhold in Northern Tamriel, in what is still called Skyrim. They soon realised that if they were to have any hope of achieving their goal of reestablishing contact with Aetherius, they must merge together. The College building was abandoned, left to the seas, and the Arcane University became known as the School of Aethermancy. After years of research, it was discovered that if specific woods were to be merged with certain alchemical ingredients, they would react and allow a being to focus their magicka into a spell. Two variants were created, wands and staves. Examples of a wand/staff might be a pine wand, infused with a briarheart core, or oak and a heartstone core. These were seemingly sentient to a certain degree, and would only function for certain masters based on their personalities; certain combinations were also more efficient at different aspects of magic. Strangely though, their sentience was reflected through the fact that they only reacted to verbal commands from their masters, and non-verbal magic was difficult (though not impossible) to achieve.
The School of Aethermancy became an independent state over the next fifty years and was very selective about taking in new members, they soon became paranoid, as non-mages viewed them as a threat. The Elders of the school thusly cast a spell of concealment around the School, it essentially became both invisible and non-corporeal to those who were not inherently magicka sensitive. Though all races had at least some degree of magicka sensitivity left, a few individuals were far more sensitive than others. That is to say, should the average person attempt to wield a wand, it would most likely remain unresponsive or only produce pathetically weak spells, whereas should individuals who are more magically sensitive use one, they would be able to use it to its fullest potential. Therefore, the School of Aethermancy would seek out sensitive children and recruit them as students. From this point onwards, the main schools of magic: destruction, alteration, enchanting, restoration and illusion were classed within the term Aethermancy, as these were what the school solely taught. The students in the school were then placed within different guilds, based on their personalities. These guilds were that of Dolosus, Flamma and Callidus. The members of the guild of Dolosus are placed here due to their sheer cunning and potential as powerful mages; they are however shunned as somewhat arrogant and overly-ambitious people by the other guilds (though obviously, this was a generalisation) and their symbol is a Dragon. Those in the guild of Flamma are archetypically bold people, placed within the guild due to their ability to persevere and skill at field work and retrieval missions; their emblem is that of a Sabre Cat. Finally, those in the guild of Callidus are the best scholars in the school, and normally exceed with theory work though are considered to be lonely, submissive people. Their crest is a Spriggan.
Roughly fifty years later, some lost arts began to emerge. Two friends by the names of Corvus Larethian of guild Dolosus, and Titus Cicero of guild Callidus discovered old, forgotten and previously forbidden magics. They had begun to experiment with dark magic, necromancy and soul magic. These newly discovered forms of magic proved incredibly potent, Larethian accidentally murdered a fellow student, the lover of Titus, when reciting a soul magic spell he'd been practicing, tearing her soul from her body. This caused much outrage and the Elders of the school named these new arts Scholomance, and banned both their use and study. In-turn, Corvus thought that these new forms of magic shouldn't be wasted, as they surpassed Aethermancy in potency and could mean that mages wouldn't have to hide from the mortals for fear of persecution any longer. So, as he studied Aethermancy, he also secretly continued to study and invent Scholomance techniques, even converting other students to his cause. For years this continued, until finally he had grown so much in power that Titus was afraid of what he might do, and reported him to the Elders, who immediately expelled Corvus and all his colleagues from the school, breaking their wands and staves. This did not stop Larethian, who was now determined to overcome both the School of Aethermancy and conquer the Confederacy of Tamriel. Corvus had learned much of stave crafting, and forged himself a remake of his former staff, albeit shaped like a scythe, and crafted wands and staves for his followers. Then he founded the College of Scholomance in the former Winterhold college building, and declared war on the School of Aethermancy, recruiting magically sensitive children to his cause, and mimicking the guild system of his former school. Soon thereafter, his old friend, Titus Cicero, became High Elder of the School of Aethermancy, and now it seemed that there are only two possibilities: either the Scholomancers and Larethian will wipe out the Aethermancers and Cicero, or the Aethermancers and Cicero shall wipe out the Scholomancers and Larethian.
OOC:
I do hope that that exposition has piqued your interest in my new thread and that you will think about applying. In the thread you may apply as a member of any school and any guild; we will accept up to eight members, including my co-host, Sid, and myself. The beginning of the thread will focus on us learning magic (We will be students) and then progress to the war between the schools.
Below you will find a list of stave/wand materials, cores and their combinations. (I will admit that the concept of wand crafting and the personality matching/sentience was heavily inspired and the wood descriptions are by J.K.Rowling in her "Harry Potter" series) For the purposes of the thread, these are Titus' descriptions
Woods:
Alder
"Alder is an unyielding wood, yet I have discovered that its ideal owner is not stubborn or obstinate, but often helpful, considerate and most likeable. Whereas most wand woods seek similarity in the characters of those they will best serve, alder is unusual in that it seems to desire a nature that is, if not precisely opposite to its own, then certainly of a markedly different type. When an alder wand is happily placed, it becomes a magnificent, loyal helpmate. Of all wand types, alder is best suited to non-verbal spell work, whence comes its reputation for being suitable only for the most advanced witches and wizards.”
Apple
“Applewood wands are not made in great numbers. They are powerful and best suited to an owner of high aims and ideals, as this wood mixes poorly with Scholomance. It is said that the possessor of an apple wand will be well-loved and long-lived, and I have often noticed that customers of great personal charm find their perfect match in an applewood wand.”
Ash
“The ash wand cleaves to its one true master and ought not to be passed on or gifted from the original owner, because it will lose power and skill. This tendency is extreme if the core is of briarheart. Those witches and wizards best suited to ash wands are not, in my experience, lightly swayed from their beliefs or purposes. However, the brash or over-confident witch or wizard, who often insists on trying wands of this prestigious wood, will be disappointed by its effects. The ideal owner may be stubborn, and will certainly be courageous, but never crass or arrogant.”
Aspen
“Wand-quality aspen wood is white and fine-grained, and highly prized by all wand-makers for its stylish resemblance to ivory and its usually outstanding charmwork. The proper owner of the aspen wand is often an accomplished duellist, or destined to be so, for the aspen wand is one of those particularly suited to martial magic. In my experience, aspen wand owners are generally strong-minded and determined, more likely than most to be attracted by quests and new orders; this is a wand for revolutionaries.”
Beech
“The true match for a beech wand will be, if young, wise beyond his or her years, and if full-grown, rich in understanding and experience. Beech wands perform very weakly for the narrow-minded and intolerant. Such wizards and witches, having obtained a beech wand without having been suitably matched (yet coveting this most desirable, richly hued and highly prized wand wood), have often presented themselves at the homes of learned wandmakers such as myself, demanding to know the reason for their handsome wand’s lack of power. When properly matched, the beech wand is capable of a subtlety and artistry rarely seen in any other wood, hence its lustrous reputation. ”
Cedar
“ Whenever I meet one who carries a cedar wand, I find strength of character and unusual loyalty. The cedar wand finds its perfect home where there is perspicacity and perception. I would go further than my father, however, in saying that I have never yet met the owner of a cedar wand whom I would care to cross, especially if harm is done to those of whom they are fond. The witch or wizard who is well-matched with cedar carries the potential to be a frightening adversary, which often comes as a shock to those who have thoughtlessly challenged them."
Cypress
“Cypress wands are associated with nobility. Fortunately, in these less blood-thirsty times, the possessors of cypress wands are rarely called upon to lay down their lives, though doubtless many of them would do so if required, they will die well however. Wands of cypress find their soul mates among the brave, the bold and the self-sacrificing: those who are unafraid to confront the shadows in their own and others’ natures. ”
Dogwood
“Dogwood wands are quirky and mischievous; they have playful natures and insist upon partners who can provide them with scope for excitement and fun. It would be quite wrong, however, to deduce from this that dogwood wands are not capable of serious magic when called upon to do so; they have been known to perform outstanding spells under difficult conditions, and when paired with a suitably clever and ingenious witch or wizard, can produce dazzling enchantments. An interesting foible of many dogwood wands is that they refuse to perform non-verbal spells and they are often rather noisy. ”
Elm
“The truth is that elm wands prefer owners with presence, magical dexterity and a certain native dignity. Of all wand woods, elm, in my experience, produces the fewest accidents, the least foolish errors, and the most elegant charms and spells; these are sophisticated wands, capable of highly advanced magic in the right hands.”
Holly
“Holly is one of the rarer kinds of wand woods; traditionally considered protective, it works most happily for those who may need help overcoming a tendency to anger and impetuosity. At the same time, holly wands often choose owners who are engaged in some dangerous and often spiritual quest. Holly is one of those woods that varies most dramatically in performance depending on the wand core, and it is a notoriously difficult wood to team with phoenix feather, as the wood's volatility conflicts strangely with the phoenix's detachment. In the unusual event of such a pairing finding its ideal match, however, nothing and nobody should stand in their way."
Maple
“ I have often found that those chosen by maple wands are by nature travellers and explorers; they are not stay-at-home wands, and prefer ambition in their witch or wizard, otherwise their magic grows heavy and lacklustre. Fresh challenges and regular changes of scene cause this wand to literally shine, burnishing itself as it grows, with its partner, in ability and status. This is a beautiful and desirable wood, and wand quality maple has been among the most costly for centuries. Possession of a maple wand has long been a mark of status, because of its reputation as the wand of high achievers. ”
Pine
“The straight-grained pine wand always chooses an independent, individual master who may be perceived as a loner, intriguing and perhaps mysterious. Pine wands enjoy being used creatively, and unlike some others, will adapt unprotestingly to new methods and spells. Many wandmakers insist that pine wands are able to detect, and perform best for, owners who are destined for long lives, and I can confirm this in as much as I have never personally known the master of a pine wand to die young. The pine wand is one of those that is most sensitive to non-verbal magic.”
Red Oak
“You will often hear the ignorant say that red oak is an infallible sign of its owner’s hot temper. In fact, the true match for a red oak wand is possessed of unusually fast reactions, making it a perfect duelling wand. Less common than English oak, I have found that its ideal master is light of touch, quick-witted and adaptable, often the creator of distinctive, trademark spells, and a good man or woman to have beside one in a fight. Red oak wands are, in my opinion, among the most handsome.”
Rowan
“Rowan wood has always been much-favoured for wands, because it is reputed to be more protective than any other, and in my experience renders all manner of defensive charms especially strong and difficult to break. It is commonly stated that no Dark witch or wizard ever owned a rowan wand, and I cannot recall a single instance where one of my own rowan wands has gone on to do evil in the world. Rowan is most happily placed with the clear-headed and the pure-hearted, but this reputation for virtue ought not to fool anyone - these wands are the equal of any, often the better, and frequently out-perform others in duels. ”
Sycamore
“The sycamore makes a questing wand, eager for new experience and losing brilliance if engaged in mundane activities. It is a quirk of these handsome wands that they may combust if allowed to become ‘bored,’ and many witches and wizards, settling down into middle age, are disconcerted to find their trusty wand bursting into flame in their hand as they ask it, one more time, to fetch their slippers. As may be deduced, the sycamore’s ideal owner is curious, vital and adventurous, and when paired with such an owner, it demonstrates a capacity to learn and adapt that earns it a rightful place among the world's most highly-prized wand woods. ”
Vine
“Vine wands are among the less common types, and I have been intrigued to notice that their owners are nearly always those witches or wizards who seek a greater purpose, who have a vision beyond the ordinary and who frequently astound those who think they know them best. Vine wands seem strongly attracted by personalities with hidden depths, and I have found them more sensitive than any other when it comes to instantly detecting a prospective match. Reliable sources claim that these wands can emit magical effects upon the mere entrance into their room of a suitable owner, and I have twice observed the phenomenon in my own shop. ”
Walnut
“Highly intelligent witches and wizards ought to be offered a walnut wand for trial first, because in nine cases out of ten, the two will find in each other their ideal mate. Walnut wands are often found in the hands of magical innovators and inventors; this is a handsome wood possessed of unusual versatility and adaptability. A note of caution, however: while some woods are difficult to dominate, and may resist the performance of spells that are foreign to their natures, the walnut wand will, once subjugated, perform any task its owner desires, provided that the user is of sufficient brilliance. This makes for a truly lethal weapon in the hands of a witch or wizard of no conscience, for the wand and the wizard may feed from each other in a particularly unhealthy manner. ”
Yew
“Yew wands are among the rarer kinds, and their ideal matches are likewise unusual, and occasionally notorious. The wand of yew is reputed to endow its possessor with the power of life and death, which might, of course, be said of all wands; and yet yew retains a particularly dark and fearsome reputation in the spheres of duelling and all curses. However, it is untrue to say (as those unlearned in wandlore often do) that those who use yew wands are more likely to be attracted to Scholomance than another. The witch or wizard best suited to a yew wand might equally prove a fierce protector of others. Wands hewn from these most long-lived trees have been found in the possession of heroes quite as often as of villains. Where wizards have been buried with wands of yew, the wand generally sprouts into a tree guarding the dead owner’s grave. What is certain, in my experience, is that the yew wand never chooses either a mediocre or a timid owner.
Cores:
Briar Heart
"While this core does not generally produce the strongest wands-although the wand wood may enhance its power-wands that have unicorn hair in them are the least flamboyant, decreasing its susceptibility to fluctuations and blockages. Advantages of this core are that it usually produces the most consistent magic, and that it is the most faithful to its owner of the three cores. A wand with a core of briarheart is harder to turn to Scholomance than soul gems or heartstones, a factor that many witches and wizards like."
Soul Gem
"This core is the rarest of the three, as it is often regarded as unorthodox. Soul gem wands are capable of the greatest range of magic, although this means that sometimes they will act of their own accord. Wands with this expensive material as their core are the pickiest of all the cores in choosing the most suitable owner, and allegience is often hard-won."
Heartstone
"This core is the most flamboyant of the three, and often produces the strongest wands. Heartstone usually favours ambitious spell-casting and as a result the wand is more likely to turn to the Scholomance than any other core; however, a wand that has this core will not do so of its own will. Heartstone wands generally aren't sensitive to moving on from previous owners, but bond strongly with the current owner."
This is the model for Character Cards:
Character Name:
Alias:
Wand/Stave:
School Alignment:
Guild:
Birth Sign:
Currently Resides:
Hometown:
Age:
Race:
Gender:
Worships:
Appearance:
Height-
Weight-
Eyes-
Hair-
Scars-
Description-
Personality:
Laterality:
Sexuality:
Marital Status:
Positive Traits:
Negative Traits:
Likes:
Dislikes:
Fears:
Aspirations:
Quirks:
Description:
Magic Style:
Specific Skills and Preferences:
Battle Style:
Biography:
