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Date: January 16th, 2013
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Here at Hogwarts our students are currently in their Seventh Year. Last year, the war against the Knights crescendoed into a direct attack against the school. Disappearances are still reported (or not) daily, and the Dark Lord and his Knights of Walpurgis have succeeded in spreading their message of "do as thou will" far and wide across the globe. Magical Law Enforcement, which is now the only authority in the wizarding world under Martial Law, has responded by tightening security, controlling the media, and strictly enforcing curfews and other laws. Their control is damaging to the people's freedom, and their hierarchy is a suspicious lot. It is clear that some members of the MLE like their new found power a bit too much, others see it necessary, but all are in serious danger of being consumed by it. But with the picture of just what Azariah Amaranth is after becoming ever clearer, and a third player in the form of a group called SAVIOR entering the scene, what will the MLE do next to ensure that they've got the situation under control?

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What's in a Wand?
Topic Started: Apr 3 2010, 10:23:55 PM (367 Views)
Tristan Nightshade
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Kidnapped!

So I'm sure most of us have seen the newer Star Wars movies and whatever you may think about them I had a random thought I wanted opinions on. Count Dooku has a very different lightsaber to most other wielders, more like an old school fencing sword as opposed to the typical straight cylinder. This works well with his style of combat, known as Form 2, which is advantageous against other lightsaber users, whereas your Obi Wan and co use more modern forms for an age where your common enemy wields a blaster of some sort.

ANYWAYS convert this over to HP and the world of HIRP. What obvious differences could one make to a wand, be it the shape, core, stucture etc, to give one an advantage. If I recall Bellatrix in OOTP and HBP has a very crooked wand. Would this be an advantageous at all?

The reason I've had this thought is because our newest Professor has mentioned his wand is made of vine. Unless there's another vine I'm not thinking of the wand therefore would be limp and more like a whip. Could this be at all useful or just incredibly annoying?

Discuss.
Edited by Tristan Nightshade, Apr 3 2010, 10:25:07 PM.

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Margo Wright
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Sixth Year

I always thought wands were based on the wielder's personality. Which would fit in with the Bellatrix's-is-crooked thing, because she's a "crooked" person. The wand Ron got off of a Death Eater in DH was real dark/black (if I'm recalling right), which would fit because Death Eaters are dark people. Wheras Harry's/Ron's/Hermione's wands were (again, if I'm recalling right) made of lighter woods.

There are, by the way, vines that are pretty solid. I mean, you wouldn't make a sheild out of them, but a wand made out of them would stay straight/in the right shape.
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Criselda Parkinson
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Sixth Year

I agree with Margo. I think JKR mentioned about the wands in one of her interviews. As I recall, she said that when she makes wands, it tends to describe its wielder. (Not the exact words, but yeah.)

And remember what Ollivander said, the wand chooses the wizard. So I think that meant that the wand has certain qualities that it has seen/felt in that wizard that are compatible to it. (hence, Margo's examples)

As to Tristan's question that if its structure or form may have an effect/advantage to the owner, I think, yes. This is just a wild thought, but let's use Bellatrix's for an example.

We all know that her wand is crooked and we all know the kind of life she lives (always on a run, in the dark, hidden, trying to live inconspicuous for "surprise" Dark tasks), so I think this could be associated with the structure of wand she uses. I think it's crooked not only because of her personality, but because she needs it to be sort of disguised so as not to make anyone curious of it. Like when she goes on Muggle killings, when she raises her crooked wand, Muggles will think it's a stupid twig and maybe laugh at her, not knowing that they're facing death. So it could actually be sort of like a camouflage for the wand.

Does anyone actually get my point? :/
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Deleted User
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Ian's wand has a serpentine design, and therefore represents his connection to his birth sign, Scorpio, which is ruled by Pluto, which is connected to Hades and, by extention, Lucifer or the biblical Serpent. Scorpio is also derived from a serpentine archetype.

It fits his personality, because Scorpio is the sign of death and renewal, of great need to express oneself, of close exclusive relationships and receding into oneself and perhaps only allowing one other person to share one's self-made prison with (as Hades had taken Persephone with him to his private Underworld).

So, yeah, I had personality already considered when I made Ian and his wand. As for advantageousness in battle...hm...its interesting, but if we're going into that, might we also go into different ways to hold and wield a wand? Similar to different stances and forms in sword fighting. Defensive positions, offensive positions, ect. There is a whole wealth of technical stuff we could go into if we wanted. It might be of particular interests to those characters wishing to become duelers or aurors.
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Terry Boot
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Ravenclaw Beater, Seventh Year

14.5 inches, Alder, Phoenix Feather

I do believe that the wand reflects the wielder. Almost has if it is their personality in the form of a wand. For Terry, his wand is directly a reflection on him. It shows his views. I know that sounds a little complicated, but the wand does reflect the Wizard. In Terry's case it does. He is a perfectionist, and I envision it took him hours for a wand to be the perfect fit.

As the wand is 14.5 inches long, it represents Terry's stature. He is tall, broad shouldered, and semi-lumbering. The wand reflects this in it's length. His wand is also perfectly straight, as Terry is more-of a to the point guy, rather than jumping around answers. But it is made of Alder, firstly - because he was born in early spring - April 19th. Alder trees are most active during this part of the season, and Terry's magical powers connected well with this plant.

Out of all the cores, Phoenix Feather fit's Terry the best. He is not as shallow or vain as Unicorns would be, although this does not mean somebody who possesses that type of wand would be. In the books Ron Weasley - who is very self obsessed as in he wants to be the best. This reflects in his reflection in the Mirror of Erised. Ron owns a Unicorn Hair wand. As well as Draco Malfoy. Who we all know is incredibly vain, and cares mainly on his status, looks, and his power in the world. Terry is not at all like either of the two, and especially does not like the attention. Unicorns are beautiful, "rare", and sacred.

Dragon Heartstrings wielders usually possess more fire in them. Bellatrix Lestrange carries her crooked, long, Dragon Heartstrings wand. She holds so much passion for what she believes in, even if it isn't necessarily the most honorable beliefs. Hermione Granger also owns a dragon heartstrings wand. Hermione has her own opinions, and sticks to her views without backing down - as illustrated in the books. Terry isn't passionate about anything extreme. He cares mostly about school. In the books, You-Know-Who (V-V-volde...oh you know what I mean) Doesn't have a Dragon Heartstrings, because has very little care about anything but power. (Which makes him corrupt in books like Lord of the Rings). Phoenix Feather I find are very direct users. Terry is possesses a Phoenix Feather wand, because he is direct in his passion for order - hence what he wants to do in life (Wizengenmont is a big possibility, I can't remember off the top of my head how it is spelled. ) Harry Potter has a focus on defeating evil, and living a loving life. Although, he might not of realized this at the beginning of the series. He definitely discovers this about himself near the last few books. So I think Phoenix Feather fits Terry, as he does have a direct focus.

Phoenix's and Dragons both are derived from the pure element of fire. However, Phoenix's are usually portrayed as using their fire for good (hence healing tears, being reborn, loyalty). While Dragons are perceived as bad (killing mainly. They are shown as dangerous in the books. And I think they have more passion). Voldemort is pretty cut and dry, he wants power. Bellatrix isn't so much, she enjoys death, torture, Voldemort, etc.

I think J.K. Rowling put a lot of thought when she gave her wands. Though I could possibly be over-analyzing. Point to target, Terry's wand represents his true self. Rather than just being random. Sorry for the ramble!

(if you look carefully in all the wands, there is a definite trend)
Edited by Terry Boot, Apr 4 2010, 12:40:09 PM.
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Addie Lumineux
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Sixth Year & Gryffindor Quidditch Captain

I remember either in the books or the movies that Lily Evans' (at least I think it was Lily) wand was light (weight) and flexible, which was better suited for charm work.

When I have time I'll try and find the actual quote. But, yes, wands have different qualities, and things they're better suited for.

Also, each part of the Celtic year has a different kind of tree assigned to it. Therefore, a different type of wood depending on when your birthday is.

Rowling's site

Go to the hairbrush (aka Extra Stuff), click the miscellaneous tab, then scroll to the bottom and read the WANDS section. :)

She also mentions personality attributes factoring into it.

OH! Look what I found:

Tree Archetypes

There are descriptions of the archetypes. If you go back to the main page you can also take a quiz to figure out your tree, or your wand. :)
Edited by Addie Lumineux, Apr 4 2010, 06:52:32 PM.
Plot with Addie --- Plot with Bidelia --- Plot with Rhea
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Dave McKelvey
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Seventh Year. Lori rocks! But srsly, Morgan is the best! I love Malynne! But not as much as I LOVE ANNA AND LORI. BUT MORGAN STILL PWNS THEM ALL, THE END. I love Meg she is so awesome and epic. Did I mention how silly Jess is?

Haha I just stumbled upon this thread. Lol at Tristan abusing admin powers and pinning his own discussion thread. Moved to the OOC section since it's semi-RP related. :P

I'll post my opinion when I read everyone's posts.

Edit: Hermione uses a "vine wood" wand, according to JK's site, so perhaps this is the same material that the professor Tristan mentioned was referring to.

According to the list JK posted (which I can't copy and paste because her entire site is in flash), Dave's tree is willow. I find it interesting that it turns out this way, because a lot of the willow's characteristics match Dave's (and my own) personality. Willow trees are known for their toughness, size, tenacity, and fast growth, all of which are characteristics that fit with Dave (and again, myself), because he holds his head high and is persistent in everything he does, and gains knowledge and adapts to things very easily. Willow roots are aggressive in their growth patterns when seeking moisture, often clogging drains and sewage systems, which mirrors Dave's self-absorbed attitude and greed. However, willow tree bark has been used for millennia for medicinal purposes because it contains salicylic acid (Aspirin!), which could describe how Dave is willing to give to anyone who is willing enough to "dig through the bark" enough and get to know him. I think I'll go change my character sheet. :)

As for the shape of wands, I don't really think it would matter, although a differently shaped wand would introduce a bit of aim dynamics which wouldn't normally be present if the wand were straight. Count Dooku, as Tristan said, used a curved-hilt lightsaber for many reasons. It allowed him to strike at odd angles, confuse his opponents, along with making movements more precise and flexible. It was also coupled well with the Makashi form of lightsaber combat, which was made primarily for efficiency and finesse in duelling a lightsaber-wielding opponent. Basically, his choice was for maximizing his effectiveness in combat so he could dominate any lightsaber-wielding foe, which was obviously his focus as he regarded himself as one of the most powerful beings in the universe, and that only a jedi could stand up to him.

[/starwarsnerd]

As for wands, I'm not sure it would make much of a difference, although a curved wand would introduce some interesting situations in one-on-one duels, especially at close range. A curved wand would allow the user to fire from a wider angle with much ease (as opposed to moving their entire arm and twisting their wrist), so you could say that a curved wand would allow for more efficiency as well, all while opening up more opportunity for their spells to hit, so you could say that they would be well-suited for duelling. Other than that, any other shape than straight would be just weird.

As Terry said, the core of a wand does make a huge difference. When I made the site (and my characters), I found an article on the net that described the properties of common wand core materials and what each was good for, but I just can't seem to find it now. Perhaps I'll write an article for The Compendium to make it canon so people know what they want when they choose.

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