Wands and the Web

Centaurs

Much like merpeople, centaurs appear to be a biological contradiction, having parts of both man and horse. This is actually not the case. There is evidence to suggest that centaur evolution began very early on within early mammals. Like dragons before them, small horse-like mammals gained an extra set of limbs before evolving a double respiratory system to compensate the oxygen needed for such a body. Eventually, their top half began to look more primate-like, whereas their bottom half became hooved and more muscular. Centaurs are not exactly human in their appearance, having usually larger eyes and noses. They also come in several races similarly to humans.

Many wixes look down upon centaurs (figuratively, speaking of course) due to their different way of life. The fact they live in forests and have different ideas of society and relationships is often enough to separate the two worlds to the point of no cooperation whatsoever. Centaurs highly regard sexual relations and consider the rites sacred, to the point of only doing so for breeding. Throughout history, some wixes have accused centaurs of violently raping entire communities but this is simply not true. Interestingly, centaurs appear to have a higher rate of homosexuality in both males and females but it is unclear why. Some magizoologists believe this goes hand-in-hand with their ideas about sex.

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African Windrider

This species of dragon is one of a handful of serpent dragons outside of the Far East and some draconologists consider it an evolutionary link between those and the Western dragons. Much like their serpent-like cousins, they are able to fly without any wings by the use of magic, making their heartstrings especially useful in wandmaking. Despite their jagged teeth and menacing eyes, these dragons are actually quite docile toward humans, even though the two rarely meet. They usually stay high in the clouds and when they need to rest, they perch on tall mountain tops.

As mentioned, the serpent dragons have particularly powerful heartstrings but often times in the wrong hand, the wand with an African Windrider heartstring can be quite volatile. However, if they acquire the wand at a young age, the core can be made to focus. When used in brooms, the heartstrings make especially fast brooms and sometimes, the hide of the dragon will be used in conjunction with the core to make a more maneuverable broom.

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Camacheete

Related to the equally aggressive Camelopardis, the Camacheete is a magical creature native to Africa. Its appearance is quite deceiving as it is about as vicious as the wild magical horse, the Diomedian. They run almost as fast as the mundane cheetah and hunt similar prey but African wixes have to be careful to keep its carnivorous hunt away from mundane persons, because it has a special appetite for mundane creatures over magical. It is unclear to magizoologists as to why this is, as the Camelopardis is the exact opposite. 

An Introduction to Brooms: Broomsports

A witch or wizard has many methods of travel. They may appear to their destination via the magical chimney system we call the Floo Network or they can choose the much slower but more visually rewarding ride of a mount, usually a winged horse or a gryphon of some kind. However, one of the most common is the employ of a broomstick. These implements have been in use for centuries as travel devices, being able to fly for long distances without stop. Brooms have held fast through the magical world’s advancements because of their simplicity. All they require is a core, similar to a wand, and a wizard to ride them. The Floo Network requires concentration and mounts require rest after flying for an extended period of time. As such, they are a staple item in any prepared wizard’s arsenal.

The International Association for Broomsports (IAB) is based out of Canada, near the largest broom factory in the world, Maple Wood Brooms. They regulate international cooperation during broom-related competitions such as broom races, Quidditch, broom dueling and broom display, all events in the Wizarding Olympics. Most countries have their own internal regulatory organizations, who participate exclusively in competitions that do not cross governmental lines.

Quidditch is easily the most famous broom-riding sport, being played all over the world. Players mount their brooms and attempt to score points as a team. There are four classes: Beaters, Keepers, Chasers and Seekers, all incredibly important. Beaters protect from fouling and enchanted balls called bludgers that fly around wildly attempting to hit players. Keepers protect three ring-like goals from enemy Chasers. Chasers grab the ball called the Quaffle and attempt to throw it into the goals. Seekers attempt to grab a tiny and very quick ball called the Golden Snitch. The Seeker who catches the Snitch regardless of the score.

Quidditch is thought to be based on a legend of a battle fought mainly on brooms. The combatants on both sides enchanted balls to do their bidding while they fought over territory. The two sides saw an extinct bird magizoologists believe to be related to the American Blue Ridge Boomfinch. This bird was told to have powerful abilities which is why the two sides wanted the bird so vehemently. There isn’t a lot of historical evidence to support this battle’s existence but the game remains based on this tale today.

Broom racing is most common in America but it does have organized events in all countries. Many wizards acquire sponsors for their teams but some race unattached. There have been some allegations of rigging races by these sponsors as very rarely do unattached racers win, but investigations by the IAB are still largely in the works. 

Broom dueling is not as common as either broom racing or Quidditch but its gaining quickly. Duelists mount their brooms in a large arena and attempt to knock each other off of their broom. There are many regulations as to what kinds of magic and spells are allowed, such as no direct transfiguration, meaning one duelist can not attempt to transfigure the other. However, there is no regulation against transfiguring the arena. Professional broom duelists have to be careful and meticulous in the techniques they employ so as no to violate the rules in place.

Broom display has been compared to mundane figure skating because of its single participation and its focus on beauty and grace. Witches and wizards fly into the arena and perform a routine using broom maneuvers and various spells to promote the sitting judges to give them good scores. Participants are allowed a wand and a broom but this opens the field up to many possibilities by use of the Summoning Charm.

Atomies

A subspecies of American Doxie, the Atomie is a fae-type magical creature only discovered in the last 70 years. Interestingly, they are actually a mundane creation. The intense nuclear energy harnessed by the United States government during the time they call World War II affected the biology of some American Doxies. It turned their skin green or jaundiced even and caused it to become dryer and more abrasive. It made them more aggressive. They live in special reserves created by the American Wizarding Congress but they often travel away, both to meet with other tribes and to spite the AWC.

They give off a particular energy that combines their own magical biology with the nuclear radiation they’ve absorbed. This energy has a minuscule plague property and only slowly rots the environment. However, if emotionally disturbed, the atomie can cause this plague property to accelerate very quickly.  

Jettatori

Jettatori are often called “demons,” or other improper names by Italian ordinary-blooded wixes. Much like Berserkers or Seers, Jettatori (sing. Jettatore) are mutations in wix bloodlines, with their power directly relating to their eyes. They can powerful natural magic by the way of optic curses, or curses delivered through eye contact. In the past, they have been compared to basilisks or cockatrices even, although their powers are nowhere near the killing stare of such creatures. Almost ironically, the brand of magic dealing with optic curses is called Iettacraft, often resulting in heated debates about appropriation. Sometimes, Jettatori are only born with one eye able to produce curses and others are unable to turn off their powerful eyes. These people often wear specially designed eyeglasses to combat their cursed vision and lead a relatively normal life. Jettatori eyes are identified by their changing color which can change to any color.

Jettatori, as mentioned, are a kind of Metamagi, meaning magical persons with abilities that differ from the normal wizarding population. This phenomenon is usually the result of bloodlines being involved with powerful enchantments or wards. Lycanthropy, while able to be spread genetically, is not considered a form of Metamagi condition, because it is caused by a magical disease. 

Pictured, Baccio del Greco, Professor of Magical Theory at Brooklyn Bridge University

Baccio del Greco is the current owner of the Apple, one of the magical weapons known as the Godsent. The Apple has wide scale mind control powers, being able to influence morality and knowledge. Throughout history, the Apple has traded hands and was passed down in families. It’s intensely dangerous for the fact it can be used for powerful memory modification, almost infallible actually. However, del Greco does not believe the Apple is a weapon, so much as a tool.

“Manzanas y naranjas rigen todo el mundo.” That’s always been my family’s motto. Of course, we’re Spanish but for the English speakers, “Apples and oranges rule the world.” The Apple expands the knowledge of the world, but it takes a gentle and careful hand to process and focus that knowledge. 

Baccio del Greco in his book, “The Golden Apple”

Baccio del Greco lives in the United States, teaching at the magically hidden university, Brooklyn Bridge University. He teaches several Magical Theory courses and runs a lab in study of the Apple. However, like the other Godsent owners, he is wary to allow any government contact with the artifact. The Apple is prone to random magic when in a theif’s hands.

Pictured, Maximus Athenson, Head Editor for Inner Eye

The Eyes are an incredibly powerful magical artifact, one of the the Godsent, a set of extremely powerful weapons of unknown origin but expansive history. The eyeglasses permit the wielder to possess all forms of supernatural vision as well as various other abilities related to the eyes. In the hands of a seer like Maximus Athenson, they are incredibly dangerous because they focus his abilities to the point he can reasonably predict the future from only a handful of possible scenarios. Other abilities include: “charmvision,” or the ability to see enchantments, X-ray vision, infrared vision, ultraviolet vision, the ability to project beams from one’s eyes, the ability to see much farther than normal human, and the infamous “killing stare” of the basilisk and cockatrice, but in a manual fashion.

Maximus Athenson claims to be descended from Greek gods but no study of his genetic makeup suggests anything other than a magical eye. Some would claim he acquired all of his business acumen by “cheating” and looking into the future, but there is no evidence to suggest this. Even in the wizarding world, insider training to get ahead in business is highly illegal. Various magical governments have attempted to confiscate the Eyes from Athenson but none have succeeded because mysteriously, he is nowhere to be found when magical law enforcement officers arrive.

Rainbow Sprawler

This odd magical plant creates quite a mess for French witches and wizards. The Rainbow Sprawler originally grew in the wild but was first introduced to urban areas to celebrate French magical royalty. Unfortunately, they did not consult with herbologists on the planting in the French Royal Ministry. The plant began to grow wildly out of control, covering the palace in colorful vines, leaves and flowers. As the name might suggest, the foliage manifests in all colors of the rainbow. 

The vines of this plant do not burn easy, making clearing it away even more troublesome. Wilting charms, however, are much more effective and can wither this plant faster than others. Herbologists study this property to see if it can be applied to more dangerous plants. The Rainbow Sprawler can spread for miles, covering any structure or even living things in their path. 

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Pictured, Tsunade Takahashi, 1st Captain in the Imperial Majutsu Senshi

The Imperial Majutsu Senshi are the Japanese equivalent to the British Ministry’s Aurors. However, they require far more training past the graduation from the Mahoutokoro School of Magic. The Imperial Ministry of Japan puts the Senshi through a rigorous training program that assuredly prepares them to fight any challenge they may come across hunting and punishing the misuse of magic.

Upon completion of exams in Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Misuse of Magic, Herbology and Transfiguration, a recruit of the Majutsu Senshi would first undergo a psychological exam to determine if their mental state is adequate for service. Then, they take screening for any magical diseases or possible allergies that could vastly affect their work, such as any form of therianthropy. If they pass these tests, they are interviewed by the 1st Captain, a rank only powerful wizards can be appointed to. If they pass these tests, they are allowed into the training program.

Any recruits who pass these preliminary trials are put through an intense regiment in the Majutsu Senshi headquarters. Early morning, they go through workout and exercise before the daily magical training exercises. On Monday, they go through the entire spellbooks of charms. On Tuesday, recruits are put into a wild zoo chamber with all manner of magical creatures to defend from. On Wednesday, they are trained to fight misused magic, both physically and mentally. Thursday brings herbological potioneering and defense. Friday is for transfiguration of all kinds and practical applications of such. Saturday and Sunday are devoted to two day competitions between recruits to practice the skills of the week.

Their motto translated from Japanese: “Only the dedicated become history’s victor.”

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Namekuji

Much like ants, these magical slugs live in large colonies in the mountains of Japan. They come in many sizes, ranging from that of mundane slugs to incredible building-like sizes. They are sometimes called ninja slugs, due to their employ as familiars by Japanese wixes, or royal slugs, for their bond to old Japanese families. Legend tells of a Japanese witch known as the “Queen of Slugs” who could command them or turn into one. These incredibly large slugs have the ability to spit powerful acid.

These slugs are highly regarded by the Imperial Japanese Ministry for their intelligence and ability to understand human speech. Similarly to titanomantulas, they can project and translate their thoughts into human language to adequately communicate. They can donate their slime for use in potions and wandmaking. Wandmakers, however, have to crystallize the slime to use as a wand core. The slime makes a wand that is kindly but has powerful warding magic. They, contrastingly, have some skill in curses as well.

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Kitsunes

Kitsunes, also known as kyuubi, are powerful magical foxes, and usually manifest many tails, ranging from three to nine. The number of tails usually correlates to how powerful an individual kitsune is and Japanese poachers have made the nine-tailed foxes especially rare. However, intense trauma in youth can cause adult kitsunes to never manifest more than five tails at the most. These magical foxes have the ability for an odd kind of incendiary magic, not unlike the magic of cold flames. The fire they are able to conjure is called “foxflame” and can be any temperature depending on the mood of the kitsune who conjured it.

Kitsune, much like mundane foxes, are carnivores and live in the forests of Japan. They normally do not attack witches or wizards traveling but they have a rudimentary guilt sense which can cause them to become agitated. They do have some skill in apparition and use this skill to escape fights and perch in tall trees. They have a powerful connection to the day-night cycle and become more docile at night.

Kitsune hairs, as one might imagine, make for wands that have a lot of skill in incendiary magic but they are also are well-rounded in all magicks. Japanese wandmakers are somtimes gifted these hairs by the animals if they treat the creatures kindly and respectfully. Kitsune hairs in brooms make brooms that obey much better in night matches but have slightly poorer handling during the day. They also have the added ability to summon the foxflame for the rider. However, this ability is highly regulated and normally banned in official competitions.

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Tanuki

Tanuki are mischevious magical creatures native to Japan. While they resemble racccoons, they are more closely related to mundane canines. Tanuki are are often confused for mundane raccoon dogs as their biology is quite similar much like the European knarl, which is nearly identical to mundane hedgehogs. However, they manifest more different abilities than knarls do to hedgehogs. Tanuki live primarily in Japanese forests and have the ability to turn invisible, often causing mishaps for any unsuspecting wildlife or travelers. 

Tanuki do travel into mundane settlements to acquire alcohol which they crave, somewhat like catnip. Once they acquire the scent of alcohol, they will not stop until they have a sip. Tanuki also have a huge aversion to toads and will attack them upon sight. It is unclear why this is but they definitely have the ability to eat them. They also have glamourous abilities and like to disguise themselves as ordinary statues. Unlike most canines, they always land on their feet and are quite nimble. Japanese wixes who practice ninjutsu have mimicked their ability to land on small spire points with incredible success.

Tanuki hairs are sometimes used in wands but they are less common than other Japanese wand cores because of their tendency towards faulty or variable spells. From the tanuki, the hairs inherit the creature’s penchant for warding charms and glamours but as mentioned, other spells will occasionally become altered with mixed success.

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