Wayward Wand Disease
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Overview
Wayward Wand disease is fairly rare but highly destructive. The name was first coined in the 1700s, but the disease existed long before then. While it is easily prevented if its symptoms are caught early, it is almost certain to kill the wizard once it progresses past that stage. Unfortunately, most wizards who find themselves afflicted with the condition realise it far too late (if at all).
History
When a wizard uses a wand that belongs to another, it is usually just uncomfortable. They may find it hard to control and difficult to properly use. This is because a wizard’s wand has been fine-tuned to match their individual needs; it is the combination of the wand core and wood that provides the wizard with a tool to fully harness their magic. Thus, someone’s wand may not work properly for another wizard because each person is unique in their magical abilities.
Usually, no real harm comes out of casting using another’s wand. However, if the wizard and wand are particularly incompatible, the wand may subtly lash out, hurting the wizard. Using the wand only once or twice is rarely enough to kill its user, but the symptoms grow exponentially the more times it is used.
It typically starts with slight pain in the head, akin to a headache. Next, the wizard may find that their hand aches. After this, if the wizard continues using the wand, they will experience swirling, uncontrollable migraines. They will find that they are unable to sleep properly and cannot eat or drink anything without becoming incredibly nauseated. If the wizard’s symptoms have increased to this level, it is almost always too late. They will continue experiencing this until they inevitably pass away soon after. Their death typically occurs under a week after they are fully incapacitated by their symptoms.
While the solution seems clear – simply stop using the wand – rarely do wizards realise the cause of their sickness until it has fully overtaken them, which is the reason for the high mortality rate.
Modern Day
It is believed that Wayward Wand disease has existed since wizards began using wands. Its symptoms and theories as to what causes them have been found in records from before 500 CE, though it was only given its name in the early 1700s by a European doctor at Merlin’s Magical Hospital. The disease went by many unofficial names before that, such as “betrayal’s magic”, “the kiss of death” and more, though these titles were mostly coined by those unaware of the true cause of the disease. While the doctor who came up with “Wayward Wand disease” is unknown, that name began appearing on medical documents and obituary reports around that time and has been used since.
After it was officially named, the general wizarding public became far more aware of the disease, which helped lessen the death count. Articles were written about it in various newspapers, and doctors visited magical schools around the world to educate students on the potential danger of using another’s wand. Still, considering its rarity, there will always be wizards who do not know of the disease or ignore the symptoms until it is too late. Thus, there are always a few hundred deaths every year due to Wayward Wand disease.
Ever since it was officially identified, a cure for Wayward Wand disease has been searched for by many wizards in the medical community. However, they have all come to the same conclusion: once the disease has fully overtaken someone, there is no cure. Its damage is irreversible and unstoppable, taking over the wizard’s brain and body until they cannot function properly any more.
Impact on Gameplay
During the newcomer questline, players receive their own unique wand from Jollivander’s Wand Shop in Diagonal Lane. Each wand is bound and cannot be switched or traded, preventing any symptoms of Wayward Wand disease.
Trivia
- During the newcomer quest, players try three different wands. Due to the limited use of the wands, they do not experience any symptoms of the Wayward Wand disease.
- Some events, most notably the Winter Waltz in Togo and Winter Waltz in Silvermorne, have introduced other forms of magic where wands are not present. This allowed experimentation with other magic without the risk of contracting the disease.
