#wizard101game

For the 'younger' piece, we of course have the Wizard dressed in the original beginner gear. I went with colors that were neutral to any of the schools. The envelope laying on the ground is a call back to the advertisement letter/envelope/flyer that was sent out before the game's launch, which was printed in the manner of an 'acceptance letter' to Ravenwood. The wizard also holds on to a small Cherry Tree sapling, which is just beginning to bud. The Wizard looks eagerly ahead to begin their journey.

In the 'older' piece, we see that the sapling has grown into a full sized cherry tree. The tree itself is a reference to the Classic ver. of Wizard City, in which a cherry tree sapling can be found next to the Library in the Commons. In the updated version of Wizard City, this cherry tree then becomes fully grown.

Furthermore, there are small references to each of the major Arc's that the Wizard has endured. The First Arc is represented by the Skull, referencing Malistaire & his Undead Army. The Second Arc is represented by the Spider/Spider Web, which looms over the Wizard's shoulder. An obvious reference to Morganthe & the Shadow Web. The Third Arc is represented by the Raven perched in a tree. Again, an obvious reference to Mellori, Grandmother Raven, and the whole feud between her, Spider and his children. The Fourth Arc is represented by the ruined tablet/marker- based off a very old housing item that had 'kthulu' imagery on it, though I updated it a bit to align more with Dasien's iconography found throughout Lemuria & Arc 4.

Like in the 'younger' version, the Wizard touches the three, but in a way where they're almost leaning on it for support, indicating that the player is tired, more worn and not as enthusiastic about the road ahead, as they once used to be. Of course, they are adorned in the Divine Paradox robes- I took some creative liberties, mainly omitting the "ring" on the back for a solid cape. I liked the idea of the cape symbolizing the weight the wizard now carries on their shoulders.

You may also notice that the tree root sticks out into the path in BOTH illustrations- as if to say that this could theoretically be the 'same' island the wizard was at when 'younger'. You could also read into the root of the tree completely obstructing the path in the 'older' piece in a certain way too- as though our roots & beginnings are now causing obstructions and issues in our current/future self.

Anywho! That's a lotta mumbo Jumbo but I really put a lot of thought into the pieces and wanted to ~explain~ it all hehe. Maybe you found some different meaning in these, that's awesome too!

Again, hope you all enjoy, and I also can't thank this community enough. You all mean so much to me, and now that I work on the game, I have extra appreciation for you all for keeping this game & community alive & thriving. You matter so much more than you may think <3