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April 29, 2015 / KingsIsle Community

What Your Favorite Wizard101 Pet Says About You

Having a pet has always said something about the kind of person you are. If someone tells you “I’m a cat person,” you know that might mean he or she is independent and solitary, while dog people enjoy time with others and tend to be energetic.

Your Wizard101 pet also says something about the kind of person you are.

Brown Rat Magician

While this little guy isn’t one of the strongest pets in the Spiral, his willpower is impressive. If your favorite pet is a Brown Rat Magician, you like to be secretive and sly. You enjoy being with people, but prefer that they not get too close to you. In a pinch, you are one tough cookie to beat.

brown_ratCat Thug

One of the weaker pets you can have, this guy is more about appearance than power. Like a true cat person, you have a Cat Thug to show that you are an individual, not part of the crowd. You like to stand out, but don’t typically want to get involved.

cat_thugClockwork Paladin

Without a doubt, this guy is one of the strongest pets to have by your side. While you are very nice, you know how to show your strength when necessary, but you aren’t out to intimidate people. You are optimistic and friendly, preferring to see the best in everyone.


paladin

 

Dapper Corgi

This stylish pup is good at everything. Consider that Queen Elizabeth has several Corgis, and you get an idea what this pet says about you. You are pleasant and witty, and people who know you love having you around. 

corgi

Grumpy Snowman

This pet is surprisingly smart and agile for a creature made of frozen water. Having one of these grumpy guys makes a very interesting statement about how you see the world. While you tend to be pessimistic at times, you know that nothing lasts forever, including gloomy skies. You are determined and always get things done when you put your mind to it.

snowman

Krokotillian

A rare combination of brains and brawn, the Krokotillian is all business. As the owner of a Krokotillian, you are no stranger to power. Looks are nice for other people, but you care more about being in charge and getting things done. People love being on your team because of this.

krokotillian

Lucky Leprechaun

What this little guy lacks in strength, he more than makes up for in brains and will. As one of the smartest pets, Lucky Leprechauns don’t just have the luck of the Irish. If you have one of these, you are the kind of person people know to watch. You are a fun-loving prankster.

leprecaun

Myth Ghoul

Myth Ghouls are surprisingly strong for the undead. If you have one of these, you are full of surprises. You prefer sports to school, but that is what people love about you. You aren’t flashy because you prefer to win as a team than on your own.

ghoul

Spider Golem

This is hands down the most powerful spider in the first generation. It’s a rare pet, so having one shows that you are both determined and dedicated. You know how to be happy with what you have, you just love the challenge of finding out if things could be better.

clockwork

White Rat Magician

Perhaps one of the most surprising pets, the White Rat Magician has everything but strength and power. With one of these in your collection, you are probably the kind of person who prefers brain work. You also love games like chess that require agility and out-thinking your opponent.

white_rat

April 23, 2015 / KingsIsle Community

Talk Like Shakespeare Day 2015

Did thou knowest William Shakespeare would arriveth at the ripe olde age of 451  years old today, April 23, 2015?

Mayhaps in celebration of Talk Like Shakespeare Day, thou may enjoyest this ode to Fishing in the Spiral. Cast a line and catch a Sharkspear today!


All the Spiral’s a Pond

All the Spiral’s a pond,

And all the Wizards merely anglers;

They have their waves and their shores,

And one Wizard in their time catches many Dekois,

Their acts being seven ranks. At first, the Novice,

Casting and missing in the Commons pond.

Then the Neophyte, with few lures

And shining morning face, creeping like a snail

Unwillingly to catch. And then the Apprentice,

Fire lures like furnace, with a woeful ballad

Made to the Be Mine Fish. Then the Initiate,

Full of strange oaths and bearded like the Bearded Trout,

Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in dueling,

Seeking the most badges

Even in the Catfish’s mouth. And then the Intermediate,

In fair round belly of a whopper Codfather,

With eyes severe and suit of formal cut,

Full of wise tips and fishing quests;

And so they fish their best. The sixth age shifts

Into the Journeyman Angler,

With spectacles on nose like the Four-Eyed Grouper;

Their youthful rank, well saved, a Spiral too wide

For the Sun Ray, and its big yellow fins,

Turning again toward childish Todd Poles, pipes

And whistles in the splash. Last rank of all, Adept Angler

That ends this strange eventful past-time,

Of second hobby and energy gear,

Sans Bone Fish, sans Execushiner, sans Frankenfish, sans everything.

sharkspeare

(Parody of the “All the world’s a stage” monologue from As You Like It by William Shakespeare.)

April 22, 2015 / KingsIsle Entertainment

Wizard101 April Fan Art Spotlight

Our Wizard artists have been hard at work this month crafting beautiful paintings, drawings and other creative endeavors. Each month we like to feature Pirate101 fan art and fan photo submissions through or official social media like Facebook and Pinterest. There are always tons of creative works from dedicated Wizard101 players, and this month is no different!

We had many talented artists submit in the past few months, but here are some of our recent art favorites.

april-w-fan-art13

april-w-fan-art1

april-w-fan-art12

april-w-fan-art11

april-w-fan-art10

april-w-fan-art9

april-w-fan-art8

april-w-fan-art7

april-w-fan-art6  april-w-fan-art4

april-w-fan-art3

april-w-fan-art2

Want to submit something creative of your very own?  If you are under 13 years of age, ask your parent or guardian for permission to send us your screenshot. If you would like to submit something, send the picture and your character name in an email to community@wizard.com! Please attach no more than three images per email, and please limit total submissions to no more than nine screenshots in a month. Try to only submit your very best images!

April 20, 2015 / KingsIsle Community

Your Guide to How Online Games are Rated

Online games are a great source of fun and education for the whole family, but as a parent, it can be a struggle to determine which games are appropriate for your kids. Setting boundaries can be tough, especially if you’ve never played the games yourself. To keep parents informed, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB®) system offers guidance about the content in each video or computer game your child plays. Below, each rating and content descriptor is explained:

 

EC = Early Childhood

Games rated EC – Early Childhood are great for kids ages 3 and older. This rating means the game shouldn’t include any content that a parent might deem inappropriate. You can trust that your child won’t encounter suggestive language, violence, or mischief of any kind in EC games.

E = Everyone

Games rated E – Everyone feature content that is more suited for children ages 6 or older. Games in this category may contain some comic mischief, mild language, and/or minimal violence. To give you an idea of what to expect, Wizard101 is considered E – Everyone 10+. If you’re unsure of what your child might see in these games, play first for yourself, then make a judgment call.

ESRB_EsingleT = Teen

Games rated T – Teen target young adults ages 13 and older. Content within these types of games may include mild or strong language, violence, and/or suggestive themes. If you’re uncomfortable with your child hearing insults, seeing fighting, or potentially noticing some interesting adult themes, test the waters with each game or ask other parents if they’ve played. You might be surprised at the games some parents play in their downtime.

M = Mature

Games rated M – Mature should have audiences ages 17 and older. They generally contain mature sexual themes, strong language, and/or significant violence. Expect many instances of weapon use, curse words, and other elements reminiscent of R-rated movies in these types of games.

AO = Adults Only

This title is basically self-explanatory, as games rated AO – Adults Only are only suitable for adults. Games that fall within this category typically incorporate explicit and graphic depictions of sex and violence. AO games are not intended for kids under the age of 18, but luckily very few are ever given this rating.

ESRB_RPRP = Rating Pending

Games rated RP – Rating Pending have been sent to the ESRB and are awaiting their final rating. Because there is no real information available yet, it’s recommended that parents either hold off on making a purchase until the rating is determined or play the game themselves to make an informed decision.

In addition to these ratings, games usually include content descriptors that detail which elements led to their designation of EC, E, T, M, or AO. A few of these include:

  • Animated Blood
  • Comic Mischief
  • Edutainment
  • Fantasy Violence
  • Some Adult Assistance May Be Needed

For a full list of content descriptors and their explanations, head here.

The ESRB does a fantastic job rating the content of computer and video games so that parents can make smart choices for their kids when it comes to gaming. It’s always important to take precaution—whether gaming offline or online—and to set boundaries when possible. This means selecting an age-appropriate rating, using parental controls online, and monitoring gaming habits.

April 17, 2015 / KingsIsle Community

Bat Appreciation Day and the Austin Bats

Today is Bat Appreciation Day! Since KingsIsle is located in Austin, Texas, home to the world’s largest urban bat colony, we had to take advantage of this fun holiday to tell players a little bit about the unique town we call home. One of the most interesting and unique attractions Austin has to offer is its very own bat colony!

While there are a few locations where the Austin bats live, the biggest population is right in downtown Austin, under the Congress Avenue Bridge. This bridge crosses over a reservoir of the Colorado River that runs through downtown, called Lady Bird Lake and named after former United States First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Lady Bird Lake is a hotspot in the city for kayaking & paddle boarding, as well as running & walking the “hike and bike trail” that surrounds it, and watching the bats emerge on summer nights!

When the warmer months of the year roll around, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats migrate from central Mexico to underneath the bridge, where they can be heard chattering during the day. Every night from March to November, just around dusk, the bats take flight by the thousands, providing the city with a unique and breathtaking tourist attraction.

bats statue

Photo by Riny

When the bats first arrived to the Congress Bridge upon the completion of its renovations in 1980, the people of Austin were not pleased with their presence. Many citizens petitioned to have them removed, fearing the worst from the stereotypically dangerous animals. But with a little bit of research, it was clear that the bats were gentle creatures and did not pose a threat to humans if they didn’t try to touch them. So, they stayed! And since then, every summer night, the bats rid the city of up to 10,000 to 20,000 pounds of insects during their flight.

roundrockbats

Photo taken by Leala of the bats in Round Rock!

Annually, more than 100,000 people head out to the Austin American Statesman Bat Observation center just off of the bridge to witness the bats’ nightly flight. Have you ever had the chance to see them?  Tell us about some unique things in your town in the comments! 🙂