INTRODUCING: Eldric the Wizard
Welcome to the first of many character introductions. As we build the world of The Village at the Crossroads, we want to introduce you to the cast inhabiting our first three books. While we’ll eventually meet our three main protagonists, every great story needs the friends, sidekicks and quest-givers who make the journey possible. We’re excited to introduce you to some of our secondary characters as well!
When we first began developing the series, there was never a doubt: an old wizard with a tall hat and a white beard had to live in this town. A fantasy setting without magic wouldn't be very fantastical at all!
Eldric the Wizard plays a pivotal role in the community. Not only is he the first character we’re introducing to you, but he is also the titular character of the first book in the series.
A Prototypical Master of Magic
Eldric the Wizard isn’t just an important character for us as creators – he is a leader within the Village at the Crossroads. While the Village is at this point a community without any real political system of governance – if there were to be a mayor it would almost certainly be Eldric. He embodies what it means to be a neighbour and a friend, and we hope that comes through with his story.
Eldric is, of course, a caster of magic spells. He spends long hours studying his magic so that he has a wide array of spellcasting options at his fingertips in a time of need. Whether he’s weaving magic to lift a heavy object or to control the weather, Eldric should have a magical tool in his proverbial toolbelt.
Our wizard is friendly, wise, and cares deeply for his friends. He is a thought-leader and protector within the village. Much of Eldric’s story focuses on how important it is for him to help his fellow villagers. He generates an immense amount of his self-worth when he is able to help others, and while he would never admit it, he is a little territorial about his place within the hierarchy of the village.
Honouring the Fantasy Wizard Archetype
It was inevitable that a wise old wizard would be an integral part of the Village of the Crossroads, and so having Eldric as the titular character of our first book makes a ton of sense. Wizards are important, central characters within the fantasy genre. They are foundational. It is a clear and obvious archetype that we would want to introduce to children.
Famous wizards like Gandalf, Dumbledore, and Fizban the Fabulous are all cut from largely the same cloth. Long white beard, pointy hat, and a playful love of life that shines through despite the immense power they possess. Wizards are masters of knowledge, often play the roles of mentors and protectors, and always have a trick up their sleeves. We want to ensure that Eldric embodies all of these characteristics.
The Journey Continues
Eldric’s story is just beginning. While he takes center stage in Book One, he is a mainstay of the series, appearing in all three of our current drafts. We can’t wait for you to see how he interacts with the rest of the cast!