One cool idea which have been seen in several MMOs is the idea of class specializations, where by after a certain level, the player can ascend to a new class, based on the original class, i think wizard101 can really benefit from this system considering that we are now reaching level 150, while mostly playing with the same schools, and also games has been around for 10+ years in it is time to add some spice to the game. and this new system can be tied into the spellement system to create some great synchronicities.
For this idea i see three main branches a wizard would be able to specialize in: The path of Shadow, The path of Light, and True Scion Path. With either path the wizard would ascend their school to be a version of either shadow, light, or true scion. each branch having its pros and cons. bellow i will detail some of the benefits of each type and how they would interact with one another.
The Path of Shadow: In the path of shadow, all of the wizards spells become shadow spells, wizard can no longer obtain regular pips, but only shadow pips. Spell pip cost change to reflect appropriate values (either damage output or pip cost reduced). Wizard received an increased shadow resistance, as they walk further in the path of shadow. Backlash from current shadow spells are reduced. Daily quest available from Grandfather spider will become available which grants class specific advancement points. Class Advancement: Fire -> Shadow Pyromancer, Ice -> Shadow Thaumaturge, Storm -> Shadow Diviner, Life -> Shadow Theurgists, Death -> Shadow Necromancer, Myth -> Shadow Conjurers, Balance -> Shadow Sorcerer.
The Path of Light: In the path of light, all wizard spells are reduced to become Light spells. wizard can no longer obtain regular pips, but only light pips. Spell change to reflect appropriate values (either damage, pip cost, or added utility) (Light can be seen as adding extra utility to spells). Wizards received an increase resistance to light spells as the walk further in the path of light. Daily quests available from Grandmother Raven in ravenwood which grants class specific advancement points. Class Advancement: Fire -> Luminus Pyromancer, Ice -> Luminus Thaumaturge, Storm -> Luminus Diviner, Life -> Luminus Theurgists, Death -> Luminus Necromancer, Myth -> Luminus Conjurers, Balance -> Luminus Sorcerer.
True Scion Path: In this path, the wizard ascends to be a true scion of Bartleby, thus gaining the ability to train all schools of magic. In order to learn new spells, class specific advancement points must be used, training points cannot be obtained or used. Wizard can use power pips with all schools. As they player advances in the path of a True Scion, they will unlock new spells to learn from Bartleby, these could be spells already present in the game, or new spells. Daily quest available from Bartleby in ravenwood which grants class specific advancement points. Class Advancement: All Schools -> Scion
While this will be a big change to bring about to the game, i think it is a change that many would appreciate, as it would shake up the game play quite a bit, while also creating a true sense of progression in power, while also giving the player some choice as to how their character develops. This new system can be further integrated with spellement system, to allow for further customization of spells and effects.