Greetings hivers artists, a new meeting to show my entry through Codex Sage, reimagining wisdom in the key of forest and light, that's how I imagined it and how I created my own version in the Simpson style as I have been working on my last releases because I feel great interest in this style and I think the characters can have a truly fascinating twist created in the Simpson style.

This week I decided to delve into the Splinterlands universe with a very personal reinterpretation of the character Codex Sage, as part of the community-driven art contest. My version is born from an emotional connection to spaces of introspection, the magic of the forests, and the transformative power of inner light. I wanted this illustration to not only pay homage to the original character but also reflect my style, colors, and creative philosophy.

Codex Sage, in its original version, represents ancestral knowledge and the connection to sacred texts. In my reinterpretation, I decided to transfer that wisdom to a more organic and emotional setting: a forest illuminated by small floating lights that evoke fireflies, memories, and bright thoughts. The character no longer holds a wand, but sits calmly, as if meditating or listening to the whispers of the surroundings. Her half-closed gaze and subtle smile convey confidence, serenity, and a hint of mischief.

I chose to give him a hybrid human-mouse appearance, with yellow skin, large ears, and brown hair. This choice was no coincidence, as mice, small but cunning, represent the ability to observe, adapt, and survive. The dark green suit with a cape and diamond-buckled belt reinforces his role as guardian of the forest and protector of secrets. The relaxed yet assertive pose suggests he's at peace with himself and his surroundings, but always ready to act if necessary.

The illustration was created entirely in Inkscape, my favorite tool for bringing my digital ideas to life. I started with a basic sketch in simple lines, defining the silhouette and facial expression. I then worked layer by layer, adjusting the proportions and details of the suit, ears, and surroundings. The lines were precisely drawn using the Bézier curve tool and subsequently smoothed to achieve a more organic finish.

One of the biggest challenges was working with the green tones that dominate both the character's costume and the forest background. Green can be complex; if not combined well, it can lose depth or become oversaturated. To avoid this, I used a palette ranging from moss green to emerald green, combining them with touches of warm yellow and earthy brown. This allowed for contrast without disrupting the visual harmony. The floating lights, in shades of gold and white, add dynamism and a magical touch to the whole.

In addition to basic Inkscape tools, I used blur effects on the background lights to simulate depth and atmosphere. I also applied an inner shadow filter to the character to give it volume and visually separate the layers. The background was worked with soft gradients and transparencies, aiming for the forest to feel enveloping but not obscure the character. Finally, I adjusted the overall brightness and contrast to highlight the details and achieve a balanced composition.

This version of Codex Sage is, in many ways, a reflection of my own quest to learn from silence, connect with nature, and transform vulnerability into wisdom. The forest represents that inner space where ideas flourish and emotions are illuminated. The character, with her calm gaze and firm posture, embodies the serenity achieved when one allows oneself to listen, observe, and create from the heart.

I hope this illustration connects with those who see it, and inspires others to reinterpret their own characters from an emotional, symbolic, and authentic perspective.

Illustrative Steps

Codex Sage in its original card version, which I chose to create my own fan art. This can be found in the @splinterlands in-game market.