...In Creature, Jester, [Code]

ozwiki

an oz is a small, rotund creature that is powered by love. while not often found in the wild, they can sometimes be discovered in a hidden hollow of a tree at your local park, or floating around the shelves of the local library. it is not a particularly dangerous species, but it will fight back in defense of its territory or allies.

oz enjoys watching old cartoons that were created to sell a line of poorly made action figures in the '90s, writing stories to delight its friends (and anger its enemies) and being the office darling at their very normal desk job. if you speak to an oz about its niche interests, you will never be let down by the enthusiasm of its response! however, be warned -- the more time you spend around an oz, the more you'll start to notice the beauty of being a silly little guy! some may even say it's infectious!¹

Etymology

As a name, "Oz" comes from (perhaps quite obviously) the Wizard of Oz. However, the backstory behind this is a little more convulted. I've always had trouble finishing projects that I don't think of as absolutely perfect. The first time I made an honest effort to just write every day, without the intent of ever finishing it -- all just to get something down on paper -- was with a Wizard of Oz themed notebook. That notebook is one of my most prized possessions, and has since inspired numerous pennames and other important aspects of my creative life.

So, with "Oz" already on the mind comes the second half of this name choice -- Stardew Valley. Or, to be more precise, video games in general! In games with a customizable character, I always liked to make an OC rather than play through as 'myself'. However, for a first playthrough when I don't know how the game is going to go, I often named the character something 'familiar' to me. I remember joking when I first created this SDV character; "I would name myself Oz if I thought I could get away with it." Get away with it? What does that even mean?! I was always too worried about inconveniencing others to find true happiness for myself.

Then in late 2022, I saw an image of a creature that changed my life forever.² While discussing our 'vibes' with a new group of friends, I sent an image (that of a small, ceramic angel-ish creature) that I jokingly stated was what I hoped I looked like in their minds. This sparked something terrifying and wonderful in my brain. At the time, I was slowly crawling out of a very dark hole, and I was actively working to create more simple happiness in my own life. On a complete whim (and with the loving support of those same friends that have become so incredibly important to me), I decided to recreate this creature out of clay as my own "true vessel", and managed to craft the Oz that you see pictured on this page. I've always been a writer, never an artist -- but suddenly, I realized! Hey! I can do whatever I want! And it doesn't have to be perfect -- it just has to be loved!

And so, on it goes. I am still working to be okay with myself, imperfections included. But, genuinely, there is no better tool than an honest love for the silly parts of the world around you, and so that is what this site is dedicated towards. Look forward to many pieces of art, writing, rambling about my interests, and joy to share!

Oz can also be found...

Oz Testimonials

Anonymous Underling Friend: "Every day I live in fear and awe of Oz’s power. I would trust them to rule the galaxy with magnanimity and definitely no corruption not even a little bit."

Anonymous Wizard: "oz is gobstopper sized and tastes in layers³."

Anonymous Cat: "Ozworld, the World of Oz, saved my baby’s life. The poor kid was dying of Lack of Cool, but Oz (and Oz Assistant, Assistant to Oz) just fluttered down and laid a kiss upon their brow and all of a sudden my baby was cool!"

Anonymous Bird: "Oz reminds me to be silly and happy, and to also remember to hold fear in my heart for the all-powerful. Thanks Oz!"

Citations

1. Note: Oz is not responsible for any transmogrification that may occur upon contact with the Vessel.
2. Witness it.
3. This is false. Do Not Consume Oz.