
It’s not often that with content I’ve contributed to Halithaz, the imagery comes before the written word. Most times the natural process of writing plants an idea in my head which I later embody visually. However, after the first snowfall a couple weeks back, I took the opportunity to shoot some photos.
I set up my tripod outside, took my shirt off in the frigid wind, and got to business. I was satisfied with the results. In addition to a damn fine shoot with my recently purchased replica of Geralt of Rivia’s sword, it planted an idea in my head.
I had created major Witcher energy. I certainly looked the part I must say. But alas, while I adore the Witcher universe, it exists in its own world. Geralt of Rivia is a fantastic character. The way he’s developed across books and other media alike is masterful.
But I am not him, he is not me.
I had just achieved something within my own world.
I just achieved a form of creation within myself.
Forging ourselves into something worthy of legend and song has been a core principle of Halithaz since day one; development of our bodies and minds for the sake of upwards momentum.
Such is similar in the world of Role Playing Games, whether that’s of the tabletop, digital or even live action variety. Upon starting, you create your character that you will be using throughout the game. You assign attributes such as strength or intellect. You can pick and choose proficiency in certain abilities. You can decide your character’s backstory and origins.
Throughout the course of the game, these attributes and skills applied to your character can be molded: increased, developed into new sub-abilities within that specific skill. Your strength may increase, or your magical ability can grow more adept.
You can learn new attack patterns, new spells, or new skills entirely to bolster the abilities of this fantasy avatar you have aided in creating.
This is not so dissimilar from our own personal journey, and the main reason I find these types of games to be so engaging. Sure, being born under the sign of the warrior to automatically guarantee you a three plate bench press would be nice — but it isn’t realistic in our world.
However through work, determination, and patience, through practicing and developing the attributes we do have, that three plate bench press is very much attainable.
The moment we are born, we become the protagonist of our own universe, the writers of our own story, and the ones who direct our own fate. We are the clay ready to be molded into the statue.
We can absolutely take inspiration from other characters. Aragorn son of Arathorn, through trial and tribulation, becoming the king of Gondor. How about a trigger-happy space marine tearing through hordes of demons on Mars? A man that embodies such raw power that hell itself fears him.
Great characters. But, we are not them. And that is a good thing.
Many view the world through an extremely mundane lens. Many idolize these characters and like to imagine themselves to be like them, however what are they doing to make that happen?
You may not be a super powered demon slayer, or a white-haired, sword-wielding mutant, but that doesn’t make your story any less exciting. Think of the roads you’ve travelled, of the adventures you have undertaken with fellow men, of the successes you’ve had, of the love you have both felt and lost. You grow and develop with each step along the way.
But words must be written for a story to take place. Actions must be initiated and effort put in. Archetypes must be forged, carefully molded. You become the archetype of your own doings.
Your archetype becomes your crown. It’s your responsibility to make sure you deserve to wear that crown.
I enjoy reading about heroes of old, or of tragic figures in history. I also enjoy well crafted characters in our modern forms of media. There’s something about it that sets off an immediate spark in our heads.
Why not be the one to initiate the spark? You can, through dedication and through willingness to stoke the flames. If there’s a skill you’ve always wanted to learn, or a new hobby you’ve wanted to undertake…
Why would you not try it?
Our time here is not infinite, but the mark we leave can be.
Develop yourself.
Grow your character.
Write your own story, make your own legends, and become the archetype of the grandest version of you. Do that, and you’ve earned the right to sit in the same echelon as the great characters that inspired your action to begin with.
No time like the present, lads. You better get started.
Red Wolf, Out.
