Discuss this post in RPG FitGroup!

Talim is, in many ways, the light of the Soul Calibur universe. In a world where almost everyone has been corrupted in some way and is seeking to cleanse themselves, or further their corruption, she represents a purity. In a world of monsters and demons, she’s a priestess bringing cleansing fury in the form of her two bladed tonfa. She represents the goodness still in the world, and a moral guidepost for her companions. Let’s see what we can learn from her mindset!

Fresh Air

Let’s start with her attitude. Talim is, absolutely, an optimist. Her intros and outros for every fight always feature some kind of pep talk, good word, or positive remark about the challenge of the match. While other characters trash talk, despair, or spew anger and rage, Talim’s always about looking on the bright side and savoring the challenge ahead.

Words are powerful things, and they shape the world around you. If you speak to sadness, anger, or darkness, you shape and influence the world and people around you to conform. Complaining, whining, and raging about things gets you nowhere productive, and usually ends up hurting instead by keeping you mired in your own negativity.

Next time you find yourself speaking to the negative, try to flip it, instead. Speak to the positive, find a bright side, and verbalize the silver lining. Using your words to make your own environment more pleasant is introducing your own breath of fresh air to the world around you.

The Power of Friendship

No, we’re not going to start spamming My Little Pony memes or anything, but friendship is magic in a lot of ways. Many characters of the Soul Calibur universe are loners, or actively hostile. They don’t seek to cooperate or work together with others, and in fact spend a lot of their time trying to actively kill other people. Talim, on the other hand, is encouraging, friendly, and engaging in her quest to cleanse the world of evil.

Remember what we were talking about a second ago with positive words? These words have an effect on others, as well. Speaking positively of other people, encouraging them, and letting them know you stand behind them can win you powerful allies in life. This can even be as simple as being a positive encouraging voice to that teammate who’s doing badly in an online game you’re playing.

Remember, everyone is wrestling with their own demons. You don’t need to become another monster for them to fight. Instead, be the light in their world, and the wind at their back.

A Spine of Spring Steel

Talim may seem all bubbles and rainbows at first, but there’s a fierce, fearless quality to her as well. She’s a small young woman in a world of demons and monsters, and she doesn’t let that sway her at all. “No fear!” is one of her battle cries, and she lives that every day. It takes more courage to be positive and friendly in a world of darkness. It takes a strong backbone to stand up to the forces of evil around you, and the selfish motivations of others.

Finding your own inner light also means finding your own inner courage. Friendship, kindness, and positivity are the greatest strengths that you can have as a human being, but it takes an element of fearlessness to show them outwardly. If you find yourself afraid to unleash your inner optimist, think about the fact that Talim can stare down Nightmare or Voldo armed with nothing more than her bladed tonfa and bright personality and still come out on top. You can embody that courage as well!

Go out, and become the beacon to the world that I know you can be.

Live boldly, change the world, and continue to be awesome!

The Best Dan Wallace