Austin St. John on the Symbols Woven Into Calder’s Story
Calder Coldwater’s tattoos are not simply part of his appearance. They are sacred marks connected to his identity, his abilities, and the story he will uncover one piece at a time.
Hey there!
You’re reading Fanward, where fandom gets personal. We bring you stories, memories, and behind-the-scenes updates directly from the people who helped create the worlds you love.
This time, Austin is sharing an early look at one of Calder’s biggest mysteries.
A MESSAGE FROM AUSTIN
Hey there,
I’ve been holding onto this one, but you’ve earned it.
Calder is going to carry a series of sacred tattoos. They will not be random symbols or something we add simply because they look powerful.
They are part of who he is.
These marks will be woven into Calder’s identity, and they will become key elements in what he is eventually able to do.
The truth is, I do not fully know what every rune means yet.
That is part of what makes this process so interesting.
Olivia and Cody are building the deeper mythology behind Calder, and right now, they are the only ones who understand the full meaning of the symbols.
Calder will uncover those answers as his story unfolds.
And honestly, so will I.
I want that discovery to feel authentic. I do not want to step into this character already knowing everything about him. I want the questions, uncertainty, and revelations to feel real, because that is the same journey Calder is taking.
The runes may become part of Calder’s entire appearance.
Right now, I keep thinking about shaving one side of my head and running the symbols from my scalp down toward my neck.
I can also imagine the runes continuing beyond Calder’s body and appearing along the blade of his sword, almost as if the weapon and the warrior are carrying the same history.
I have been circling around the idea of using more than one color too.
Each color could carry its own meaning or represent a different kind of strength, much like color was used symbolically throughout old stories and traditions.
None of this is locked in yet. That is why I want to hear what you think.
What should the different colors represent?
Do the runes mark Calder’s abilities, his history, or the sacrifices he has made?
Are they a gift, a warning, or something he has not yet learned to control?
Send us your thoughts at [email protected]. Some of our strongest ideas have come directly from you, and we want you to be part of shaping what this becomes.
Better yet, come tell us in person.
Fanward and I will be at Power Morphicon in Pasadena from August 28th through 30th. We will have stickers and other surprises waiting for you, and I want to hear every theory you have about Calder’s marks.
Bring your questions, bring your rune theories.
Much love,
Austin
POWER MORPHICON QUICK HITS
What to Know Before Pasadena
▶ When: August 28th through 30th, 2026
▶ Where: Power Morphicon in Pasadena, California
▶ Who will be there: Austin, Walter, and the Fanward team
▶ What’s happening: Free stickers, freebies, and other surprises
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