04/21/2023
A few years ago, I faced an unimaginable loss when my brother, a fellow veteran, passed away. He had a fascination for Valhalla and in our time together, he managed to pass that fascination on to me. As I grieved, I didn’t know the best way to memorialize him, but I felt compelled to try and help reduce veteran su***de and those with PTSD. Eventually, I settled on creating a business (quite a few which led nowhere) that would provide charity for veteran organizations as a core value.
As I embarked on this journey, fear of failure held me back, but I knew that I couldn't let that stop me. Now, I am finally launching Valr Forge, an e-commerce shop dedicated to offering high-quality Dungeons & Dragons maps, assets, and story content. Regardless of the outcome, I am committed to donating to veteran organizations in my brother's name, honoring his memory, and supporting others who face similar battles.
The name Valr Forge itself comes from a deep exploration of Norse mythology. I started with Valhalla, the glorious final resting place for great warriors, and moved on to consider the Valkyries, the celestial beings who carry the fallen to Valhalla. Ultimately, I settled on Valr, which means "those slain in battle," as it perfectly embodies my brother's struggle with the demons of war that never left him.
Valr Forge is more than just a business; it's a tribute to all those who have fallen in battle, and those who carry their memories in their hearts. We create for a world where we can lay our demons to rest and never forget those we lost. Our mission is driven by love, passion, and determination to make a difference.
With each new product and story, we create, we strive to build a community that supports and uplifts one another. We aim to provide a haven where we can escape our demons, even if just for a moment, and embrace the fantastical worlds that bring us together.
So, I invite you to join us at Valr Forge, as we embark on this journey together, creating new worlds and honoring the memories of those we've lost. With your support, we can make a difference for veterans and their families. I'll see you in Valhalla, Miguel. I miss you and I love you.
