RLSH Success

How does one find success as a Real Life Superhero?

There are some major obstacles that tend to crop up when people want to get into the RLSH line of work: regular patrols, uniform, fear of the public, endless "what if" scenarios, and the kitchen sink effect. I'm going to address each of these and how you can overcome them.

Regular Patrols

Going on regular patrols may feel a little overwhelming at first. Once you start making it a regular part of your routine, it becomes normalized. A lot of RLSH don't go out on regular patrols; its more at a whim. Those who are more well-known often go out on regular patrols.

To overcome any hang ups on regular patrols, the following helps: have a schedule for when you go on patrol, have circumstances where you will not patrol (if it's -40F, no one expects you to patrol), have special circumstances where you will be present (street fairs or something?), have some sort of patrol log (blog, vlog, etc) where you post about each patrol, find an RLSH partner to patrol with.

Special note: Patrols aren't always going to be exciting. A lot of times, if you're not in a major city, it's going to basically be going for a walk through your city. Sorry to burst any bubbles. If you want something to do while out on patrol, pick up litter.

You may end up lurking behind a trash can. [ref. Vigilante from 'Peacemaker']

Uniform

The longer you spend in the RLSH community, talking with others, the more you realize that uniforms are always being modified. Some people believe that you can't venture out until you have a uniform. This is false. Most people have an idea of a color scheme they want to work with. If you do not have a finished uniform yet, you can still go out in your RLSH colors.

Also, you may want to have a uniform base that can work in hot summer weather and then added to for colder winter weather or rainy season, etc.

Seriously. Just think of the number of batsuits out there.

Fear of The Public

There are some people who get a fear of the public. This is more of fear based in ridicule or judgement. To get over this, you basically just have to get out there and patrol. No one really cares if people are dressed up for a comicon, right? They look and say "oh, they must be dressed up for comicon". It's the same thing for Halloween or Christmas parties or film/photo shoots or anything else like that.

Ignore the public. You'll be stopped at some point and someone will ask "Are you supposed to be a superhero?" Yes. Just say "yes". As long as you are prepared for it, you'll be fine.

Get out and patrol regularly. If people start normalizing you being out on patrol, you become less of a novelty.

The Alternates & Raven being stopped by a bunch of drunk ladies in Seattle. [ref. ZetamanTV - Ep. 10 - Seattle Meetup: On The Waterfront] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3rWHCjy6xw

Endless "What If" Scenarios

It's not unheard of for people to get ahead of themselves by running through a bunch of "what if" scenarios in their heads. It can freak people out and prevent regular patrols OR it can cause the Kitchen Sink Effect (below). It's healthy to consider "what if" scenarios since it helps you prepare for the worst and the best. It can become detrimental when it stops you from getting out and actually doing what you want to do.

Common "What If" Scenarios: What if...they have a gun? They have a knife? There is a gang? There is a heart attack? There is an aggressive dog?

To get over this, you simply need to get out. If you're worried about "what if" scenarios, start by only wearing your RLSH colors or do a few patrols in plain clothes. Get your eyes on the area you intend to patrol to sooth your nerves.

"What If...?" comics from Marvel Comics

The Kitchen Sink Effect

A lot of newbies start out by trying to bring everything they could possibly need while out on patrol. I believe that Skyline mentioned something about this after his first patrol video. A lot of times it comes out of wanting to be prepared for everything, which is good but not necessary and almost always hindering. Your goal should be pack light and only what you need. You're not on a trek to Mordor in Middle Earth. You're going out for an hour or two around your city.

The best way to overcome the Kitchen Sink Effect is to go on your patrol route with the simple goal of "observation". What will you need in this area? What sort of potential threats are observed? What sort of emergency scenarios should you be prepared for in this area? Are there a lot of elderly or youths in the area (which might increase the need for first aid)? Do you have the skills needed to deal with estimated emergencies?

I would recommend having your First Aid, CPR, AED certification from the Red Cross, some sort of de-escalation training (can be done online or in person), a first aid kit, a body cam, and some sort of communication (phone probably). This is the very basic nuts and bolts RLSH kit. You can certainly build upon it as needed depending on your goals.

Don't bring anything illegal in your area. Don't bring stuff you don't know how to use.

Make sure you check out Skyline's youtube channel.

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On an entire other note, if you are an RLSH, please take a moment to fill out this RLSH 2026 Demographics Survey. It's anonymous. Just looking to gather some general information to study. It will end up becoming an article after the end of the year.

If there is something you would like to see me discuss here on Herocore, please feel free to contact me. raven@herocore.online