Tag: power

Imagine a setting where Charm Person sits within reach of every sociopath, malignant narcissist, fascist ideologue, sexual predator, human trafficker, abusive spouse and undifferentiated Just Kind of a Piece of Shit in the world. Think for a moment about how easy it would be to kill someone with Mage Hand and Shape Water.

That alone is more than sufficient to build a wizard-hunting campaign on, but wizards provide a great deal more practical benefit than just that. Why is there a dungeon that violates the laws of nature? Wizard did it. Why are their horrible monsters shambling through the hills feasting on travelers? Wizard did it. Why is there a nameless horror from beyond the stars with its sights set on our placid isle of ignorance? A wizard god-damn did it. Power corrupts because power is the ability to get what you want, and the more power you have the less anyone can get in between you and the thing you want….

— Exorcists and Wizard-Hunters: Alternate D&D Frameworks – Throne of Salt

Conan:

The Riddle…of Steel.

Thulsa Doom:

Yes! You know what it is, don’t you, boy. Shall I tell you? It’s the least I can do.

Steel isn’t strong, boy. Flesh is stronger! Look around you—

[looks around before pointing up at a group of acolytes standing on a ledge high above]

There, on the rocks: that beautiful girl.

[gestures for girl to come to him]

Come to me, my child…

[girl willingly jumps to her death]

That is strength, boy! That is power! What is steel compared to the hand that wields it? Look at the strength in your body, the desire in your heart. I gave you this!

Such a waste. Contemplate this upon the Tree of Woe.

[looks to Rexor and Thorgrim]

Crucify him.

— “Conan the Barbarian” (1982)

Timo Cruz:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsiously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

— “Coach Carter” (2005)

Dr. Elizabeth Dehner:

Before long, we’ll be where it would have taken Mankind millions of years of learning to reach.

Captain James T. Kirk:

And what will Mitchell learn in getting there?! Will he know what to do with his power?! Will he acquire the wisdom?!

Dr. Elizabeth Dehner:

Please, go back while you still can.

Captain James T. Kirk:

Did you hear him joke about compassion? Above all else, a god needs compassion!

— “Where No Man Has Gone Before” – Star Trek, Season 1 (1966)

“Mistress?” Cashel asked in a thick voice. “Is Benlo as powerful a wizard as you are?”

Tenoctris laughed and patted him on the arm. “Cashel,” she said, “I’m not powerful at all. I’ve read and I see, those are both important. But the skill I have is that of a diamond cutter who knows where to tap to split a stone on the line of cleavage. If you want raw power—Benlo could crush diamonds if he knew how to use the strength he has.”

Cashel opened his big, capable hands. “What good’s a crushed diamond, mistress?” he asked.

Tenoctris laughed again. “You’d be amazed at how few people understand that, Master Cashel,” she said….

— Lord of the Isles, Book II, Chapter 12