The Dresden Files > DF Spoilers

Power Creep

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Bad Alias:
Over in the "What do you look forward to in Peace Talks?" thread, the discussion has moved to Harry getting a power up. It made me think of what's often described as power creep in the Dresden Files. I think creep is very apropos for Harry's gaining of power because it mostly happens pretty slowly. It creeps on up in a way that's hard to point to.

While he doesn't get a power up every book, he's almost always more powerful in at least one way. Usually a noticeable way. He's often also less powerful in some way. Usually less notable. Occasionally, he's significantly more powerful or significantly less powerful in an obvious way.

It's generally subtle from book to book, but Harry seems more powerful each book. He gets more foci. He gets a bigger gun every four books or so. His fuego spell gets tighter and tighter. I think it's first described as "as big around as my hips" to eventually being "as big as my two fingers." Occasionally we get big steps forward like in BR, when Harry has enchanted his duster and gets Hellfire.

Outline of Harry's power progression that I can recall: (click to show/hide)SF: Harry gets out from under the Doom of Damocles. Harry starts bribing the Za Guard.
FM: Harry has his force ring. Harry meets the Alphas. Harry losses his .38.
GP: Harry "gets" Michael. (According to Charity, they last saw each other 5 years ago). Harry meets his brother. Harry has gotten a .357.
SK: Harry gets out from under Lea. This kind of opens up the possibility of using the Nevernever. He uses the Za Guard very effectively. Harry reads Murphy in basically solidifying her as an ally instead of an obstacle.
DM: Harry touches the coin. Loses Michael until he's forced to speak to him in PG.
BR: Harry has enchanted his duster. Harry first uses Hellfire. He learns about Thomas. He gets insight from his mother (this may only have been useful in BR). Mouse wins Harry. Harry loses fire magic and the use of his hand. Thomas moves in and will be readily available back up until he moves out.
DB: Mouse is a helpful ally. Harry gets a doctor. Harry learns his hand will come back. Harry has access to Hellfire. Harry gains access to Lash. Harry becomes a warden.
PG: Harry gains an apprentice. Mouse is now a tank. Little Chicago. Harry gets fire magic back. Harry is under the doom again. Thomas moves out. Harry gains the sliver oak leaf.
WN: Harry has his upgraded shield bracelet. Harry frees the fairies. Harry losses Lash and Hellfire. Harry's force ring is now three rings fused together. Harry founds the Paranet.
SmF: Harry gains Soulfire. Harry learns of Demonreach. Harry losses Michael as an ally. Harry loses the silver leaf.
TC: Harry now has 24 force rings instead or 3. They are now basically brass knuckles. Harry claims Demonreach. Kirby dies.
C: Harry gets his mom's knowledge of the ways. Harry becomes the Winter Knight. Loses all possessions except his pentacle and ruby. Harry loses Mouse and Bob for the most part. Harry dies.
GS: Harry learns an important lesson and un-dies. The Paranet starts to pay dividends.
CD: The WK mantle's side effects kick in. Harry learns about Demonreach's purpose. Harry is bound by Winter Law. Harry gains Lacuna as a defacto vassal because Ace isn't going to be able to ransom her back now as he's dead. Molly becomes Winter Lady presumably freeing Harry from the Doom.
SG: Demonreach is now a mighty stronghold. The WK mantle seems much less effective. Parkour skillz. Harry has a new staff and enchanted duster. Harry gets a 1/2 inch hole puncher (S&W .500). Harry gets a new Knight ally. Harry gives birth to a powerful spirit. No more headaches. Harry gets a bunch of powerful artifacts that will presumably be helpful in some way. Harry gets a pile of diamonds.
What am I missing and when did it happen? Thoughts on "power creep" in the Dresden Files?

Mira:

  If course Harry is getting more powerful, he is the star child, by the BAT he has to be a real bad ass otherwise he won't have a chance against the Outsiders.

Avernite:

--- Quote from: Mira on May 31, 2020, 01:12:02 PM ---  If course Harry is getting more powerful, he is the star child, by the BAT he has to be a real bad ass otherwise he won't have a chance against the Outsiders.

--- End quote ---
He smashed them down in Cold Days. Because his power was not his magic, but his mind.

So suggests to me his key powerup will be knowledge, as Odin alluded to.

Mira:

--- Quote from: Avernite on May 31, 2020, 03:02:43 PM ---He smashed them down in Cold Days. Because his power was not his magic, but his mind.

So suggests to me his key powerup will be knowledge, as Odin alluded to.

--- End quote ---

  Of course, that too.

morriswalters:
If your interested here is a video discussing something similar to this. Somewhere around 19 minutes in.

Penguin Worlds Book Club: Jim Butcher in conversation with Patrick Rothfuss

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