The Dresden Files > DF Spoilers
Mab is cleaning up the White Court
g33k:
--- Quote from: Ed0517 on August 15, 2022, 03:25:22 AM --- Selling? No way. The wizard weakens himself.
--- End quote ---
I envision a wizard who's almost entirely self-centered; maybe not using "black magic" but one who doesn't much care about other wizards, or "weakening" them. They could easily have built in personal safeguards, so they specifically weren't weakened... embroider the armbands with gold thread for the runes, and use the same gold thread in one of their own offensive focus-items, enchanted to bypass the defenses of the arm-bands.
Also, smart wizards know how to bypass those defenses. Someone shows up sporting the armbands you made? Don't even try to cast a spell on THEM, just forzare them a faceful of keys, or One Woman Rave them into utter confusion then gut-stab them, or whatever... ;-)
--- Quote from: Ed0517 on August 15, 2022, 03:25:22 AM --- ... Whamp subverted? seems unlikely ...
--- End quote ---
Seems entirely-likely to me, but YMMV.
Consider, though: Inari Raith -- with zero predatory experience -- almost got Harry. He feels that Whamps are an entirely-credible threat to him, and to wizards in general. Margaret LeFay (no pushover!) was seduced by one. The Blackstaff apparently feels an especially-deep hatred towards them, presumably having suffered some grievous wrong.
--- Quote from: Ed0517 on August 15, 2022, 03:25:22 AM --- ... Stolen? I gotta think stuff like that is held VERY securely, but this one could be ...
--- End quote ---
While I do think that Whamps could be an incredibly-potent uber-thief sort of security-penetrating expert, I was envisioning it in a more opportunistic fashion -- wizard is disabled? Swipe their stuff! Wizard in the field, but not fully "equipped" (wearing) all their gear? Swipe it while their back is turned! (I keep noticing Harry drop items in his duster pockets, and thinking "dude, a regular pickpocket could probably take that from you, and a magically-graceful-and-subtle one with a century of practice... you'd never spot it!")
--- Quote from: Ed0517 on August 15, 2022, 03:25:22 AM ---I think the Deeps were likely simple mortal work ... Heck, the Whamps can seduce a couple of electricians or stagehands to rig this all up simple.
--- End quote ---
Harry was impressed at the system's durability in the face of his magic (I don't think "a couple of electricians or stagehands" could have produced that). Molly's (Svartalven-built) place was, IIRC, the only other place we've seen that had "Harry-resistant" lighting, the kind that is noted in the text & called-out as "this is impressive and unusual."
--- Quote from: Ed0517 on August 15, 2022, 03:25:22 AM --- ... The Whamps are not envisioning magical duels happening much ...
--- End quote ---
I expect the Whamps were planning for all manner of "unlikely" contingencies. I expect they considered White Council wizards as among the more-likely of those contingencies.
--- Quote from: Ed0517 on August 15, 2022, 03:25:22 AM --- ... Harry is not blowing up streetlamps and making cars freeze in place every time he walks near one ... Where Harry LIVED, even continual low level emissions can toast stuff. But he didn't blow up his office. Or the others in the building...
--- End quote ---
Yeah, Harry can walk by ordinary electrical stuff without hexing it; electronic stuff, not so much. He can't even carry a credit-card without wiping the mag-stripe on it. But he could walk into the precinct and not blow the lights; just not approach any computers.
My point, though, isn't the "ordinary circumstances."
Harry was afraid for his life; even worse, for his brother's life, and Murphy's (in the later incident, Carlos'; and hugely angry about the murdered women). And he was letting loose with his Kaboom magic. This is gonna blow the tech.
Your average "electrician or stagehand" simply cannot build a system that will survive being in the same area with an angry, magic-flinging Harry Dresden.
Conspiracy Theorist:
Swartalves are experts at working underground, The Deeps would be a snap. They wouldn’t have to worry about a single point of access and egress.
Ed0517:
--- Quote from: g33k on August 15, 2022, 03:43:44 PM --- I envision a wizard who's almost entirely self-centered; maybe not using "black magic" but one who doesn't much care about other wizards, or "weakening" them. They could easily have built in personal safeguards, so they specifically weren't weakened... embroider the armbands with gold thread for the runes, and use the same gold thread in one of their own offensive focus-items, enchanted to bypass the defenses of the arm-bands.
Also, smart wizards know how to bypass those defenses.
--- End quote ---
still short sighted. Plus what if TWO wizards sell stuff? One sells a mail shirt, so to speak "I'll target the head" but Wizard B sells a helmet "I'll target the torso" - but the same Whamp buys BOTH....
--- Quote --- (on subverted)
Seems entirely-likely to me, but YMMV.
Consider, though: Inari Raith -- with zero predatory experience -- almost got Harry. He feels that Whamps are an entirely-credible threat to him, and to wizards in general. Margaret LeFay (no pushover!) was seduced by one. The Blackstaff apparently feels an especially-deep hatred towards them, presumably having suffered some grievous wrong.
--- End quote ---
Yes, but I think they overwhelm the wizard, they cloud their minds with lust... and a clouded mind is not likely to do their best fabricating work. Pet wizard? could be. But a top notch? It's like where Harry says if Mab presses him too much he will obey - but she will get a obedient, but mediocre Knight, the one she does NOT want. Harry, given a little latitude and looser bond, is a finer weapon.
--- Quote ---While I do think that Whamps could be an incredibly-potent uber-thief sort of security-penetrating expert, I was envisioning it in a more opportunistic fashion -- wizard is disabled? Swipe their stuff! Wizard in the field, but not fully "equipped" (wearing) all their gear? Swipe it while their back is turned! (I keep noticing Harry drop items in his duster pockets, and thinking "dude, a regular pickpocket could probably take that from you, and a magically-graceful-and-subtle one with a century of practice... you'd never spot it!")
--- End quote ---
I think that stuff is going to be massively spell-warded.
OK, Harry would never think of this. I doubt most wizards would. (I think Luccio would). But.... biometrics? The Warden swords are only special for THAT warden, right? Best reason Harry could not simply pick up, say, Wild Bill's at the battle. So it seems Luccio can restrict use somewhat - the sword in other hands is simply a sword. Picture... in my blasting rod, I drill a *TINY* hole in the hilt before I enchant it. Slip in a single hair, fill with epoxy, then a plug of sawdust mixed with epoxy, so it appears to be plain wood (or use a copper butt cap). Enchant it so it doesn't shoot unless it finds a similar hair within a foot. Doesn't see one, it backfires and blows up. Which also torches the hair.
--- Quote ---Harry was impressed at the system's durability in the face of his magic (I don't think "a couple of electricians or stagehands" could have produced that). Molly's (Svartalven-built) place was, IIRC, the only other place we've seen that had "Harry-resistant" lighting, the kind that is noted in the text & called-out as "this is impressive and unusual."
--- End quote ---
Harry's been on TV. Seen a Broadway show's effects? those guys are not Eugene the Electrician on Main Street. I bet Tempest shielding could work great too (computer security anti-wiretap stuff, to prevent stuff leaking out. Should keep outside stuff out too) Again, like biometrics, Harry likely never heard of Tempest stuff.
--- Quote ---I expect the Whamps were planning for all manner of "unlikely" contingencies. I expect they considered White Council wizards as among the more-likely of those contingencies.
--- End quote ---
occasional short-term ones, usually at a distance from the walls.
--- Quote ---Yeah, Harry can walk by ordinary electrical stuff without hexing it; electronic stuff, not so much. He can't even carry a credit-card without wiping the mag-stripe on it. But he could walk into the precinct and not blow the lights; just not approach any computers.
My point, though, isn't the "ordinary circumstances."
Harry was afraid for his life; even worse, for his brother's life, and Murphy's (in the later incident, Carlos'; and hugely angry about the murdered women). And he was letting loose with his Kaboom magic. This is gonna blow the tech.
Your average "electrician or stagehand" simply cannot build a system that will survive being in the same area with an angry, magic-flinging Harry Dresden.
--- End quote ---
And lighting is much more electrical than electronic. So more resistant.
Actually, a dueling Dresden may be MORE safe for the electrical stuff. His Murphyonic field may be like a sprinkler head misting the area, but a dueling Harry is using a nozzle (Luccio uses a water jet cutting tool with her fire lance). Harry is focusing his magic.
Again, pro stagehands or TV guys are a lot ahead of the typical guy. Chicago may not be NYC, but it isn't Peoria either.
Ed0517:
--- Quote from: Conspiracy Theorist on August 15, 2022, 05:26:58 PM ---Swartalves are experts at working underground, The Deeps would be a snap. They wouldn’t have to worry about a single point of access and egress.
--- End quote ---
Oh, I think Svaltalves could do it great. But what do they want for a fee? The bill may not be payable in cash. And do the Whamps trust the Svaltalves to not build in back door access for themselves? I think the Svartalves are likely among the most trustworthy supernaturals, but...
Conspiracy Theorist:
The White Court can pay in lapdances, and the Swartalves are the most reliable of repeat customers.
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