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The Dresden Files => DF Spoilers => Topic started by: dspringer1 on October 09, 2017, 09:25:51 PM

Title: What will Harry Learn
Post by: dspringer1 on October 09, 2017, 09:25:51 PM
One of the patterns in the book is that Harry learns.   
*  When Harry got an apprentice, you started to see a clear impact in his spellcraft 2-3 books later.
*  When Harry got the winter knight gig, you started to see a clear impact in his spellcraft 3-4 books later (ghost story delayed things...)
*  Harry learned some things from the coin (shielding his mind for example, pain blocking)
*  Harry learned some from turn coat (mind fighting...)

But there are a couple of major events that have not really lead to any significant learning.   
*  Harry operated as a ghost for a while in ghost story
*  Harry bonded with Demonreach. 

Harry certainly learned how to operate Demonreach, but he has not applied anything he learned from Demonreach to his own personal magical or personal development.   Ditto with the time as a ghost.  No significant change in Harry's magic came from that experience - YET.

Some possibilities
1) Demonreach should have taught Harry a lot about crafting shields and wards -- or about the nature of immortal beings
2) Ghost Story should have taught Harry a lot about ghosts, spirits and how to work with the same.    He should also have more insight on possession --- and insight into the powers of illusion that he learned from Molly at this time.   



Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: Mira on October 09, 2017, 09:59:03 PM


Maybe because what happens in the way of learning etc stays on Demonreach?  However given the vision we saw in Cold Days I wouldn't be so quick to think that Harry hasn't gained knowledge which will help.. Also the significant lesson learned in Ghost Story is about having a soul... That knowledge helped him to break Mother Winter's bonds in Cold Days..
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: jonas on October 09, 2017, 10:12:22 PM
Hopefully he'll get some shapeshifting experience in, he learned a bit offhand from being near Grey fyi, about the body mass thingy. though if Jim would kindly tickle one Fanatic's funny bone, He'll be inspired to
(click to show/hide)
You know why :)
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: Griffyn612 on October 09, 2017, 11:17:32 PM
In regards to the Demonreach knowledge, I'm hoping he incorporates some of that into his new shield bracelet, which we may see in PT.

In regards to shapeshifting, he probably won't have time to sit with L2W until after PT, but maybe L2W will make another appearance at the talks and they'll make plans.

In regards to the WK mantle, I think he's still got more to explore.  I'm hoping we'll see him come to terms with it in PT so we can proceed further with his growth.

In regards to ghosts, I'm hoping that Fitz's ability to hear them is an aspect of Listening, something Harry can do.  He might have to learn a new way to do it, but then he can talk to Sir Stu and others, which would come in handy for spying and the like.
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: Snark Knight on October 10, 2017, 12:14:13 AM
Quote from: dspringer1 on October 09, 2017, 09:25:51 PM
Harry certainly learned how to operate Demonreach, but he has not applied anything he learned from Demonreach to his own personal magical or personal development.

I don't think the runes on the new staff he made from a branch on the island glow green instead of the previous red/orange as a mere coincidence.
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: groinkick on October 10, 2017, 04:09:45 AM
Quote from: Snark Knight on October 10, 2017, 12:14:13 AM
I don't think the runes on the new staff he made from a branch on the island glow green instead of the previous red/orange as a mere coincidence.

If memory serves one of the important things about a wizard making something is that they put a piece of themselves into it.  The runes glowing green may have more to do with the changes within Harry rather than anything intentional on his part.
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: dspringer1 on October 10, 2017, 02:47:49 PM
What is the odds that Harry picks up a ghost companion, if only for a single book.  I think Ghost Story established that ghosts are not the normal.  Most people "move on" when they die.  So I am not expecting a ghost of Susan or MacFin to be following Harry.    But occasionally ghosts do form.  I am expecting Harry to be "hired" by a ghost at some point :)
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: Griffyn612 on October 10, 2017, 04:42:56 PM
Quote from: dspringer1 on October 10, 2017, 02:47:49 PM
What is the odds that Harry picks up a ghost companion, if only for a single book.  I think Ghost Story established that ghosts are not the normal.  Most people "move on" when they die.  So I am not expecting a ghost of Susan or MacFin to be following Harry.    But occasionally ghosts do form.  I am expecting Harry to be "hired" by a ghost at some point :)
Might be interesting if the reaper we saw pays him a visit. 
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: Ulfgeir on October 10, 2017, 05:07:38 PM
Quote from: Griffyn612 on October 10, 2017, 04:42:56 PM
Might be interesting if the reaper we saw pays him a visit.

Why do I sense we would get Harry mismanaging a certain quote from The Seventh Seal...

/Ulfgeir
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: wardenferry419 on October 10, 2017, 08:15:45 PM
Can gods have ghosts?
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: jonas on October 10, 2017, 09:19:03 PM
Quote from: wardenferry419 on October 10, 2017, 08:15:45 PM
Can gods have ghosts?
Of course. Think that's a bit of the problem. Undead 'spirits' trying to enforce their will on reality, trying to come back through/drop the veil.
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: wardenferry419 on October 10, 2017, 10:41:03 PM
I asked because what if the ghost of a murdered god wants Harry to solve his murder in "Fight Night" book about wrestling.
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: Froklsnt on October 12, 2017, 04:36:57 PM
I think there's another major one you missed. In Changes, learns a LOT more about the direct application of will, as opposed to using it to perform magic. And he starts applying that knowledge when he manifests a body at the end of GS, and again vs both Mother Winter and HWWBf (at Demonreach) in CD.
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: Rasins on October 25, 2017, 05:38:16 PM
I think something else we haven't delved into was his getting all unhinged in GS to corporate a body.

That means he's far more unstable than we may think he actually is.
Title: Re: What will Harry Learn
Post by: wardenferry419 on October 25, 2017, 09:26:07 PM
He has been having one-on-one conversations with his subconscious. His train of normal thought has gone off the tracks and over the bridge.