My WAG is that Nic wanted the blood of Christ for some ritual work. The grail would have the most "residue" on it most likely, but each of the other objects would famously have some on them too, with the exception of the plaque.

But we dont really know what that is yet either. (my assumption was that it was the plaque affixed to the crucifix in most depictions of it, which bears the letter INRI) Seems likely if it was affixed to the cross, there might be some blood on it just by nature of where it was.

I think the manner and reason for the summoning are probably the most important factor. Harry would be unwise to summon Titania anywhere, ever, but he has been known to do some dumb stuff.

However, if he tried to use, for instance, the circle on Demonreach to summon her, that would VERY much be like holding a loaded gun against someones forehead. So then the question becomes how much of a compulsion Harry can put into the summoning, which is something we should ask Jim about sometime. I seem to recall Harry saying both that powerful beings could simply choose to not show up, but I also think I remember there being methods of summoning that are compulsory to the thing being summoned.

Could Harry actually FORCE one of the queens to come to him? Mother Winter obviously did not want to answer Harry's summon because it both hurt and insulted her, but she still showed up, after a fashion at least. I would guess that a powerful enough call could force even a powerful being to show up, especially if you have their true name. After that, you just better pray you have a good enough circle to prevent instant immolation. (like the one on top of demonreach. I am increasingly certain it is a VERY important part of how the warden does his job)

 I would guess this is addressed more in the early books when Jim tended to spend more time on the nuts and bolts of magic theory, and I dont remember those books as well.

Cassius falls under the category of weakly powered caster whose long life span gave him enough time to develop a talent with some teeth. Other than the death curse the only spell I remember him casting without the coin was creating the snake construct that Mouse fought. He was able to do that with no focus items or preparation very quickly, which speaks to at least a moderate talent.

With Salurial, he did plenty. In fact, didnt Harry suspect that he was largely to blame for actually casting the entropy/Barrabus curse that forces him in doors with Susan?

Point being, he had plenty of knowledge on how magic worked (from a very ancient teacher) but very little power to actually get things done. I think we are all more concerned with his death curse than Jim cares about writing it in.

I suspected in the past that the powers that be have been pulling strings behind the scene to protect Dresden when possible.  Mouse in Zoo Day says "I would have to trust to fortune, and the Almighty and Queen Mab and Odin and whatever other friendly Powers that might be watching that My Friend would, please, please, please be all right"

That line stuck out to me as well. Queen Mab a friendly power watching Harry? Im not sure if that is Mouse's optimistic nature or if he knows more about her than we do.

46:23

Goodman Grey fights in the Oblivion War! "It'll probably show up in the spin-off series".

Also, further hinting that George Washington was a Knight of the Cross, and that the sword of Hope would have been a very handy thing to have a Valley Forge. Which is very cool to me.

I loved Mouse's perspective even more, but Maggies is damned adorable.

I kind of hope Jim doesnt feel the need to explain more about the baddies Maggie sees. Obviously they are not just delusions, because of the book that was handed down from Molly and Hank. But they are also not normal supernatural threats, or things like the underhide would never have been able to enter the Carpenter's home. To me, it should live in that unspoken area like whether or not Hobbes actually comes to life when adults are not around.

There was a question relating to this at one of the recent signings (I forget which). It was asked about mental illnesses like Alzheimer’s or depression. The response is that wizards are still human. Something like Alzheimer’s is a real threat (to a lot of people’s well being should a powerful wizard get it) and Jim said it is something they are constantly watching for signs of in each other at council meetings.

Think what Professor X did in Logan. I don’t remember what the movie specifically says happened but iirc it’s hinted that he had a seizure and killed a significant portion of the x men, as well as the population of the East Coast.

   But looks like she's interested in making her own Choices which makes her a lot like Harry.

I have been repeatedly assured on these boards that Murphy and Harry really have nothing much in common.