There are as many styles of magic as there are magicians. While much of
magic is gaudy, noisy, and easily appreciated by the masses, it goes without
saying that some of the finest sorcery is also the most subtle; small, delicate
changes in the fabric of being that often can only be discerned by another
wizard's practiced eye. Occasionally, even a wizard as learned as myself will
experience a twinge of regret that I have not yet conquered some of the most
delicate aspects of my art; that, for example, I have not learned the Eastern
finger magic, where, by the turn of a knuckle, the mage may make the flowers
sing. And perhaps some day my fingers might learn that art, on the day they
become tired from constantly carrying about the large amounts of gold I receive
for performing the more gaudy and noisy magic that pays so well.
-- The Teachings of Ebenezum, Vol. VII
Related:
Wizards are constantly subject to negative publicity. A case in point. One
elderly wizard of my acquaintance, whenever he was bothered by unexpected
guests, would immediately cast one of three spells upon them, either turning
them to stone, transforming them into segmented worms, or blasting them
entirely out of the kingdom....
