Purpose of Power

Moral Power, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

My students Lacy Deveraux aka Astrea a pyrokinetic (who won 100 points during the class), Moonlight a wielder of light and shadow magic, Felix Darius a highly skilled gunman aka Deadly Aim, Maximillian a half-demon highly-skilled martial artist and psionic hero-in-training Karesa aka Mentalia all attended Morality Class: Purpose of Power. In this previous lesson we covered the meaning of morality - a general or self-accepted code of conduct, one that separates hero and villain. During this second lesson, we moved on from our backgrounds and history and focused on how our powers and possession of said power contributes to our chosen state of morality. Before going out and demonstrating the purpose of our power (we were in Canada to shut down an illegal VIPER weapons facility), we explored different heroic archetypes and in pairs, matched each other with them.

• It was decided that Moonlight was the classes's Silent Hero.
• Astrea was decided as the Classic Hero.
• Felix was unanimously the Accidental Hero.
• Maximillian was chosen as the Leader type.
• And young Karesa was also a Classic Hero, though tainted by a deep set anger against VIPER for murdering her father.

The Classic Hero is the person who goes on a quest to achieve some good end that benefits other people in some way.

The Tragic Hero reflects reality in that the slings, arrows and bullets that are thrown at them do not always miss, yet perseveres.

The Accidental Hero just happens to get in the excitement and adventure and is swept up, often protesting, in the action.

The Super Hero is an exaggeration of heroic character. The superhero is either serious or comical in their over-the-top caricature.

The Anti Hero's indifference or distraction irritates us as they seem determined not to be heroic, but when it really counts, they deliver.

The Knight is driven by the knightly code of honour that demands bold acts and confrontation of evil wherever it may be found.

The Crusader is driven by a powerful mission to which all others are subservient. Often aims to convert people to a way of thinking.

The Genius is a highly intelligent person, using their brain-power to solve the problems they are confronted with and offer instructions.

The Leader directs the troops, or other heroes, in achieving a critical goal. Their main skill is in inspiring and motivating others.

The Bold Adventurer is like the classic hero, but with the primary goal of excitement and stimulation more than achieving some end.

The Courageous Child is expected to seek protection, thus when they step forward and take on bad guys we are particularly amazed.

The Whiz Kid is first a genius who knows everything there is to know about some subject, usually more than the bumbling adults.

The Silent Hero says little and does what is necessary with the minimum of fuss. They express little emotion and just get on with it.

The Founder begins things, often institutions that become great, perhaps through taking on some of the greatness of the founder.

The Martyr first offers self-sacrifice in the name of a greater cause or the safety of others. This is characteristic of most other heroes.

The Saviour's noble goal is to rescue others from discomfort and distress. The saviour's promise is of succor and salvation.

The Noble Savage is a primitive who, from their appearance, would seem to be an animal and yet have a deep spark of humanity.

The Gentle Giant is the huge person capable of harming us without difficulty, yet they act in contrast to their appearance.

The Rough Diamond is someone who may appear as a villain but also have a heart of gold and may perform heroic acts.


Last three remind us that the world is not always as it seems and that goodness can be found in even the most unexpected places.