[ WP ] DnD and other fantasy role-playing games DO actually give the ability to cast spells and gain supernatural powers .

`` I'm sorry, Mr. Gygax. I just want to get one thing clear. You're telling us that your games actually allow people to be able to cast spells?'' 
 
 `` Of course. It works on the same principle as all other magic. If enough people believe in it strongly enough, it becomes real.'' 
 
 `` So.. Santa Claus is real?'' 
 
 `` An invisible entity that rewards good children and punishes bad ones? Of course he exists. There are plenty of children who believe so, and in doing such, make him real. There are also enough adults that do not believe in Santa, so that is why you do n't see a jolly fat man in a flying sleigh travel across the countryside. He just works very subtly. A boss suddenly deciding to give out a Christmas bonus. A five dollar bill found on the side of the street. People doing nice things simply because of the'Christmas spirit'. It's all because of Santa.'' 
 
 `` Would n't the people at home watching this interview strengthen Santa just by believing that there is a chance that what you say is truth?'' 
 
 `` Oh, I'm hoping for it. Santa Claus is one of the higher powers who is not a complete jerk. The more people who believe in him, the stronger he gets.'' 
 
 `` And you were saying this is how your games give people the ability to cast spells.'' 
 
 `` Of course. Sure, there are comparatively far less people playing a session of Dungeons and Dragons than those who are now trying to believe in Santa, but playing my games takes longer. After a few hours, the belief that you can cast magic takes hold in yourself and your gaming group, until you are actually able to cast a tiny version of that spell. But this is just a spark that starts the bonfire. Once you and your friends see that your magic casting abilities are real, they will start to believe that much more, resulting in your powers growing, resulting in more belief, and so forth.'' 
 
 `` So there is no calling upon evil or satanic forces?'' 
 
 `` None whatsoever, sadly for all those paranoid church groups.'' 
 
 `` Do you think you could give us a demonstration?'' 
 
 `` On national television? I would be delighted to. How about levitation? It's a fairly low level cantrip.'' 
 
 `` Amazing, folks. My chair is lifting up all on its own. I can assure you that there are no wires attached to me or my piece of furniture.'' 
 
 I turned off the television with a gesture. The cat was now out of the bag. Another gesture had my carefully thought out plans burning into ash. No behind the scenes world domination for me and my group. 
 
 Still a level 6 sorcerer would n't be too bad in the new world, especially once my spell components arrive.
