We must not make a scarecrow of the law,
Setting it up to fear the birds of prey,
And let it keep one shape, till custom make it
Their perch and not their terror.

Angelo (Measure for Measure, William Shapespeare)

The Ideal of Control consists of the aspects of Authority and Liberty, and deals with themes of power, hierarchy, and the ties that bind people and groups together. Such Muses enjoy meticulous dominion over their own lives, though many delight in those who break law and order to achieve their own authentic selves, while others still seek to assert themselves whatever the resistance.

Muses of Control have dominion over themes of leadership, charisma, 'chosen ones', revolt, rebellion, and (metaphorical and literal) disintegration.

In Vignettes and the Dreamscape, these powers can be manifested through applications of the Muses' Skills.

The Strife Skill governs uses of powers to attack others. With Control, a Muse could aggressively sap a foe's will to fight by demanding their surrender or submission, or - when packing particular metaphysical might - literally 'liberate' an enemy's head from their body.

Some examples of applications at different power levels are:

• Weak: A Muse might put the concept of strength, or cowardice, into another's head, which may in turn sway their actions or ability.
• Moderate: A Muse might put an idea into another's head, causing them to think about it which may in turn sway their actions.
• Strong: A Muse might give direct orders which others will attempt to obey as far as physically possible.
• Exceptional: A Muse might exert control over the metaphysical Dreamscape in order to hurt another.

The Subvert Skill governs stealth, duplicity, and forgery. With Control, a Muse could create insinuate themselves into political hierarchies, or exert political power while keeping their own role unknown.

Some examples of applications at different power levels are:

• Weak: A Muse might encourage another to overlook a slight inconsistency.
• Moderate: A Muse might cause another to ignore a major event, unless it was something they were explicitly looking for.
• Strong: A Muse might make someone do something highly uncharacteristic of them.
• Exceptional: A Muse might control another to give an order completely against their own core beliefs and aims, possibly without even the knowledge that they did so.

The Seek Skill governs uses of powers to gather information. With Control, a Muse could learn about where power lies in a given group of people, and how to topple it.

Some examples of applications at different power levels are:

• Weak: A Muse might encourage another to be truthful about something they're not against sharing.
• Moderate: A Muse might steer a conversation directly onto topics they wish to know more about.
• Strong: A Muse might cause another to spill some secrets.
• Exceptional: A Muse might command another to expose plans, weaknesses, or critical flaws.

The Sculpt Skill governs uses of powers to modify objects. With Control, a Muse could create trappings of authority - crowns, sceptres, badges - that resonate with supernatural authority, or shatter bindings, restraints and barriers with ease.

Some examples of applications at different power levels are:

• Weak: A Muse might cause an object to seem more important that it really is.
• Moderate: A Muse might create whatever they need to seem more authoritarian.
• Strong: A Muse might conjure or destroy a moderately sized object as required for their objectives.
• Exceptional: A Muse might assert control the very fabric of Dream to ensure objects work in their own intentions.