"It is a matter of scale. Magic requires talent. An inner fire, or...whatever it is you wish to call it." Goro replies with a dismissive wave of his upper hand. "Mere enthusiasm is not enough. Technology however, is not so restrained. It is both more plentiful and easier to use. Therefore, attempts to restrict it would be difficult and arouse more ire." If someone cannot cast magic, no matter how much they would like to, they bemoan that fate and move on. However, if all that is required is the right machine and a bit of expertise, then being denied its use would incur a more forceful reaction.

"Besides, rulers will always require the service of those they rule. There is no need to be greedy, at least among those who demonstrate loyalty."

However, he will acknowledge Hythlodaeus does have a point. "True. And this is an issue even among the Free Cities. They are not...unified. Not entirely." A few scattered desert cities, and mutual protective and defensive treaties binding them, or at least talk of such. No guarantees of total or willing cooperation. "However, these problems can be solved by a strong central authority and a willingness to expand." Cadens has influence it is choosing not to exert over the other Free Cities, pressure it is not putting on them to fall in line. Goro has already decided that's going to need to change. The only question is the method by how he will achieve that...and who, precisely, that "central authority" will be. "Difficult, but manageable solutions. The same cannot be said of the hoarding of sorcerous knowledge."

Goro shrugs. "Change of this nature rarely happens in a vacuum." He replies. "To change society on a such a scale would also require a change in culture, and I believe that will easily follow the former in this case." It probably would have happened even if Goro had never come to the Free Cities, given their cultural norms and distrust of uncontrolled magic. He's simply...speeding things up a bit. Getting them there faster. More efficiently.