Comic 50 Question, Tarquin/Nale

[Gusion]

Soooo, occasionally I will re-read from the beginning.

I noticed in strip 50, Nale says, "My father taught me that bards were underpowered."

Is it just me, or does that not really line up with his dialogue later on when he goes on and on about the power of narrative in the early 900s strips.

[Fyraltari]

Mecanically underpowered. Since they understand the power of the narrative but don’t rule the world that must (in Tarquin’s mind) mean that something else is holding them back.

[Jasdoif]

Mecanically underpowered. Since they understand the power of the narrative but don’t rule the world that must (in Tarquin’s mind) mean that something else is holding them back.Indeed.... (https://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0821.html)