Great points as usual . . .
The toothpick splinter
FULL OF GRACE
or gra es . . . OR SOME SUCH . . . obviously such a toothpick splinter is SUCH a SUBSTANTIAL microscopic little pebble of a foundation to build all manner of edificial skyscrapers on. Lofty towers from which to power-mongeringly lord it over all and sundry. Particularly all those escaping the rack and the firebrands. Durn their uncharred hides.
Yup, that about sums it up. :)