I'll...keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge--to hone your craft and acquire new skills. And when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose – direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step.
”
—Ozpin, giving a commencement speech to the new students
Ruby. I've made more mistakes than any man, woman, and child on this planet. But at this moment I would not consider your appointment to leader to be one of them. Do you?
”
—Ozpin, reassuring Ruby of her position
“
Being a team leader isn't just a title you carry into battle, but a badge you wear constantly. If you are not always performing at your absolute best, then what reason do you give others to follow you?
”
—Ozpin, giving his opinion on leadership
“
You've been burdened with a daunting responsibility, Ruby. I advise you take some time to think about how you will uphold it.
”
—Ozpin, giving Ruby advice about how to be a good leader
If you think about it, fighting and dancing aren't so different.
”
—Ozpin, to Ruby
“
It's not every day that friends are able to come together like this. Time has a way of testing our bonds, but it's nights like these that can help keep them stronger than ever. Nights like these are ones we'll never forget.
A guardian is a symbol of comfort. But an army is a symbol of conflict.
”
—Ozpin, to Ironwood
“
There's an energy in the air now, a question in the back of everyone's minds... "If this is the size of our defenses, then what is it we're expecting to fight?"
I understand how you're feeling. I went through the same panic and confusion.
”
—Ozpin trying to comfort Oscar
“
We are in complete agreement on that matter, I promise you. Believe me, I wish this weren't the case. But as I've told you, our Aura, our souls are combined.
”
—Ozpin, to Oscar
“
Greatness, hopefully. Greatness in knowing that, when the world needed help, you were the one to reach out your hand. It won't come without hardship, without sacrifice, but I know you don't want to live the rest of your life working as a farmhand in Mistral.
I once told you I made more mistakes than any man, woman, or child on this planet. I wasn't exaggerating. I'm... cursed. For thousands of years I have walked the surface of Remnant; living, dying, and reincarnating in the body of a like-minded soul. The Professor Ozpin you all met was not my first form, and it clearly wasn't my last. It's... an extraordinarily strenuous process, on everyone involved.
”
—Ozpin through Oscar, explaining his situation to Team RNJR
“
I am the combination of countless men who spent their lives trying to protect the people of Remnant. With every rebirth my soul is eventually merged with another and I am changed, but my memories stay with me. This curse was bestowed upon me by the Gods because I failed to stop Salem in the past. But we must stop her now.
Don't worry, Mr. Arc. Your journey is far from over, and the same might be said for all of you. Unlocking your Semblance isn't the end. It can still grow and evolve. Providing you are willing to put in the work, who knows what could happen?
In some ways, yes. But in many others... no. She has her quirks, her faults, just like everyone else. But she also possesses something unquantifiable: a spark, that can inspire others even in the darkest of times.
My ability to reincarnate, though a curse, isn't without a few key benefits. Much like the Maidens, I too possess a certain... "magical" power. Using this power, I was able to gift the Branwen twins the ability to "see" more, to move freely and be unburdened by their natural bodies. I... well... gave them the ability to turn into birds. Rather ridiculous sounding out loud, isn't it?
”
—Ozpin, on how he gave the Branwen twins their shape-shifting power.
“
As helpful as that might be, unfortunately it is not that simple. My power is finite, and if I'm being honest, dwindling. The amount that I gifted to Qrow and Raven was, all things considered, rather minuscule. You see, centuries ago, I sacrificed a great deal of magic to four young women, who I hoped would use my gift for good. They were the first Maidens. Miss Xiao Long, it was never my intention to lie to you. To any of you. There are just some matters that I prefer to... "play close to the chest". I believe that's how you phrased it?
”
—Ozpin, admitting to have created the Maidens.
“
The road ahead is undoubtedly filled with hardships and peril. However, it's been far too long since you have all been together. Please, take tonight, enjoy this moment.
There are indeed a misguided few who have filled their hearts with malice. It doesn't take a great number of people to cause harm, but I still believe there are far more people in this world willing to prevent it.
”
—Ozpin, to Qrow about humanity
“
Let's just say I made finding the Relic at Beacon a... bit more challenging than at the other schools.
”
—Ozpin, to Ruby about the Relic of Choice
“
While this cane is indeed very precious to me, it is also just that - precious to me. While I admit it still has a few more tricks up its sleeve, I can firmly say that being a Relic isn't one of them.
Gretchen Rainart was Hazel's sister. Despite her brother's wishes, she enrolled at Beacon Academy to become a Huntress and tragically lost her life on a training mission. Hazel... holds me responsible. Please, let me fight. I know Hazel. He's wounded in a way that cannot be healed.
The Relic of Knowledge has a wonderful, and incredibly dangerous ability. Its user can ask any question, and the lamp will provide an answer.
”
—Ozpin, explaining about the Relic of Knowledge's powers
“
It is true that the Grimm are attracted to the Relics. It's faint, but undeniable. I believe it has to do with their origin, but I'm not entirely sure. Regardless, I feared that making you all aware would only add anxiety and negativity. It seemed like the safer option.
”
—Ozpin, to Team RWBY
“
I'm sorry, but you have to understand that my behaviors are backed by experience. I'm not saying that I have reason to think you will betray me. I'm saying that I have reasons for the things that I do, the secrets I keep, the reason I...
”
—Ozpin, before he finds the Relic of Knowledge is missing
“
That's not what I meant to suggest. Miss Rose, the Relic is a powerful item and I simply feel as though it is my burden to bear.
”
—Opzin, to Ruby
“
NOOOOOOO!!
”
—Ozpin, right before stopping Ruby from asking Jinn the second question
The single quality that is common across every living creature on this planet... is fear. It's funny then, that as common as fear is... we so easily underestimate its power. Fear of growing close to someone, a subsequent fear of loss, fear of failure. And as more people depend on you, those fears can take on greater power. But fear itself isn't worthy of concern, it is who we become while in its clutches. Will you be proud of that person? Will you forgive them? Will you understand why they felt the need to do the things they did? Will you even recognize them? Or will the person staring back at you be the very thing you should have feared from the start? I suppose we all find out... sooner or later.
You all have every right to be upset, especially you Oscar. I'm sorry I left you.
”
—Ozpin, to Oscar
“
I understand. But even though it may not have felt like I was with you, I was never truly gone. You're gaining control of my remaining magic, recollecting my longest held memories. Which means our two souls are still on the inevitable path to becoming one.
”
—Ozpin, to Oscar
“
We need to find a way to work together, not just the two of us, all of us.
New world order. No. When Salem gets all four Relics, there will be no world left at all. Don't you get it? She's been alive longer than you can comprehend. All she craves now is release. Death.
”
—Ozpin, revealing Salem's true desire to Hazel
“
Oh, Hazel, don't you see? That is why she came for you. Because she could make you believe that this is what you needed.
”
—Ozpin, to Hazel
“
Yes! But Oscar? The people of Atlas, Remnant? You haven't done what you've done for justice. You've done it for yourself. Because she pushed you to think it would help you. Well, has it?
”
—Ozpin, to Hazel
“
"So long as this world turns, you shall walk its face". That was the curse cast upon her. But if Salem can divide Humanity beyond repair, and bring all four Relics together, she believes that maybe her curse will be broken. The Gods will rule against us and destroy Remnant, once and for all.
I recognize that. The Girl Who Fell Through The World?
”
—Ozpin, to Oscar about a certain fairy tale
“
I've lived through my share of them.
”
—Ozpin, to Oscar about the fairy tales
“
I think this plan to divide might have run its course. It's time we start thinking about a way out. Not having our cane certainly limits the options, so...
”
—Ozpin, to Oscar about using magic
“
I don't blame you. Honestly, I think you're doing just fine on your own.
I was recently reminded of an old fairy tale. A young girl flees the consequences of a choice, to a magical place. But, having never learned from her initial failure, she only succeeds in spreading it. I failed all of you. I should have trusted you with the truth and should never have run the day you discovered it.
Life will test each of you, but if you face your challenges together, you can overcome almost anything.
”
—Ozpin, to Team CFVY
About Ozpin[]
Chapter 2[]
“
The youngest headmaster Beacon had ever had, he had a mischievous streak and a boyish charm that reminded Coco of her younger brother.
”
—Coco's thoughts on Ozpin
Chapter 17[]
“
You won't have the privilege of hearing Professor Ozpin deliver his graduation speech, but there's one thing he tells every class that I want to share with you. Beacon Academy is not a place. It is an idea, which has taken root in each and every one of you. YOU are Beacon, and you must now go forth and serve as a hopeful light for others. It is your privilege and your burden as Huntsmen and Huntresses to protect not only those who cannot defend themselves, but to watch out for each other, always.
”
—Glynda recalls Ozpin's graduation speech to Team CFVY
“
Now get out of here. That last bit was part of his speech, too. He always kicked students out after that. He hated long goodbyes, and so do I.
It's true that all of this began with war. But, it is peace that has served to shepherd humanity on its ascension to greatness. May we never stray from that path.
If one of the four towers is taken offline, the entire network falls with it; a slight inconvenience during routine maintenance. But to be honest, I find the limitations somewhat poetic. No one voice is louder than the others, and no voice may be silent without the rest. If the people of Remnant are to speak, then they shall do so together... or not at all.
Yes... Of course. They will grow adults over time... And stand on the battlefield as guardians. This is their mission. I will be putting those precious students of mine in harm's way someday... So it's my duty to train them to be the best huntsmen they can be.
”
—Ozpin, to Ironwood about his students
About Ozpin[]
“
I've believed in Professor Ozpin for many years, and the man's never once led me astray!
Because old man Oz has a great and terrible secret. One that could spread fear across the world. One that he eventually entrusted to our team, and once I knew, there was no going back. I needed to know more, but with every new discovery I made, the more horrifying the world became.
