Magic & Science

# Create consistency at Absit Omen

1. Be faithful to the canon Wizarding World
2. Facilitate an environment that allows space for writers to explore and affect change in the role-play

In this article we aim to describe the Absit Omen canon Wizarding World: the status quo, the Way Things Are. As a canon Harry Potter RPG, the separation of the Wizarding and Muggle worlds is perhaps, aside from the existence of magic, the quintessential feature of the Potterverse and therefore one of our highest priorities. The role-play will grow and change as it always has, but certain things must remain consistent. (As opposed to an alternate universe style role-play, where basic premises of the canon can be altered to explore a different experience.)

We realize the document is at the same time thorough, but not exhaustive. There were a great many specific scenarios and questions we could not address. The key to navigating what should be a more united AO canon backdrop will be communication and cooperation.

No events or characters already created will be required to change. We are setting a new standard that will influence only what happens next, and new characters. Already, we are accustomed to the creativity of working within limitations. This document provides a more solid agreement about what those limitations already are.

The Law

International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy still governs the interaction between Magical Britain and the Muggle world, as it does in most of the developed world. A large part of the Ministry of Magic's role is to make certain that all members of the magical community within the United Kingdom and Ireland abide by this statute.

The only official interaction between the magical and Muggle governments takes place between the Minister for Magic and the Muggle Prime Minister.

The Muggle Liason Office, currently found in the Ministry's Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, works with the Misuse of Magic Office and the Obliviators to ensure that any breaches in security are handled appropriately.

Main Points

• It is against international law for anyone to willingly disclose the existence or details about the Magical World to a Muggle without authorization from the Ministry of Magic.
• One of the Ministry of Magic's primary purposes is to hide Magical Britain from the Muggle population.
• If a Muggle who is not in a magical individual's immediate family finds out about the magical world, the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes will generally send the Obliviators to erase their memories.
• If a magical individual or immediate family member is found to be sharing information about the magical world inappropriately, they will generally face consequences if the Ministry finds out.

Magic and Science

The principles of scientific thought are not unique to the Muggle world. Magical people explore and explain their world with the same ingenuity and thoroughness that Muggles do,using logical experimentation, rational exploration, and the Scientific Method (although it is not called that). However, while Muggles explain and manipulate their world with physics, biology, electricity, and higher level mathematics, magical folk use magic. Neither approach is perfect -- just as there are things science cannot answer that magic can, there are things science can answer that magic cannot.

There is not always a strict analog between magical and Muggle problem-solving and technology. For example, magical Healing is not exactly like Muggle medicine. Nevertheless, magical folk have solved the problems of their society just as effectively as the Muggle world around them, sometimes even adapting and adopting Muggle solutions, like clocks, trains, and plumbing. Sometimes, though, their solutions are very different (Apparition/airplanes, electricity/charms, hexes/guns, Magical Wireless/iPods). In addition, these two different societies often have very different problems, which further differentiates how magic and science are used. (Consider, too, that the magical world is much smaller and so has fewer large-scale problems than the Muggle world.)

Muggle science is about as welcome in the magical world as the 'supernatural' is in the Muggle world. Think how the public generally responds to the scientific merit of miracles, ESP, ghosts, luck, etc. These magical concepts (which we see adapted in the magical world as being normal) are mostly useless to the great majority of Western Muggle populations, even to the point that they are considered fantastical and ineffective.

A note on mathematics: Numerical relationships are ancient and broadly universal. Magical folk as a society are aware of complex, advance mathematics. Though there is no mathematics course at Hogwarts, witches and wizards learn basic math while studying practical subjects like Potions, Astronomy, and Arithmancy. Those who go on to careers that involve mathematics, such as astronomers, may learn higher-level math skills through the course of their work.

Throughout history, there have been witches and wizards who have attempted to determine the exact relationship between Muggle sciences and magic. Because of the bias against Muggles and science inherit in the magical world, these researchers have not been popular and their work is only accepted as trivia or folly. As a result (and because magic causes Muggle electronics to malfunction in our 'verse), it is impossible for magic to be defined in scientific terms or studied using scientific instruments.

Main Points

• The Muggle and magical worlds are not equivalent societies; rather, they have different sets of problems with different sets of solutions.
• In the AO universe, both science and magic are equally viable ways of explaining and manipulating the world around us (although not all magic folk agree).
• The magical world uses magic in place of science to study the world and solve societal problems.
• Magical folk do not study scientific fields such as biology, psychology, physics, or chemistry. Instead, they might study magical disciplines.

Technology

The Muggle and magical worlds overlap in a broad range of largely mechanical technology. They both possess cameras, radios, some automobiles, clocks, typewriters, plumbing, trains, etc. In true magical fashion, much of this mechanical technology is powered by enchantments that mimic the Muggle function, rather than running on battery or gas power. (For instance, the wheels of a Ministry of Magic car might be enchanted to roll forward when pressure is applied to the gas pedal.)

Magical people do not use electric technology like light bulbs, telephones, iPods, televisions, or computers. Instead, they might utilize a magical lantern, use Floo powder to speak through a fireplace, or listen to a phonograph or the Wizarding Wireless.

In fact, magic disrupts the successful functioning of electric technology. The greater the presence of active magical presence (cast spells, or active enchantments and charms) the greater chance that electronic devices will be rendered useless or even damaged. Similarly, more advanced electronics are more sensitive to magic: an iPhone or a computer is affected by spells far more easily than a light bulb. The mere presence of magical people does not disrupt electronic technology. Casting a spell near an electronic device will cause it to malfunction for a short period of time, depending on the strength and proximity of the magic and the complexity of the electronic device.

At AO, writers can feel free to invent simple magical devices or spells that accomplish specific tasks. A good example of this is Izanaki's Spyglass, which allows the viewer to see through enchantments, or the spell Exihibeo Exibeo, which displays images much like a Muggle projector would. If you wish to invent a spell or device, please submit it to the Lexicon.

What Disrupts Muggle Technology?

• Any cast spell.
• Magic that remains after a powerful spell is cast.
• Enchantments, transfigurations, curses, potent runes.
• Direct contact with potions (For instance, spilling a potion on a computer.)
• Powerful magical devices or artifacts

Electronic Devices Absolutely Do Not Work At...

• Hogwarts and the grounds
• Hogsmeade
• Diagon Alley
• Knockturn Alley
• The Ministry of Magic
• St Mungo's Hospital
• Magical residences made with magical architecture (think about the Burrow), or enchantments (think about Malfoy Manor).

The Average Witch or Wizard

Nearly all witches and wizards are fully integrated into the magical world, and nearly completely separated from the Muggle world. For the purposes of this document, the 'average' witch or wizard refers to the typical individual found within magical society.

The average pure-blood or half-blood magical individual knows only sparse information about Muggle pop culture like television shows, celebrities, musical stars or politics. The average witch or wizard does not grasp the fundamentals of chemistry, physics, muggle medicine, biology or electricity, because this knowledge is largely unnecessary to their way of life. It is often difficult for them to even explore these subjects casually because they don't have the cultural context to understand them.

Magical youth probably often have a curiosity about Muggle life, and this might translate into wishing to dress more Muggle-like, or to get a hold of Muggle music. The Muggle Studies course at Hogwarts varies widely in content, but it might offer a survey of Muggle history, very rudimentary scientific ideas, exploration of Muggle technology, and Muggle pop culture. A character who has taken Muggle Studies to the O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. level might understand more about the basics of Muggle life, but they still would not be as knowledgeable as a Muggle.

Regarding education, most witches and wizards in the United Kingdom and Ireland attend Hogwarts. Since most children from magical families are taught the basics at home by their parents, educational levels can vary widely. For example, some students come to Hogwarts well-read and already knowing some spells; others may come to the school struggling with the basics.

Hogwarts itself provides a broad, well-rounded education in the most important part of magical life: magic. Even though we don't see classes dedicated to reading, writing, or math, graduates of Hogwarts appear to acquire these skills in the normal progression of their magical education. Writing instruction comes in the execution of essays, and mathematics in the pursuit of Potions (measuring, proportions, timing, etc), Astronomy, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Learning to read is likely an activity learned at home, and reinforced at Hogwarts.

The average witch or wizard...

• Does not know how to use the internet, computers or cell phones.
• Does not know about Muggle television shows, movies or politics.
• Will study Potions, Transfiguration, and Herbology instead of chemistry, physics, and biology.
• Is from a culture that is smaller and more private than Muggle culture.
• Likely has a few Muggle family members in their family tree.
• Understands the importance of the Statute of Secrecy.
• Would only tell a Muggle about the magical world if they were an immediate family member. (For instance, telling a husband/wife rather than a boyfriend/girlfriend.)
• Is fully integrated into magical society, and so does not attend college/university or seek employment in the Muggle world.

Muggle-borns

Muggle-borns exist in a complex intersection of two worlds, and consequently may have some difficult issues to cope with that the average Muggle or magical person does not. Because magical society is smaller, secretive, and closed-off, its very nature requires full commitment even from Muggle-borns.

Family

The immediate family of the Muggle-born witch or wizard is made aware of the magical world at the time their son or daughter comes of age for Hogwarts. British magical society has accepted the role of Hogwarts in initiating this relationship. A Hogwarts letter is hand-delivered by a member of the Hogwarts Faculty. The family is strongly cautioned about the Statute, and are put in touch with the Muggle Liason Office. By a large margin, most Muggle families do well enough with the transition, by making up an excuse for their son or daughter's schooling. The Muggle-born students themselves can naturally pass in Muggle society seamlessly.

There is a small percentage of Muggle-borns who do not choose to enter magical society. They never acquire a wand, never learn to wield magic, and in a way, never fully understand that a magical world really exists.

Education

It's safe to assume that Muggle-borns have been attending a local primary school until they receive their letter, and so have already begun to learn about science and Muggle history. Their education takes a sharply different turn while at Hogwarts and they become completely immersed in a new way of looking at things at a young age.

Most Muggle-borns who attend Hogwarts remain completely integrated in the magical world and do not attend higher Muggle education. Nearly none of them continue their studies in Muggle disciplines. Because witches and wizards do not study traditional Muggle subjects or sit A-Level examinations, it is next to impossible for them to be accepted to Muggle universities.

The Ministry of Magic does not assist magical folk in forging or acquiring muggle paperwork or credentials, and this falls under the purview of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office.

Technology

Muggle-borns are far more likely to be in close touch with the Muggle world (although not nearly as in touch as a Muggle). Because they summer and holiday at home, they still have access to their televisions, family, cell phones, and Muggle life. Some adult Muggle-borns may use technology in their daily lives if they live away from magical areas, but for the most part, even Muggle-borns tend to prefer the magical lifestyle.

Main Points:

• Muggleborns learn early and quickly to integrate into magical society through
• Hogwarts.
• Muggleborn families are supervised by the Muggle Liason Office.
• Muggleborn families for the most part keep the secret very well.
• Nearly no Muggleborns ever attend university or return to employment in the Muggle world.
• Some Muggleborns might use Muggle electronics in their homes, but these electronics are negatively affected by magic.

Being Strange

Many writers currently have characters who hold beliefs or have backgrounds that do not make them an 'average witch or wizard' in regards to their relationship with the Muggle world and its ideas. This is fine and should continue. However, it's important to continue on under the knowledge that these ideas and backgrounds are rare and considered very strange, or eccentric.

When creating a new character who is, in this way, strange, the writer should take great care to explain how and why their character has come to be the exception to the rule and demonstrate how their uncommon background or beliefs affect how they are perceived.

There will be close limitations placed on half-bloods or pure-bloods with an unusual knowledge of the muggle world, and muggle-borns who are not fully integrated into the magical world.