The laws of the land, detailed here, mention magical laws but do not seem to stipulate them. Maybe I am missing something elsewhere, or myabe the Wiki is missing their details?
Magical laws
- Thread starter Roman53
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The laws of the land, detailed here, mention magical laws but do not seem to stipulate them. Maybe I am missing something elsewhere, or myabe the Wiki is missing their details?
They're intentionally not elaborated upon, as there's no need to do so (though we may include specific laws for particular regions or settlements if it makes sense). If you take a look at the list, you'll see there's laws such as: "Magical Recklessness", "Magical Assault with intent", and "Magical Negligence", and so on, all of which should be self-explanatory but some also include clarification.
Those in charge have the ability to use a number of different laws to prosecute magical offenses. If you go around casting light on every object you see, someone may charge you with disruptive use of legal magic. There's no law saying you can't do that, but you're a pain in the ass and you're likely to piss off someone. If you're someone the law likes then they may slap your hand and say don't be a dummy. If they hate you they may lock you up for the night. We don't need a law that says, "Don't go around casting light on everything". Added to this, normal laws can be broken using magic. Arson with a torch would be a "Severe Offense" while arson with fire magic would add "Magical Recklessness" as well, or if there were injuries resulting, "Magical Assault with Intent".
Those in charge have the ability to use a number of different laws to prosecute magical offenses. If you go around casting light on every object you see, someone may charge you with disruptive use of legal magic. There's no law saying you can't do that, but you're a pain in the ass and you're likely to piss off someone. If you're someone the law likes then they may slap your hand and say don't be a dummy. If they hate you they may lock you up for the night. We don't need a law that says, "Don't go around casting light on everything". Added to this, normal laws can be broken using magic. Arson with a torch would be a "Severe Offense" while arson with fire magic would add "Magical Recklessness" as well, or if there were injuries resulting, "Magical Assault with Intent".
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Thanks for the clarity on this.
The stated laws do cover the backbone of the legal system, and it makes sense that the interpretations are in the hands of local authorities. It covers cases where magic is a tool to a crime, be it the use of scrying for spying, magic missiles for assault, or light for public nuisance.
As for magic as a crime in itself, such as casting in public, bearing overtly magical wards or items, or the need to be registered with the guard as a spellcaster? I guess these are all down to local sentiments which may evolve as magic increasingly returns to the lands.
The stated laws do cover the backbone of the legal system, and it makes sense that the interpretations are in the hands of local authorities. It covers cases where magic is a tool to a crime, be it the use of scrying for spying, magic missiles for assault, or light for public nuisance.
As for magic as a crime in itself, such as casting in public, bearing overtly magical wards or items, or the need to be registered with the guard as a spellcaster? I guess these are all down to local sentiments which may evolve as magic increasingly returns to the lands.
Generally magic is indeed illegal in our region, however that comes with some caveats and flexibility dependent on location for starters, and the individual casting. For example, a registered member of the Muranni Alchemists' Guild would have access to a magical license, which permits casting magic outside of civilisation and within Alchemists' Guild property. Yet they could get away with public spellcasting via isolated incidents in Murann's streets where magic is slightly more tolerated than elsewhere in Amn, as well as the guild itself being held in great esteem by many Muranni. It should be said that this view isn't for its magic though, but rather its scientific and general accomplishments - which very well might translate to acceptance, understanding, or general overlooking of spellcasting by its members.
Let's say a mage is in the countryside, casting warding magic, when a patrol of the Amnian army happens upon them and catches them in the act. The guards in question may readily assume hostility for various reasons, whether because of personal superstition fuelled by long enduring native beliefs and folk-lore, or the appearance of the person (assuming they're not wearing a uniform of the guild in the moment), but the mage manages to calm the situation and shows their license. In addition to being sanctioned by the Swordbelt Council (not to be mistaken with the Council of Six) through guild membership, the mage is also renowned and mostly liked in the region, resulting in the guards apologising and gladly moving past the incident. In a similar incident guards may even recognise the mage at a glance and immediately know there is nothing amiss.
Now on the flip side, the scenario is the same except the mage is entirely unknown and not a part of the Muranni Alchemists' Guild. The guards may attack and subdue them, or even kill the mage in self-defense if it escalates that far. Even if no combat takes place, the guards will at the very least apprehend the mage who they'll most likely see as a rogue one. From there it could range from extreme escalation, such as going to court for X and Y accusations, to a simple fine and warning, alongside time spent imprisoned. Repeated offenses could result in a sentence by hanging, or ending up outlawed and/or banished in the eyes of the law (which mechanically would entail most NPCs being hostile and attacking you or fleeing from you).
An exception would be divine magic cast by clergy in temples or possibly by shrines. Selunites in particular would have the greatest leeway and safety in Murann, as it's predominantly dominated by Her worship, to the extent of being able to cast with lesser suspicion, perhaps none, if the individual casting is known to onlookers - whether by merit of reputation or apparent regalia (which could just as well be misused and abused by others). Clergy of Selune might even get away with this in a public setting outside of their temple grounds, however there's still such a thing as pushing it even for loved and respected figures - the law often can't be repeatedly undermined without consequences after all. Examples are always set sooner or later in most lawful society.
Something to keep in mind though is that while magic is not outlawed in many parts of the world, a great many people - particularly commoners - will find the practice of magic to be suspicious, and may readily assume dark arts or a more foul power at work, particularly in Amn where folk-lore and aphorisms have always had a distinctly anti-magic bent. The nation's history is steeped in magical incidents, carnage, and The Longest Year has only worsened matters in recent memory.
As you said, much could change about the perception of magic over time for better or worse, due to player led initiatives or perhaps even just the passage of time and all that it might bring with it. All of this might seem confusing or daunting at a glance, however everything is meant to be discovered and learned in-game through RP and engagement with the setting, such as NPCs and the general atmosphere we've carefully cultivated. There's no real need to memorise or remember most of what I've just written as it'll all become evident just by playing and familiarising oneself with TDN's setting.
Let's say a mage is in the countryside, casting warding magic, when a patrol of the Amnian army happens upon them and catches them in the act. The guards in question may readily assume hostility for various reasons, whether because of personal superstition fuelled by long enduring native beliefs and folk-lore, or the appearance of the person (assuming they're not wearing a uniform of the guild in the moment), but the mage manages to calm the situation and shows their license. In addition to being sanctioned by the Swordbelt Council (not to be mistaken with the Council of Six) through guild membership, the mage is also renowned and mostly liked in the region, resulting in the guards apologising and gladly moving past the incident. In a similar incident guards may even recognise the mage at a glance and immediately know there is nothing amiss.
Now on the flip side, the scenario is the same except the mage is entirely unknown and not a part of the Muranni Alchemists' Guild. The guards may attack and subdue them, or even kill the mage in self-defense if it escalates that far. Even if no combat takes place, the guards will at the very least apprehend the mage who they'll most likely see as a rogue one. From there it could range from extreme escalation, such as going to court for X and Y accusations, to a simple fine and warning, alongside time spent imprisoned. Repeated offenses could result in a sentence by hanging, or ending up outlawed and/or banished in the eyes of the law (which mechanically would entail most NPCs being hostile and attacking you or fleeing from you).
An exception would be divine magic cast by clergy in temples or possibly by shrines. Selunites in particular would have the greatest leeway and safety in Murann, as it's predominantly dominated by Her worship, to the extent of being able to cast with lesser suspicion, perhaps none, if the individual casting is known to onlookers - whether by merit of reputation or apparent regalia (which could just as well be misused and abused by others). Clergy of Selune might even get away with this in a public setting outside of their temple grounds, however there's still such a thing as pushing it even for loved and respected figures - the law often can't be repeatedly undermined without consequences after all. Examples are always set sooner or later in most lawful society.
Something to keep in mind though is that while magic is not outlawed in many parts of the world, a great many people - particularly commoners - will find the practice of magic to be suspicious, and may readily assume dark arts or a more foul power at work, particularly in Amn where folk-lore and aphorisms have always had a distinctly anti-magic bent. The nation's history is steeped in magical incidents, carnage, and The Longest Year has only worsened matters in recent memory.
As you said, much could change about the perception of magic over time for better or worse, due to player led initiatives or perhaps even just the passage of time and all that it might bring with it. All of this might seem confusing or daunting at a glance, however everything is meant to be discovered and learned in-game through RP and engagement with the setting, such as NPCs and the general atmosphere we've carefully cultivated. There's no real need to memorise or remember most of what I've just written as it'll all become evident just by playing and familiarising oneself with TDN's setting.
I think for myself it may help to clarify what a Magical License permits, as that inherently clarifies what is normally legal.
Is there text laying out what a license permits?
Is there text laying out what a license permits?
Thank you for the link!
I may just be blind, but how would a player normally find this wiki entry? It looks like it's under Mechanics & Modifications, but that page doesn't list this one, so I'm wondering if this can only be found via Search.
Regardless, glad to be able to read it. Thank you much.
I may just be blind, but how would a player normally find this wiki entry? It looks like it's under Mechanics & Modifications, but that page doesn't list this one, so I'm wondering if this can only be found via Search.
Regardless, glad to be able to read it. Thank you much.
It's displayed under Systems in the wiki index. The categorisation you're talking about unfortunately isn't very reliable, so I'd recommend players look at the wiki index/main page when looking for something.