The New Hermetic Law
Creating an updated set of Hermetic Laws for magi in a world where their powers are integral to society and defense against supernatural threats involves balancing ethical use of magic, public safety, and individual rights. Here's a list of 15 proposed rules that could serve as a modern Hermetic Code:
1. **Non-Maleficence**
- Magi must not use their powers to intentionally harm innocent beings, whether human or otherwise, except in defense of self or others.
2. **Consent**
- Magi must obtain informed consent from any person or entity before performing spells that affect them directly, unless doing so in a situation that requires urgent intervention for safety.
3. **Transparency**
- Magi should be transparent about their intentions and the nature of their spells, especially when they affect the public or have long-lasting consequences.
4. **Prohibition of Binding**
- Binding or enslaving any conscious being, whether supernatural or mundane, through magical means is strictly prohibited.
5. **Respect for Sovereignty**
- Magi must respect the sovereignty of nations and not use their powers to influence or alter political leadership or national borders without explicit approval from global magical authorities.
6. **Prohibition of Necromancy**
- Practices involving necromancy or the manipulation of the dead for harmful purposes are forbidden.
7. **Confidentiality**
- Magi must maintain confidentiality regarding the personal details of individuals and the secrets of their communities, consistent with public safety.
8. **Control of Summoning**
- Summoning entities from other dimensions or planes must be regulated, requiring specific licenses and supervision to ensure no unintended harm.
9. **Responsible Use of Curses**
- The casting of curses is heavily regulated, requiring justification and oversight, and must be reversible.
10. **Warfare Conduct**
- During warfare, magi must adhere to the Magical Warfare Accords, which regulate the use of magic in combat to prevent unnecessary suffering and destruction.
11. **Protection of the Environment**
- Magi are required to minimize environmental damage from their spells and contribute to ecological restoration efforts where applicable.
12. **Reporting Misuse**
- Magi must report any misuse of magic or breaches of these laws they witness to the appropriate authorities.
13. **Obligation to Train Responsibly**
- Magi who take on apprentices or students must ensure they are adequately trained in ethical magic use and the laws governing magic.
14. **Research and Experimentation**
- All magical research and experimentation involving high-risk spells must be approved by a review board and conducted in designated areas to ensure public safety.
15. **Cooperation with Non-Magical Authorities**
- Magi must cooperate with non-magical authorities in matters where magic impacts public safety or intersects with mundane legal issues.
These updated Hermetic Laws are designed to ensure that magi act as responsible members of society, using their powers in ways that contribute positively to the world while upholding high ethical standards. These rules aim to protect both the magi and the broader community, promoting a harmonious and secure coexistence.