... you start thinking of possible ethical issues in your imaginary world(s).
In Mimaiya, there are two sub-species of humans: homo sapiens sapiens (normal humans, known in the magical world as "mortals") and homo sapiens magus (magical humans, or simply "magicals" or "true magicals"). These magicals are capable of wielding various different types of magic (and being able to mix and match them as well). This magic includes that of flight and teleportation.
Because magicals are capable of flight, other protective systems are in place. The bones of magical humans are much stronger to be able to withstand impact. Jumping off a tall building would not even break bones. In fact, the only drop really capable of killing a true magical would be one from "aeroplane height" (the area where aeroplanes usually fly). And since true magicals will instinctively slow their own fall, even drops from this height may not kill.
Magicals, capable of wielding magic, are also capable of building up natural resistances to magic. This natural resistance increases as a true magical's magical powers grow stronger. Fire magic is poisonous to mortals (provided it doesn't kill them first), but not to true magicals, even if that true magical is not resistant to the fire magic (they would burn, but not get poisoned).
Of course, there are drawbacks to being a magical. Being a magical leaves you susceptible to some magical-only diseases, the most infamous being that of "Nightmare Syndrome." Sufferers occasionally pass into a state of semi-consciousness bordering on unconsciousness, in which they see, hear and even feel things that terrify them- usually related to fears they have in everyday life. At the peak of the disease, these attacks can last for over half an hour.
Overall, though, magicals seem to be the "superior" human. In Mimaiya, certain companies, especially those dealing with more hands-on work, seek to employ as many true magicals as possible, as magic allows for work to be done more efficiently, leading to an increase in the company's output and therefore the profits that they can make. Sometimes true magicals get paid more because of this. Additionally, this preference for true magicals can cause mortals to lose their jobs in the process.
That's the main one I've been thinking about recently. Maybe I should pay less attention in economics?
Heh.
ReplyDeleteYou've raised some valid issues there.
Are you doing philosophy and ethics next semester?
that may help.
Until then, Kayleuetski can fight for mortal rights.
Or something like that anyway.
No, I'm doing Modern History next semester.
ReplyDeleteKayleuetski's trying to push for more true magicals to become magic teachers because at the moment she reckons magical education in most parts of Mimaiya isn't that great. That should free up the job market :)