The Dresden Files > DFRPG
Magic and Technology
cybrgrl:
--- Quote from: Mario Di Giacomo on April 10, 2007, 07:15:03 PM ---Here's the thing. I'm a computer programmer. Have been for over a decade. That means that I not only am familiar with computers, but that I often have to "think like" a computer.
Wouldn't that suggest that I might think "Gee... I should be able to enchant my computer to protect it from magic, no matter what my teacher says."?
--- End quote ---
I have the impression that you can't put wards on technology. I imagine that the magic involved in either the act of creating the ward or the functioning of the ward itself would mess up the technology. If it could be done, I would have expected Harry to put wards on the Blue Beetle by now.
If understanding the technology mitigates the disruptive effects of magic, then we must ask what level of understanding is required? Would you need to know the tolerances of all the transistors and wires, the circuit board design, and so forth? If so, then very few people could reach the level of understanding necessary to safeguard even simple modern technology from magic.
However, you could put your computer in a circle (see Dead Beat), maybe a permanent one such as the summoning circle in Harry's lab. That would let it function even with a strong magic user in the room, but wouldn't let the magic user sit down and browse the web.
Mario Di Giacomo:
What about something like a grounding strap, that the wizard can put on to use tech normally? Maybe Harry's could be made of copper discs... :D
cybrgrl:
--- Quote from: Mario Di Giacomo on April 10, 2007, 08:49:48 PM ---What about something like a grounding strap, that the wizard can put on to use tech normally? Maybe Harry's could be made of copper discs... :D
--- End quote ---
Heh. Good idea. We've seen Harry ground magic (White Night). I can envision a wizard clipping on a cable and willing the magic to dissipate before entering a room with technology. That might let him use the technology for a while.
cybrgrl
jtaylor:
--- Quote from: cybrgrl on April 10, 2007, 08:44:34 PM ---I have the impression that you can't put wards on technology. I imagine that the magic involved either the act of creating the ward or the functioning of the ward itself would mess up the technology. If it could be done, I would have expected Harry to put wards on the Blue Beetle by now.
If understanding the technology mitigates the disruptive effects of magic, then we must ask what level of understanding is required? Would you need to know the tolerances of all the transistors and wires, the circuit board design, and so forth? If so, then very few people could reach the level of understanding necessary to safeguard even simple modern technology from magic.
However, you could put your computer in a circle (see Dead Beat), maybe a permanent one such as the summoning circle in Harry's lab. That would let it function even with a strong magic user in the room, but wouldn't let the magic user sit down and browse the web.
--- End quote ---
You know, I wonder if wireless/bluetooth keyboard and mouse would work through a summoning circle. you could shield the pc, but still surf the web using the easily replaceable keyboard and mouse.
cybrgrl:
--- Quote from: jtaylor on April 10, 2007, 08:57:41 PM ---You know, I wonder if wireless/bluetooth keyboard and mouse would work through a summoning circle. you could shield the pc, but still surf the web using the easily replaceable keyboard and mouse.
--- End quote ---
Ha! Good idea! I think it might work because we've seen devices that rely on a wireless signal work from within a circle (Dead Beat). Woo! You may have come up with a way for wizards to use computers!
Now, I expect you would go through a LOT of keyboards... but consider the possibility for voice recognition software...
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