Geohaching

Geohaching is a wizarding exploration game in which participants travel to a randomly-chosen location within a given area with minimal use of magic.

Origin

Geohaching finds its origins in the similarly-named muggle games of Geohashing and Geocaching, which are played using latitude/longitude coordinates and GPS technology. It was initially developed by a group of young Salem Institute graduates known only as The Colonel’s Team and spread through various American social circles before making its way over to Europe. Currently, it is most popular among young adults and older teenagers with a taste for adventure, a fondness for muggle activities, or both.

Rules

There is only one firm rule within the Geohaching community, which is that spells (other than the required Four-Point Spell) are not to be used once the game has been initiated. There is some debate as to the legality of magical items such as amulets and brooms, but most geohachers limit themselves to muggle transportation and the enchanted glasses needed to locate the sprite. Once the location has been reached, Apparition is allowed for the return trip.

Individual geohaching clubs and communities tend to have their own “house rules” that are followed within the local area. Individuals playing outside the scope of these clubs are welcome to set their own.

For the safety and enjoyment of all involved, it is recommended that groups playing together should begin by outlining the rules as thoroughly as possible before the game begins. Groups may also elect a team leader – most often the one who will be summoning the Lux-Sprite, though this is not a requirement – to make decision in the field if they so desire.

How To Play

Once all participants are gathered together and in agreement about the rules, the game may begin. Each group of geohachers will need at least one object – most often sunglasses – enchanted with the Sprite-Seeing Enchantment, though most teams prefer to have at least one for every individual member.

To begin, one witch or wizard simply invokes the Sprite-Summoning Charm, creating a ball of invisible, intangible magic known as a Sprite, Lux, or Lux-Sprite, depending on the region. As it comes into existence the Lux calculates a location within the local latitude/longitude grid section using an arithmantic formula supposedly based on ley lines, the wand owner’s astronomical profile, and the exact galleon count stored within the nearest wizarding bank at that very moment. The Lux then transports itself to the designated location, passing through all buildings, creatures, and magical enchantments in its way, leaving a faint trail of magic behind as an additional clue.

For as long as the Lux is active, it remains connected to the wand that created it. Thus, when the Four-Point Spell is used, the wand points to the Lux in place of magnetic north. Using this and the enchanted glasses, players make their way to the exact location of the Lux by any means necessary. Most players then document their adventure by taking a picture with the Lux before dispelling it.

Achievements

Following the lead of their Muggle inspiration, regular geohachers collect “achievements” based on their ‘haching adventures. These are denoted by cheap tin pins that hachers collect on clothing and bags. The pins (and by extension the achievements) have no monetary value, nor are they awarded by any organization – geohachers simply make their own. However, lying about achievements is looked down upon by the community, and achievements without suitable documentation to back them up are generally not taken very seriously.

At Absit Omen

Eha Farro takes Edwin Glass on a Geohaching romp in the London West graticule as part of their date for the St. Mungo's charity auction.