I'm not sure but I believe, from the putting of Mages and Scientists together in one sentence, that magic comes from an eccelectic variety of sources. It could be from intellectual discovery, from spiritualism, from faith or some other sources is what I am led to believe. In the era of 1800, historically, there was no distinction between what was accepted science and magic. In fact, many well-known scientists were also occultists of their age, who dwelved into the workings of the universe regardless of 'what people thought would work'.

I'm no thread maker, so I can't really say any definitive terms of play, so all I have said is based on what is hinted and suggested in the introduction. Thus, the way I intend to have my character interact with magic (if the situation arises) in a way that is suitable to fit with that timeline. Nonetheless, I would strongly reccommend that when religion is concerned that you thread carefully when posting.

I think the best way to avoid this is by saying "Faith has it's own magic." In which, we leave it hanging in the air if some spectacular event was either caused by a character's will, determination and actions. or it was aided by some unseen spiritual being. With no definitive answer OOC, although your character might insist otherwise IC. That's how I'm playing things anyway.

I'm curious too. But I guess since the Order is secret, we aren't given any declared exceptions to the public when it comes to appearance. I think that if an order agent was wearing a tube top in a puritan town, she'd too be chased off with angry broomsticks by jealous wives. Like any other non-agent tube-top-wearing madwoman. Or if a stranger goes around holding a sword for no reason while a city is at unrest, he/she would probably meet with some discontented guards until they or someone else can clarify their purpose.