System

Mage FAQ

This is a brief overview for those new to or needing a refresher on Mage: the Ascension. You can skip this if you’re already familiar with the game. It’s intended to be more concise than what’s provided in the books. Please see Laws of the Ascension for more detailed synopsis.

What are Mages?

Mages are people who have Awakened to understand the true nature of reality. However, one Mage’s “reality” may differ from another’s based on their perception of the world.

What is an Awakening?

An Awakening is the moment that a Mage first becomes aware of the true nature of reality. Sometimes, their Awakenings are like drug-induced visions. Sometimes, they are scientific epiphanies. It varies from Mage to Mage and no Awakening is like another.

What is True Magic?

True Magic or just Magic is a Mage’s power to alter reality itself on a fundamental level. This power comes with a risk, as reality doesn’t like to be altered. Some magic is subtle. Some magic can never be subtle. Sometimes it’s spelled with a -k on the end.

What is Paradox?

A Paradox is the result of reality fighting back against the changes that a Mage has made to it. This can come in any form, from physical damage to the Mage, or altering a Mage’s effect, to completely changing a Mage’s very being.

What is an Avatar?

An Avatar is a manifestation of deeper understanding, a spark of genius or divinity, or an inner guide that is entwined with the Mage’s soul. An avatar is older than the Mage itself, typically, but can be new. It’s the font of power through which the Mage has access to magic.

What is a Paradigm?

A Mage’s Paradigm is their general philosophy, outlook, explanation, or school of thought on how magic or the various aspects of reality work, and why. Each of the Traditions has a core Paradigm that distinguishes it from the others and affects how they do magic.

What are the Traditions?

The Traditions are differing groups of Mages that follow the same paths, or have the same training and cultural outlook. There are nine different Traditions (or ten, if some Mages are more open minded about the Hollow Ones.)

What is the Technocracy?

The Technocracy are the primary antagonists to the Traditions Mages, who believe reality and human society should not be altered by magic, but rather by very tightly-controlled scientific and technological progress. They often respond harshly when Mages have been too visible.

What are the Protocols?

The Protocols are a set of laws held by the Traditions. The most important of these is the Rule of Shade, not to reveal magic to “Sleepers” - regular “un-Awakened” humans.

What is Arete?

Arete is a Mage’s level of mystical understanding and enlightenment.

What is Ascension?

Ascension is the mythical state of enlightenment beyond human comprehension. Many Mages aspire to Ascension.

What is Consensus?

Consensus or Consensual Reality is the nature of reality as understood intuitively by the vast majority of Sleepers (non-Awakened humans.)

What are Spheres?

Spheres are the nine categorized elements of reality which can be altered by Mages: Correspondence, Entropy, Forces, Life, Matter, Mind, Prime, Spirit, and Time. A Mage’s ability to manipulate a given Sphere determines their standing among other Mages.

What are Foci/Tools/Practices?

These are the physical elements, ritual components, equipment, abilities and actions that the Mage uses for working magic.

What is a Pattern?

A Pattern is the metaphysical composition or structure of an object, person, place, or idea.

What is Quintessence/Tass/Nodes?

Quintessence is the most basic, raw, concentrated essence of reality. All things are created from Quintessence and all destroyed forms are returned to it. Mages use Quintessence to power their spells and effects. Tass is Quintessence concentrated in a physical object. A Node is a location where Quintessence is generated and flows strongly.

What is Resonance?

Resonance is a mystical signature, flavor, or aura that is tied to magical actions, emotions, intent, and desire. All magic carries Resonance.

What is a Seeking?

A Mage increases his Arete through a Seeking, or communing with his Avatar. In a Seeking, a Mage grapples with metaphysical symbols, personal issues, problems, and subconscious hopes and fears on the way to greater enlightenment.

What is a Rote?

A Rote is a prepared and practiced magical effect - one that is already set and is easier for a Mage to perform than casting improvised or dynamic magic.

Org Rules

Here's a link to the Org Bylaws site: http://www.owbn.net/bylaws