Build guide
Verbena (Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary)
The Verbena are the Traditions' witches: blood rites, seasonal cycles, herb lore, and a paradigm that makes the body the primary instrument of magic. They predate the Order's formulae and have far less interest in explaining themselves. Life is their specialty Sphere, which makes a Verbena the cabal's healer whether or not the character has the temperament for it. In play the Verbena is the one who keeps everyone standing. Life rank 3 heals other people, which is where the Tradition earns its seat, while rank 2 already covers your own light wounds and simple organisms. The paradigm has a price attached: blood and pain as instruments mean your magic is personal, and a Verbena who never gives anything up for an effect is not playing the Tradition.
The starting sheet
Every number this build starts with. Take it as your own and change anything, nothing here is locked.
Character identity
- Concept
- Life and nature focus with visceral praxis.
- Tradition
- Verbena
Attributes
- Strength
- 3
- Dexterity
- 3
- Stamina
- 4
- Charisma
- 2
- Manipulation
- 2
- Appearance
- 2
- Perception
- 3
- Intelligence
- 3
- Wits
- 2
Abilities
- Brawl
- 2
- Empathy
- 3
- Animal Ken
- 3
- Crafts
- 3
- Meditation
- 2
- Melee
- 2
- Survival
- 3
- Cosmology
- 2
- Esoterica
- 1
- Medicine
- 3
- Occult
- 3
Spheres
- Life
- 3
- Prime
- 2
- Spirit
- 1
Recommended choices
Priorities
- Build Life and Prime as your core Spheres.
- Define your praxis: blood rituals, herbalism, body modification, or seasonal rites.
- Balance power with Paradox awareness, visceral magic draws attention.
Play tips
- Life magic is incredibly versatile: healing, shapeshifting, enhancement, and harm.
- Use natural/coincidental framing to keep effects under the radar.
- Your body is your instrument. Track physical costs and recovery.