Dice mechanics
Criticals & fumbles in Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary
How critical results usually work.
Explanation
M20 doesn't have classic crits, magic is a dice pool where 1s cancel successes, and exceptional success starts around 5+ net successes. A botch (0 successes plus any 1s rolled) triggers Paradox backlash, not a critical failure of the action itself.
Examples
Example: make crits change the scene
A critical should add a concrete benefit: extra effect, better position, reduced future risk, or a new option.
Example: messy win (V5-style)
If your system has volatile outcomes, treat 'big success' as success + consequence.
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Treating criticals as just 'more damage'. Fix: Make criticals change position, options, or future risk, not just numbers.
- Mistake: Inconsistent critical rules. Fix: Write down one house interpretation and apply it consistently.