Dice mechanics
Dice pool basics in Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary
Rolling multiple dice and counting successes.
Explanation
Mage (M20) is a dice pool game where your magical capability is expressed through Arete and Spheres. Coincidental vs Vulgar magic changes risk (Paradox).
At the table (quick loop)
- Decide the effect and which Spheres apply.
- Roll your pool (often Arete with modifiers) and interpret successes as effect/scale.
- Track risk: Vulgar effects can generate Paradox and consequences.
Example: A coincidental effect is explainable; a vulgar effect is obviously impossible and carries higher risk.
Examples
Example: build the pool
Pick the two traits that match your approach (often Attribute + Skill), roll that many d10s, then count successes.
Example: raise/lower difficulty
Instead of stacking small modifiers, change the difficulty (required successes) so the decision is readable.
Common mistakes (smallest fix)
- Mistake: Rolling without a clear pool. Fix: Say the approach, then pick the two traits that define the pool.
- Mistake: Counting successes inconsistently. Fix: Keep one quick reference open (cheat sheet) during play.
Mage FAQ
What are Spheres in Mage M20?
How does Paradox work in Mage?
What's Arete in Mage?
What's the difference between Coincidental and Vulgar magic?
What are Traditions?