Problem → workflow → tool

Keeping campaign notes in Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary

Keep sessions, characters, and notes in one place so your table stays aligned. Use the links below to apply the workflow in Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary and keep it consistent across sessions.

Workflow (do this first)

State the problem in one sentence (what is stuck?).
Pick the fastest consistent mechanic to resolve it (DV/DC/band/difficulty).
Make stakes explicit (success changes what, failure costs what).
Resolve once, then apply a consequence that moves the scene forward.

Roll loop reminder

Mage (M20) is a dice pool game where your magical capability is expressed through Arete and Spheres. Coincidental vs Vulgar magic changes risk (Paradox).

Example: A coincidental effect is explainable; a vulgar effect is obviously impossible and carries higher risk.

Copyable facts

9 Spheres: Correspondence, Entropy, Forces, Life, Matter, Mind, Prime, Spirit, Time
9 Traditions: Order of Hermes, Verbena, Virtual Adepts, Akashic Brotherhood, Celestial Chorus, Cult of Ecstasy, Dreamspeakers, Euthanatos, Sons of Ether
Arete system: Determines maximum Sphere dots usable in effects
Paradox mechanics: Accumulates from Vulgar magic
Coincidental vs Vulgar magic: Coincidental generates less Paradox
Quintessence: Fuels magical effects

Common mistakes (smallest fix)

Mistake: rolling repeatedly until you get the answer you want. Fix: one roll should change the situation; if you need another attempt, change position/resources first.
Mistake: unclear stakes. Fix: state what success gives and what failure costs before the roll.

Dice mistakes

Fix recurring rule slips.

Roll resolution

Fast lookup while running scenes.

Context (system overview)

Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition is a tabletop RPG where you play as Awakened mages who can bend reality through the Spheres. As a mage, you belong to a Tradition (like the Order of Hermes, Verbena, or Virtual Adepts) and use your understanding of reality to cast magic, all while managing Paradox and Consensus.

System guide

Rules + key concepts.

System glossary

Definitions for system terms.