Character creation in Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary

Use this as a checklist, then build your character in RPG Stack.

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

Creation order (from system.json)

Choose concept, tradition/faction, nature, demeanor, essence, cabal affiliation if any.
Assign Attributes: 7/5/3 across Physical, Social, Mental. Max 4 at creation (5 with Freebies).
Assign Abilities (Skills): 13/9/5 across Talents, Skills, Knowledges. Max 3 at creation (4 with Freebies).
Assign Advantages: 7 Background dots (max 3 per Background at creation).
Select Spheres: 6 dots total (max 3 in any one Sphere at creation).
Set Arete: 1 dot at creation (may raise to 3 with Freebies).
Determine Willpower = highest of Courage + modifications (often 5+).
Determine Quintessence and Paradox pool.
Record Resonance traits if any.
Spend Freebie Points (15 by default): Attributes (5), Abilities (2), Backgrounds (1), Spheres (7), Arete (4), Willpower (1).

Examples

Example: Concept first

Start with a simple concept (role + vibe), then choose attributes/skills that support it. You can fill details later.

Example: One signature move

Make sure your sheet supports a signature action you want to do often (investigate, intimidate, hack, heal, etc.).

Common mistakes (smallest fix)

Mistake: Skipping concept and getting lost in options. Fix: Pick a role, pick 2 strengths, pick 1 weakness, then fill details.
Mistake: Not aligning your sheet with the campaign. Fix: Ask what kind of scenes you’ll play (combat, investigation, politics) and build for that.

Key points