Rules reference

Combat in Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary

Turn flow, actions, and common combat rules. 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.

Key points

Combat rules matter most when they keep scenes moving. This page focuses on decision points and the system’s core resolution loop.

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
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).

  • 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: Declare intent, not just an action

Instead of “I attack,” state the goal: “I push them back from the door” or “I buy time for the escape.” This makes outcomes clearer.

Example: End scenes early

Once the winner is clear, wrap it. Don’t grind out the last 10% if it doesn’t change the story.

Common mistakes (smallest fix)
  • Mistake: Unclear turns and slow decisions. Fix: State intent, pick one action, resolve fast, and move on.
  • Mistake: Grinding after the outcome is obvious. Fix: End scenes early and narrate the final advantage.
Character creation
Step-by-step checklist.
Cheat sheets
Quick lookup while you 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?

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