Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Backgrounds
Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary has 13 backgrounds: Allies, Arcane, Avatar, Contacts, Destiny, Familiar, Influence, Library, Mentor, Node, Resources, Sanctum, and 1 more. Open any background for full rules, then build your character.
Backgrounds at a glance
| Background | Summary |
|---|---|
| Allies Mortal friends and contacts who actively help your mage | Mortal friends and contacts who actively help your mage |
| Arcane Supernatural obscurity that makes you hard to notice, find, or remember | Supernatural obscurity that makes you hard to notice, find, or remember |
| Avatar The strength and presence of your mage's Awakened soul | The strength and presence of your mage's Awakened soul |
| Contacts Information sources and people who can provide useful intelligence | Information sources and people who can provide useful intelligence |
| Destiny A prophesied fate that grants protection and purpose but demands fulfillment | A prophesied fate that grants protection and purpose but demands fulfillment |
| Familiar A spirit companion bound to the mage, providing magical assistance | A spirit companion bound to the mage, providing magical assistance |
| Influence Pull and authority within mortal institutions and organizations | Pull and authority within mortal institutions and organizations |
| Library A collection of magical texts, research materials, and occult knowledge | A collection of magical texts, research materials, and occult knowledge |
| Mentor An experienced mage who provides guidance, training, and support | An experienced mage who provides guidance, training, and support |
| Node A location where Quintessence naturally gathers, providing magical energy | A location where Quintessence naturally gathers, providing magical energy |
| Resources Wealth, income, and access to material goods | Wealth, income, and access to material goods |
| Sanctum A personal place attuned to your Focus, where your magick comes more easily | A personal place attuned to your Focus, where your magick comes more easily |
| Wonder A magical device or artifact with permanent enchantments | A magical device or artifact with permanent enchantments |
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Overview
All 13 backgrounds in Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary, with what each one gives your character. Open any background for its full rules, tips, and FAQ.
All backgrounds
Allies - Mortal friends and contacts who actively help your mage
Arcane - Supernatural obscurity that makes you hard to notice, find, or remember
Avatar - The strength and presence of your mage's Awakened soul
Contacts - Information sources and people who can provide useful intelligence
Destiny - A prophesied fate that grants protection and purpose but demands fulfillment
Familiar - A spirit companion bound to the mage, providing magical assistance
Influence - Pull and authority within mortal institutions and organizations
Library - A collection of magical texts, research materials, and occult knowledge
Mentor - An experienced mage who provides guidance, training, and support
Node - A location where Quintessence naturally gathers, providing magical energy
Resources - Wealth, income, and access to material goods
Sanctum - A personal place attuned to your Focus, where your magick comes more easily
Wonder - A magical device or artifact with permanent enchantments
Frequently asked questions
How many backgrounds does Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary have?
Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary has 13 backgrounds in this reference, including Allies, Arcane and Avatar. Open any background on this page for its full rules and traits.
How do I choose a background?
Start with the character you want to play, then read how each background changes your options. Compare the entries in the list above and open the ones that fit your concept. Your choice is easiest to judge once you have seen the full background page.