Mage the ascension

What if you could do magic ?

When a role playing game proposes to put yourself in the shoes of a mage, a person of the 21st century would think that he will play with his wand like Harry Potter or wear a beard like Gandalf. However the point of view on magic and the game perspective remind more of Matrix (although released later) : being able to see the world as it is really enables to alter it beyond the usual ways.

Quoting wikipédia : “Mage: The Ascension is a role-playing game based in the World of Darkness, and was published by White Wolf Game Studio. The characters portrayed in the game are referred to as mages, and are capable of feats of magic. The idea of magic in Mage is broadly inclusive of diverse ideas about mystical practices as well as other belief systems, such as science and religion, so that most mages do not resemble typical fantasy wizards. “

Following Vampie the Mascarad and Werewolf the Apocalypse, two successes of White Wolf (which also match with the most popular supernatural creatures), this role playing game proposed to become “Awakened”. These beings, initially humans and normal, developed extraordinary powers thanks to an increased/true understanding of the world.

For instance, where a “Sleeper” may see objects thanks to light, an “Awakened” may perceive the mecanisms of the world : how the light comes from a source, reflects on an object and is received by a “Sleeper”. With this advantage, the mage may then manipulate light and create illusions. But he could of course go much further.

The game proposed diffrent domains of knowledge in which the mage could progress : space, time, life, energie, spirit… A difference with Vampire and Werewolf was that a new level would not simply give you access to a new power. It would grant access to a better understanding of the world and a increased ability to manipulate it. A new level would then open a door to a whold spectrum of capabilities. The speed of progresion and the level of reachable powers went beyond many of those of vampires or werewolves.

However, player and game master had to ensure that the philosophy of the character would allow to activate these powers. This depth was making the game particularly hard and difficult to access. Probably one morereason why it had far less success than the other two (first reason being the popularity of other creatures). And still, it opened fascinating perspectives, for the game and for reflexion (yes, this too can be entertaining).

The game features constraints and antagonists. The practice of magic must follow a paradigm, a way to understand the world. Beginers could be forced to use “focus” like Harry Potter’s magic wand. The Paradox would punish the mages which powers were used in a gross way in front of witnesses. The Technocraty was a powerfull organisation based on advanced technology, almost like magic. Their agents, always dress in black suits (reminding the famous agent Smith), were chasing and silencing the mages. Finally, Nephandis were mad and destructive mages (probably the real target of the Technocraty).

Unfortunately, I did not have so much the occasion to play this game. But its universe always fascinated and inspired me.

And you, what kind of mage would you dream to be ? Rather Neo, Harry ou Gandalf ?