Cheat sheet

Character creation (Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary)

A checklist you can run during creation.

Quick blocks

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

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