Cheat sheet

Roll resolution (Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary)

A 1-page summary of how to resolve rolls.

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How rolls work in Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary

Mage (M20) is a dice pool game where your magical capability is expressed through Arete and Spheres. Coincidental vs Vulgar magic changes risk (Paradox).

At-the-table steps
  • 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.

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