Stamina (Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary)
Definition
Stamina measures a mage's endurance, toughness, and ability to withstand punishment. For Awakened characters, Stamina determines how much physical abuse they can absorb before falling, how long they can perform grueling tasks, and their resistance to disease and toxins. Mages are still mortal, and the Ascension War is brutally physical. Stamina directly determines a mage's health levels and soak dice. When a Technocracy HIT Mark opens fire, or a Marauder's warped reality inflicts physical trauma, Stamina is the difference between survival and a trip to the morgue. Extended rituals, sleep deprivation during desperate research, and long treks through the Umbra all test a mage's physical endurance.
How it works
Tips
Frequently asked questions
How important is Stamina for mages compared to fighters?
Very important. Mages lack the supernatural toughness of vampires or werewolves. A mage with Stamina 1 can be incapacitated by a single good hit. Even if you plan to rely on magical defenses, those can fail or be countered.
Does Stamina help resist Paradox?
Not directly. Paradox backlash targets the mage's pattern and uses its own mechanics. However, if Paradox manifests as physical damage, Stamina soak applies normally.