Destiny (Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary)

Backgrounds

Definition

Destiny means your mage has a fated purpose, a prophesied role in events yet to unfold. This Background provides tangible mechanical benefits: Destiny dots can be added to rolls that advance the character toward their fate, and the cosmos itself seems to conspire to keep the mage alive long enough to fulfill their purpose. However, Destiny is a double-edged sword. The universe pushes the mage toward their fate whether they want it or not. In the context of the Ascension War, Destiny might mean a mage is fated to discover a lost Horizon Realm, unite warring Tradition factions, or confront a powerful Nephandus. The scope of the Destiny scales with the Background's rating. A one-dot Destiny might be personally significant; a five-dot Destiny could reshape the Ascension War itself.

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How it works

**Key Uses**: - Add Destiny dots to rolls that advance toward your fated purpose - Provides a measure of plot protection until Destiny is fulfilled - Creates narrative hooks and story direction **Special Rules**: Destiny dots can be added as bonus dice to any roll the Storyteller agrees advances the character's fated purpose. The character gains a form of narrative protection, as the universe wants them alive to fulfill their Destiny. However, Destiny also means the Storyteller can push the character toward dangerous situations related to their fate.

Tips

**Build Advice**: Excellent for players who want strong narrative direction and mechanical bonuses tied to story. Avoid if you prefer total freedom in your character's direction, as Destiny limits your choices as much as it empowers them. **Tradition Synergies**: Euthanatos believe strongly in fate and karmic destiny. Celestial Chorus may see Destiny as divine calling. Cult of Ecstasy embrace the flow of destined experiences. **Character Concepts**: Euthanatos prophesied to judge a great evil, Celestial Chorus mage called by divine vision, Hermetic scholar destined to recover a lost grimoire, Dreamspeaker fated to heal a wounded spirit realm.

Frequently asked questions

Can my mage avoid their Destiny?

Fighting Destiny is possible but difficult and rarely ends well. The Background's mechanical benefits disappear if the mage actively works against their fate, and the Storyteller may introduce complications. Some of the best Mage stories involve characters struggling with whether to accept or resist their Destiny.

What happens after Destiny is fulfilled?

Once fulfilled, the Destiny Background is typically lost. The mage may gain other rewards (experience, new Backgrounds, story accomplishments), but the mechanical benefits and narrative protection end. Some Storytellers allow a new Destiny to emerge.

Destiny (Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary)

Definition

How it works

Tips

Frequently asked questions

Further Reading