Paradox (Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary)

Derived

Definition

Paradox is reality's immune response. When a mage imposes their will on the Tapestry in ways that contradict the Consensus, the collective belief of humanity about how reality works, reality pushes back. Paradox accumulates as points on the character sheet, and when it discharges, the results range from inconvenient to catastrophic: physical damage, temporary derangements, reality warps, or even banishment to a Paradox Realm. Paradox is the central tension of Mage: The Ascension. Every mage wants to reshape reality, but every reshaping carries risk. Vulgar magick (effects that obviously violate the laws of physics) generates far more Paradox than coincidental magick (effects that could plausibly have mundane explanations). The presence of unAwakened witnesses, called Sleepers, dramatically increases Paradox generation, as their belief in the Consensus reinforces reality's resistance.

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How it works

**Key Uses**: - Accumulated through vulgar magick, especially witnessed by Sleepers - Discharges as backlash: damage, flaws, realm banishment, or reality warps - Shares a 20-point wheel with Quintessence **Special Rules**: Coincidental magick generates little or no Paradox. Vulgar magick without witnesses generates moderate Paradox. Vulgar magick witnessed by Sleepers generates severe Paradox. Paradox can discharge immediately as backlash or accumulate and release in a catastrophic event later. Paradox Flaws are semi-permanent negative effects that persist until the Paradox is resolved.

Tips

**Build Advice**: You cannot invest in Paradox; you manage it. The key to Paradox management is designing coincidental effects whenever possible, avoiding vulgar magick near Sleepers, and maintaining Quintessence reserves (spending Quintessence can sometimes mitigate Paradox). **Tradition Synergies**: All Traditions deal with Paradox, but their approaches differ. Virtual Adepts design effects that look like technology. Order of Hermes use ritual to mask vulgar effects. Cult of Ecstasy frame magick as drug-induced coincidences. Dreamspeakers work in isolated spiritual locations away from Sleeper witnesses. **Character Concepts**: Cautious mage who meticulously plans coincidental effects, reckless mage carrying dangerous Paradox loads, Paradox-scarred veteran with permanent Flaws from past backlash, theorist studying Paradox mechanics.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between coincidental and vulgar magick?

Coincidental magick could plausibly happen without magic. A Forces effect that makes a gas main explode near a target is coincidental. Vulgar magick obviously violates reality: throwing fireballs, teleporting in plain sight, or levitating. The distinction determines Paradox generation.

What happens when Paradox discharges?

The Storyteller determines the form of backlash based on accumulated Paradox. Small amounts might cause minor physical damage or strange effects. Large amounts can inflict Paradox Flaws (semi-permanent quirks), summon Paradox Spirits, cause major physical harm, or banish the mage to a Paradox Realm.

Can Paradox kill a mage?

Yes. Severe Paradox backlash can inflict lethal or even aggravated damage. A massive Paradox discharge can outright kill a mage through physical trauma or reality warping. This is why experienced mages treat Paradox with deep respect and carefully plan their magick.

Paradox (Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary)

Definition

How it works

Tips

Frequently asked questions

Further Reading