Focus

EFFECT

Although a mage creates magic through will, it’s the belief in a focus that shapes such magic. The mage lets a focus determine her spell and give it shape. In turn, she believes that the focus channels her will to empower the magic. Although a focus isn’t really necessary to work magic, most mages only understand their magics in terms of the foci that they use -at least until they master their magic and become enlightened enough to recognize the power of will over reality.

When you shape an Effect, your mage generally needs to use a focus. Doing so takes the form of chanting, brandishing an object of power, mixing a substance and applying it, manipulating energy through song and dance or whatever else the mage believes is necessary to work magic. In game terms, you’ll use various trappings and Abilities to work your spells.

Each Tradition description lists various foci that are appropriate. A mage uses these foci to direct magic. For instance, a Hermetic mage may chant in Enochian, inscribe a complex geometric form or call upon angelic intervention in order to conjure flames. A Verbena could do the same with a paean to ancient gods, an offering of blood to the elements or howling a song that sparks fiery energies. A Virtual Adept might use a computer to manipulate local electrical fields or generate a laser for the same effect.

You can use any focus from your Tradition to shape an Effect. You need to narrate the use of that focus, explaining what you’re doing and how it causes the magic to happen. You’ll probably want to brush up on a little theory just to make it convincing. Read some books on computer science if you’re playing a Virtual Adept, checkout some philosophy and religion for Celestial choristers and so on. Of course, you should never actually act out a dangerous behavior or brandish something like a weapon. Merely describe what you are doing in such a case. However, if you can roleplay the use of a focus (by actually singing, for instance, or making complex gestures with an item card), then you should do so as long as you won’t draw negative attention from people who aren’t playing. (No sense convincing onlookers that you’re engaged in some sort of real world occult conspiracy.)

Note also that using a focus isn’t just a roleplaying tool or a hindrance.It can really boost your capabilities with magic. See Creating Magical Effects:MODIFIERS