User:Bill/Everybody Knows

Background

Mage the Awakening is on the surface a game about discovery and exploring an ancient world hidden from the view of normal men and women. It's a game about folks who are able to force their will upon the world battling forces beyond the comprehension of mere mortals.

Strip away that simplistic veneer though and you'll see a much darker game. A game about power. Power over other magi. Every token that a mage can gather from another of his or her kind grants her a little more power over a rival. A former possession, a bit of hair, a drop of blood, each of these reduce a mage's defenses and make it possible to attack he or she from a greater distance.

Behind the pretty game of exploration is one of psychological manipulation and detective work. A game where, if the players don't watch their asses they'll be somebody's bitch faster than they can say, "real name". And what's worse, sometimes it's just easier to kill a mage than control them.

Effectively the game becomes a spy thriller where everyone starts off an independent operator until they're forced to join a larger faction or die.

Characters

All characters will be magi. Even though this is a World of Darkness game, and other supernatural types could be shoe-horned in, they would be at a tremendous disadvantage.

In this game it's critical that the players begin as relatively normal people with relatively normal lives until they receive their calling. They need to have ties.

In addition to the standard character sheet, I will expect each player to write a list of no less than six friends and family that the character values. Each of these characters may be detailed to any degree that the player desires, down to a complete sheet and their own background, but at minimum each must have a name and an occupation. These characters may be called upon by the player character for minor aid, such as a place to stay or a few bucks, but should otherwise not have useful knowledge or skills that could impact the course of play.

Also, a brief history of the character should be written up; detailing jobs, romantic entanglements, and other significant events in the character's life up to his or her awakening. As with the friends and relatives, this may be as detailed as you wish to make it. If it lacks sufficient detail, I will ask a few questions and fill it out for you.

Rules

To participate in this game it is recommended that each player have a copy of Mage the Awakening and the World of Darkness core rulebook. Neither will be required. I could also run a game with similar themes using Ars Magica or any other game featuring a sufficiently complex and flexible magic system. Generic systems are also an option.