Editing Umbral Domains: Mage Paradox (section)

=== 2) Repair ===

Tends to either cover up effects after the fact, or causes the effects to fail. Usually both in inconvenient ways, but not directly retributive ways. Smaller or more subtle magical acts just get lost in the noise and aren't necessarily "repaired". More vulgar magics generally bring about a series of unexpected dramatic but coincidental side-effects to erase the evidence of their magical nature.

'''System:''' Paradox is generated based entirely on the degree of vulgarity, botches, and witnesses, rather than being linked to sphere level. Paradox generated equals:


<u>Base paradox</u>

'''0 Paradox''' - Effect is indistinguishable from natural or "normal" events, only the mage sees the true cause.

'''1 Paradox''' - Effect is within the realm of coincidence but a little odd (rolling dice a particular way 6 times in a row).

'''3 Paradox''' - Effect is definitely beyond majority expectations but could be explained clever behind the scenes setup (i.e. minor special effects), moderately plausible prototype technology, cryptozology or other mundanely rational effects.

'''5 Paradox''' - Effect should clearly impossible according to modern expectations. If an effect of this sort could be faked through conventional means it would take resources a couple orders of magnitude in excess of those needed to accomplish a similar type of task through conventional means.


<u>Modifiers</u> (apply only one)

'''+1 Paradox''' - Botching

'''+1 Paradox''' - Sleeper witnesses

'''x2 Paradox''' - Botching with sleeper witnesses

Paradox dissipates in the form of backlash very soon after the effect is produced (often within moments). However, a point of temporary Willpower can be spent to prevent backlash from occurring, but if this is done the Paradox remains until bled off.  Botching does not dissipate accumulated paradox.


<u>Backlash</u> (revised system)

Rather than the old ''instant karma'' style, "Backlash" is now just the inconvenience produced as reality untangles it's self.  Paradox is a measure of the magnitude of anomaly and so determines the degree of inconvenience produced as reality tries to cover up the effect. Backlash is no longer just for botches but happens automatically every time a magical effect is produced on Earth.

Quintessence spent on an effect does not reduce paradox, but each point of Quintessence spent does reduce the effects of backlash as if one point less of paradox had been gained.


<u>Effects of Backlash</u>

'''1-2 Paradox''' - No significant effect. Paradox dissipates harmlessly with little or no noticeable effect.

'''3-4 Paradox''' - Minor effects. Paradox is noticeable causes some inconvenience. Might cause something small to break or something significant to malfunction at an inconvenient time or a +3 to Difficulty for situational reasons, etc.

'''5-7 Paradox''' - Significant effects. Paradox is moderate and causes some serious harm to equipment, possible bashing or lethal damage, temporary loss of abilities or actions, etc.

'''8-10 Paradox''' - Massive effects. Vash the Stampede! Paradox is severe and causes powerful (though coincidental) side-effects. Major destruction of equipment and facilities, injury, attribute loss, or even death.

Again, keep in mind that this backlash doesn't necessarily cause inconvenience directly for the mage, but it is likely to affect one or more people nearby in some troublesome way, and more likely than not a friend.