Character Creation

Hey guys!
Let's get think about characters/the cabal/story goals!
I made a quick map of the fictional New Jersey borough of Maple Hill. It's done in Adobe Illustrator so I can add/change details as we mold this world. If you guys have any questions for me, let me know!

Diving into the pile of old stuff looking for Mage book!

Helpful books would be:
Mage: the Awakening (2nd Edition)
Chronicles of Darkness or The God Machine Update (optional)
Hurt Locker (optional)

If someone is missing the M:tAw 2e book, we can probably fudge our way through. I don't mind explaining some stuff (as it helps me retain the information), but it would definitely be helpful as we progress through this stuff.

Indeed, may take me a bit, trying to think of a concept. I will leaf through my mage stuff too. Only have the 2nd edition book.

The Mage 2e is really all that you'll need.

I'll be working on some of the setting stuff while you guys consider characters. I have some ideas for the other Cabals in Maple Hill, but all of my concepts are in their infancy. I'll post thoughts and characters as I come up with them :)

I've only got the first edition from 2005. I'll pick up a pdf of the 2e. I think I do have God Machine, though.

Alright, so I'm thinking of a disgraced wall Street finance guy originally from Maple Hill. Path of Acanthus, he played a little too loose with his magic to influence his trading. He has come back to Maple Hill after being busted for insider trading.

My character idea is for a great looking, athletic guy, who contrary to expectations and open doors, turns to a life of low level crime.

He has a strong moral code, but despises law and authority. This is a result of poor family life, an alcoholic mother, absentee father, and an outlaw biker for a younger brother.

His criminal activities were really to keep an eye and protect lil bro. However, at sunset, on a glowing beach, their differences came to a head in a hail of gunfire.

Awakened by grief and guilt.

Now, lil bro is dead, and I am searching for redemption and purpose.

Edit: mechanically, thinking Obrimos / Mysterium

The setting is the same, but the mechanics are very different. I still flip through my first edition supplements for support. The Mage 2e book is (and all of the 2e books so far are) worth picking up.
I like it. So do you think he went away before the Consilium set up shop? Is he coming back to a hometown that is drastically different than the way he left it?
This concept definitely works with the concept of the story. A character who hates authority and wants to redeem himself will be a valuable asset in an uprising.

He left soon after the consilium arrived. He hated being looked down on and tried to start fresh in New York, but with his fairly high profile failure he's had to return to regroup

Perfect. I am 100% behind that idea. We'll have to tinker with some ideas that will keep that failure haunting him throughout the story.

I'm thinking of a more morally good character. Just trying to decide on a background. Only played mage once or twice. I am definitely thinking of playing a social character or an intelligence based character. Likely with less offensive type magic, such as Time/Luck. Haven't had time to look through the book quite yet.

A Social-leaning character is perfect. I don't know how PBP will change my style, but usually my games are loaded with social drama as opposed to physical action. Your mages will likely see a few scraps, but I use mechanics that usually keep those fights short, bloody, and to the point. And with Magic on your side you might find yourself more physically impressive than your stats may suggest.

Definitely open to suggestions

Hmmm.. is this the right book?: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/2743/Mage-The-Awakening?term=mage+the+awakening&manufacturers_id=1&test_epoch=0&it=1

That's 1st edition.

http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/181754/Mage-the-Awakening-2nd-Edition

That's the one you're looking for :)

Ah, then I did have the wrong one. Ok, going to grab that one. I'll think of a character background tonight and write it up, then I'll make stats. I can't remember how people realize they are mages or can bend reality... guess I have some reading to do. :)

Awwww. Crap. I have 1st Ed. Is there a huge difference?

There is a wonderful write up on Awakening in the second chapter. In a nutshell, a person (most likely a curious person who was always questioning and exploring things) Begins to hallucinate or dream. In the dream-state the character goes through an ordeal and eventually heads down a path and climbs a tower and inscribes their name upon it. When the come to, the world has changed. They can see through Lie (capital L) and bend and shape reality to their will.
Narratively, not really. Mechanically... yes. At character creation the changes are minimal.. Attributes are 5/4/3 with a extra dot in one of the resistance stats (Resolve, Stamina, Composure). Skills are 11/7/4 with 3 specialties. You get 10 merit dots to spend. You get 6 dots in Arcana (Determined by Path and there are minor stipulations on what you spend them on), and most of the advantages are determined the same way except Defense which is now the lower of Dex or Wits + Athletics.

There's more, but I'm running out of time to list it all out. But in the meantime you guys can grab a character sheet here

If need be, you can make a 1e character and I can help port it over to 2e