Role. “I am the flame, the very essence of the furnace in flesh and will!” An Adept doesn’t “study” magic, they are the magic, manifest in mortal form. See Adept.
Anchor
A fixed point in the Spirit Realm’s shifting landscape, created by investing spiritual energy and intention into a physical location or object. Provides reliable navigation references for both astral projection and ethereal travel. See Magick: Beyond.
Aspect
Spiritual character of a location or current. Locations become Aspected, lending themselves and boosting actions that accord with their Aspect—but hindering any that run counter. See Magick: Beyond.
Athlete
Role. “Faster, stronger, higher… better.” Transforms the body into a precision instrument, pushing physical capability to amazing heights through discipline and relentless practice. See Athlete.
Beast Handler
Role. “They understand me better than most people do.” Understands that every creature operates on motivations and principles that transcend language. See Beast Handler.
Temporary harm. Think short-term fatigue, vertigo from a head blow, a numbed limb, or losing your nerve after a good scare. Complications disappear completely on any successful recovery roll. See Types of Harm.
An unrated Truth (capital “T”) about the game or something in it. When something can’t be measured but is really important, a Conceit simply says “this is true.” See Hooks in Play.
Conjuror
Role. “The wise know when to ask for help, and spirits… they’re always eager to make a deal.” Walks between worlds, mediating between mortal needs and otherworldly urges. See Conjuror.
Contingent
Secondary action that only occurs if primary succeeds.
A special Hook created by a formal agreement with a spirit; reduced when a service is rendered, unless other payment is offered and accepted specifically for that service. See Conjuring.
Used instead of EL when whatever’s resisting you is probably inanimate/passive. See Core Mechanics.
Down
When Injury plus Complications exceeds your base Level, you’re Down. Doesn’t necessarily mean unconscious, but you can’t act meaningfully in the scene any more; only passive resistance rolls are available. See Feeling Down?
Effect
Successful result after opposition subtracted. What actually happens.
EL (Effective Level)
Total capability for specific action. Sum of Level + relevant Roles, Maneuvers, Modifiers.
If all dice roll zeroes, a catastrophic failure with immediate negative side effects; your turn is over. An optional rule requiring at least three dice. See Extreme Results.
If all dice individually roll their highest value AND the total is exactly your EL, a spectacular success with positive side effects. An optional rule requiring at least three dice. See Extreme Results.
A roll that doesn’t use up your turn; happens in response to something else or alongside your main action. Common examples include resistance rolls, quick perception checks, or memory rolls mid-conversation. See Actions and Timing.
Healer
Role. “Drink this and get some rest; we’ll see how you are in the morning.” Guides patients back toward health with skill and careful intervention. See Healer.
Situational obstacle; does not count toward being Down. Hindrances can’t be recovered at all—they must be dealt with through the story. See Types of Harm.
A character’s motivations, drives, and complications that transform a collection of abilities into a character with agency in the game world. Earns Karma and Luck Tokens and provides bonuses when they matter most. See Hooks.
Harm requiring daily recovery rolls that heals slowly over time. Bruised ribs, sprained ankles, bleeding gashes, and broken bones are certainly real damage that can put you out of commission. See Types of Harm.
The currency of experience and epic moments; accumulated during play and spent to permanently improve abilities. See Karma.
Level
Character’s base capability and durability. Foundation for all rolls.
Loremaster
Role. “Knowledge is power, but wisdom knows when to use it.” Transforms information into understanding, weaving together fragments of knowledge to reveal the larger patterns that escape casual observation. See Loremaster.
Specialization within a Role. Adds rank to EL when applicable.
Modifier
Bonus or penalty to EL (circumstance, gear, conditions, Boosts).
Naturalist
Role. “You say ‘Wilderness’ like it’s a bad thing.” Reads the stories written in animal tracks, growth patterns, and cloud formations. See Naturalist.
Opposition
A roll against action that can generate effect. Both sides roll; higher wins, affects loser.
Performer
Role. “The world is my stage, and I know exactly how to play it.” An emotional architect who understands that all human interaction is fundamentally theater. See Performer.
Persistent
Effect lasting beyond immediate action (typically full scene).
The application of multiple Roles to a single action when each is relevant. If it makes sense, do it! See Role Synergy.
Roll
Generate number via dice. Must be >0 and ≤ EL to succeed.
Sneak
Role. “You never saw me, and you never will.” Master of misdirection who understands that true invisibility isn’t about becoming literally unseen—it’s about being unnoticed. See Sneak.
Sniper
Role. “If I can see you, you’re already dead.” Predator who turns distance into dominance, wielding projectiles with surgical precision from positions of tactical advantage. See Sniper.
Spellweaver
Role. “The universe speaks in mathematics and metaphor—I simply learned the language and taught it better grammar.” Approaches magic as both science and art, transforming cosmic forces into reproducible effects through elaborate ritual preparation. See Spellweaver.
A spirit’s unique identifier that has binding power; knowing a spirit’s True Name allows summoning from anywhere, and is required for Binding. Note that only spirits have True Names. See Conjuring.
Points removed from EL before rolling. Added back to result if roll succeeds.
Warrior
Role. “I am brave, strong, and ready to fight.” Deals in physical conflict, dealing out harmful force (or the threat of it) with skill and precision. See Warrior.