[RPG] Which Mage: The Awakening sourcebooks are essential

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Which Mage: The Awakening (and perhaps nWoD) sourcebooks do you consider essential for running a Mage campaign (besides the core rulebook, of course), and why?

Edit: Please refrain from recommending non-game books here. I'm sure many of us could list whole libraries of mainstream and obscure occult and esoteric literature here as possible inspiration for the game, but that is simply not what I'm asking for here. Thanks. 🙂

Best Answer

The ones I'd put forward are Intruders: Encounters With The Abyss and Secrets of the Ruined Temple, as they give more depth to the adversaries of the game and further flesh out possibilities for the game's two big unexplored areas: the dangerous parts of magic and the secret history of the world. (Plus, magical monsters and a detailed write-up of the Seers of the Throne.) These two books are great for giving a Storyteller tools to challenge a group of mages.

If you're interested in tinkering with the magic mechanics, add in Magical Traditions and Summoners — and perhaps World of Darkness: Second Sight. If you're interested in tinkering with all the mechanics, Mage Chronicler's Guide. (Although, frankly, World of Darkness: Mirrors is a better book.)

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