A Tradition is a specific system of magical beliefs, practices, symbols, techniques, and assumptions through which a Spellcaster understands and performs magic.
Traditions are not universal laws. Different cultures, religions, institutions, occult schools, and magical communities may explain the the Veil, Anima, spirits, and spellcasting in completely different ways while producing similar supernatural effects.
Every Tradition belongs to a Tradition Category. A Tradition Category defines the broad mechanical structure shared by related Traditions.
A Tradition Category typically determines:
- the Tradition Attribute combined with Anima and Spellcasting;
- its broad magical specialization;
- its access to spells, Ritual Magic, and Summoning;
- any major rules shared by all Traditions in that category.
The individual Tradition further defines how that form of magic is practiced. It may determine:
- which Schools of Magic are available or restricted;
- which Destruction Aspects can be used;
- which types of spirits can be contacted or summoned;
- which Spirit Aspects are available;
- taboos, obligations, required practices, or prohibited actions;
- any additional rules specific to that Tradition.
A practitioner does not need to belong to an established magical organization or historical practice. Self-taught, innate, or highly individual casters may still use an appropriate Tradition Category to define how their magic functions mechanically.
Tradition Categories
A Tradition Category groups Traditions that share the same broad mechanical approach to magic.
A Tradition Category determines the fundamental rules used by its Traditions, including the Tradition Attribute used for Spellcasting and the form of magic in which those Traditions specialize.
The five core Tradition Categories are:
| Tradition Category | Mechanical Identity |
|---|---|
| Thaumaturgy | Generalists with broad access to spells, rituals, wards, and controlled summoning. |
| Animism | Spirit specialists focused on sensing, contacting, summoning, negotiating with, binding, and banishing spirits. |
| Sorcery | Innate casters focused on immediate spellcasting who cannot perform Ritual Magic or Summoning. |
| Witchcraft | Ritual specialists who cannot cast ordinary spells and instead work through Ritual Magic, including ritual summoning. |
| Theurgy | Faith-bound practitioners whose magical capabilities and restrictions are shaped by a religious Tradition. |
Tradition Categories are mechanical classifications rather than universal descriptions used by every practitioner. Two Traditions within the same category may have completely different beliefs, practices, symbols, and explanations for how magic works.
The individual Tradition further defines its available Destruction Aspects, Spirit Aspects, spirits, taboos, restrictions, and any other specific rules.
Tradition Catalogue
NOTE
Core Traditions are still in development. This catalogue will be expanded once the Tradition list is finalized.