TL;DR: A high-quality book that perfectly adds to Mage, plus the World of Darkness (see below). Consider this a core book.
Given the vast scope of Mage, there are so many topics that have not received the deep-dive that they could really do with; a classic Mage problem, but also an understandable one considering the scope of the game. This supplement wonderfully expands upon Nodes, Resonance, and Quintessence, but that would be too simple and so it is great that the author, Charles Siegel, also examines Tass & Ley Lines. The book’s information is clearly presented and thorough, whilst avoiding swamping the game with extra complexity. For example: the rotes are helpfully listed in subsections, making it easy to find a rote relating to a specific topic.
The supplement’s opening is strong, explaining why the book was created. The next topic is a key question in Mage, The Nature of Nodes. It provides us with 13 theories about nodes via a paradigm P.o.V., something that will empower most games. The theories also cover how an individual’s viewpoints, might influence the ways they’d handle a node in relation to the Ascension War, as well as other types of Nightfolk; whether to defend, abandon, or destroy a node. Giving Nodes Resonance, plus other mystical aspects, helps emphasize both the metaphysics of the setting, as well as why some Factions may miss, dismiss, or prioritize a location. All-in-all this first section alone makes this book a must have for any Storyteller, providing a web of ideas to help make the Ascension War easier to grasp. The paradigm overview is a substantial source for enhancing in character discussions/debates.
The node building section matches the mechanical approach of Mage: the Ascension, so it should feel straightforward, intuitive even. How a node relates to the other Nightfolk was a welcome addition, giving the book a bigger scope than just Mage, in particular Werewolf, Changeling and Wraith. The 32 examples are splendid, plus demonstrate how this supplement’s new system works. The nodes are interesting locations to add to any game, covering a wealth of factions, plus the bonus that some have tremendous historical importance. There are so many great ideas here, but I want to avoid spoilers, so I’ll just touch on a few.
One can imagine the countless stories covering millennia over control of The Delphic Oracle! Likewise, the more modern node of The Manhattan Reactor is a great idea, plus adding to the Technocratic Union’s dark history.
Nodes specifically involving other Nightfolk? Well there is the superb, The Blood Fountain of the Tremere, which gives an epic plotline to tie-in Vampire: adding a literal landmark to the Massasa War. The Silent Sept gave me pause as I processed several thoughts and feelings about what this story; if I reveal that it relates to the Croatan Tribe, players in the know will appreciate this node’s gravitas!
If you are a World of Darkness player, in particular if you have a bit of an interest in Mage, I think you will benefit and enjoy this outstanding book. One of the benefits of the Storytellers Vault is the numerous interesting niche topics that can be explored, but this is no niche. For me, this supplement feels like a core book, standing alongside the official products, a must have, especially given its low cost. To purchase use Sources of Magick (using the Mage the Podcast affiliate code; Charles Siegel is a frequent contributor to this great show).
Batjutsu 