What does it mean to "master" a path of magic?

Question

In Anima: Beyond Fantasy, magic is divided up into paths, some of which are opposed to each other. The rules quite clearly state that it costs twice as much to advance along a path opposed to one which a character has mastered... But they entirely neglect to define what constitutes mastery. (My suspicion is that something was lost in the game's translation to English.)

A mage's progression along a path is measured from 0-100, with a spell being learned every even-numbered level above zero. Presumably, therefore, path level 1 wouldn't consitute mastery in any sense.

However, I very much doubt that you have to reach level 100 to be a master, as the high end spells of the path ('Divine magic,' in game terms) are only usable by players with the aid of GM intervention - and the spells a little lower-level than that are 'High Magic,' which typically require characters to permanently give up their humanity before being castable. Since many of the powerful mages listed in the setting material do seem to still be human, presumably mastery does not require that level of path knowledge.

So, for rules purposes, at what point has a path of magic been mastered? I could easily houserule it, but if there's an official answer then I'd prefer to use that.

Answer 1

The Spanish version doesn't say anything of mastering your magic,

I will use google translator with the important part of the text, so you can see more or less what it is saying.

Spanish version: En el caso de que un personaje desarrolle conocimiento en una vía y posteriormente trate de dominar una opuesta, deberá invertir el doble de nivel de magia para mejorarla.

English version: In the case of a character in a knowledge developed way and then try to master an opposite must invest twice magic level to improve it.

It's a bit messy but it basically says that if you try to learn a path with points already invested in an opposite path you will have to spend twice the points. So, once you have spend one point (not even reaching the first spell!) in one path the opposed one (or ones in case of necromancy) will cost double.

I have been told that there will be some kind advantage with creation points that would help with this, but I haven't see it just yet (must be in Prometheum Exxet or something).

Answer 2

Sorry, I see how I missed the mark, several times.

Mastery, per se, requires a final ability score of 200+ in one of several specific categories, p.013. Magic Level and Path Knowledge are not on the list and do not scale for it. The use of the word "master" in "The Paths and Magic Level" section on p.112 may be the source of confusion, but the problem remains: How many points invested in a Path cause the opposed Path cost to occur. As it reads, I would say just 1 single point would be enough.

Feels a bit house-ruly to me, but I cannot find a better answer, yet.

Anyway, thanks for giving me a reason to revisit this excellent game. We played it as a one-shot and had a hoot of a barfight after four hours of character generation.

Answer 3

I believe that Mastery refers to Path Mastery for a particular magical path versus the actual spells in that path you have selected to know. By default your mastery of a path is equal to half the Magic Level you have applied to it. The example on p.112 of my first English edition states that "spellcasters reaching level 50 of the Path of light would master the first 25 spells of Light". On the next page is an option under "Choosing Spells" that would allow more customization.

Spells in opposed Paths indeed cost twice the Magic Level, as mentioned by Random, above. Magic Level is the currency for learning spells, based on Intelligence per Table 56: Magic Level. You may purchase Path Levels (providing one spell per two levels) on a point per level basis (double cost if opposed) or buy specific spells from Path per Table 57: Choosing Spells. The first option allows occasional selections from the Free Access "Path", p.163, instead of regular Path spell.

High and Divine Magic are the powerful and epic spells of the game. Like many other character powers of this game your character must become something more than human to channel these awesome forces, hence the Gnosis requirement.

Inhuman and Zen levels overcome limits to success rolls and ability caps throughout the rules. There are powers that provide these states temporarily and all are considered beneficial. Inhuman in this sense does not mean monstrous.

I hope this helps.