Few games inspire such passion and divisiveness among their fans -- and detractors -- as Mage has. This game of "reality on the brink" has wandered all over the map in its ten plus years, from far out mysticism to dirty life on the streets.

It's always been about mages, though, those people who can change the world through their force of will alone. The Council of Nine Mystic Traditions, a loose coalition of nine organizations of differing philosophies and magical practices, stand for personal freedom -- sometimes regardless of cost -- and responsibility. In opposition is the shadowy Technocratic Union, a seemingly monolithic conspiracy which seeks to protect humanity from the unseen dangers of the universe at large, typically through ignorance and control. Other factions, the Nephandi and the Marauders, who personify the depths humanity can sink to and the abdication of responsibility, also have their part to play in the struggle as each side strives to win over and guide -- or rule -- the unknowing masses of the world.