Power Levels
In vanilla Exalted, only the Exalted (Dragonblooded, Solars, Lunars, etc.) have any magical power among humans; normal denizens of Creation have none. Unlike that setting, the Eastern Coast where our game is set requires that everyone living there be able to at least respire magic even if they don't actively use it in their daily endeavors. This document was formed as a guideline for storytellers to help plan NPCs (whether significant or not).
Storyteller's note: As with many constructions in the Exalted system, the five categories below are simple concepts or constructions to aid storytellers and players in mentally sorting out concepts. They are not part of the vernacular on the Coast, and not something anyone is explicitly aware of.
Novice
Common folk who can respire magic but do not actively practice its effects, people new to the Sea, or those who otherwise have very low magical potential. This demographic makes up the majority of the Coast's population. Novices have single-digit Personal/Peripheral pools, may know one or two Essence 1 charms, and can be handled using the Extras rule.
Intermediate
Initiate adventurers, scholars, laborers, bandits; these are people who are generally more physically/mentally active than the regular population and who have gained a greater degree of magical competence as a result. Intermediates can have up to 10 motes in their Personal and/or Peripheral pools, may know up to five Essence 1 Charms, and can be handled using the Extras rule in spite of being built as Heroic Mortals. The Kei-cha of Ashimachi's Order of the Chains fit in this category.
Proficient
Experienced adventurers, magical researchers, geomancers, and bandit lords would fit in this category. These individuals either have significant magical potential or have significantly explored the use of magic in their endeavors. Proficient individuals are on the level of the Dragon-Blooded in vanilla Exalted, and can be statted out and handled as such.
Master
The cream of the crop among the ranks of the Proficient, masters are often leaders of men with major magical potential or major study in the magic arts. Masters are on the level of starting-level Solar Exalted, but shouldn't be advanced (i.e. through XP) unless playing a crucial role in the storyline-- a major boss or the leader of a nation.
Unique
This category covers everyone above Master, who are rare enough to be unique among the citizens of the Coast. Like the players, beings of Unique power have near-unlimited magical potential or have been on the Coast for several human generations. These individuals are statted like experienced player characters, but with fewer restrictions: storytellers can alter, add, or subtract to their builds as they wish. This category covers everything from centuries-old wizards to Primeval gods and individuals like Birdcatcher from Ashimachi.
Novice
Common folk who can respire magic but do not actively practice its effects, people new to the Sea, or those who otherwise have very low magical potential. This demographic makes up the majority of the Coast's population. Novices have single-digit Personal/Peripheral pools, may know one or two Essence 1 charms, and can be handled using the Extras rule.
Intermediate
Initiate adventurers, scholars, laborers, bandits; these are people who are generally more physically/mentally active than the regular population and who have gained a greater degree of magical competence as a result. Intermediates can have up to 10 motes in their Personal and/or Peripheral pools, may know up to five Essence 1 Charms, and can be handled using the Extras rule in spite of being built as Heroic Mortals. The Kei-cha of Ashimachi's Order of the Chains fit in this category.
Proficient
Experienced adventurers, magical researchers, geomancers, and bandit lords would fit in this category. These individuals either have significant magical potential or have significantly explored the use of magic in their endeavors. Proficient individuals are on the level of the Dragon-Blooded in vanilla Exalted, and can be statted out and handled as such.
Master
The cream of the crop among the ranks of the Proficient, masters are often leaders of men with major magical potential or major study in the magic arts. Masters are on the level of starting-level Solar Exalted, but shouldn't be advanced (i.e. through XP) unless playing a crucial role in the storyline-- a major boss or the leader of a nation.
Unique
This category covers everyone above Master, who are rare enough to be unique among the citizens of the Coast. Like the players, beings of Unique power have near-unlimited magical potential or have been on the Coast for several human generations. These individuals are statted like experienced player characters, but with fewer restrictions: storytellers can alter, add, or subtract to their builds as they wish. This category covers everything from centuries-old wizards to Primeval gods and individuals like Birdcatcher from Ashimachi.
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