Covert

Covert magic works within the bounds of reality. Any spell that could occur through the normal laws of physics or that is not wildly improbable within the context of when and where it is cast is considered covert. Its casting and effect seems like coincidence, synchronicity or some other believable happenstance, anything other than the forcible re-shaping of reality through individual will. Covert magic slips between the boundaries of reality, creating as little disruption as possible. It flows like water, seeking the lowest level, the path of least resistance.

Mages favor covert magic because it is subtle, concealing the work of the mage. While the Awakened almost always know when magic is at work, Sleepers witnessing covert magic see it as natural rather than supernatural. Covert casting does not cause a Paradox, unless it is cast before a Sleeper in such a way as to obviously be magic. See Improbable Magic.

Covert Magic Examples

The following are all examples of covert spells:

• After the mage examines an injury, it’s clear to all that it isn’t nearly as bad as it first appeared. In fact, the mage used a Healing Heart Life spell to help undo the damage.
• “How did you know I’d be here?” The mage replies, “Lucky guess,” when it was actually a Divination Time spell.
• Outside on a stormy night, a thug menacing the mage is hit by lightning. What are the odds? Pretty good with a Call Lightning Forces spell.
• With a kick, the dead-bolted door flies open. As a Sleeper companion looks at the remains of the lock, it seems it was of cheaper manufacture than its appearance originally suggested — thanks to the mage’s Alter Integrity Matter spell used to weaken it.
• A city councilman has a heart attack in a restaurant and dies on the way to the hospital. There’s no evidence of heart disease, but the death is chalked up to “natural causes” rather than a Suppress Others Life Death spell.
• An otherwise lethal bullet hits the mage’s belt buckle, hip flask, pocket Bible or some such protection courtesy of a Fortunes Protection Fate spell.