The Traditions Gathered: Songs of Science (Mage: The Ascension)

Rating:
Summary: One of the better books by WW
Review: If you, for any reason, want to play either an Order of Hermes or a Virtual Adept this is the book to read. There are somany misconceptions about these two for new players, how to fit them in, what they can and can't do, the politics of variouse groups ext. that it's almost become a required for the games I play and ST. The Sons of Ether have a great section as well that explains a great deal about the group you wouldn't think about. And even if theres no interest for the traditions inculded, the book makes a good and intertaining read for those who don't want to play. I'd say it's a good buy all around.

Rating:
Summary: Science and the Traditions
Review: This book features the out-of-print tradition books for the Sons of Ether, The Virtual Adepts, and the Order of Hermes. The first two represent my two most favorite traditions so I was very excited to acquire this book.

The Sons of Ether book is a very fun read and does a fine job in showing us that some of the Etherites are not crazy mad scientists. There paradigm was discussed but could have used more work. The list of rotes and devices was short and could have used more additions.

The Virtual Adepts book really showed its age. The book was written before the Internet became mainstream and before digital music was introduced. The book portrayed the VAs as a group of arrogant hackers who relished anarchy. It's a good book for players who want to run with the stereotype but is not quite as good for those who want to play something more varied. The list of rotes and devices was brief and could have used a few more additions.

The Order of Hermes book was the best one in the compilation. Not only was their paradigm thoroughly discussed, the internal politics and dynamics of the Order was also presented in great detail. The Order is more diverse than most players would think. They have a house that is very similar to the Syndicate and one that is like the Hollow Ones in addition to many others. Despite the diversity, they all share the Hermetic paradigm. The amount of useable player information was enormous and helpful.

This compilation was entertaining to read but could have used a few improvements in the Etherites and the Virtual Adepts' sections.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and somewhat useful
Review: This compilation contains tradition books covering the Sons of Ether, the Virtual Adepts, and the Order of Hermes. The first three are two of my most favorite traditions so I was very excited about the overall bundle. Since this volume is essentially three books I will go over each one of them separately.

The Sons of Ether book was very entertaining to read. It was presented as a introductory issue of the Etherites' science journal 'Paradigma'. Their form of science and history was discussed in detail and served as a strong foundation for their tradition's past. Discussion on their paradigm was limited and could have been elaborated on more. In terms of actual game statistics, new rotes, and devices, there really wasn't much. I was expecting a lot more wacky procedures and neat gadgets.

The Virtual Adpets' book really showed its age. This book was written before the Internet went mainstream and before digital music was in. The VAs indulged themselves in MIDI music and BBSs. There was a strong impression that most VAs were arrogant hackers who cared too much about being elite. If that is what you are looking for than this book delivers well. Their history section was nicely done. The information was delivered as emails or chatroom logs. Much like the Etherites' book, this one only had a handful of new rotes and gadgets. Despite its age and a few flaws in terminology, it was still an entertaining and somewhat useful book.

The Order of Hermes tradition book was the best one in the bundle. Not only was history described, but detailed initiations, the Order's structure, the many Houses, and their paradigms were discussed. This book had a lot of very useful information for both players and storytellers. There was so much information that the authors had to leave out the standard 2-page templates in the back.

The overall compilation was a fun read. This book is tough to find so only search for it and acquire it if you are interested in the 3 traditions. Otherwise, stick with the other two tradition books.