Initiate of Matter
Alter Conductivity (Matter •)
The mage alters the conductivity of a simple object. An electrical cord can be rendered completely non-conductive, while concrete can be made to conduct electricity like copper.
Craftsman's Eye (Matter •)
The mage can discover the proper function of an object with moving parts.
Dark Matter (Matter •)
The mage gains the Mage Sight (see “Mage Sight,” p. 110). This spell is especially good for reading resonance that is ponderous (“thick”, “sluggish” or “dense” as some have called it).
Detect Substance (Matter •)
This spell enables a mage to discern the presence of a given sort of material in her immediate vicinity. She could decide to search for ferrous metals, clean water or a particular kind of plastic, even a unique object known to her (meaning that the mage almost never needs to worry about where she left her car keys, unless she lives in a singularly enormous house). Among other things, this spell can reveal if a person is carrying a handgun (by looking for gunpowder) or is wearing a wire (by examining for copper wiring on the torso).
Discern Composition (Matter •)
The mage can perceive the fundamental makeup of material structures and discern their composition, determining their weight and density. Most technologically minded will-workers tend to see Matter in much the same way as most modern people: a scientifically grounded, predictable phenomenon. Other mages see things in a different light. Some describe “threads” interwoven throughout a “Tapestry” (“This unique thread indicates the presence of gold,” for example), while some speak of the Classical Elements — Air (gas), Earth (solid) and Water (liquid).
Find the Hidden Hoard (Matter •)
The mage can find secret compartments within inanimate matter, discovering hidden doors, safes and vaults.