Extra Arete traits may be bought at the beginning of the game with 3 negative traits, up to a maximum of 3. Arete also governs how well a mage is at crafting magick. The power level of a magical effect is determined by the mage's Arete. As well, every Arete trait a mage possesses allows them to transcend the use of one of their foci for one of their spheres, permanently. If they wish to keep their foci, they may - this is only an option available to them.
Mages have 'titles', determined by what magical power they wield.
These 'titles' represent the maximum level that a mage may buy any sphere level at. The five levels are Apprentice, Initiate, Disciple, Adept and Master, each of which has an arete trait requirement which a mage must have in order to attain that level. Creative storytellers will bring other players into a mage's arete seeking, to increase player interaction and group dynamics. The character must spend the experience point requirement before the seeking takes place. When the seeking is over, the mage receives their new Arete trait.