Original Research

Original research is a method of expanding or adding to a magical tradition in some way. Depending on the nature of the research, the change can be great or small. The process in Fifth Edition was introduced in Houses of Hermes: True Lineages, but Hedge Magic Revised Edition and Rival Magic provided rules for how other traditions might come to make breakthroughs in their own traditions.

See also the complementary rules of Ancient Magic.

Breakthrough

The goal of original research is to culminate in a breakthrough. There are three types of breakthroughs:

Minor Breakthrough: A method of adding to a magical tradition within the terms of it's current structure. For example, creating a new range, duration or target.

Major Breakthrough: Expanding the tradition in a manner that pushes, but does not break, its limits of magic.

Hermetic Breakthrough: Improving the tradition so one of the limits of magic no longer applies, at least in certain situations.