Study Points and Insights

Study Points (SP) & Insight Points (IP)

Study Points (SP) and Insight Points (IP) are the campaign's two progression currencies: "The Grind" versus "The Epiphany."

Study Points (SP) - "The Grind"

SP represents academic learning, repetition, and dedicated practice.

Characters earn SP by attending classes, reading in the library, surviving encounters, and studying during Time Slots.

It is used to purchase standard mechanical upgrades:

Spell Clock Research: 1-2 SP per segment marked on a pattern's Spell Clock via Research Matrix (the shortcut to Mastery; practice is free)
Increase an Attribute (1 to 5): New Rating × 3 SP
Increase a Core Magic School (1 to 5): New Rating × 4 SP (each new level unlocks that school's next glyph level band)
Increase a Support School (Alchemy or Artifice) (1 to 5): New Rating × 4 SP (unlocks higher-complexity support crafting and reliability options, not Technique Glyph bands)
Increase an active Specialization Doctrine (1 to 5): New Rating × 4 SP

Insight Points (IP) - "The Epiphany"

If SP is time, IP is breakthroughs. You cannot become an Archmage just by sitting in a library; you have to push your limits, fight for your life, and uncover the secrets of the world. IP is a rare, narrative currency earned by solving mysteries, surviving deadly threats, and reaching major plot milestones.

It is used to accomplish major paradigm shifts:

Unlock a Specialization: 1 IP (requires Level 3 in the parent Core School)
Research Breakthrough Thesis: 1 IP (+ SP cost) for forbidden, Wild, or cross-school matrix stabilization
Purchase a Trait / Merit: 1 IP (or remove a Flaw)
Break the Tier 5 Cap: 1 IP (+ SP cost)
Soul-Bind an Item: 2 IP