Lightning Calculator
Merit · 1 pt
You have a natural affinity with numbers and mental calculations, making you a natural when working with finance, estimating at a glance, computing odds, figuring
complex variable equations, and the like. All rolls where mental math comes into play are made with a –2 difficulty. Another possible use for this Merit is figuring the odds of success or failure of a particular endeavor, assuming you have sufficient data upon which to base your calculations. In appropriate situations, you may ask the Storyteller for the difficulty of a task you are about to undertake before committing to the effort.
Also in BoS p. 45 — text differs from W20 (43%)
Your head is a calculator of impressive capability. With a few moments of thought, you can perform intricate mathe matical feats – a useful talent for Hermetic wizards, Syndicate operatives, Enlightened engineers, and other mages who employ math and geometry in their work.
System
-wise, this Merit allows you to reduce the difficulties of math- and calculation-based rolls by -2. Simple calculations take no time at all, while sophisticated problems may demand a turn or more. Obviously, your character needs access to the proper data before she can work out calculations… and garbage in, garbage out, so make sure your data is accurate!
For potential applications of math in magick, see the instrument entries for Circles and Geometric Designs,
Formulae and Math, Money and Wealth, and Numbers and Numerology in Mage 20, pp. 590-596, as well as the practices of Hypereconomics (pg. 573), High Ritual Magick and Hypertech (pp. 578-579), and Reality Hacking (pp. 581-
582). Remember that Merits cannot reduce the difficulty of a magick-casting roll below the minimum difficulty, or by more than -3. That said, fast and accurate calculations make useful aids when you’re using Mundane Skills and Magickal Effects, as described in the entry of that name (Mage 20, pp. 532-534). Depending upon the feat in question, this could employ a roll of Intelligence + Academics to work out most calculations, Perception + Academics to discern odds or geometrical dimensions, and Wits + Academics to belt out rapid guesstimates with only the roughest of data.