>>96342814
>old progression costs and cost-reduction mechanics
I think there's a revised supplement with xp-reducing libraries, but I can't remember it. I have this screenshot from the book, it's not from 2e mage or the original wod: sorcerer

>>96298403
Sorcerers just pooled their Library for purposes of research and xp discounts. Raiding other libraries was one of the main sources of conflict as well. An average player cabal progressed at comfortable speed, though having to take regular downtimes.

Then Revised happened, and you know Mage Revised lead developer was hell bent on making progression difficult and slow.