Mana

Mana

Mana is psychoreactive the substance that binds mass, energy, and information together. While some refer to the use of mana as magic, more commonly it is simply referred to as wielding. Though the original source of mana is not known, it is known that it is a substance that can be interacted with, stored, and collected, though special preparations are most often needed.

Mana has several unique properties, aside from being psychoreactive, that wielders should be aware of. First, mana has its own graviation-like pull that attracts other mana, like water. This property has, in many cultures, gained it the name 'the water of life'. This fundamental property causes it to pool and flow, much as water does, though free mana doesn't generally interact with regular matter.

Mana also tends to flow to the 'lowest point' in the fabric of space, flowing like a stream or river. These rivers of mana are known as ley lines, and can be tapped into by a skilled wielder. However, much like swimming in a river, doing so is not without its inherent risk. An unprepared wielder can find themselves caught up in the current, having their own mana drained away by the same properties that cause mana to flow in the first place.

When it reaches the lowest local point in space, it will pool there until it overflows the area, which starts the process over again. These pools are known as nodes and are a particularly potent source of mana. Again, like ley lines, a competent wielder can tap into these reserves of energy to replenish their own mana, or power their abilities. While the mana in a node is pooling, it is not still, nor is it safe. The eddies and flows of energy in nodes can be particularly dangerous to an unprepared wielder, either drawing away the wielder's mana or providing too much power for them to handle. While the former situation is known to occassionally create Fayne, the latter has become known as burnout. Both are disasterous outcomes for the unwary.

When mana becomes calm or still, it can also form a crystalline structure known as Tetrandite, the material that forms the basis for fade crystals and dream seeds. This material is highly valued for its magical properties and has a large number of uses, making it a costly commodity that is often traded as currency. Tetrandite can often be found near, or even connected to, nodes.