Volerium

Volerium, also known by the more poetic name Mana, is a compound found in the water and atmosphere of Erdezwei. And as a consequence, in the bloodstream of every living being there. It's the raw stuff of every kind of magic performed in the world. It originates from the Iambic word "Volerir", which translates roughly to "to want". Thus, the name roughly translates to "The substance of will".

Physical Properties

Volerium exists as a clear gas at room temperature, and undergoes liquefaction at about -60 degrees Fahrenheit. The Erdezweian atmosphere is about 5% volerium by volume. As such, anything that breathes has a certain level of volerium within it at all times.

Different concentrations of volerium will have an effect on the being in question. Too little, and one feels themselves feeling sickly and tired. As if they had a flu. An exceptionally high amount enhances ones physical abilities and endurance, as well as increasing aggression and confidence. It also effects how some people speak. Some will become even more flowery and eloquent under volerium's effects. Others might have a harder time articulating themselves, even being reduced to inarticulate yelling. Others still will go entirely silent.

"Some people get loud on volerium, either they get talky like me or shouty like Sabine. But then there's the guys that just go dead silent, and they're the ones that scare me the most."

-Logan Nash, famous Kamerian Partisan
Volerium can also be conducted through certain certain materials, both organic and inorganic. This property of matter is known as its voloconductivity.

Use in Spellcasting

Most living beings, sapients, animals, and even some plants, can concentrate and discharge the volerium in their bloodstream. One notable example is a few species of cervine are capable of concentrating volerium in their horns to superheat them. It works both as a threat display, a mating display and means of defense against large predators like dragons. It is, by every right, a form of simple pyromancy.

In the sapient races, almost anyone can use a high concentration of Volerium as a sort of natural combat upper. The more worked up one gets, the more Volerium gets into their system. In high concentrations, the excess can trail off of the subject in a red vapor. The outer rims of ones irises will also turn red. Science even speculates that this was what led the sapient races to discover spellcasting in the first place.

But those who train themselves and learn the requisite skills can also use the volerium within for the purposes of spellcasting. By concentrating and then discharging the volerium within, one can achieve a variety of effects. From casting fire and lighting bolts from ones hands to producing magic barriers, or even healing oneself. However, each use of Volerium is a skill one must take the time to learn.


Normally, one would simply project volerium through their body for spellcasting. But it's also possible to cast using an object with voloconducive properties. This not only amplifies, but focuses the spell cast to make it overall more effective. This item can be anything with voloconducive material on physical contact with you, from a traditional wand or staff, a musical instrument, or even a shotgun with a voloconducive strip in the grip; casting magic through a shell filled with spell components.

History & Usage

History

For most of history, Volerium was known as Mana. Every culture had its own term for it, but Mana is the one that entered more common usage. It was only during the Age of the Boiler and the increase in scientific pursuit that it was given the formal name of Volerium.

Hazards

It is possible to die from an excess of Volerium in the bloodstream, as this can cause hypoxia. The mind altering effects of large quantities pose a danger in the increased aggression and loss of restraint that comes with it. One could grow careless and overextend themselves in a fight, or perform a risky maneuver and suffer the inevitable price.

Type

Metaphysical

Rarity

Ubiquitous (in the planetary atmosphere)

Odor

coal smoke and ozone (when heated)

Color

Red when radiating off of living beings

Boiling / Condensation Point

liquefies at around -60 degrees fahrenheit

Common State

Gas