Connection

On Nalan, all people are born with a measure of Connection - the direct link between a living thing and the web of magic. Connection is what allows people to cast spells, use magic items, and even perceive the world in colour. It is also said that connection has some kind of semi-sentience itself, and is aware when other connected creatures are watching it.
It is possible to give up your connection (usually to sell it) and become a Grey, however doing so is often described as being like giving up a leg or an eye. Once a person gives up their connection, it cannot be restored. Most people who give up their connection will do so for money, as selling it usually nets around 300-500 gold. It is also rumored that assassins and thieves will voluntarily give up their connection - as stated previously it is thought that it is connection which is responsible for the sensation felt when someones watching you, and so if either party is no longer connected, this sensation is no longer felt.
Connection is the key ingredient in the creation of Essence, and in the materials infancy it could only be created by people giving up their connection and becoming Greys. Now however it has been made possible to refine Connection from Mal'Haran, a closely guarded material found almost exclusively in the mines of Ran'Haldin.

Manifestation

Connection itself is rarely seen by most, and appears as a kind of gas, with fine particles glowing throughout it.

Type

Metaphysical, Supernatural