Mana

Magic in Vanquera works solely through the use of Mana, which is a substance that exists in multiple forms, primarily **liquid** and **essence**. All living beings possess some level of Mana within them.

##### Liquid Mana

*Liquid Mana* is a glowing, white, iridescent liquid that is the source of all magic in Vanquera. Liquid Mana has the same consistency of water, but refuses to mix with any other liquids or substances, unless it is magically influenced to do so. Liquid Mana can be infused into all sorts of materials and items, namely metals and woods. When Mana is infused into an object, that object gains a wide variety of magical properties. Infusion becomes more difficult with each property introduced to the object and depending on the object's size.

##### Essence Mana

*Essence Mana* is a non-physical form of Mana. When a living individual absorbs Mana into themselves, be it through their hands, feet, or anywhere else across their body, the Mana turns from physical liquid into an immaterial form where it is stored in the individual's Mana Pool. Upon death, their Mana turns from essence to liquid, where it can then be absorbed by anyone else. It is a ritual practice in some cultures to take the Mana from fallen friends and family and create something with it, rather than letting it go to waste.

There are other forms of Mana like solid Mana (Referred to as Manatite) and gaseous Mana - but they are much more difficult to produce. Most Mana Casters struggle creating these two forms.

When an individual creates liquid Mana from their essence Mana, that Mana then keeps a level of that person's intent and identity within itself. Whatever that Mana is used for next keeps whatever memories or intentions it was given. It can be harder to absorb, easier to absorb, give Mana-infused materials and items magical properties, force those who absorb it to receive certain thoughts and memories, etc. Mana can also carry this when an individual dies, and as such in some cultures it is believed to be something of a "soul juice".

## Pivotal Aspects

A recent discovery made by Equavirian scientists has the potential to revolutionize how Mana is used in Vanquera. These Equavirian scientists found a way to make infusing and casting Mana a significantly more efficient task. They refer to this discovery as "Aspects" or "Pivots".

This will mean that Mana Casters will want to bring with them at least one of each gemstone wherever they go. The more they have, the better, as the more gemstones of a chosen Pivot a Mana Caster has, the easier and the more effective related infusions can be.

This will inevitably lead to drastic changes across all of Vanquera, perhaps seeing people go to places they would never have once considered visiting before, as well as these six gemstones skyrocketing in price as demand increases. Armor will be made of different materials, possibly some made with or even *of* gemstones. Aviators will use amber to help them fly more effectively. Vitriators will start to use pellets made of gemstones. We could see Invardia's recent vertical expansions increase exponentially as Mana Casters seek out ideal circumstances for their infusions. Bustling cities will one day form where Mana Casters gather.

There have been other potential Aspects put forward after the initial publication of this finding, such as color, race/ethnicity, time, age, speed, size, etc., though more research is required to narrow them down.

It's unclear why these properties of Mana exist, and why only now they are being discovered, but one thing's for sure: Vanquera will forever be impacted by it.

## Mana Deities

A Mana Deity forms when a living creature absorbs too much Mana, causing them to transform physically, mentally, and psychically, gaining new traits such as additional limbs, hair, antlers, etc. as well as new abilities.

## Mechabeast

Mechabeast are living robots made from Mana-infused metals, or Manasteel. They make up a large portion of Vanquera's fauna, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

## Currency

For a period of time, Mana was used as a currency across a variety of different cultures. It was measured into containers and exchanged for goods based on its weight. Later, Mana would be used in the Invardium Bit, a currency of tiny cubes that adjacently connect together.