Difference between revisions of "Mana"

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'''Mana Theory''', or less commonly '''Manalogy''', is the official study pertaining to the properties, phenomena, behavior and function of '''Mana'''. Modern Mana Theory recognizes the practical application of Mana, or [[Magiology]], as its only direct descendant, from which numerous branches and subdisciplines stem from, such as [[Alchemy]], [[Symbology]] and [[Ritualistics]], just to name a few.
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'''Mana''' is the primary, ubiquitous energy of the [[Manaverse]]. It is known as one of the fundamental driving forces of the Manaverse, existing as a harmonizing energy that facilitates terraforming in planets and the presence of life. Consequently, it is categorized as the [[Primordial Aether]] of the highest order.
  
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==Definition==
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It can be harnessed by beings and expended much like a "magical fuel" in order to cast [[Magic]]. Mana also acts as the primary energy source for [[soul]]s, which require the aether for their continued existence.
  
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Mana is the name given to the [[Primordial Energy]] of the highest order in the Manaverse. Although this is a fact in reality, current Mana Theory only theoretically predicts that the expansive and cyclical behavior of Mana can be attributed to the vaguest semblance of sentience. Mana, in the loosest sense of the word, is a quasi-sentient organism that solely exists to propagate through the Manaverse and condition either itself or its surroundings to achieve an ideal level of symbiosis between both. Since these behaviors quality as nothing more than instinct, it is relatively accurate to compare it to a microorganism in the way both operate.
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The study of Mana is known as '''Mana Theory''', or less commonly, '''Manalogy''' -- the focus of which pertains to the properties, phenomena, and behavior of Mana.
  
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Mana will, by nature, establish cyclical behaviors when appropriately synchronized with its environment. The scope of these self-sustaining cycles are greatly variable--there is very little functional difference in human beings naturally replenishing Mana by drawing it from their surroundings, and a planet's core acting as a central node of ingoing and outgoing Mana.
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==Properties==
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In its natural state, Mana is substanceless and therefore lacks mass, charge, or any notable physical properties. As such, it is normally considered to be '''aetheric''', the name given to the intangible state that Mana naturally occurs in. In small quantities, Mana is invisible to the naked eye. It gains its distinctive, blueish coloration when there is a high concentration of the aether in one location, comparable to the behavior of a gas.
  
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===Possible States===
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===Structure===
  
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Mana, like most energies, occurs naturally as an aether, a purely intangible state without material presence whatsoever. Nullshifted (or Elementally-Neutral) Mana in its primary state is indefinitely stable by principle, though it is able to condense and physically manifest in certain circumstances with varying levels of stability: while Mana triggered as plasma is extremely common in nature and in magical processes, it tends to immediately decay without an external system to maintain its energetic equilibrium. Likewise, gaseous and liquid instances of Mana can only be produced in specialized, isolated environments to prevent it from decaying or elementalizing with the medium.
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===Quantification===
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Because it is actually comprised of smaller particles and is not an immaterial force, Mana can be measured and quantified. The basic unit to measure an amount of Mana is called a '''syel''', a [[Phantasia]]n term derived from the [[Xharic]] word "sëlxen", for "essence."
  
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Curiously, Mana can naturally manifest as crystalline solid. Crystallized Mana is highly stable and is only subject to decaying or breaking down by external factors such as the environment, rather than by instability. Crystallized Mana occurs when Mana harmonizes with crystalline structures of any kind, and outputs a predetermined arrangement of particles while cannibalizing most of the original material's composition: this causes most instances to be identical, even if transmuted from different compounds. Furthermore, the energetic component of the resulting crystal is then plasmatized, which results in characteristic luminescence refracted from inside the crystal; this also allows for Mana to be easily assimilated into Crystallized Mana.
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The Principle of Equivalence in Mana states that, no matter the type of process the aether is involved in, the absolute potential of the Magical Function will be directly proportional to the amount of Mana used as a fuel. Due to this principle, the unit serves a dual purpose when quantifying Mana as it enables Manalogists to effectively measure the potential aetheric energy derived from Magic.
  
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===Elemental Mana===
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While a single syel represents the absolutely minimum amount of Mana that a Magical Function can involve, the exact value of a potent of Mana is estimated to be approximately 2.3 attosyels (2.3 * 10<sup>-18</sup> syels).
  
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Mana has a perfect resonance with the [[Elemental Spectrum]], accepting all elemental wavelengths and even extraspectral ones. Mana can and will Elementalize in the medium, provided it is exposed to a sufficiently strong stimulus. Elementalization of Mana is denominated "hueshifting" due to the color-coded organization of the Elemental Spectrum; this process is denoted with the affix "-shifting" along with the Element it is changing into (i.e Fireshifting, Watershifting, Thundershifting, etc).  
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==Behavior==
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Mana is intangible, and is unbound by the physical rules that govern beings within the Manaverse. Mana is instead considered to be a part of the "metaphysical world," and thus follows a set of metaphysical laws rather than physical ones.
  
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==Structure==
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Studies on the behavior of Mana have shown that the aether is actually sentient. Its nature is to harmonize with both the environment and the universe. Consequently, Mana can be compared to an organism whose sole purpose is to propagate itself throughout the universe, conditioning either itself or its surroundings to achieve an ideal level of "harmony" between both. This behavior is what allows Mana to facilitate the creation of new worlds, and later, the creation and evolution of life within them.
  
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In an atomic scale, the basic and essential unit that comprises the concept of Mana called a '''potent''', consisting of powerful particles that chaotically orbit a dense and volatile nucleus located at the center of a spherical region. Potents are substanceless by nature in order for Mana to maintain an aetheric state, lacking mass or charge. Due to their deep involvement in Magiological processes, however, this behavior is bound to change in practically any describable way; for example, simulating combustion, assuming the exact properties of light or matter, becoming freebound energy used to fuel a different system, etc.
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===Mana Cycle===
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By actively seeking harmony, Mana establishes cyclical behaviors with nature to varying degrees, establishing what is commonly referred to as a '''Mana Cycle'''. A Mana Cycle is a blanket term describing any cyclical system established by or involving Mana. This can vary greatly in scope from an individual level to a planetary level (or greater). Establishing these cyclical processes is a function within Mana itself.
  
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Potents are delimited by a spherically-symmetrical boundary surrounding the nucleus called the '''resonant'''. This region restricts the reality alteration microevents that are caused by the decay of the nucleus when triggered in a Magiological Activation Formula (hereafter, Activation Formula and other derived terms). Their name is derived from their primary function: they transmit and reciprocate commands to adjacent resonants, replicating conditions and parameters in an instantaneous chain reaction to ensure the stability of the purpose given by the Defined Will. Within a resonant, there are two coparticles which interact profoundly with the Activation Formula in tandem.
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When referring to an individual's Mana Cycle, it refers to the cycle between the soul and Mana. The process is comparable to breathing, except on a spiritual level rather than a physical one. Mana is naturally drawn into an entity's Spiritual Body as a result of the soul's influence being exerted over psions in potents of Mana in the air. This influence is very subtle, and is sufficient for establishing a "working" flow of Mana throughout the Spiritual Body to preserve the soul. This Mana is stored into the entity's [[Mana Circuits]] in order to accumulate a small pool of the aether for more efficient access. As such, the term may also be used in reference to the rate at which an individual's body is replenishing Mana.
  
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The first coparticle is the '''magitron''' ("Magic Particle"), which is solely responsible for the absolute potential of Mana. Magitrons follow a strictly established, bizarre orbit with degrees of variation in their length or width, with a level of displacement in their spatial axis--they are not truly orbiting the nucleus, but an invisible point a certain distance away instead. While these orbits will be always larger than the diameter of the resonant, magitrons exhibit a remarkable behavior upon attempting to cross the resonant: they will loop to the logical opposite boundary as they cross the threshold, effectively causing the particles to reach minimum nucleus distance twice per orbit.
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Much like breathing, it is possible for an individual to have a degree of control over their own Mana Cycle. Individuals who are skilled in doing so, through practice, are capable of lessening or strengthening the rate of Mana replenishment of their bodies for a limited amount of time.
  
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The nucleus of a potent is the second coparticle, or '''psion''' ("Thought Particle"). Upon being given a purpose by the Defined Will, psions decay into unstable regions that unhinge and detach the fabric of reality within the potent itself, but ultimately delimited by their resonants. These localized and infinitesimal areas are immensely prone to reality modification, which is achieved by the interaction of magitrons in order to fulfill the task designated by the Defined Will via reality alteration, a process which transfers their energy to the affected threads of reality and reduces them to an extremely low-level energy state.
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At a greater scope, the Mana Cycle refers to the cyclical systems of all Mana in the universe. These systems are all functionally congruent, but are considered to be versions of one another with various levels of focus. For example, one could be referring to the flow of Mana over a particular region, or the flow of Mana between planets. In the latter example, planetary cores act as 'nodes' of ingoing and outgoing Mana, facilitating supply of Mana throughout the world. A node in this context refers to [...].
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Once a potent's psion is fully annihilated in a magical process, its own resonant will disintegrate, unbinding them from the potent and allowing them to float freely as a residuum. This also destabilizes the alteration-sensitive areas, causing them to expand and break out of their local scope, thus fundamentally allowing for magic to produce meaningful effects upon reality.
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==Function==
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===Use in Magic===
 
{{Main|1=Magiology}}
 
{{Main|1=Magiology}}
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Mana is the predominant power source of magic and magical processes in the Manaverse. The power derived from the decay of Mana particles is used to transform a part or parts of the fabric of reality, resulting in small-scale alterations of reality.
  
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''In natura'', the universal purpose of Mana is to establish harmonic, non-intrusive cycles with the medium. Arguably the most essential of these is the relationship between Mana and the [[Component Theory|Soul]], as the latter requires the former as a fuel for its continued function. However, the most prominent and widely-used function of Mana lies in its inherent property to affect the world--the purview of magic.
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===Elemental Mana===
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Mana can become elementalized (elementally "charged" or "shifted") because the aether experiences what is classified as a "perfect resonance" with the [[Elemental Spectrum]]. Mana accepts all Elemental Wavelengths, and even extraspectral ones. The aether's perfect resonance with the Spectrum stems from its nature as a harmonizing force. The potent of a Mana particle allows it to accept elemental influence and become elementalized.
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==Universal Laws==
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===The Mana Cycle===
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All Mana is absolutely and unconditionally subject to a transdimensional phenomenon known as the Mana Cycle. Mana itself does not cease to exist after being given a purpose--it is not "consumed" or "depleted" from the casting medium, but rather instantly transmuted into a practically undetectable residuum that Mana Theory distinguishes as '''Ley'''. Ley is widely considered to be effectively nonexistent in practical reality, as apart from being nigh-imperceptible and untappable, it is also exempt from primary temporal-spatial laws that govern the Manaverse (e.g. it is not affected by the concept of time, nor it is possible to dimensionally displace it unlike Mana). Nothing, even in principle, is capable of interacting with Ley.
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Like Mana, Ley can be considered an aether, but it follows a much more straightforward behavior: instead of propagating, it establishes itself to flow into a complex network of streams known as Ley Lines. Though Ley as a fundamental energy possesses an abysmally low potential, Ley Lines can be predicted and mapped based on larger-scale analysis--they are extremely vital to some branches of Magiology by merely existing, despite not being a direct source of power.
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Since Ley Lines are not affected by even the most encompassing concepts of the Manaverse, they essentially flow through the fabric of reality the longer they span: Ley Lines will effectively disappear and reappear at completely random intervals as they constantly escape and reenter perceivable reality throughout different planes. Ley Lines will ultimately converge into an isolated reality, where Ley begins to condense into material form. This creates an exotic element known as Manacium, composed entirely of metalloid Mana. These localized Manacium instances will eventually decay into Pure Mana and flow back into the Manaverse to complete the Mana Cycle.
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===Principle of Equivalence===
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It is not uncommon to find Elemental Mana in nature, especially in locations with high elemental "influence," or activity. For example, it would be expected due to active exposure to particular Elemental Wavelengths to find a high quantity of Fireshifted Mana in a volcanic area.
  
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No matter the type of process Mana is involved in, the absolute potential of the system will be directly proportional to the amount of Mana used as a fuel. Therefore, it is correct to assert that Mana's potential as a source of '''aetheric energy''' is a universal constant.
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===Crystallized Mana===
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In certain environmental conditions, Mana can condense and crystallize. These crystallized instances of Mana are very efficient in storing the energy, although their capacity and efficiency depends on the composition and structure of the crystal. The composition of a Mana crystal is dependent on environmental parameters such as elemental presence or the type of the biome, as well as the density of Mana in the atmosphere.
  
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==Quantification==
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==Lore==
  
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Mana is a quantifiable, infinitely self-renewable resource that is possible to measure with great accuracy. The official unit of Mana quantity is the '''syel''', a Phantasian term derived from the Xharic word "sëlxen", for "essence". Due to the Principle of Equivalence in Mana, this unit serves a dual purpose as it can also be used to effectively measure the potential aetheric energy derived from magecraft. While a single syel represents the absolutely minimum amount of Mana that a magical process can involve, the exact value of a potent of Mana is estimated to be approximately 2.3 attosyels (2.3*10^-18 syels).
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==Related Articles==
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*[[Aetheric Circuits]]
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*[[Elemental Spectrum]]
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*[[Excess]]
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*[[Ley]]
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*[[Magiology]]
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*[[Prana]]
  
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[[Category: Concepts]][[Category: Energies]]
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[[Category:Aethers]]
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[[Category:Concepts]]
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[[Category:Magic]]
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[[Category:Primordial Aethers]]

Latest revision as of 20:27, 10 February 2016

Mana is the primary, ubiquitous energy of the Manaverse. It is known as one of the fundamental driving forces of the Manaverse, existing as a harmonizing energy that facilitates terraforming in planets and the presence of life. Consequently, it is categorized as the Primordial Aether of the highest order.

It can be harnessed by beings and expended much like a "magical fuel" in order to cast Magic. Mana also acts as the primary energy source for souls, which require the aether for their continued existence.

The study of Mana is known as Mana Theory, or less commonly, Manalogy -- the focus of which pertains to the properties, phenomena, and behavior of Mana.

Properties

In its natural state, Mana is substanceless and therefore lacks mass, charge, or any notable physical properties. As such, it is normally considered to be aetheric, the name given to the intangible state that Mana naturally occurs in. In small quantities, Mana is invisible to the naked eye. It gains its distinctive, blueish coloration when there is a high concentration of the aether in one location, comparable to the behavior of a gas.

Structure

Quantification

Because it is actually comprised of smaller particles and is not an immaterial force, Mana can be measured and quantified. The basic unit to measure an amount of Mana is called a syel, a Phantasian term derived from the Xharic word "sëlxen", for "essence."

The Principle of Equivalence in Mana states that, no matter the type of process the aether is involved in, the absolute potential of the Magical Function will be directly proportional to the amount of Mana used as a fuel. Due to this principle, the unit serves a dual purpose when quantifying Mana as it enables Manalogists to effectively measure the potential aetheric energy derived from Magic.

While a single syel represents the absolutely minimum amount of Mana that a Magical Function can involve, the exact value of a potent of Mana is estimated to be approximately 2.3 attosyels (2.3 * 10-18 syels).

Behavior

Mana is intangible, and is unbound by the physical rules that govern beings within the Manaverse. Mana is instead considered to be a part of the "metaphysical world," and thus follows a set of metaphysical laws rather than physical ones.

Studies on the behavior of Mana have shown that the aether is actually sentient. Its nature is to harmonize with both the environment and the universe. Consequently, Mana can be compared to an organism whose sole purpose is to propagate itself throughout the universe, conditioning either itself or its surroundings to achieve an ideal level of "harmony" between both. This behavior is what allows Mana to facilitate the creation of new worlds, and later, the creation and evolution of life within them.

Mana Cycle

By actively seeking harmony, Mana establishes cyclical behaviors with nature to varying degrees, establishing what is commonly referred to as a Mana Cycle. A Mana Cycle is a blanket term describing any cyclical system established by or involving Mana. This can vary greatly in scope from an individual level to a planetary level (or greater). Establishing these cyclical processes is a function within Mana itself.

When referring to an individual's Mana Cycle, it refers to the cycle between the soul and Mana. The process is comparable to breathing, except on a spiritual level rather than a physical one. Mana is naturally drawn into an entity's Spiritual Body as a result of the soul's influence being exerted over psions in potents of Mana in the air. This influence is very subtle, and is sufficient for establishing a "working" flow of Mana throughout the Spiritual Body to preserve the soul. This Mana is stored into the entity's Mana Circuits in order to accumulate a small pool of the aether for more efficient access. As such, the term may also be used in reference to the rate at which an individual's body is replenishing Mana.

Much like breathing, it is possible for an individual to have a degree of control over their own Mana Cycle. Individuals who are skilled in doing so, through practice, are capable of lessening or strengthening the rate of Mana replenishment of their bodies for a limited amount of time.

At a greater scope, the Mana Cycle refers to the cyclical systems of all Mana in the universe. These systems are all functionally congruent, but are considered to be versions of one another with various levels of focus. For example, one could be referring to the flow of Mana over a particular region, or the flow of Mana between planets. In the latter example, planetary cores act as 'nodes' of ingoing and outgoing Mana, facilitating supply of Mana throughout the world. A node in this context refers to [...].

Use in Magic

Main Article: Magiology

Mana is the predominant power source of magic and magical processes in the Manaverse. The power derived from the decay of Mana particles is used to transform a part or parts of the fabric of reality, resulting in small-scale alterations of reality.

Elemental Mana

Mana can become elementalized (elementally "charged" or "shifted") because the aether experiences what is classified as a "perfect resonance" with the Elemental Spectrum. Mana accepts all Elemental Wavelengths, and even extraspectral ones. The aether's perfect resonance with the Spectrum stems from its nature as a harmonizing force. The potent of a Mana particle allows it to accept elemental influence and become elementalized.

It is not uncommon to find Elemental Mana in nature, especially in locations with high elemental "influence," or activity. For example, it would be expected due to active exposure to particular Elemental Wavelengths to find a high quantity of Fireshifted Mana in a volcanic area.

Crystallized Mana

In certain environmental conditions, Mana can condense and crystallize. These crystallized instances of Mana are very efficient in storing the energy, although their capacity and efficiency depends on the composition and structure of the crystal. The composition of a Mana crystal is dependent on environmental parameters such as elemental presence or the type of the biome, as well as the density of Mana in the atmosphere.

Lore

Related Articles

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