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 creatures 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. W hatever 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 ever so slightly improve the task of infusing. They refer to this discovery as "Aspects" or "Pivots". These Aspects have yet to be recognized by the scientific sphere as a whole, but they are slowly being accepted. Pivots may become something of great significance, but to the average Mana Caster it currently doesn't make enough of a difference to matter in the day-to-day, but it could impact circles of Mana Casters dedicated to specific, repetitive tasks.

If it comes to be that these Pivots actually carry more weight in Mana Casting than they are currently being credited with, 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 could be.

This would 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. Invardia's recent vertical expansions could increase exponentially as Mana Casters seek out ideal circumstances for their infusions. Bustling cities would one day form where these Mana Casters gather, but as of yet, these changes have yet to be considered of such significance to the average Mana Caster.

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 more Mana than their Mana Pools can take, causing them to transform physically, mentally, and psychically, gaining new traits such as additional limbs, hair, antlers, etc. as well as new abilities. Some notable Mana Deities include the White Lady and Farluscira.

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 major currency across a variety of different cultures. It was measured into containers and exchanged for goods based on a number measurements, namely weight and volume. Manatite had also been used a currency, though its difficulty to produce with consistent quality and to transport about proved too much of a hastle for most people. Other currencies with more standardized processes would continuously be used across Vanquera, though none came close to overcoming the universal nature of Mana. Later, Mana would be used in the Invardium Bit, a currency of tiny cubes that adjacently connect together. Mana is still used as a universal currency, though most places do not use it as their primary currency.