Mana is a term that describes magic which has condensed into a physical substance, typically a crystal but occassionally a liquid or some other rarefied form. It is chiefly used by enchanters to fuel lasting enchantments laid on magical items, with potent or long-lasting enchantments requiring larger, more concentrated mana.
Formation
Mana occurs naturally in areas of strong magic, such as on a ley line, near a gateway, or in a partially imbricated location. It is possible to establish the appropriate conditions through spells, allowing enterprising tradesmen to manufacture mana artificially. Whether it is harvested in the wild or cultivated under controlled conditions, however, mana formation is a time-consuming process, with the largest and choicest crystals taking months to form.
In recent years, it has been discovered that mana grows more heavily on or near the verge, suggesting that the Void itself is a realm with magical qualities. This has prompted brave and foolish entrepreneurs to risk the maddening effects of the hollow wind in search of mana and the riches it can bring, a high-stakes gamble sometimes referred to as "mana madness." Some have even gone so far as to attempt mining off the side of a shard. And while the deposits of mana growing there are said to be considerable, such expeditions almost universally end in disaster.
Properties
Mana can be recognized from similar substances because it glows faintly and tingles to the touch. Depending on the conditions of its formation, it may become infused, giving it a distinct coloration. Mana grown in a graveyard, for example, may be deep purple or black, while mana grown deep under ground may have a brown or metallic coloration. The underlying nature of the mana itself is irrelevant, as the process of enchanting strips it of any contaminating influences, but some specialized works of magic may require mana with a specific infusion.