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How to write Mana into a Magic System
Mana is the main power source for most magic out there, but what is it?
Well my fellow scholars, I want to answer this question and show how I think it should/could be used in a magic system.
What is Mana
Wikipedia defines it as:
“Mana is the spiritual life force energy or healing power that permeates the universe, in the culture of the Melanesians and Polynesians. Anyone or thing can have Mana. It is a cultivation or possession of energy and power, rather than being a source of power. It is an intentional force.”
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as:
“The power of the elemental forces of nature embodied in an object or person.”
There are more definitions which state the origin of the word Mana, and it’s use but let’s stick with these two.
From what I’ve seen in “fiction” Mana would be closer to the first definition except the part that it’s not a source of power.
In many worlds, Mana is a source of power that exists everywhere and in everything. In some worlds, to use magic you need to use your inner Mana and the outer Mana in sync.
Others consider the Mana in the universe to be raw and unusable so it’s refined using alchemy or the body.
It’s somewhat like a second Life force but more mystical in nature. Sometimes Mana is also used with life force to power up a spell.
Mana also needs either imagination and/or a chant in spells.
Finally, there are unique depictions like Mana being a living force with free will or a poison.
Nothing much more to add when it comes to general Mana depictions.
How to use it in Magic System
Generally, Mana is not given any thought in magic systems besides it being an energy source for spells. This doesn’t count unique depictions which make the concept of Mana more interesting. Those are not the norm but you can make something unique too.
To help with making Mana more interesting in your story, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is Mana normal or foreign?
