The Full Story
How to use magick
How does it work?
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How to use it in Magic SystemGenerally, 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?• Is Mana found through harvesting ore or is it all around?• How does Mana interact with the body or mind?• How does Mana affect the environment?• How does Mana affect the Economy? Is it sold? If it’s a force how does it affect someone’s normal life?Some of these questions I might go deeper on in future posts, for now, food for thought.Transferring ManaA unique aspect of Mana and magic, in general, is the way it's transferred to another person.With other sources of power, you will the energy into another person but with Mana you can….give the other person your blood or baby powder.Of course, the second option is done only to have spice scenes, but it’s actually a common way to transfer Mana in many stories. Heck, in some universes it, along with breast milk, is a source of life energy.For the blood part, it’s even more widespread. Even in universes that you wouldn’t think of. It comes in the form of sacrificing health to restore someone’s Mana.Health=Life Force, blood is another way to depict life force.So looking at it that way, it all makes.Mana RestorationThe 3 main ways to restore Mana besides transfer is by; Mediation, drawing it from the air (Mana regain in video games), or by Mana Potions.
Mana
In Melanesian and Polynesian cultures, mana is a supernatural force that permeates the universe.[1] Anyone or anything can have mana. They believed it to be a cultivation or possession of energy and power, rather than being a source of power.[1] It is an intentional force.[1]
Mana has been discussed mostly in relation to cultures of Polynesia, but also of Melanesia, notably the Solomon Islands[2][3] and Vanuatu.[4][5][6][7][8]
In the 19th century, scholars compared mana to similar concepts such as the orenda of the Iroquois Indians and theorized that mana was a universal phenomenon that explained the origin of religions.[1]
Etymology
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The reconstructed Proto-Oceanic word *mana is thought to have referred to "powerful forces of nature such as thunder and storm winds" rather than supernatural power.[9] As the Oceanic-speaking peoples spread eastward, the word started to refer instead to unseen supernatural powers.[9]
Polynesian culture
Mana is a foundation of Polynesian theology, a spiritual quality with a supernatural origin and a sacred, impersonal force. To have mana implies influence, authority, and efficacy: the ability to perform in a given situation. The quality of mana is not limited to individuals; peoples, governments, places, and inanimate objects may also possess mana, and its possessors are accorded respect. Mana protects its protector and they depend on each other for growth, both positive and negative. It depends on the person where he takes his mana.[citation needed]
In Polynesia, mana was traditionally seen as a "transcendent power that blesses" that can "express itself directly" through various ways, but most often shows itself through the speech, movement, or traditional ritual of a "prophet, priest, or king."[10]
