Mana and use of magic

Mana is that which defines a mage. It is potential that dwells within a person but does not always manifest itself. All men are connected to the Fade; they go there to dream but only those with mana potential may draw upon its power. Mana is, then, a measurement of one's ability to draw power from the Fade, and it is this power that is expended in magic.

As in all other things, it has limits. Just as a man has the strength to lift only so much weight and no more, a mage cannot work more magic at one time than his mana allows. If he wishes to work magic that would be beyond his strength, a mage must bolster his mana with lyrium. Without lyrium, it is possible for the reckless to expend their own life-force in the working of magic, and occasionally, ambitious apprentices injure or even kill themselves by over-exertion.

Each mage's mana differs, to the extent where one mage may perform a spell that another will require lyrium for (to bolster their power). Also, some spells and specialisations are beyond some mages because their basic mana potential is not great enough to wield these difficult magics. Arcane Warrior, Spirit Healer and Shapeshifting are three such types, along with Necromancy and Blood Magic.