Essence

Essence is in the very beginning of all things. So small that it cannot be seen, it is the very foundation of creation. Although not sentient, essence is difficult to corral to specific locations simply by the product of how it attracts and forms into things. This means that, although in the universe it is seemingly infinite, it is impossible for a mortal, or even a God, to contain it, and so the essence in Ayn is finite by nature of its near impossibility to collect more. The Entities have formed a sort of net with the Realm of Light at the top, the Realm of Dark at the bottom, and the Realm of Shadows between them. Here, any essence is redirected back to Ayn for it to naturally re-purpose itself, as opposed to simply escaping into the void of the universe.
It can be so finicky that it will even travel between the physical world and the spiritual world, able to form consciousness, souls, and the physical form. Essence, however, does not degrade and is, in a sense, eternal. An example would be that if essence forms a humanoid body, when that body dies the essence will go on to feed the plants if buried, or float into the air if cremated. The essence in that soul would float in the spirit world and seek to form another existence.
Perhaps the most interesting use of Essence is in magic, specifically Arcane magic. While divine magic (Clerics, Paladins) comes from deities, Arcane magic (Wizards, Sorcerers) come from manipulation of essence, or simply referred to as magic. What wielders of this supposed magic do not know is that they are using essence to form fireballs, cones of cold, or to create portals to summon their companions. That said, even the most impressive magician can only scratch the surface of how to use essence.

Properties

Origin & Source

Essence is the very start of it all.

Life & Expiration

Essence does not expire.

History & Usage

Reusability & Recycling

The longer Essence maintains a certain form, the longer it takes for it to break out of that structure into its raw 'state'. For the essence in the spiritual world, many things can also 'weigh' essence. Examples of this are guilt and regret weighing down the essence of the soul or love and fulfillment uplifting it.
Because of this, both the Realm of Light and Realm of Dark are designed to help recycle the essence. A soul burdened with guilt may need flagellation to feel truly atoned for their sins, while a soul so bursting with joy may need a home to ease the elation until it's finally done and ready to move on. At which point the essence leaves the soul and seeks a new beginning.

Type

Metaphysical

Rarity

It is both the most common and least attainable object on the planet.

Odor

Odorless

Taste

Tasteless