Virs is the name used to describe the energy that infuses the
nyvere and which is used to power all magic within the nyvere.
Usage
The process of using virs can vary, but for most beings, it is done intrinsically and without any thought. Beings and objects are able to channel the virs in the environment around them in order to fuel the magic being performed. When channeled, virs in the surrounding area is pulled into the channeler before being consumed. A being or object in an area devoid of virs would be unable to channel the needed energy in order to perform any form of magic.
Nodes
Virs permeates all planes through connections to an extra-planar source referred to by scholars as the wellspring. The connection points to the wellspring that are scattered throughout each plane are referred to as nodes. These nodes are immaterial containers that can store a large amount of virs and are replenished via their connection to the wellspring. Each node supplies the area in a rough 100 mile radius around it with virs. The most common way virs is channeled throughout the nyvere is via node tapping. The process of tapping a node is as intrinsic as it is to use virs, as many users of virs are unaware of the existence of nodes.
Dormant Nodes
Nodes naturally replenish any used virs via their connection to the wellspring. However, if a node were to lose its connection to the wellspring it would be unable to replenish any used virs. A node that has lost its connection to the wellspring is referred to as a dormant node. Once all of the remaining virs in a dormant node is used up, the area covered by that node is considered devoid of virs, causing magic to cease functioning.
Creation
There are two known ways to make a node dormant. The harder, but safer, method involves depleting a node of its virs faster than it can replenish the used virs. When all of the virs is completely drained away, the connection collapses in on itself and the node become dormant. This method is difficult due to the rate at which virs must be consumed in order to exceed the rate at which virs is replenished. Most conventional methods for consuming virs do not come close to surpassing the rate at which it is restored. The more dangerous method for making a node dormant is to flood the node with an excess of virs. When the area of the node becomes supersaturated with virs, the virs begins to flow backwards through the connection to the wellspring. This reverse of flow puts strain on the connection to the point where it is destroyed, and the excess virs implodes on itself. The implosion of virs can cause many effects in the area, including but not limited to surging through anything tapping the node to forming
kharthite.
Restoration
A dormant node can have its connection to the wellspring restored through external intervention. With enough virs brought in and the right knowledge a caster can restore the connection between the node and the wellspring.
Destabilized Nodes
Most nodes exist in a stable state, meaning that if left alone an excess of virs would not build up within the node. Certain node however, whether through excessive overlap of multiple node or other external effects, can become destabilized. These destabilized nodes pour an excessive amount of virs into their area, causing abnormal warping to the denizens of the area and to the area itself. This warping can take the form of manifestation of psionic or wild magical abilities, mutations, or even the creation of
logeni. Over time any node has the chance to stabilize or destabilize through natural means, although the change is usually quite rare.
Storing Virs
With the proper knowledge and tools it is possible to take virs from a node and store it for later use. While tapping a node, a being can redirect the channeled virs into a storage vessel, usually crafted from a combination of kharthite and metal. Virs stored in this way can be used at any time in place of the virs normally available from the nearest node, or while in the area of a dormant node. While very useful, virs storage is dangerous. Drawing in too much virs at a time can cause severe damage to the channeler, to the point of destroying them. Additionally, destroying a vessel containing a large amount of virs can either destabilize the local node or potentially overflow it to the point of making it dormant.
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