Spheres (and other geometric solids) are often used to help focus the flows of mana at a mana site
An Auric Horizon mana sphere

Definition

A mana site represents a location where flows of magic are particularly strong. A practised individual can use solutions of rare salts placed strategically throughout the area to cause mana crystals to form. The flows of magic tend to move as they ebb and flow so the methods used to catch them must be continuously adjusted. Many different methods of measuring or focusing the natural flows of magic are used, the most common being mirrors, geometric solids, lenses, and objects such as windchimes whose movements can be interpreted to determine any adjustments that need to be made.

Production

A mana site produces 7 mana crystals.

Downtime Options

A mana site produces mana automatically. For a time it was possible to obtain additional crystals from a mana site by using the rare alchemical product known as the White Seed. This material was only available from the Principalities of Jarm, and with the collapse of relations between the two nations it is no longer available.

Upgrades

A mana site can be upgraded using mithril obtained from the Bourse. The first time a mana site is upgraded, the owner receives one additional mana crystals from then on, the second time a mana site is upgraded, the owner receives two additional mana crystals. Production increases continue to alternate in this way every time the mana site is upgraded.

To upgrade a mana site requires Imperial wains of mithril equal to the level the mana site is being upgraded to. So the first upgrade of a starting level 1 mana site costs 2 Imperial wains of mithril, from 2 to 3 costs 3 Imperial wains, etc.

Diversification

A mana site cannot be diversified.

Rituals

The table below shows a list of the rituals in both Imperial lore and Urizen lore which can affect the production of a mana site.

Ritual Effect Realm Magnitude
Carve the Crystal Guardian Functions as a military unit with 100 extra strength if supporting an army Day 20
Lions of Phoenix Reach Functions as a military unit with 100 extra strength if supporting an army Summer 24
Fountain's Bounty(1) Produces 7 drams of random herbs, 4 random measures, and 36 rings over the next season Spring 12
Woven Strands of Life(1) Functions as a herb garden and produces 14 drams of random herbs over the next season Spring 14
Mirror of Perfection(1) Uses ilium to permanently upgrade the mana site Night 30
Like Water Through Your Fingers Reduces production by three quarters for a year Autumn 30
Icy Maw Devours the Spark of Essence(2) Reduces production by a half over the next season Winter 15

  1. This ritual is in Urizen lore
  2. This curse affects an entire territory