Mana is an elusive and invasive elemental resource that manifests throughout Volkerra, appearing as root-like formations of glowing crystal. It is widely considered a blight upon the land due to its detrimental effects on native wildlife, commonly referred to as beasts, causing erratic and aggressive behaviour. In an effort to cure the land of its affliction, Matoran harvest mana and trade its processed form to sustain their society on Volkerra. Exactly how or why it's generated is unknown, but it's believed to have been manifesting on Volkerra for centuries.

Detection & Harvesting

Matoran, and all other forms of Matoran, are uniquely equipped to detect mana, using their dormant elemental powers as a compass towards its elusive deposits. Why exactly there is a link between these dormant powers and the elemental properties of mana is as yet unknown, but it is known to manifest between those of corresponding elements. 

The biome in which mana is found determines the elements it corresponds to, with deposits comprising no fewer than two elements, and three being the average. Some exceedingly rare and potent formations may contain many more. Elements found within the same deposit generally share innate similarities; for example, Stone, Earth, and Iron commonly occur together. Air and Plantlife likewise form a paired combination and are never found separately.

Once harvested and sealed within specialised zamor spheres, mana’s harmful influence on wildlife is eliminated almost immediately.

Harvesting & Processing

All harvested mana is transported to Volka Nui for processing. There, its elemental properties manifest physically, determining the form of fuel it becomes once fully refined. This fuel is sold to settlements across Spherus Magna, sustaining Volka Nui’s society and funding the Matoran’s continued efforts on Volkerra. While this trade has made Volkerra a comparatively wealthy location, it has also attracted unwanted attention from external forces, such as the Mekro-Guard.