Weave Channel

Like the Mana Pool, the Weave Channel does not hold a physical presence within the body, despite being referred to as an "organ". Instead, it exists as an ethereal entity connected to its host entity in the same way that a ghost or spirit may be possessing a body. The Weave Channel, again like the Mana Pool, is formed from "cells" of concentrated Dunamis (Dunamocytes) that have achieved a stable form through as yet unknown means. Some Scholars theorise that Material Genetics may well be involved in the formation of Dunamocytes, but current research into the matter has proven inconclusive. These "cells" are ethereal in nature, but act as a form of containment in the same manner that biological cells do, allowing Mana to flow through the Weave Channel in the same manner that it does through the Mana Vessels.

The Weave Channel, being made of Dunamis, cannot be seen by the naked eye, nor is it detectable by Detect Magic spells, which only view magical effects. Instead, the Weave Channel must be viewed by Enhanced Truesight, or by the use of specialist spells which are only available to those of certain Vocational Paths.

When viewed in this manner, the Weave Channel appears as a single darker spot upon the Mana Pool, usually located above or as close to the heart as it can be in the chest area, and coloured faintly depending on the type of Dunamis the caster uses. For Arcana, as an example, the spot shows with a bluish hue, as that is the colour of purified Arcane Weave. Sylvana, on the other hand, will show as a faintly green hue. The absence of a coloured area denotes the absence of a Weave Channel.

Structure and Function

The Weave Channel is considered the last permanent structure within the Dunamic System, and is connected to the Mana Pool via the Dunathric Sphincter. It is generally thought to be a vaguely cup-shaped organ of around one inch long and across that connects to the Dunathric Sphincter at the rounded "closed" end. The open end of the Weave Channel is where Mana collects when the Sphincter is opened, which subsequently activates the Weave Channel's abilities.

When the Weave Channel is activated, it initiates a cycle of Dunamangiopoiesis (Mana Vessel Formation) and Dunamangiolysis (Mana Vessel Breakdown) of a series of vessels known as the Exdunathric System (Spellcasting Vessels). These vessels form through the body and direct the Mana to the focal or release point of the spell; this can be. for example, the fingertips if the spellcaster is channeling a ranged spell, or to another body part if the spell is meant to enhance certain abilities. The Spellcasting Vessels are not a permanent feature of the Mana System; it is believed that this is a form of fail-safe meant to prevent accidental backflow and subsequent overload of the Mana System, as well as a means to prevent excessive Dunamostaxis (Mana Leakage).

Theories of Connection to the Material Body

It is not fully understood how the Weave Channel, or indeed the entirety of the Mana System, is connected to the Material body, but has been suggested that some creatures may have genetic markers that act as anchor points for the various parts of the Mana System. These anchors theoretically have a function similar to Gates to the Ethereal Plane, stabilising and locking Dunamis into a specified shape to facilitate the transport and purification of Dunamis, though they have also been likened to the anchors that keep certain types of Ethereal Undead locked to the Material Plane. Those born without the genetic markers required to anchor a Weave Channel will therefore not develop one, even if the rest of the System is present.

Presence Within Entities

Any Sapient creature has the potential to be born with a Weave Channel, and Magical Beasts are known to be in possession of one as well. Additionally, the majority of Celestials, Fey, Elementals, and Fiends are in possession of one, as are some Monsters. It is not known how these non-Mortal entities develop them, but is often theorised to be linked to their inherently magical natures and environments.

Amongst the Undead, a Weave Channel may be present if the creature possessed one in life, though they are unable to utilise them unless they are a form of Higher Undead.

Possible Conditions and Issues

Weave Channels can develop a condition called Exdunathricytosis (Spellcasting Vessel Abnormality), where the Dunamocytes of the Exdunathric System fail to properly cycle through the Breakdown stage, leaving the Spellcasting Vessels present when they should not be. While not life-threatening on its own, Exdunathricytosis can lead to additional complications, such as Postvesical Dunamostaxis (Mana Leakage from the Postvesical Sphincter side of the Mana Pool), which can then lead to Hypodunamia (Mana Depletion).

Additionally, Weave Channels are susceptible to Anti-Magic effects, which prevent the proper formation of the Exdunathric System and dissipate outflowing Mana, though the Weave Channel itself is not dispelled. They can also suffer from Dunamopausal (Mana-Inhibiting) Conditions that directly target the Weave Channel or Postvesical Sphincter, and Postvesical Dunamic Embolisms (Mana Blockages after the Mana Pool).