When people say ‘anima’, they typically mean the Power of Anima. Anima doesn’t hold still when it’s left unbonded to something physical. It dissipates very quickly. Certain creatures, such as a person, have enough power of anima tied to themselves that it can be seen for a few seconds when they die before it seeps into the world. It is white, liquid-like, and slightly cool to the touch. When a person dies, their individual/personal aspect of their soul immediately leaves. Any power from their soul is left as a puddle on the ground, which eventually seeps and goes away. The more power they had, the longer it takes to seep into the ground. Anyone, if quick enough, can touch the anima pool and use their will to absorb that power into themselves.

Once anima has been picked up, it is held within your soul until you ‘will’ it somewhere. Through this function is how anima can be used for trade. Magic items, even rulership or titles, can be bought with anima instead of gold. Anima is highly desired, especially by those who are seeking more power.

Because Anima is a pure form of energy, it can be used to substitute any spell component instead of needing the specific objects normally required. Anima used in this way is always consumed, even if the spell states that its normal component would not be consumed.

If you have determined that you don’t want to trade your anima or keep it stored for spell components, the other option is to Weld it to yourself. In order to Weld anima, it requires a group of people who have been trained and know how to perform the technique. On Shakai, these people are the Charities faction. Anima that is welded increases your power, in the form of additional XP.

See this table for the cost of anima in regards to its possible functions.