Mana is the power to affect the world. It can be used to create, control transform and destroy. As an entity uses mana, the entity gets attuned to the shape that the mana takes. It becomes easier for an entity to use mana in the shapes that it is attuned to.
Mana flows, pools and fountains within the dimensions. It is what powers the gates and stabilizes the rifts. Mana must be channelled into the gates for it to be used.
Different types of matter have different amounts of mana capacity and conductivity. If too much mana is stored or transferred through matter it will burn and be destroyed.