Mana matrices are round crystals that house magic. The grow with in the bodies of certain species of monsters found with in the wilds of Trivium. They range in color and size, but are typically smooth with some exceptions. Normally they are found in the torso close to the creature's heart. They will grow larger as it's owner does. Naturally the size of crystal is depend on the size of the monster. The purity of the crystal is also depended on the monster's breed.

Each mana matrix carries a certain type of magic, depending what species of monster. They will allow the monster to use magic without incantation or mentally formulating a spell. It could be for direct attack such as lightning aura, or it could be support magic, such as magical reinforcement. A monster with high speed recovery most likely has a matrix suited for healing magic. In some cases the matrix allows for rare magic that can't normally be duplicated with spells.

The crystals are prized for use in magic wands, enchanted weapons, and other magical items. They imbue the item with their brand of magic. A wand with a flame affinity mana matrix is best used for fire based spells. It's possible to use it for other schools of magic, but it would be less energy efficient. Still there are crystals that aren't strongly connected to one type of magic and can be used for a broader range of spells.

While a mana matrix is able to store mana it is unable to generate it on it's own. In the wild it takes energy from the monster's mana pool and once harvested it will take it from it's user's mana pool. Should they lack a mana pool of sufficient size then it will be forced to used it's charge. Should it's charge be exhausted it will unable to activate again until it's supply is replenished by an outside source.

Even a broken mana matrix has uses. Shards can still be implanted into an item. Sometimes the crystal is ground into a powder, which could be added to an alloy while being smelted or mixed in with a potion. A few skilled alchemists may even be able to synthesize a new type of crystal by mixing two or more compatible shards.

Normally a mana matrix would grant a monster an advantage and increase their odds of survival. They are often more dangerous and harder to kill then monsters that lack them. However the value of the matrix has proven to be detrimental to their life expectancy. They are highly sot after by adventurers as a means of income. Generally the more dangerous a monster is the higher price their matrix will fetch. This has led to certain species being driven from an area or even to extinction. Still as the larger the crystal is the more valuable it is even poachers will allow younger monsters to escape.

Breeding monsters is infrequently coast effective. Some kingdoms have put limits on how many monsters can be hunted and some areas have been fenced off to allow them to proliferate. This includes underground dungeons were they could be kept out of the way of daily life.

In some cases keeping the monster alive is more profitable then harvesting their matrix. The crystal found inside of a hard singer, a magical breed of scorpion only a few inches long at most, is no bigger then a pea. As they are not overly aggressive and eat very little they can be kept in glass cases and milked for their venom.

Dragons also have their own version of a mana matrix. They are generally of a higher quality then their monster counterparts. They are also able to generate their own magic. They are normally too large to be placed into a weapon, but they are used for the construction of mana generators. Still as full fledged dragons are sentient the crystals are normally taken from drakes. While wyverns are considered members of the dragon family, they lack a mana matrix.

Monsters and dragons aren't the only source of magical crystals, as they can also form naturally underground. However they don't normally have strong affinities and are not considered mana matrices.