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Magic points (MP), mind power, or mana, are units of magical power that are used in many role-playing games (RPGs). A character in such games will usually have a number of magic points based on his or her level and character class among other things. Thus a mage will have more MP than a fighter and an experienced mage will have more MP than a novice.
When a character uses a magic spell, a number of MP will be deducted from that character's available MP to pay for the spell (more powerful spells generally cost more MP). If a character has too few MP, the spell cannot be cast. This system makes players choose between casting a few powerful spells, or many weaker ones.
In some games, MP is replenished slowly over time, while in others a character must rest to recover MP. Other possibilities including using items such as 'ether' or 'osmosing' (stealing or absorbing) them from enemies (or other player characters).
In some games, the term MP is not used, but a similar term such as TP (technical points), PP (Power or Psynergy Points), SP (Spell Points), or mana will be used instead.
"Mana" has been used in numerous role-playing games and computer role-playing games (e.g., GURPS and Diablo series), trading card games (Magic: The Gathering), MUDs and MMORPGs (EverQuest), and strategy games (Populous, StarCraft and Warcraft series).
In computer role-playing games, the magic points gauge is usually depicted as being blue, in contrast with the red of the HP (Hit Points) gauge. These colors might be seen in the user interface and in the game's items or spells (for example, red potion for healing, blue potion for restoring mana).
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