Editing Essence (section)

==General features==

A mystical, metaphysical substance, essence of various varieties is generated by all living things, aside from monsters (who produce [[Mamono Mana|their own type of energy]], distinguished by properties essence lacks). Small amounts are contained in organic foods like meat and plants <ref>MGE1; Concerning Monsters: "''It is also possible for monsters that use spirit as their main source of nourishment to gain nutrients from eating ordinary food, but it is comparatively far less efficient.''"</ref>, but it is intelligent life which produces it in the greatest abundance. [[Angel|Angels]] and elves both have more than humans, which provides them a limited degree of magical protection from [[monsterization]]. When essence is expended, males replenish it naturally from within themselves, while females do the same but less quickly; they can also replenish their reserves by absorbing the energy which is emitted passively by grass, plants, and other living things in the environment. While useful in human lands, this becomes a liability in [[Mamono Realm|mamono realm]]s, where absorbing mamono mana from the surroundings causes monsterization via essence[[Monster Girl Encyclopedia World Guide I: Fallen Maidens#CASE 02: Essence Corrosion .28p84.29| corruption]].

Monsterization of women occurs when so much mamono mana is poured into the victim that her internal essence production ability is extinguished, turning her into a creature of only mamono mana. This is impossible in men [[alp|except for those of very particular psychologies]]; instead, for males, mamono mana in their system spurs essence production. Persistent exposure turns a man into an [[incubus]], a creature of both mamono mana and essence.

Some monster girls, particularly [[akaname]]s and [[beelzebub]]s, love licking men's bodies precisely to get at the essence contained in sweat. But all monsters prefer semen best of all, as the white stuff contains much more essence than any other source.

When they have a husband, monster girls can become so enamored with the taste of his essence that they become addicted to it. Married monster girls also become extremely good at detecting their husband's spirit scent, and can essentially track him down wherever he is. In contrast, the essence of other men becomes so disgusting that it makes them feel like throwing up<ref>[[Monster Girl Encyclopedia World Guide I: Fallen Maidens#Husband's essence|WG1; Husband's essence]]</ref>. For unattached monster girls who eat essence, like [[succubus|succubi]], they can survive on mana contained in normal foods<ref>[[Monster Girl Encyclopedia World Guide I: Fallen Maidens#The other stuff they eat|WG1; The other stuff they eat]]</ref>. There's also [[Essence Supplement]], capable of replenishing mana with higher efficiency than ordinary meals, although the medicine has a reputation of being extremely unappetizing amongst monsters; it's described as being tasteless and disgusting, and married mamono are unable to take it.

Essence, as well as mamono mana, is unique to each individual. It's possible to identify race, and even uniquely identify an individual, by performing a detailed analysis of mana.