Energy Nexus
The Energy Nexus, when first designed, was relatively difficult for one to get one's hands upon. They were rarely created, and difficult to obtain. In addition, most of the ones that could be obtained were low in storage (low for Idoaclesian standards) holding a maximum of 250 energy. By spending 100 energy, you could increase the capacity of an energy nexus by 1 point. This was an inefficient and terrible system for advancing the Nexus. Late in Idoaclesian dreams, the designs were modified, and the pattern introduced to the City -- to the point that each Dreamer would begin their time in the City with a "Void Nexus" (the improved design) which varied in capacity based upon one's sphere. The item could not be given or dropped, and required a special art to draw the energy out of it -- A Prime Artifact could not access its energy without it being drawn via the art first.
The Energy Nexus served as an extra storage device of energy for Idoaclesian dreamers, instead of a Prime Artifact. Since energy was effectively treated as currency, this was a dreamer's wallet. But the energy could also be used for a number of Energy-based Arts, which would augment the powers of Talisman; such as Realign, changing the focus of a chakram or elemen to that of your own focus. There were also Reinforce Shield and Fortify Shield, which would increase the durability and absorption percentage of a shield by 1 point respectively. These arts, among others, made energy a valuable commodity, and the ability to have a large quantity on your person was invaluable. An Energy Nexus, however, could not be drained.
The Dreamers of the Idoaclesian city did not value essences or energy in the way that Lyran Dreamers appear to. An Energy Nexus was simply a wallet in which to store the currency of the City of Dreams. It did not matter what one did with that energy, aside from the norm of how one spends one's money. After the introduction of these devices to our City, mercenary work became more common, as did the creation of merchant-like enterprises, and auctions.
