"It's... The framework of magic. If you are a shaper, which I assumed you are because usually only shapers can safely withstand any significant body modification, you can see the layer of magic over the world, and change it from useless fog into structures of sorts, and then use those structures to do magic. Magic powers most of the economy. People fly heavy loads on roads, artificial light and heat grows our crops, and so on."

"Oh, magic costs. Making structures weakens your strength and coordination temporarily, on the order of a couple of hours only. Viewing - or listening to - the stream takes away your physical senses for a proportionate time. Actually using magic dampens the emotions, or hurts if you do too much. Does any of that sound familiar?"