ANOTHER good post on essence, etc. in the general forum here:
https://forums.elementalgame.com/383086
...but being self-serving didn't want my idea lost 
More exceptional ideas in this thread. Want to throw out a concept that hatched based on all the threads I've read, linking Essence and Crystal Shards to bring about that Epic feel for Elemental: War of Magic. First, a few points that have to be bought in to for this to fly.
ESSENCE
- Essence is a UNIQUE and DISTINGUISHING Resource where only a few world characters possess this chacteristic. It provides EPIC abilities (that can only be used sparingly due to its rarity) and whose use results in obvious tactical/strategic outcomes.
- Essence would likely be DE-LINKED from all other character attributes (e.g. Wisdom, INT, etc.). It could initially be a small fixed amount based upon... (?- see shards below).
SHARDS
- Elemental Shards (Fire, Ice, etc.) are unique STRATEGIC locales, potential resources of the utmost importance, that are the ONLY locations that generate Essence; they also generate the Shard's unique potential (e.g. "fire.").
- Possession of a shard provides that shard's Essence source and that shard's unique potential.
- Just as Essence has rare abilities linked to its use, so too is the acquisition of Essence from other than shards a rare event (e.g. major quest, small % upon level up, etc.)
It is my thought by LINKING Essence and Elemental shards you provide a unique game mechanic whereby there is a reason to have an ELEMENTAL WAR of MAGIC. In fact, I would submit another game victory condition could be control of all world shards by one Sovereign ends the game. Further, many interesting game mechanics (without new "features") such as controlling shards reduces the Essence of other Sovereigns, Shards become a strategic strongpoint worth fighting for, etc. could be implemented.
I could elaborate on this basic concept but won't unless asked 
