Nono

Nono is a form of energy and "magic" that can be seen throughout the Little Tail Bronx universe, primarily Solatorobo & Fuga: Melodies of Steel.

Basic information

Nono is an energy that permeates the entire world and allows for the casting of spells. Density varies, and anyone sensitive to Nono (almost exclusively Felineko) can sense this and use the Nono in the atmosphere along with some in their own body to cast spells.

There are a variety of things needed to cast a spell, involving patterns drawn on paper or their own bodies with special ink, chants, and mediums such as crystal staves. Some casters can ignore most of these requirements, known ones being the Inheritors of the Medallion whose special paints are replaced with symbols that glow on their forehead. Some Felinekos have exhibited the ability to conjure spells with chants alone.

Oshilasama, a religion mostly populated by Felineko, is centered around the use of Nono.

Procedures for Casting Spells

For the typical spellcaster, specific conditions must be met in order to cast magic effeciently:

1. Prepare a tag with a pattern painted onto it & use specialized paints to draw patterns on the caster's body
2. If the spell is activated correctly, the patterns on the body will glow
3. An imitation of the Juno pattern appears in the air

Loss of Ability

Different people have different amounts and quality of Nono, but the Nono inherent in one's body is limited and can never be replenished. After they have used up all this "activation Nono" (over the course of many years, likely a decade under normal circumstances), they are no longer capable of using spells as they have no way to start the spell no matter how much Nono there is in the atmosphere. This won't remove the ability to sense it but they are from that point permanently incapable of casting spells, causing spellcasters to have fairly short careers.

Truth About Magic

In reality, magic doesn't exist, at least not as presented. Nono is not a mystical energy but is actually nanomachines in the atmosphere. Spells, rather than magical miracles as thought by the people in the world, are simply programs executed using the nanomachines. Activating a spell uses up a bit of Nono in the users body to start the program, then the rest is drawn from the atmosphere, and the nanomachines carry out the command.

Gallery

• 
  The intricate body paint seen on some Nono spellcasters

Trivia

• The nature of how Nono is inherit to select individuals and being a finite power is seemingly inspired by the Topless ability seen in Gainax's Diebuster. Those who are Topless have an inherit ability of using mental powers to control their mechas and will see their powers diminish with age. The Topless ability is focused on one's forehead, much like how a Paladin's Nono is often portrayed.