Alchemy Information
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Alchemy is an old art, one that combines magic with science, allowing people to create all sorts of concoctions and creations using materials from the world.
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The Art of Magical Transformation
Alchemy, an art so old that its true history isn't fully known.
Alchemy is a complex and vast field of study within the world of Shinseina, often regarded as a form of magical science or chemistry. At its core, alchemy is the practice of mixing and combining magical materials to create a new, finished product that can be consumed or used, most commonly in the form of potions, pills, or other crafted substances.
Those who practice this discipline are known as Alchemists. They often dedicate their entire lives to the mastery of alchemy, slowly expanding their knowledge through experimentation and study, building vast indexes of formulas and results to pull from.
Alchemy revolves around the concept of combining materials to produce a desired result. Alchemists believe that all things in existence are composed of fundamental elements, such as earth, air, fire, and water, as well as the inherent properties of the substances being used.
By properly combining and manipulating these components, alchemists can produce transformational effects: turning one substance into another, crafting potions that grant strength or healing, or even producing effects akin to magical abilities.
Whereas magic in Shinseina often draws on natural talent or intuition, alchemy is entirely learned. It is a methodical art based on trial and error, and many ingredients require treatment or refinement before they are compatible with others. Some materials are wholly incompatible in their natural state and require further manipulation.
Alchemy is typically divided into a number of core stages, each one representing a critical part of the overall transformation. These stages are not merely procedural but also symbolic of change, purification, and enhancement.
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Calcination: The first stage involves heating the base material until it becomes liquid, powder, or ash. This serves as a metaphorical and literal purification step, burning away impurities and revealing the essence within. Some materials may skip this step based on their nature.
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Dissolution: The calcined substance is then dissolved in a liquid. This represents the breaking down of the material into its most basic, workable form, the true start of transformation.
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Separation: This stage focuses on isolating the purified essence from leftover impurities. It is considered one of the more difficult steps, with varying degrees of success based on the materials used. Complete separation is rarely guaranteed.
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Conjunction: Once the essence is isolated, it is recombined with other purified substances. This stage marks the creation of something entirely new, a combination greater than the sum of its parts.
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Fermentation: Here, a catalyst is applied to trigger transformation within the compound. This allows the merged components to settle into their final state, activating their "life force" or latent magical potential.
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Distillation: The final step involves heating the fermented result and capturing the released vapors, which are condensed into a highly purified form. This purified product is often symbolic of mastery, such as the mythical philosopher's stone or elixir of life.
The Way
Alchemy is a key part of the world, its uses and methods deeply ingrained.
Practicing alchemy begins with study. A prospective alchemist must first acquire deep knowledge of magical theory, ingredients, and mixing techniques. This is often learned through schools or mentorship under an experienced practitioner.
Once equipped with the necessary knowledge, an alchemist experiments with different materials and processes. Due to the volatility of unknown combinations, accidents involving explosions, toxicity, or corruption are common without proper safety measures.
For this reason, governments and guilds often regulate alchemy strictly. Some potions and formulas are restricted or outright banned, and those who wish to practice alchemy at a high level must often register or gain approval to do so.
Despite the danger, alchemy thrives on creativity. While standard recipes exist, the field encourages innovation and experimentation, rewarding those who are able to discover new effects through unconventional mixtures.