Alchemist

"Thank you, sir, for your kindness!" Lady Vespeth tool the packet from the halfling man quickly when he pushed it across the table. The tavern was full of music but still they kept their voices low.
"Just remember what I said, mix it with tea and have your daughter drink it all down. She musn't leave a drop. Now, pay for your drink at the bar and leave my fee there."
"I don't know how to thank you, doctor." She stood, ready to rush and embrace him. He held his cup aloft and between them.
"Thank me by forgetting my face and mentioning this to no-one."

Alchemy has long been the equalizer for those not giften by the divine or skilled in the mystic arts. It created unguents, elixirs, and potions available to all that mimic powers beyond those of most. As Emperor Tzarjan restricted access to magical universities, hunted down aberrant sorcerers, and closed down heretical churches, he also outlawed alchemists. Now it is a deadly profession to practice in the Holy Ardian Empire, but that just makes it all the more sought after. And many believe the Emperor keeps his own alchemists on staff.
The closing of churches in the Empire has created a lack of healers, and so alchemists are primarily sought out for their healing skills. People's dreams of survival far outway any dreams of turning lead into gold or more prosaic philosophies regarding spiritual ascendance and purity. They look to alchemists to cure sickness, help crops, provide strength or stamina just to finish labour, and occasionaly simply provide an escape from the reality of live in the Empire. The alchemists provide such things in an effort to help their fellow beings or, perhaps, simply because they can and they can charge a lot for doing so. After all, the penalties for heresy in the Empire are very definitive.

Type

Arcane