Chemists Guild
After a bitter schism, defectors from the Alchemists Table formed the "Prochemists Table" in order to pursue the science their own way. Though difficult to explain in layman's terms, the split comes down to whether magical resonance or geometric perfection is the basis of whether two elements can be stable in combination. The Alchemists refuse to use or recognize the full name of their counterparts, and as theirs is the more established and respected guild, have generally succeeded in ensuring that the Prochemists are referred to by the shortened name, and as the more utilitarian "guild," rather than the more scholarly "table."
Career
Qualifications
The Prochemists place a high value on innate intelligence, and applicants must pass a gauntlet of tests including academic exams (for which most applicants have no means to prepare) and a variety of puzzles.
Career Progression
Prochemists consider themselves "eternal scholars," and generally remain permanently in academia in some form or another. Those with the means to support themselves may do nothing at all but pontificate on the marvels of chemistry and divine geometry. More practical sorts (particularly those wanting to supplement a meager stipend from the guild or their university) may sell the results of their studies--though a chemist's cures are often viewed with suspicion, there are also those who will take nothing else and those who will try anything for relief.
Payment & Reimbursement
The Chemist's Table is chronically underfunded, often "floating" payments until an independently wealthy member replenishes the coffers. In fact, the joke at many universities is that the Chemists' only payment will be to boost your enrollment and use up supplies the Alchemists rejected.
Perception
Social Status
Though the Alchemists have mostly retained their high status to the Prochemists' detriment, the highly regarded Mason's Quarry quietly supports their work, mostly by commissioning tests and research on building materials. Though the Alchemists are generally able to attain better results on medicinal compounds, which have greater market appeal, the Prochemists are proving quite capable at formulating metals, concrete, plaster, and other "inert" compounds. Additionally, they are far more willing to sell their recipes, both so their members can move on to new studies, and for the much-needed funding.
Demographics
The Prochemists Guild attracts a good mix of applicants who want to feel superior by placing themselves in opposition to the more well-established and arcane Alchemists, those with a peculiar attraction to geometry as a concept, and those who (perhaps mistakenly) assume that prochemistry is more practical than alchemy.
Operations
Dangers & Hazards
Numerous, including explosions, poisonous by-products, and insufficient funding.
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