Alchemy

It is said that magic, be it arcane, divine or eldritch is the most powerful practice in the known world of Vitanova. However, not everyone is so fortunate to be blessed by a god, have a powerful lineage, or willing to make a deal with an unknown and possibly evil entity, but there is another way to achieve power in a similar matter. Alchemy, not to be confused with potioncraft alchemy, is the study of matter and the ways to deconstruct it and reconstruct it to accomplish amazing effects. To become an alchemist one must have a deep understanding of chemistry, alchemical theory and posess the natural aptitude to put these principles into practice. Practitioners of this art are collectively known as "Alchemists" and through this art can manipulate matter in many different ways, be it molding the earth around them, to creating massive swaths of fire or lightning, but there is a limit to this power known as The Law of Equivalent Exchange. In standard practice, Equivalent Exchange is separated into two parts:

The Law of Conservation of Mass

The Law of Conservation of Mass states that energy and matter can neither be created from nothing nor destroyed to the point of elemental nonexistence. In other words, to create an object with the mass of one kilogram, at least one kilogram of material is necessary; destroying an object with the mass of one kilogram would reduce it to a set of parts, the sum of which would have the mass of one kilogram.

The Law of Natural Providence

The Law of Natural Providence states that an object or material made of a particular substance or element can only be transmuted into another object with the same basic makeup and properties of that initial material. In other words, an object or material made mostly of water can only be transmuted into another object with the attributes of water. When this law is not obeyed one can experience the alchemical accident known as "Rebound" where one side of the equation will erupt in unpredictable and sometimes catastrophic ways which can often cause serious injury or death.

Complexity

Transmutation Circle

In order to begin an alchemical transmutation, a symbol called a Transmutation Circle is necessary. A Transmutation Circle can either be drawn on the spot when a transmutation is necessary (in chalk, pencil, ink, paint, thread, blood or even traced in dirt) or permanently etched or inscribed beforehand, but without it, transmutation is generally impossible. All Transmutation Circles are made up of two parts: The circle itself is a conduit which focuses and dictates the flow of power, tapping into the energies that already exist within the earth and matter. It represents the cyclical flow of the world's energies and phenomena and turns that power to manipulable ends.Inside the circle are specific alchemical runes. These runes vary widely based on ancient alchemical studies, texts, and experimentation, but correspond to a different form of energy, allowing the energy that is focused within the circle to be released in the way most conducive to the alchemist's desired effect. In basic alchemy, these runes will often take the form of triangles (which, when positioned differently, can represent the elements of either water, earth, fire or air), but will often be composed of varying polygons built from different triangles.

Transmutation Array

A Transmutation Array is similar to a transmutation circle in that it is used to circulate the energy used in a transmutation. However, unlike a transmutation circle, the runes are not confined to the circumference of the circle and may use the circle only as a small aspect of their function. In some instances, a transmutation array may not even be a circle at all, using different concepts to bring about the circulation or release of the energies involved. Transmutation arrays are often found as full body tattoos on alchemists due to the shape of the human body. It is also possible that the non-cyclical nature of transmutation arrays amplifies the 'destruction' stage of alchemy which is why its primary use is by alchemists who wish to specialize in the offensive uses of alchemy as this type of alchemy can be devastating to the flesh.

Utility

The Powers of Alchemy

With Alchemy one can at its simplest take one matter and transmute it into another such as taking water and turning it into ice or a bunch of ice and the using that ice to launch it at opponents. This also comes in many forms such as taking the very air around an alchemist and making massive swaths of fire or even manipulating electricity in various manners. These powers can be incredibly destructive but also have uses in mundane life such as art or more pratcially healing. Medical Alchemy is often used in the brewing of potions, but often enters the realm of Potioncraft as the ingredients in such potions are often magical in nature. Finally there is a fact most alchemists dont like to admit, but it is said when the powers of magic and alchemy mix they are both at their peak and work off each other to create effects so powerful they can manipulate the very fabric of reality and "transmute" it into whatever the user wishes, but this level of power has never been reached.

Mortal Transmutation

There is one taboo among alchemists however, not to desimilar to Necromancy among arcane users the practice of human transmutation has been considered by many alchemists to be able to make one immortal by using the mortal soul in their alchemical equation. The problem with human transmutation is in the flow of energy in the world the mortal soul is priceless and thus nothing can be given that is equal thus attempts at human transmutation are met with destructive rebounds. With that being said mortal transmutation isnt entirely impossible as it has been recorded in the past that one can create something known as a Homunculus or simply an artifical person. These Homunculus are created using Alchemical artifacts known as Philosophers Stones which are sought after by both Transmutation wizards and Alchemists alike due to the massive amount of energy that is contained within them that can be harnessed by both Arcanists and Alchemists. These Homunculus once created posess many super human abilities and are able to harness the massive amount of energy within them to produce effects similar to alchemy and to heal themselves, but this energy is finite and can be overtaxed. Finally the last form of mortal transmutation comes in binding ones soul to inanimate objects similar to the magical act of soul binding. This act will bind the targets soul allowing them to inhabit the object, most often a suit of armor, and control it and even communicate. This is through a special alchemical rune which has to specifically be drawn in blood and it is believed that this process can only be done effectively with metal objects especially iron. There is also a caveat to this as eventually the two will reject eachother and the soul will be shunted out of the armor.

Social Impact

Alchemy has given those who lacked the natural aptitude towards magic a way to not only compete but surpass some casters. This has spawned somewhat of a rivalry between the two kinds and both sides endlessly argue which has the capability to accomplish there goals, but the simple truth is on its own magic is far and above the superior answer to most problems, but when magic enhances alchemy it becomes one of the most powerful forces the world has ever known.