Overview
Alchemy is the practice and study of combining unique elemental infused ingredients to create a magical concoction. These magical concoctions are known as Alchemical Items and come in many forms of use. From the common drinkable Potions to the weakening effects of Oils. These items are especially unique due to their innate nature to being crafted by any person who learns the art. In the Realm of Liminalis LARP, Alchemist's focus their skills and techniques into molding the magical essences of their ingredients into potent Alchemical Items.
Alchemy 101: The Basics
The fundamental rule to Alchemy is, follow the FORMULA. The formula is the known process by which Alchemists combine their ingredients in a particular manner to craft Alchemical Items. Let's take a look at the formula and the components that make up the equation.
Base + Reagent(s) + Binder = Alchemical Item
The components that are used in the formula will dictate the item created. Many formulas already exist in the world and are shared amongst Alchemists. As such, those Formula lists are catalogued by the experience of the crafter and only crafted by such individuals with the required expertise. The ranking of those lists are known as Apprentice, Journeyman, Master formula lists.
Let's dive into each of the components that make up the Formula.
BASES
A Base in the formula determines the TYPE of Alchemical Item that will be produced. There are four types of items in alchemy that can be crafted. Each type is dictated by a particular Base Ingredient. The Base ingredient starts the process of the alchemical reaction called Nigredo, a stage of creation starting from the void/the beginning.
Aqua as a Base creates Potions. Alcohest as a Base creates Elixirs
Tallow as a Base creates Oils. Salt as a Base creates Fumes.
Potions: alchemical items that are quick to use and provide an immediate effect when imbibed
Elixirs: alchemical items that are quick to use but provide a long-lasting effect when taken
Oils: alchemical items that are applied to weaponry and grant the user an effect when the weapon hits an intended target.
Fumes: alchemical items that are activated and create a smoke/miasma effect screening the battlefield applying its toxin or poison effect
Using an alchemical item will be further explained in a later section
REAGENTS
Reagents are the significant component of the formula. This component contains the required/desired effect of an alchemical item. The Reagents are what grant the crafted items their unique effects/powers through a process of purification and integration known as Albedo. As such Alchemist's devote time and energy into studying these categories of Reagents. Learning to handle, prepare and mix the ingredients properly into the formula requires time and dedication.
NOTE: While all Alchemists are trained and proficient with Bases and Binders, they are not automatically proficient with all Reagents. As an Alchemist becomes more experienced in their craft, they will be able to work with more Reagents over time. For more information, please see the Alchemist Skill Tree.
Reagent Categories
Five categories of Reagents exist in the world as a reflection of the four elements and the void between them. Within each category of Reagents there are three known ingredients that are utilized in the art of alchemy. As an alchemist you will need to be proficient in a category or multiple categories to be able to craft a particular alchemical item using specific Reagents, as required by formulas.
Aether Reagents: Mana/Spiritual state. Reagents belonging to this category are known for their arcane connection to the gods and are heavily sought after by mages and the like. Used in many concoctions that revitalize the soul and spirit, uplifting or empowering their magic/arcane skills. (Mana/MP total/Ritual Fatigue)
Known ingredients in this category: Ghostmint, Wraithsilk, and Starlight Glass
Quicksilver Reagents: Physical/Body State. Reagents that fall into this category represent the durability and strength that comes with the element of stone. Warriors and Knights alike seek to imbibe from a concoction that can strengthen their muscles into steel fibers. Physical attributes easily enhanced. (Prowess/HP total/Stamina)
Known ingredients in this category: Silverleaf, Elemental Heart, and Liquid Argentum
Res Bina Reagents: Restoration/Balanced State. Adaptive and fluid, the Reagent best known for its elemental connection to water. Acting as a bridge between the spirit and the body, Res Bina is known for balancing the two halves of one whole and returning the whole to its natural state. Thus, its restorative property is vastly sought after by all known persons venturing through danger. (HP recovery/Staunch bleeding/Injury recovery)
Known ingredients in this category: Sunpetal, Beast Liver, Frostfire Shard
Sulfur Reagents: Cure-alls/Mind state. The fiery Reagent, equally known for its burning tinctures that boils/destroys poisons from the body. Painful but effective. Many individuals can benefit from the timely use of a sulfur-infused potion to combat many known poisons/traumas encountered throughout Tellus. (Antidotes)
Known ingredients in this category: Salamander Root, Foulshrub Pulp, Pyre Ash
Vitriol Reagents: Entropy/Degeneration/Broken State. Opposite or inverted. Concoctions utilizing this Reagent are known for breaking down the elements that reside within the other categories. A useful property when untangling a rather volatile concoction. Typically, its corrosive and destructive properties are best utilized in weapon oils for hunting deadly predators or Fumes to inflict widespread damage. (Damage/Debuff)
Known ingredients in this category: Doomblossom, Bloodless Ichor, Honey Salt
BINDERS
The last component in the formula is known as the Binder, without it an alchemical item will not fuse properly and deteriorate. The Binder links/glues the three components in a process known as Rubedo. Employing the use of the four original Elemental Essences: Air, Earth, Fire, Water as the Binder the ingredients then go through the final process completing the formula. Listed below are the four Elemental Essence Categorization and their respective Binder Essence ingredient.
Air: Skydust Earth: Prime Geode Fire: Magma Sap Water: Silver Flux
Example of Alchemical Formula
You are now familiar with the components of an Alchemical Item and the formula used to make them. Let's take a look at a formal Formula.
VEIL DRAUGHT, LESSER
Type: Potion Rank: Apprentice
Ingredients
Base: 1x Aqua Reagent(s): 1x Ghostmint Binder: 1x Skydust
Effects---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When consumed, recover ONE (1) point of Mana to your Mana pool
Making the above potion requires an Alchemist to already be proficient in crafting Apprentice level items (provided by the first level in the Alchemist Skill Tree), as well as proficient in utilizing the Aether Reagents category which is what Ghostmint falls under. You must collect and use all three of the listed components of the formula to craft the item, and in this case a Potion.
Making a more complex Alchemical item will require a few extra steps to verify. Here is a different item.
ZETAR'S MIGHT
Type: Elixir (OV2) Rank: Journeyman
Ingredients
Base: 2x Alcohest Reagent(s): 1x Elemental Heart, 1x Beast's Liver Binder: 2x Prime Geodes
Effects-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When consumed, increase your Base Prowess Pool by TWO (2) for the day
This particular alchemical formula produces an elixir. Elixirs as we know provide a lasting buff with a timer attached to the effect of the item. The difficulty in crafting this item is a little more advanced. An Alchemist will have to be invested even more so into their skill, making their way to the second level of the Alchemist Skill Tree to be able to craft Journeyman items. An Alchemist making this Elixir must also be proficient in the use of Quicksilver Reagents, which is what Elemental Hearts fall under.
Let's take a peek at a Master Formula.
VILE FUMES OF THE ICHOR (VILE FUME)
Type: Fume Rank: Master
Ingredients
Base: 3x Salt Reagent(s): 1x Honey Salt, 1x Bloodless Ichor, 1x Doomblossom Binder: 3x Prime Geodes
Effects-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CAUTION: SPECIAL ITEM USE)
When the item is activated and tossed. The smoke screen will inflict WEAKNESS on anyone within twenty feet (20ft.) of it.
An experienced Alchemist Master is needed to craft this particular formula, as well as being proficient in Vitriol Reagents. If they meet these requirements and possess the nine ingredients in the formula, they will be able to craft the item.