As with the other Magickal arts, Alchemy (referred to in its forms as Theurgy and Thaumaturgy) is the study and manipulation of the True Fae in all things. Known to many as ‘The Science’, Alchemy is about transmutation and manipulation.
Where mage Magick is the direct manipulation of the Fae through sheer force of will, and priest Magick is the manipulation of outside Fae forces by faith and hope, Alchemy is the manipulation of True Fae inherent within objects through almost scientific means. How to trigger a Fae reaction is studied, recorded, processed and repeated endlessly until the actual nature of Fae, what it is, where it comes from and what forms contain what Fae, is fully understood.
Alchemy practised in its truest form requires an unlimited supply of patience and the willingness to accept mistakes. Whilst a mage can alter the Fae currents, or faith can re-direct it, Alchemists use their subtle abilities to alter the fundamental ‘triggers’ of Fae within an item to cause its very substance to become ‘Magickal’. And discovering this trigger can take years - but it is worth it.
In order to cast Alchemy you must posses either Thaumateurgy or Theurgy
As with the other Arts, alchemy is kept separate and cannot replace spellcards from other Arts. A character with Thaumaturgy cannot learn Greater Magick in another Art, just as if Thaumaturgy were a Greater spellcasting ability, and visa versa.
How to Cast an Alchemical Spell
In order to cast a spell, gain spell effects or otherwise involve yourself with Alchemy, the basics of rituals and spellcasting must be learnt. Alchemical spellcasting is like performing a ritual, and things other than spell effects can be achieved with Alchemy.
Power Drain
When a ref calls ‘Power Drain’ they will state a value. You must equal or exceed this value in points in order to continue will the spell. Cards already ripped are lost.
ALCHEMICAL LAWS
When using alchemy, it is best to have an Alchemical aim in mind - but also to know how this effect is achieved. Alchemy relies on Mind, Body and Spirit - and these in turn form the Three Universal Laws - fundamental laws that apply to Fae everywhere. In real world terms, they can be thought of as the equivalent of scientific laws - the Conservation of Energy, the Theory of Gravity etc.
When casting an Alchemical spell at least one of these Laws must be vocalised and used. Your Alchemical spells are more likely to succeed when more Laws are applied to the casting.
THE LAW OF SYMPATHY - Body - The Corporeal
The law of Sympathy says that like attracts to like. For example, a finding spell (known simply as a ‘fetch’) to find a person might require a tooth, a nail, some hair or even some blood.
THE LAW OF EMPATHY - Spirit - The Ethereal
The law of Empathy states that all things are equal, that one thing cannot spontaneously occur without affecting something else. It states that no energy, matter or even Fae presence in the universe is infinite, and that it can never be created nor destroyed - it can only be transformed.
THE LAW OF ENTROPY - Mind - The Mental
The Law of Entropy states that all things fall apart - that the centre cannot hold. It is an accepted truth everywhere one looks that things eventually decay and crumble. It is this law that aids the Alchemist to understand the time stream. This is also possibly the most dangerous Law, as it can also be used to destroy if need be.
The Three Laws can be simplified thus: ‘To Obtain, Something Of Equal Value Must First Be Lost’.
How Alchemy is Marked
The first thing you should understand is that Alchemy is not designed for combat. Though it can be used in combat, Alchemy is primary more like a multi-tool or Swiss Army knife. It is a facility and a means to an end, not the end in itself as with the Arts. Alchemy is marked there and then by your IC referee and will be given as a form of effect. It must be noted that no Alchemy lasts forever - it is short and fades very quickly, even to the point where it will reverse itself all together.
Your Alchemy is based on three important things, here is order of importance:
If you note, the vocals come last. If your ingredients and right, your tools right and the power right, even if your vocals are wrong the spell will still be correct - the referees might even give you a bonus. The vocals are not the complete sense of the spell, but rather act as a guideline for the things you can do and what the outcome will be. Sometimes the referees might have to stick exactly to your wording simply because it is easier for them than explaining everything from scratch - other times your wording might be the key to your understanding of the fundamentals of Alchemy and the Fae.
Think of it like this:
