Alchemy

Alchemy - An Overview
The art of Alchemy has been refined and studied over the course of at least the past two centuries. Development first emerged during the period right after Shesha’s emergence, as Humans and Talamh intermingled deep beneath the earth in the shattered halls of the Low Kingdom. While the Laore preferred to focus on the development of raw arcana, Alchemy has remained a continually chaotic pseudo-science, not to be practiced by the faint of heart or clumsy of hand. The art of alchemy operates off of a unique blend of magical and mundane principles. Although few physicians rely solely upon alchemy to cure their patients, many can and do use some alchemical concoctions for various cures and remedies.

The basis of alchemy lies within the alchemist’s distillery, also known as a brewing stand to those who are not well-versed in alchemical science. Within this distillery, the alchemist may insert up to three vials at a time. At the top of the distillery is a basin, under which lies a small spot for a candle to be lit in order to heat the coils feeding the basin into the vials. The basin is where the alchemist is to deposit their potion ingredients so that they may be imbued into the concoction.

Once boiled and distilled, the base materials are disposed of- as they then lack any alchemical properties or further use- and the remaining liquid serves as finalized tinctures or ingredients for further potions, salves, and other such concoctions.

Base Ingredients
Crimson Fungi (Nether Wart) - A fungus commonly found in Korindor’s depths, Crimson Fungi seems to have no effect when held or ingested raw, however, when heated to approximately a boil whilst inside a distillery, it can imbue a vial of purified water with an effect that allows other ingredients to properly combine into a concoction of the alchemists choice. This resulting concoction is commonly known as an ‘Awkward Potion’ as it does not have any effects at all unless combined with other ingredients.

Refined Ruby Powder (Redstone Dust) - A powder that is obtained by crushing and milling down raw rubies, Refined Ruby power is incredibly useful for creating other concoctions. Quite similar to the effects of Crimson Fungi, Refined Ruby Powder when boiled into a distillery and deposited into vials of purified water results in a ‘Mundane Potion’, a concoction that may be used as a base and allows other ingredients to properly stabilize inside a concoction.

Refined Korindorian Glow Powder (Glowstone Dust) - A powder siphoned from the glowing powder that is deposited onto the ceilings of Korindor by the native glowworms. When mulled and placed into a boiling distillery, the Glow Powder causes purified water to coagulate within the vial, allowing other ingredients to be added in a stabilized state. This resulting concoction is commonly known as a ‘Thick Potion’

Fermented Spider Eye - Harvested from the eye of any medium-to-large arachnid in Omnia (though especially the subterranean spinners in Korindor) then placed in a jar to ferment for a minimum of three months. Fermented Spider eyes have an interesting effect on purified water, causing it to become ‘Corrupt’ in nature. Corrupt potions have the opposite effect of what was intended. It is advised not to apply fermented spider eyes to your distillery, as the effect is volatile and almost always causes a negative effect to the alchemist.

Sulphur (Gunpowder) - Collected from deep within the world, Sulphur when combined with a concoction results in that potion becoming combustible. When thrown at the ground the Sulphur combines with the alchemical ingredients, causing the potion to explode and the effect spreading to a small area. This resulting potion is named a ‘Splash Potion’ and are to be handled with care.

Refined Rose Quartz Powder (Dragon’s Breath) - Harvested from Rose Quartz within the ground, when crushed and mulled the resulting powder can be added to a concoction in order to give it a ‘Lingering’ effect. This effect results in the potions effects lasting longer, however this also makes the potion more volatile and adds a small amount of risk when it comes to a potion's negative effect on the user.

Secondary Ingredients
Sugar of Lead (Sugar) - Sugar, when added to a base potion can act as a pseudo-adrenaline rush for those who ingest it. It has been discovered to increase the heart rate and prevent muscle fatigue for a short amount of time. However, these should be used sparingly, as continued drinking of these potions causes nausea and vertigo in the user.

Rabbit’s Foot - Harvested from chopping the foot off of a rabbit, when boiled down and combined with a base potion it causes the user to have an increased ability to jump. This is caused by the muscles becoming more limber and creating a mucous coating around the knee joints that wears down shortly after ingesting the potion. It is advised to not ingest too many of these potions within quick succession, as overdosing on this concoction causes the user to lose all feeling in their legs for a short while.

Glistering Melon Slice - Melons pickled within a jar of shaved gold and citrus become glistening, these melons when distilled into a base potion give the user the sensation of instantly healing them of ailments to an extent. It causes the pain of a bruise to dissipate, as well as healing headaches or the sensation of heartburn. This is, however, simply a neurological effect and the pain is not actually healed physically. It is not recommended to have too many of these potions within quick succession, as overdose includes the temporary loss of consciousness and may also induce nausea.

Spider's Eye - Harvested from the eye of any medium-to-large sized arachnid creature (Most commonly found within the depths of Korindor). These eyes, when boiled down and distilled into a base potion, cause a nearly instant effect of poison. Those who ingest this potion are overcome with nausea, vertigo, and a sharp pain to the stomach. It is not recommended to drink this concoction at all due to these adverse effects.

Aquadotoxin (Pufferfish) - Harvested by removing and preserving the liver in a jar of saltwater for at least a week. When boiled down and siphoned through a distillery the organ will imbue the potion with the ability to hold their breath longer than normally possible. This is achieved by the potion causing the users heart rate to slow dramatically and also reduce blood flow to the limbs. It is *highly* suggested not to overdose on this potion, as the side effects include pins and needles in the limbs, loss of consciousness, or death.

Fool’s Phoenix Sac (Magma Cream) - Harvested by removing the small membrane of a Fool’s Phoenix Egg sac, when boiled down and distilled into a base potion this concoction can be lathered onto the user to protect them from flames and heat for a short period of time. This magnesium rich concoction burns off quickly, and it is not recommended to be used for any period longer than a few moments. Prolonged exposure to this substance may cause itching, burning, and pustules to appear on the skin of the user.

Golden Carrot - Similar to the Glistering Melon, the Golden Carrot is created by pickling a carrot in a solution of gold shavings and milk for at least a week. When boiled down and distilled into a base potion, this concoction enhances the natural sight of the user tenfold and allows them to see in pitch darkness. The main drawback of this potion is causing tunnel vision, and if overdosed on it will cause temporary blindness in the user.

Alchemical Nitre (Blaze Powder) - This ingredient is acquired by boiling the blood of a riftmaw at a high temperature until only this powdery substance remains. When distilled into a base potion, this substance will cause an intense adrenaline rush in the user. This feeling causes the muscles in the user to constrict and bulge, though it can also cause intense confusion. Overdose of this potion causes the user’s muscles to cramp up intensely. Another side effect of overdose includes a blood-rush to the brain resulting in a loss of consciousness.

Selenite Drops (Ghast Tear) - Created by superheating and then instantly cooling a piece of selenite, the Tear-Drop shaped crystal can then be crushed up and diluted into a base potion to assist in healing of minor wounds. This effect speeds up the process of which blood clots, as well as prevents bruising. It does not heal the wound fully, though it will prevent any further blood loss or damage caused by the wound. This includes preventing the spread of infection and also eases the effects of heart attacks. It is extremely common to overdose on this substance, and the effects of said overdose include blood clotting to the point of death, cutting off blood flow to the limbs (which will cause them to need to be amputated).

Leuricore Chiton (Turtle Shell) - Harvested by scraping off small amounts of Chitin from a Leuricore, this substance can then be mulled and diluted into a base potion in order to slow down the user. This is useful in those who have trouble sleeping, or can be used to slow an enemy. It is not a common concoction to be used, as it is easy to accidentally slow bodily functions to a point where the heart simply stops beating. If chest compressions are applied directly after the heart stops, the affected may survive, although this has never actually had any reported successes.

Philosophers' Wool (Phantom Membrane) - When a metallic substance known as Zinc is burnt it produces white wooly tufts that can then be deposited into a base potion to ease the effects of falling from great heights. This effect is extremely unpredictable, as it works similarly to the Rabbits Foot where it creates a mucous layer around the knees of those who ingest it. However, the unpredictability of this concoction comes from the fact that you are unable to tell how *thick* this mucous layer is, making it extremely likely that the user jumps from a height that is too high and instantly shatters the bones in their legs. Overdose of this potion includes loss of feeling in the legs.

Uncommon Alchemy
Otherwise known as Kitchen Witchcraft, Swamp Thaumaturgy, & Suspicious Stews, this subsect of Alchemy is much less regulated and more prone to disaster than the other types. The effects of any concoctions produced via these methods are also unpredictable.

Suspicious Stew is a colloquial name for the concoctions and home-remedies of common healers. These tinctures are made by combining common mushrooms with wildflowers. These stews, unfortunately, are not only salty, but bitter, causing those who wish to ingest it the need to force it down without smelling it in order to not vomit.

Garlic Flowers (Allium) - Pain receptor inhibitor. Myth and legend says these flowers made one immune to the influence and attacks of demons, fae, and other such creatures.

Swamp Root (Azure Bluet) - Creates methanol, otherwise known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, when distilled, which can damage the optic nerve and even kill you in high concentrations.

Blue Orchids & Dandelions - Fortifies the inside layer of the stomach and slows the metabolic rate of the body. This allows for food to last slightly longer inside the user and is common in those looking to lose weight. This is unfortunately just a placebo effect and has no real influence on the body.

Ephedra (Cornflower) - Used by warrior castes among the Farren, Nomani, and Heith for ages due to the extreme adrenaline boost. The effects are quite potent, though the crash has made even the strongest of fighters bedridden for days.

Lily of the Valley - Toxic in high doses, a common poison used by would-be assassins.

Oxeye Daisy - Used for centuries by the Laore as a panacea, though many suspect the placebo effect at best.

Opium Poppy (Poppy)- Opium Poppy sap, dried and milled before being added to the concoction. Used medicinally as an anesthetic, though the effects on the mind and vision can be quite jarring.

Tulips - While not quite as toxic as lilies, they’re sure to make you feel sick.

Trinitaria (Wither Rose) - A cytotoxic plant with incredibly harmful properties, therefor a far more expensive poison than the far more common Lily of the Valley.

Overdosing
For one to overdose on any form of Alchemical Concoction, the person in question must ingest two or more of these potions of the same type within a three hour period. Three hours or more allows the body to properly digest the ingredients and ensures any lingering effects are out of your system. It is recommended to also urinate during this time to ensure no amount of the potion remains.

The effects of an overdose last anywhere between an hour to a week, unless the resulting side effect is death. This timeframe is random but the timeframe tends to get longer and longer depending on how much of the potion one has ingested.