Alchemy in Naruta
Jul 22, 2008 23:27:22 GMT -5
Post by hisdivineshadow on Jul 22, 2008 23:27:22 GMT -5
What is Alchemy?
Alchemy is a process of refining and combining existing materials to create entirely new substances. Alchemists often begin by experimenting with whatever materials are on hand, and gradually identify the unique properties of each substance. As their understanding increases, they can actively plan what sort of properties they want to create, and combine the right materials to achieve that goal.
Origins of Alchemy
Many of the practices of alchemy have existed since the founding of Naruta's separate nations, when early healers first learned how to mix certain herbs to create medicine. The experimental process used by modern alchemists, however, only began with the work of Fire Elder Sulpher, around the year 560. Sulpher had been Leader of Naurorod for years, until being challenged and defeated, at which point he left the desert and went into self-imposed exile in Ilyamen.
Sulpher was inspired by the appearance of new elemental types (the Beasts and Storms), and reasoned that mundane elements could be combined to form new materials in similar manner. By trial and error, he was able to create new forms of medicine, alloys, and building materials. He kept detailed journals of his experiments, many of which were passed down to others, who studied his methods and were able to duplicate his results.
Petty rivalry and jealousy divided Sulpher's students, and they separated, carrying their knowledge with them to the four corners of the continent. In the centuries since, students of alchemy have learned from these traditions, and devised new methods of their own.
Alchemy Today
Very few alchemists pursue its study full-time; most have a regular occupation to which they apply their skill with alchemy. The possible applications are endless, but most alchemists find themselves gravitating toward the crafts of medicine and smithing.
Use of Signs in Alchemy
Alchemy is practiced by people all over Naruta, and those with different elemental signs have found many ways to apply them in their studies. There are even certain formulae that will only work with the use of a particular Sign.
Organization
Ever since the death of Sulpher and the breakup of his students, alchemists have worked in a mainly solitary fashion. An experienced alchemist may have one or two students, or even colleagues that they share notes with, but by and large fears of having their research stolen by rivals have made them a secretive lot. There is currently no guild or organization for alchemists at large, though some settlements may have small associations of alchemists who cooperate to share resources.
Alchemy is a process of refining and combining existing materials to create entirely new substances. Alchemists often begin by experimenting with whatever materials are on hand, and gradually identify the unique properties of each substance. As their understanding increases, they can actively plan what sort of properties they want to create, and combine the right materials to achieve that goal.
Origins of Alchemy
Many of the practices of alchemy have existed since the founding of Naruta's separate nations, when early healers first learned how to mix certain herbs to create medicine. The experimental process used by modern alchemists, however, only began with the work of Fire Elder Sulpher, around the year 560. Sulpher had been Leader of Naurorod for years, until being challenged and defeated, at which point he left the desert and went into self-imposed exile in Ilyamen.
Sulpher was inspired by the appearance of new elemental types (the Beasts and Storms), and reasoned that mundane elements could be combined to form new materials in similar manner. By trial and error, he was able to create new forms of medicine, alloys, and building materials. He kept detailed journals of his experiments, many of which were passed down to others, who studied his methods and were able to duplicate his results.
Petty rivalry and jealousy divided Sulpher's students, and they separated, carrying their knowledge with them to the four corners of the continent. In the centuries since, students of alchemy have learned from these traditions, and devised new methods of their own.
Alchemy Today
Very few alchemists pursue its study full-time; most have a regular occupation to which they apply their skill with alchemy. The possible applications are endless, but most alchemists find themselves gravitating toward the crafts of medicine and smithing.
- Medical Alchemy -- The origins of alchemy lay in medicine, and to this day many alchemists work primarily with healing herbs and elixirs. More advanced students of alchemic medicine learn to break down medicinal herbs into their component chemicals, allowing them to create elixirs with the desired healing properties, but without some of the unpleasant side effects. Alchemical solutions can also extend the lifespan of stored healing water, allowing greater quantities to be stockpiled for future use.
- Mineral Alchemy -- Many smiths use basic alchemy to augment the metals they work with, combining different minerals to form a stronger or more pliable alloy. The process is often long and difficult, but can result in craftsmanship of unparalleled quality.
- Culinary Alchemy -- While it may seem strange at first, there are great similarities between alchemical formulae and recipes used for preparing food. Many alchemists work as cooks and caterers, purifying and mixing different spices, salts, and oils to create new flavors that enhance their food's appeal.
- Other Careers -- Alchemists can be found at work in any number of fields. For construction, alchemy can create building materials that are stronger and lighter than traditional stone and wood. Perfumists experiment with all manner of chemical combinations to find new and attractive scents. Explorers use salves created with alchemy that can repel pests or predators. Assassins concoct new forms of poison with which to slay their victims, making it harder to create an antidote. Alchemists may be few in numbers, but they find a remarkable diversity in their work.
- "Pure" Alchemy -- For those few with the resources to support such a pastime, alchemy can be a full-time endeavor. Without another career to focus their efforts on, these individuals experiment with anything and everything, studying alchemy for its own sake and often making surprising discoveries.
Use of Signs in Alchemy
Alchemy is practiced by people all over Naruta, and those with different elemental signs have found many ways to apply them in their studies. There are even certain formulae that will only work with the use of a particular Sign.
- Fire -- Heat is a necessary element in many alchemical reactions, so Fires have an immediate advantage in their ability to control a mixture's temperature.
- Water -- Alchemists with a Water sign can manipulate the substances in a liquid solution, fine-tuning the density and solvency of chemicals. Waters are also, of course, the only ones able to produce healing water, the main ingredient in most elixirs.
- Earth -- Those with Plant affinity are naturally gifted toward growing herbs which may be used in alchemical elixirs as well as poisons. Soil-affinity Earths are often smiths, using their talents to precisely control the combination of metals in an alloy.
- Wind -- Wind types are able to control the flow of gases, allowing them to perform alchemy with vapors and airborne chemicals that other alchemists are unable to use.
- Storm -- While it has not yet been fully studied, it is known that applying electricity to many substances can cause spontaneous changes in the material. The lightning powers of Storm signs (and their shocker lizard companions) are the only known source of controlled electricity in Naruta.
- Ice -- While Fires have an advantage for mixtures that require heat, Ice types have the ability to work with chemicals at extremely low temperature, often triggering changes that are impossible with warmer substances.
- Beast and Mind signs have no known application to alchemy, but that doesn't mean there aren't alchemists among those groups. Minds especially seem drawn to the intellectual pursuits of alchemy.
Organization
Ever since the death of Sulpher and the breakup of his students, alchemists have worked in a mainly solitary fashion. An experienced alchemist may have one or two students, or even colleagues that they share notes with, but by and large fears of having their research stolen by rivals have made them a secretive lot. There is currently no guild or organization for alchemists at large, though some settlements may have small associations of alchemists who cooperate to share resources.