Alchemy

Alchemy is a metaphysical and magical process in which mundane physical materials or objects are altered through supernatural or extradimensional forces. Unlike conventional chemistry or nuclear science, which alter matter at the molecular or atomic level, alchemy functions on a fourth-dimensional plane, reshaping the essential and metaphysical properties of materials. Across the Continuum Universes, the practice of alchemy is regarded with reverence, fear, or disgust—often all at once.

While some advanced civilizations may confuse alchemical outcomes with scientific phenomena, **True Alchemy** involves powers derived from beyond the Mortal Plane, often linked to Magic, Universal Law, or even the Yonder Realm.

Nature and Definition

Alchemy is not merely the science of potions or the art of mysticism—it is the use of Magic to fundamentally change the fabric of matter. Alchemy can affect matter on an extradimensional level, sometimes drawing power from alternate universes, Elemental Realms, or divine sources. By its definition, Alchemy is magical, though not all magic is alchemical.

Alchemy vs. Magic vs. Technology

Magic involves manipulation of reality via mystical forces.
Alchemy is the magical transmutation of materials, distinct in its precise and process-oriented nature.
Technology operates through natural laws; nuclear, quantum, or chemical technologies lack the metaphysical force needed to achieve true alchemical results.

True Alchemy

True Alchemy is the manipulation of matter using extradimensional or extrauniversal power. It is rarely practiced and often feared. Civilizations across the Multiverse consider True Alchemy to be heretical, dangerous, or forbidden. In many cases, the process is incompletely understood and therefore vilified.

In Galaxa, the Balorian Witches use a form of Bio-Alchemy to create a substance called Igazi, synthesized by enhancing blood with Teleka. This process is used in rituals to extend life, augment beings, or transmute materials, though it leads to long-term degradation of the user. In Lethurèa, True Alchemy is practiced only by the Malisik and Sebuuk, who utilize forbidden elemental sources from Gozog'nok, the Lethurèan Hell.

Classifications and Schools of Alchemy

Alchemy is diverse in both its methods and applications. Various schools and traditions have emerged across the multiverse.

Bio-Alchemy

Involves the use of organic components—blood, semen, sap, organs, bones—harvested from living or dead creatures. Common in Galaxa and forbidden in most cultures, its practice can produce abominable creations or healing miracles.

Transmutation

The magical alteration of one substance into another. Classic examples include turning lead to gold, or transforming fetuses into entirely new species. Unlike nuclear transmutation, this process alters the metaphysical essence of the material.

Alchemistry (Potion Making)

Also called “Alchemistry,” this school focuses on the precise combination of alchemical substances into potions, salves, and consumables. Requires careful measurement, timing, and symbolic ritual.

Elemental Synthesis

A rare and dangerous practice that fuses physical substances with elemental forces such as flame, frost, lightning, or void energy. Often practiced in volcanic forges, storm altars, or hellish environments.

Soul-Forging

A forbidden art wherein alchemical tools are used to bind, alter, or fracture souls. This is often conflated with necromancy or divine law violations and may result in spiritual damnation.

Notable Universes and Practices

Kaos

In the Kaos Universe, Alchemy is a sacred art granted only to the chosen of the Osorians. It is powered by lay lines and their intersections—nexuses—which produce the mystical energy called Malarios. Malarian children born at these nexuses wield immense magical ability. Figures like Old Theribus the Elder and High Sorceress Ileona Seturis exemplify this universe’s reverence for Alchemy.

Rah

Alchemical fluids are used to reanimate the dead. The spirits do not return, but their corpses are repurposed as servants or guardians. These reanimations degrade over time, as the alchemical charge dissipates.

Galaxa

Bio-Alchemy is outlawed in most civilized species. The Talonian consider the Balorian use of Igazi vulgar. It is legal to use alchemical products, but not to create them.

Kosmos

Witchcraft once allowed the creation of Cockatrices from chicken eggs and other dark feats. Due to fear, many witches were executed, and the art is now nearly lost.

Aerenda

Home to the Alchemists Guild (Aerenda), which standardizes the study and safe use of alchemy. This guild promotes innovation and education rather than fear.

Cultural Taboos

Alchemical practices, especially involving blood or souls, are shunned or outlawed in many universes. In Kosmos, fear of witches led to purges. In Galaxa, forbidden techniques can result in exile or execution. Despite this, alchemically-altered products are often accepted or sought-after.

Notable Artifacts and Failures

A Balorian witch altered a Bantikor egg, producing a monstrous new subspecies with greater aggression and size.
A Zelarian alchemist's attempt to weaponize Ambrion—an explosive alchemical—resulted in the destruction of an entire city.
The Det’sikar, corrupted creations of Malis, were altered Sherok infused with Voktok crystals, a perversion of natural evolution through alchemical horror.

Divine and Universal Law

Alchemy is regulated by Universal Law, not by Divine Law. Divine Parents and their agents do not usually interfere unless Alchemy violates the Rights of Divine Creation. Abusers of alchemical forces are judged when their universe demands it, not before.

Origins

Alchemy first emerged in the universe of Ombrean, created by the First Mother and First Father. Since then, its presence has spread, diversified, and become embedded in the magical and technological cultures of many universes.