<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_gray.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Our 4 lvl patrons and boosters, The Fire Worshipers, were voting for this theme.
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For the Shanglanians, alchemy is a science that explores not just the visible world, but also its hidden aspects. Alchemists strive to understand the true essence of objects, study the patterns of how elements influence each other, and discover methods of transmutation. In their quest to comprehend the world, alchemists also seek the truth of their own origins and the concept of eternity, which is fundamental to the lives of the Tsourai.
The main goal for those who live and work for science, sponsored by the singlites interested in the Flat, is to achieve a deeper understanding. However, a secondary purpose of alchemy is to create unusual items that can benefit society as a whole or serve personal, everyday needs. This is why alchemy is a mandatory subject in schools... though often skipped by students.
All transformations begin with the four natural elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These elements form the foundation of the mortal world, where everything adheres to cycles. According to the Tetrasomata theory (also known as the Theory of Four Bodies), animals, plants, and even mortals themselves are the result of these elements merging, each carrying a part of every element within them.
🜃 Body — Earth
🜁 Breath — Air
🜂 Shang — Fire
🜄 Blood — Water
All mortals inherently have the ability to manipulate the elements, though not everyone can do so. Mastery requires not just theoretical knowledge, but also excellent memory, patience, and attention to detail to create complex transmutation schemes and avoid critical mistakes.
However, sometimes knowledge alone isn't enough. Alchemical objects are less responsive to Shang with a low index and do not obey the sahash unless they use a special metal conduit.
<aside> <img src="/icons/hexagon_purple.svg" alt="/icons/hexagon_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Until 4 • 27, Shang was attributed to the element of air. This theory underwent significant changes after an expedition to the Monastery of Fire Worshippers organized by the singlite "Iron Sycamore.”
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<aside> <img src="/icons/hexagon_purple.svg" alt="/icons/hexagon_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Dissident alchemists consider metal to be a fifth element because transmutation involves the energy of katoy, a mysterious metal known for its ability to concentrate the energy of the Stream. Classical alchemy rejects this view, seeing katoy as merely a tool and metal in general as an Elemental Object corresponding to the element of Earth.
<aside> <img src="/icons/chat_lightgray.svg" alt="/icons/chat_lightgray.svg" width="40px" /> @Lins More in the upcoming article about alchemic metals.
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So, we've established that the Tetrasomata is based on four elements. How are they used in practice?
Every mortal contains particles of these elements. The same applies to animals and plants of the Stream, though one element usually dominates in them.
For example, consider a bird. Most people would immediately say it belongs to the element of Air, and generally, they would be correct. But with countless bird species, it’s unclear whether we’re talking about a swift or Berger's rainbow partridge, known for burrowing into the ground. A swift is undoubtedly an Air object, but the partridge belongs to Earth. The same goes for insects, reptiles, fish, plant kingdoms, and fungi, so an alchemist must have a few encyclopedias handy for reference.
Does this mean you need a personal zoo for transmutations? Of course not! Using live or specially killed animals is prohibited by the World Commission on Ethical and Conceptual Norms of Alchemy Use (WCECNA). Instead, a bit of fur, a feather, or chitin is enough to represent the necessary element in a scheme. Using a whole animal carcass introduces instability into the transmutation process.
"— ...And what if I take a fly that I just swatted? — It will cut the predictability of the desired result by half. — I've already completed your task and got exactly what was needed. See for yourself. — Well... that just means you got lucky."
The WCECNA is less strict regarding the plant world. It is forbidden to cut down trees and shrubs entirely; instead, you should collect only a few samples from one tree or shrub.
Now that we've covered Elemental Objects, what's next?
The next step is to find a key to each elemental sample to unlock its potential and start the transformation process. In other words, the alchemist selects a catalyst.
The catalyst's element must match the sample's element. However, choosing the right key from several options for one element is crucial for the type and purpose of the transmutation. Some keys unlock the Object's full potential, while others only partially. Careful selection ensures balance and helps avoid unexpected explosions, excessive transformations, recursions, and other disasters. Insufficient potential results in weak or no outcomes.
To create catalysts, use one Elemental Object and the simplest form of transmutation: Exaltation or Bathing in Phoenix Tears. The object is immersed in a base tincture (elixir) rich in thial particles, heated by fire or electricity, then cooled in nitrogen for a week.
A ready catalyst has a shelf life. Once expired, it loses stability and becomes Depleted. Using a Depleted catalyst leads to unpredictable results, so it must be decomposed using a metal opposite to Thial, Kripsay.
We are almost ready for transmutation, officially called Tetrasomata.
First, the alchemist decides what to create. They consult their book of schemes, studying the details, potential percentages, and tincture tables. Once a suitable scheme is found, it is meticulously copied onto a horizontal slate board.
Each scheme involves all four elements, but there are only three circles for Objects. Initially, Fire is excluded as it binds all samples and triggers transmutation, added last. The places for Objects are connected to a smaller circle with the symbol of the necessary catalyst inside.
The central Object, undergoing Tetrasomata, can achieve one of four states: Revealing, Exaltation, Cursing, or Perishing. Each stage requires specific tincture combinations, prepared by a highly skilled alchemist, known as an Alchind (a profession closely related to perfumery).
<aside> <img src="/icons/chat_lightgray.svg" alt="/icons/chat_lightgray.svg" width="40px" /> @Lins More in the upcoming article about Alchinds.
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The alchemist prepares for the Revealing process, which changes the Object's appearance and reveals its new, or rather true properties. The necessary items and catalysts are laid out, a piece of thial is heated over a candle, emitting particles that restructure the elements.
A ready "revealed" object can be used in more complex transformations or another Revealing process.
Here’s a brief overview of other transmutation types: