Handbook of Advanced Alchemical Experimentation

[EfUA_undercover]

Handbook of Advanced Alchemical Experimentation
A manual by Sebastian Neuville, member of the Shrouded Isles Syndicate

Contents:
+What is Alchemy?
+Alchemy and You!
+Instruments and Experiments
 

-Alchemical Chambers
  -Alchemy Equipment
  -Experiments and Preparations

+Final Notes

What is Alchemy?

 

The use of nature products and other substances found along travels dwindles the minds of scientists and scholars alike for hundreds and hundreds of years now.

  Differing equipment and supplies make it hard to find ways for reproduceable products accessible by everyone, everywhere. The death of many a scientist before concluding and publishing his work, leaves a lot of work hidden to coming generations of young, enthusiastic scientists.

  While I will be unable to change the matter of fact, I may still be able to help out a few on the Isle of Ymph. And by that help everyone coming after us to live in this place.

  Alchemical procedures and recipies are common throughout the ranks of scholars, wizardly organizations and even tribals and savages.

  The uses vary greatly, but many lives could be safed by the application of a simple powder derived from several plants found within the lands of the Isle of Ymph.

Alchemy and You!

 

A fascinating and great thing about alchemy is that a couple of simple products can be made nearly on the fly, which can be of help in any kind of adventuring scenario. To be able to supply the warriors of your party with fire for their weapons on  a long travel can be quite valuable, when there is no spellcaster about or the group is unable to find a place to prepare.

  An open eye on your travels is essential though, if you don't see the plants growing along your way you can't see what the land has to offer. Carry samples of rare substances and you should be able to find the rest needed on your travels. Be careful when you harvest and stay on good grounds with those who travel the wilds, they know the plants better than you and will likely provide you with the parts you need if you respect them.

  Keep your eyes open for rare substances that are unique to a special area. Many of these may not seem useful on the first glance, but you may come across a procedure later and need them. I bet you would not wish to travel the hells again to get that strange glowing green powder you found there.

  Discussing your results with fellow scientists may also be a valuable addition to your own results and ideas. Feel free to contact me in person if you want anything discussed.

Instruments and Experiments

 

Alchemical Chambers

  The term Alchemical Chamber is usually used for a small wooden case, the interior is covered by a metal layer to keep the wood safe from any harming substances that may be the result of the experiments. Several smaller chambers can usually be installed, to make room for the several steps an experiment may need. Mixing wells give you all you need for a short experiment in the wilds.

  For laboratory use I would suggest a different equipment though, given the right amount of gold and supplies of course. Chambers and flasks for mixing made of some kind of colorless crystal but harder than the glass used for bottles would be perfect. You could study any changes to the materials while the crystal should be able to withstand most of the resulting products. Of course this is more of an assumption.

  Alchemy Equipment

  A good pair of gloves is essential for any experiment,  you don't want to get that acid or that oil that turns to fire on your hands, no no.

  Also any good equipped alchemist should have a razor and breaker handy to prepare the raw substances for the experiment. I noticed during several observations that finer crushed materials used to result in a more reactive mixture.

  You should also keep some kind of metal stick or something else for stirring the mixture if you are dealing with a liquid or paste.

  If you are just dealing with powders a sack might be handy to shake the mixture instead of using a stick.

  Having some clean water ready to clean your hands of anything that might have gotten under the gloves is always a good idea too. And anyway you could always use the water to quench a fire in your alchemy chamber, but remember I heard of scientists who produced compounds that even burned more with the water.

  Experiments and Preparations

  I would suggest if you do an experiment for the first time you don't do it while travelling, and at the very least not alone.
  Watch closely what is going on in your reaction chambers, it may hold hints to what is going wrong. Be careful with the substances you use and the products you acquire. Carrying around 50 pounds of alchemists fire, when you get to set on fire may not be the best idea. Apart from the fact that carrying around 50 pounds of any alchemical product may be a bad idea, imagine when all that acid bottles break.

  Additionally keep substances you use in powder forms dry and substances used for pastes fresh. Maybe even dry a couple of the herbs you find to crush them finer before using them.

Final Notes

This small manual is meant as a starters-advice for people new to the art of alchemy. In no way I claim it to be complete, it can not be and never will be, as progression is always made; this is the fate of all knowledge.

I am usually available at the libary or around the Colony if you have any questions, wish something to be discussed or just to get started in your own experiments. I am always happy and willing to meet up with you, honoured reader.

-Sebastian Neuville