>Becca says, "Hello, first I would like to welcome you all and thank you for coming tonight. "
>Becca says, "Tonight we will be discussing alchemy for new and not-so-new Alchemists. I am going to divide this up into two parts. The first part will be mostly to do with the very new alchemist. I will have little breaks for questions. "
>Becca says, "The second part of our discussion will be more open-ended and focus on things that concern alchemists once we get a little further along in our field. I hope that the second half will be driven as much by you as by me. "
>Becca says, "Before we begin, I would like to ask a few favours. "
>Becca says, "First, I really want to avoid the room being hushed, so if you all could sit quietly, raise your hands if you want to add something, and save the wild comments for later. I would appreciate it. There will be time for us all to speak, poke each other, and compare explosives later. "
>Becca says, "Second, if you have an questions or comments, I want to hear them. In Character, Out Of Character, fine. Although I would prefer to stay "IC" if we can."
>Becca says, "Third, I don't know everything about alchemy. But I have asked other alchemists, older alchemists to be here. So hopefully, if I can't answer a question, someone here will be able to help. At the least we will discuss it and look for answers later for you. "
>Becca asks, "Ok, here we go. So, just what do we mean by alchemy in Athens?"
>Becca says, "Alchemy is an odd blend of science and mysticism. It is as much about precise measurements in careful combinations as it is about eirie chants, ghostly winds and going into dark places to pop out a rat's eyeballs. "
>Becca exclaims, "We can change the nature of an object, summon natural forces to aid us, blow things up, and of course, we can heal as much as we can harm. And all with these little things that we have mixed up!"
>(Becca gently taps an oddly bulging brown sack. You hear the faint clinking of many small bottles as the punguent smell of fresh petrite, green herbs and not-so-fresh zombie blood wafts across the room.)
>Becca says, "Alchemists are the scholars, the inventors, the poisoners, the tinkerers, and the healers of our world. We can do some pretty amazing things. Along with the warriors, storytellers, priests and rogues, Alchemist's are vital to the well-being and enrichment of our city. "
>Becca says, "Now to the body of this alchemy thing."
>Becca says, "There is a lot to cover so I will try to be brief, if you have anything you want to add or comment on or any questions, please let me know. Please whisper to me if i seem to miss a question, there may be a lot to cover but I don't want to ignore anyone."
>Becca says, "We divide Alchemy into four schools: Alterations, Conjurations, Explosives and Healing. There is also a class of messy little in-between potions that no one was quite sure about. They don't do anything on their own, so we just call them the Reagents."
>Becca says, "Alterations: changes the nature of things, usually the alchemist. Most of our battle potions so far are in this school. Also most reagents are made with our alterations skill."
>Becca says, "Conjurations: calls elements of the natural world to help us. Things like our violent bees, the mists and winds that like to follow us around and those lovely vines that just love to trip things."
>Becca exclaims, "Explosives: well, blow things up! After a while, you get to like the smell of petrite, really!"
>Becca says, "Healing has the healing elixirs of course, plus the scarabs that help prevent injury. Perversely - I think wonderfully! - most of our poisons and antidotes also fall into this school. "
>Becca asks, "Are there any questions on the schools of Alchemy before I go on?"
>Mordankaynin shakes his head.
>Becca says, "I have a brief OOC note here for you, which i hope you will all pardon."
>Becca says, "In the next few sections, I will be mentioning basic alchemy commands as we go along. I have included them into the body of this talk in the interest of flow, and of keeping things as 'In Character' as possible."
>Becca says, "Because some of you may be new, I thought I should mention this up front. To show the command, I have capitalized what you actually need to use that command, and used little brackets in cases where you need to modify that command."
>Becca says, "And if that makes sense, you all can SMILE <at me> now."
>Becca smiles cheerfully at all the confused faces.
>Xanthz smiles.
>Mordankaynin chuckles.
>Yrene smiles at Becca.
>Becca winks.
>Mordankaynin smiles at Becca.
>Kalipso grins.
>Pythos smiles at me
>Zodd smiles at Becca.
>Jazzmine smiles at Becca.
>Gabit giggles.
>Pamico laughs!
>Stamin smiles at Becca.
>Becca shakes her finger at you.
>Mordankaynin chuckles at you!
>Pythos smiles <at me>
>Xanthz chuckles.
>Xanthz says, "took me a second"
>Becca says, "moving on then...."
>Xanthz shakes her head.
>Becca grins.
>Becca asks, "So, how do we manage to do all of these wonderful alchemical things?"
>Becca grins.
>Becca says, "Years of study, enough foraging and dissecting to choke a mule, and, most of all - "
>Becca says, "By using all those musty old formulas we have painstakingly memorized. It is one of those things that make us what we are, only Alchemists can use and memorize formulas. "
>Becca ponders.
>Becca says, "When we all arrived, we only knew the Rose-Honey Elixir, so we will use it as our example."
>Becca says, "So, we call our FORMulas to mind. "
>Becca smiles.
>Becca says, "Some of us will have one formula in our memory, some of us will have many more. Anyway, there it is - Rose-Honey Elixir - formula number one for all of us."
>Becca says, "Now we need details."
>Becca asks, "What and how much to forage or dissect for ingredients? What does the darn potion do? And can we even make the thing?"
>Becca says, "Thinking of the FORMula's <number> we know we need one honey comb and two parts of rosehips. We also recall that it is the minor healing elixir, and a bit about how to use it. And yes, we can make it."
>Becca smiles.
>Becca says, "Now, we need to get some ingredients."
>Becca says, "Thankfully, we can FORage for the ingredients for our elixir, so we head off to the nearest garden, field or safe spot outside of the city. "
>Becca says, "It isn't always easy to find what we need. We have to be in the right place and we have to have enough skill at foraging to find our stuff. Fortunately, Alchemists can check their FORage LIST and FORage AREA to help locate ingredients."
>Becca says, "Foraging can be frustrating. Abilities like our FORage LIST depend a lot upon our foraging skill. When we get better at foraging, we can see more things around us. This is why considering your FORage AREA can be helpful to a young alchemist."
>Becca says, "We sometimes get very discouraging feelings as we forage. Even when you know something is in that area, you may have to try many times to find it. You may get lots of inner messages that make you doubt your foraging ability."
>Becca asks, "Keep trying. Check your accent. Purple blossoms are not the same as 'puprle bolssoms' after all. Occasionally, you just have to know the right thing to look for as you are foraging. How many of you recognize these 'tiny' flowers as hemlock?"
>Becca waves her tiny white flowers around.
>Becca says, "Sometimes we have to DISSect creatures for parts. Other times you simply need to go to the right spot and GET <something> -- like the cool water by the eastern gate. "
>Becca says, "Ask other Alchemists too, if you are having a hard time finding some of the ingredients. I think I had to ask several times where to find petrite crystals, until finally a kind older alchemist took pity on me and took me to them. And of course, I was looking for 'petrite' and not 'crystals' like I should have been. So don't be afraid to ask, we have all been there."
>Becca smiles.
>Epoclaen asks, "the one non alchemists bath in?"
>Epoclaen peers quizzically at Becca.
>Becca nods to Epoclaen.
>Epoclaen gets a silly grin on his face.
>Mordankaynin chuckles.
>You say, "there are also a few ingrediants you can only get by buying them"
>Becca says, "adds to the potency, along with the mule drool"
>Epoclaen chuckles at Becca.
>Jazzmine giggles.
>Becca says, "true, i guess i was thinking of mostly younger formulas Pythos"
>You nod to Becca.
>Becca says, "but yes, some things can only be bought, anything with gold for example"
>Becca shudders.
>Becca smiles at Stamin.
>Stamin stands up.
>You say, "Even younger folk can buy some of the ingrediants they need, although it is generally much cheaper to forage for them"
>Becca says, "more fun too"
>Becca says, "ok..."
>Becca says, "Back to our elixir. "
>Becca says, "The rosehips are easy to find, but we need two parts of them. So, we have to find them twice, hold some in each hand and COMBine them."
>Becca says, "FORaging <honey comb> is a bit of a surprise, but ok. We can use our elixir to cure all those nasty bee stings."
>Becca grins.
>Mordankaynin smiles.
>Becca exclaims, "Now you are ready to mix!"
>Becca says, "This is a good point to make sure you are safe. Head back to the city, inside a building if you like, and please sit or kneel comfortably. Mixing takes a lot of concentration and a fair bit of time."
>Becca says, "If you are in an awkward position it will take longer for you. And you want to be in a safe place so that you avoid the big nasty snakes coming along and getting a tasty alchemist snack."
>Epoclaen raises his hand.
>Epoclaen waves at Becca.
>Becca smiles at Epoclaen.
>Becca says, "Now that you are safe and comfortable, go ahead and hold the ingredients in each hand. You can MEAsure <them> to make sure you have enough of each to make your formula. You have enough of each? Go ahead and COMBine them."
>Becca says, "in a moment Epoc"
>Epoclaen says, "ok"
>Becca says, "You should end up with one portion of the Rose-Honey Elixir, but if you don't -- get more ingredients and try again. We all get fizzles sometimes, but I promise it will get easier as you gain more skill."
>Becca says, "Lastly, you can MEAsure the <elixir>, just to see what you have."
>Becca says, "MEAsuring things is great fun, we use it in Alchemy, but it isn't just for us."
>Becca says, "In Alchemy, MEAsuring <a potion> lets us see it's potency. This is very important to us."
>Becca says, "Measuring <something> also tells us what we have in hand, and how many parts we have of it, not to mention the maximum number of parts you can combine up to."
>Becca says, "You might have noticed that you get a little bit of experience for mixing a potion. Because the risk is low, it isn't a lot of experience, but at least we do get something. Also, as you advance in skill, you will find you get less and less experience for potions you have 'outgrown'. "
>Becca asks, "yes Epoc?"
>Becca grins at Epoclaen.
>Epoclaen says, "is it better to mix indoors than out? I heard something that maybe that effects studying scrolls. "
>Epoclaen asks, "also, you just COMBine to make a formula?"
>Epoclaen asks, "it isn't MIX?"
>Mordankaynin looks over at Epoclaen and shakes his head.
>You say, "MIX and COMBINE are synonyms"
>Becca says, "there used to be a definite time difference in mixing indoors rather than out, but i am not sure if it is still significant"
>You say, "They do the same thing"
>Epoclaen nods to you.
>You nod to Becca.
>Becca says, "most of us mix indoors as a habit"
>You say, "It is about 10 seconds difference mixing indoors sitting than outdoors standing"
>Epoclaen asks, "ok, so don't worry about it then?"
>Becca says, "we are safer there and can make a mess"
>Epoclaen chuckles at Becca.
>Epoclaen says, "ok, thank you"
>Epoclaen tilts his head toward Becca.
>Becca says, "that 10 seconds matters then, if you are making 50 of something"
>You nod to Becca.
>Becca smiles.
>Becca says, "There are 73 formulas that have been discovered so far and they come in a wonderful assortment of scrolls. The number of formulas is one thing that is always changing, some may disappear in time, and others will be discovered."
>Becca says, "Some formulas, Ok, I'm not sure if they are useful or not actually, but others are great and we use them daily. And who knows, some of the others may become useful in time."
>Becca says, "The scrolls themselves can be bought from a shop, or sometimes found as loot. Each store will have it's own assortment of scrolls, and different shops will sell the very same formulas by different scroll names."
>Jazzmine chuckles.
>Becca says, "So be careful when you are buying. There are shops in every city, (just as an example, I believe that Athens has six stores that sell scrolls.) Shop around when you are looking for the scroll you want, not only are the scroll names a bit confusing, you might be able to bargain the prices down a bit."
>Becca says, "It can be very difficult for a new Alchemist to figure out which scrolls they should study first. After all, we have 19 formulas that are for level 5 or younger. And when you do find which scrolls are close to your level, you often wonder if they are of any use."
>Becca says, "I have a few general recommendations on that."
>Becca smiles.
>Zodd asks, "How can you tell which scrolls have the formula you want?"
>Becca says, "First, research. Scheherazade and Pythos both have very good scroll information. You can find their homes by checking out the Promethean Mentor Society."
>Becca smiles at Zodd.
>Becca says, "Second, most of the early scrolls are inexpensive. Shop around a bit, research as much as you can to make sure you don't buy the same formula twice, and then go ahead and buy the things."
>Becca asks, "A new alchemist can grow fast. So, as you can afford them, go ahead and buy the scrolls right up to level 5 or 6. They are cheap, they expose you to all the different schools of alchemy, and why not?"
>Becca says, "As you advance, you can start to make scroll buying decisions based on cost, level and your own style of alchemy. The higher level scrolls and some of the fluff scrolls do get very expensive. Cost will be part of your consideration."
>Becca says, "That said, the style for most alchemists so far is to memorize every formula under the sun. We are scholars after all."
>Becca says, "Zodd, mostly you need to do a bit of research, and some of the stores will list in the catalogue what the scrolls are"
>Becca says, "if you have a scroll in hand, you can READ <it> of course, to see what it is"
>Becca asks, "does that answer your question Zodd?"
>Becca peers quizzically at Zodd.
>Becca smiles.
>Epoclaen says, "yes but the scrolls are often unlabeled until you buy them"
>Becca says, "depends on the store"
>You say, "More and more stores are starting to put labels on the scrolls"
>Epoclaen says, "to get the names of the formulas I think you need to see Pythos' or Scheherazade's scrolls"
>Becca says, "most of the new stores talk about the formula and the level of that scroll"
>Becca nods.
>Epoclaen nods to you.
>Zodd nods to Becca.
>Epoclaen says, "that's a helpful piece of information"
>Zodd smiles at Becca.
>Epoclaen smiles at Becca.
>Becca says, "Thebes is heavenly, the big alchemy shop there has 5 pages of catalogue, all labeled i believe"
>You say, "And remember, as Becca stated often scroll which look quite different have the same formula on them"
>You say, "Some formulas have three different scroll they can be found on"
>Becca nods.
>Zodd says, "Looks like you've given me an incentive to find and explore Thebes."
>Zodd smiles at Becca.
>Becca says, "so you do have to do a bit of research"
>Epoclaen chuckles at Zodd.
>Becca says, "there are two shops in Thebes, one is sort of hidden"
>Becca grins at Zodd.
>You say, "Both Thebes and Midgard have scrolls you can't find in Athens but are very useful"
>Epoclaen asks, "are there young formulas in Thebes too?"
>Becca nods to Epoclaen.
>Gabit takes a drink from her golden brown beer.
>You say, "Thebes is particulary good for young folks"
>Epoclaen nods to Becca.
>You say, "Some very good formulas there for level 1 and 2"
>Gabit says, "Careful on your way out there, however"
>Becca says, "yes, but i cant remember offhand what they are, I think barkskin is one, and it is great"
>You nod to Becca.
>Becca nods.
>Zodd asks, "Will making the journey include a side trip to Hades?"
>Zodd chuckles.
>Becca grins.
>You say, "Barkskin is level one I believe and great benefit"
>Jazzmine snickers.
>Gabit says, "frequenty"
>Epoclaen smirks at Zodd.
>Jazzmine grins.
>Epoclaen nods to Gabit.
>Becca says, "not if you run fast"
>Becca smiles.
>You say, "Just be careful of the Cheetahs Zodd"
>Mordankaynin chuckles.
>Zodd says, "Oh well. If it were easy anybody could do it."
>Zodd smiles.
>Becca grins at Zodd.
>Becca asks, "shall we continue?"
>Mordankaynin nods.
>Becca says, "To learn a new formula, you must have the scroll, READ <it> to see what it is and if anyone has started to study it, and then STUDY <it>."
>Jazzmine nods.
>Becca says, "You need to study that scroll over and over again, until you have memorized it. When you have memorized it, the scroll will suddenly 'crumble into dust' and you will have the formula safely in your memory. And remember, this is something that only Alchemists can do."
>Becca says, "You also need to wait a short time before you can study your scroll again. The shortest time you could hope for to memorize a formula would be two studies, but some scrolls seem to stay with us forever."
>Becca says, "However long it may take, it sure feels great to have the scroll crumble into scroll dust when it is finally memorized. As an added bonus, I believe we also get a small amount of experience from studying scrolls."
>Becca says, "All that brings up a few little points. Once you have started to study a scroll, no one else can use that particular scroll to learn that formula. And if you lose that scroll, you have to start to memorize the formula all over again with a new scroll."
>Becca says, "Sometimes new alchemists wonder if there is a limit to how many formulas they can memorize. Basically, there isn't."
>Becca says, "If we have the skill, we can learn them all. And if there is a limit to how many we can be studying at one time, I have never run into it. I believe i was studying 11 scrolls one day."
>Becca smiles.
>Epoclaen gawks at Becca.
>Gabit kisses the white toy tiger right on its little nose.
>Jazzmine grins.
>Becca says, "and when 7 of them crumbled on the second study, it was dreamy..."
>Epoclaen asks, "didn't give ya a headache?"
>Becca gets a dreamy expression on her face.
>Epoclaen squints one eye, and peers at Becca with the other.
>Becca lets out a deep sigh.
>Becca asks, "anyway, any questions on that?"
>Becca grins.
>Gabit grins.
>Zodd says, "I'm studying a few scrolls right now that are a bit above my level of expertise."
>Becca nods to Zodd.
>(Epoclaen hears a pin drop.)
>Zodd asks, "Should I just wait and study them when I learn more?"
>Epoclaen chuckles.
>Jazzmine leans back.
>Becca says, "i will get to the mechanics of that in a bit, if you are still wondering after, ask again"
>Becca smiles at Zodd.
>Zodd says, "I feel like I'm wasting my time sometimes and I'm not smart enough to get them yet."
>Zodd nods to Becca.
>Epoclaen nods to Zodd.
>Becca says, "Batching is one recent change to alchemy has made a huge difference for us."
>Zodd says, "Alright."
>Becca says, "Batching allows us to make more than one dose of a formula at one time. The time it takes to mix the potion is a bit longer than one dose, but there is no comparison to the time it would have taken the make that many portions of a formula individually."
>Zodd smiles at Becca.
>Becca grins at Zodd.
>Epoclaen removes a gold-veined purple apple from his fur backpack.
>Epoclaen takes a bite of his apple.
>Epoclaen grins.
>Becca says, "The number of doses and success of your batch will depend on your skill in whatever school of alchemy your potion falls into. As your skill gets higher, you will be able to make a larger number of doses at one time, and with greater chance of success."
>Becca says, "Batched potions have an important characteristic, only alchemists can use them. This might seem inconvenient at first, but when you see the time you save in just mixing for yourself, you won't mind this limitation."
>Becca says, "Batching is a quest for us. An alchemist, or anyone, can go and solve the quest any time at any level."
>Becca says, "To actually learn to batch though, you have to be an alchemist in your fifth level."
>Becca says, "Because it is a quest, I am not going to say too much about it. But you can solve it, it is fun and more than worth the effort. Batching will save your sanity as you advance."
>Becca says, "To start on the batching quest, you need to go to Aelwyn's Alchemy Shop in the SouthEast Quadrant of Athens. When you are there, buy a slip of yellowed paper for 20 dinars and then follow the clues."
>Becca asks, "any questions on batching? and will Epoc turn purple?"
>Becca peers quizzically at Epoclaen.
>Epoclaen chuckles at Becca.
>Becca smiles at Epoclaen.
>Mordankaynin chuckles.
>Epoclaen says, "not if I can help it"
>Epoclaen gets a silly grin on his face.
>Becca says, "those apples are wonderful"
>Becca nods.
>Mordankaynin raises his hand.
>Becca nods to Mordankaynin.
>Mordankaynin asks, "you can't cheat the quest can ya by gettin extra apples and givin em to someone else?"
>Becca says, "no"
>Mordankaynin says, "good"
>Becca says, "has to be picked by your hand if you want to learn"
>Mordankaynin nods.
>Pamico raises her hand.
>Becca nods to Pamico.
>Becca smiles.
>Pamico says, "Suggestion You might want someone to go with you cause it can be a wee confusing"
>Becca nods.
>Becca says, "it can help, if only just the company"
>Pamico says, "Misery loves company"
>Pamico chuckles.
>Epoclaen chuckles at Pamico.
>Kalipso grins at Pamico.
>Becca says, "but anyone can do, by themselves at any time"
>Becca smiles.
>Jazzmine raises her hand.
>Becca says, "it took me two days to get through a part of it, because i wanted to do it myself"
>Becca mutters something under her breath.
>Becca nods to Jazzmine.
>Jazzmine chuckles.
>Jazzmine says, "i was just wondering how long it takes to do the quest"
>Jazzmine snickers.
>Jazzmine says, "but i think you just answered it"
>Jazzmine grins.
>Becca says, "took Vaftel an hour, took Greymar about 3 or 4"
>You say, "Depends on how good you are with puzzles"
>Jazzmine says, "kay"
>Becca says, "i was just unlucky and frustrated"
>Becca smiles at Jazzmine.
>Epoclaen smiles at Becca.
>Jazzmine rubs Becca gently.
>Pamico says, "Took me four with 2 mentors"
>Pamico chuckles.
>Mordankaynin chuckles.
>Becca says, "but I did it, and i am glad i slogged through myself"
>Becca says, "ok, next, i will talk about some of our lesser skills, and then a few details that affect us"
>Becca smiles.
>Becca says, "It may sometimes seem that Alchemist's are one-trick ponies, we forage and mix, forage and mix and that's about it. "
>Becca says, "That isn't quite true. Many of us are talented in gadgeteering and smithing as well as that plain old alchemy. And while we may not be the best in any one of these fields, overall, we will do very well."
>Becca says, "I say we WILL do well, because, well, so far we can't actually do much with those skills."
>Becca says, "Smithing has been promised in the future, and we will be one group that does well with it."
>Becca says, "Gadgeteering is with us now, although in a very limited way."
>Becca says, "Gadgeteering is one major factor in our ability to poison weapons, and to carve things like scarabs and fishing poles. There are other factors as well, for example with the ability to apply poison, those factors are traps, our intelligence, and a bit of random 'somethingness' for fun."
>Becca says, "No one is quite sure how these factors go together, but right now Rogues are much better than we are at poisoning. Like I said, we are one of the groups that are good at these things."
>Becca says, "apparently, we are actually better at gadgeteering generally than rogues, but our lack of trap ability kills us with poison"
>Becca says, "now to the details"
>Becca laughs softly and rubs her hands together.
>Becca says, "Now to some of the little details that affects our lives. Just how does memorizing, potencies and the formulas work? First - memorizing."
>Becca says, "Each of us is capable of memorizing any of our 73 formulas. However our skill, our valuable time, and even our dinars will affect when we want to try and memorize a scroll."
>Becca says, "Alchemy is skill based, with a few other factors thrown in for fun. (The other factors are things like intelligence, lore and level.) Each formula is intended for a certain level of skill."
>Becca says, "Now, I mean skill as in ranks of skill in that particular school of alchemy, healing, alterations etc."
>Becca says, "Remember that as you advance and train in your own unique style of alchemy, skill level doesn't always match with your actual experience level."
>Becca says, "If your skill in that school of alchemy is below the intended level of that scroll, it is going to take you longer to study and memorize that scroll than someone with the intended or a higher level of skill in that alchemical school."
>Becca says, "The farther your skill is below the intended skill of the scroll, the longer it will take to get that thing to crumble into dust."
>Zodd nods.
>Becca says, "Although skill in that school of alchemy is the main factor that affects how quickly we memorize a scroll, intelligence and I would guess Lore are also involved. However, I am not sure how much they actually affect our rate of study. "
>Becca asks, "does that give you move of an answer Zodd?"
>Becca says, "i would think since you have started studying the scrolls, that you might as well keep slogging at them until you have them memorized."
>Becca asks, "any questions on that?"
>Epoclaen looks over at Becca and shakes his head.
>Becca says, "moving on then"
>Becca smiles.
>Jazzmine giggles.
>Becca says, "Back to your alchemy skill."
>Zodd says, "That gives me an answer."
>Aldigold just arrived followed by Mamochan.
>Zodd smiles at Becca.
>Becca says, "That skill level decides if you can even make the potion, not to mention if you can make it at a decent potency."
>Becca nods to Zodd.
>Tkeeri gathers the remaining dinar from inside the midnight blue cloak.
>Becca says, "Remember alchemy is skill based. The greater your skill, the higher your potency and the stronger your potion."
>Becca says, "And until you can make at least a 0 potency of something, you probably haven't even the tiniest chance of making it. As your skill goes up, you will have better odds of making that potion -- although we will *always* have a chance that something will fizzle on us."
>Becca says, "I can only really think of a few things that skill and potency don't effect. The one that I seem to be asked about quite often is how long it takes to mix the formulas. As far as I know, that remains pretty much constant for us, regardless of how good we eventually become. We will have to quiz old alchemists about that."
>You say, "Also there are potency caps on some formulas"
>Jazzmine removes a rose-honey elixir from her backpack.
>Jazzmine puts a rose-honey elixir in a backpack.
>Becca exclaims, "Back to potency, it is so imporant to us!"
>Becca says, "It has been awhile since I have heard the potency formula, so it could have been changed a bit, but this is basically it."
>(Becca takes up her chalk and, with the gleeful look of an unattended four year old and only one bone-chilling scrape, writes upon the wall: <(your skill/4) - formula level>+<(your level - formula level) x 1/4> = Potency )
>Becca exclaims, "Now!"
>Becca smiles and unknowingly wipes some chalk dust on her nose.
>Becca says, "Some potions don't even have a potency, you just need to have enough skill to make them."
>Tkeeri grins at Becca.
>Tkeeri points at Becca.
>Becca says, "Other potions, like the Greater Healing Elixir, will have potency caps. So no matter how good you are, you will never be able to make them stronger than that cap. The Greater Healing Elixir caps at 20, for example."
>Tkeeri says, "umm sis"
>Becca smiles at Tkeeri.
>Tkeeri says, "can you get that chalk off your nose please"
>Tkeeri winks at Becca.
>Becca says, "There are probably more potions with 'caps'. But because Alchemists in Athens are still relatively young, we have yet to discover them."
>Becca says, "Since the effect of a potion often depends on it's potency in one way or another, the early potions can be a bit of a disappointment to a young alchemist."
>Tkeeri gathers the remaining dinar from inside the leather sack.
>Becca exclaims, "I remember what it was like to learn how much damage a potency 0 Greater Healing Elixir would really heal -- you got it, zero!"
>Becca says, "Try to remember that even being able to make a potion is a great step forward."
>Tkeeri puts some dinar in a large dark leather sack.
>Tkeeri closes her leather sack.
>Tkeeri rummages around in her pockets.
>Becca says, "And hang in there, you do have tools to help you, even if they sometimes don't seem like much. There are strategies to hunting that can help you to advance."
>Becca says, "Alchemists growing on their Own potions have always had a tough time in their early levels. It can be really hard until the first battle potions get effective potencies. Personally, I found that everything got a lot easier for me when I made it to my teen-age levels."
>Tkeeri just handed Xanthz some dinars.
>(Becca rubs her nose, somehow completely missing the chalk dust.)
>Tkeeri grins at Becca.
>Tkeeri says, "umm"
>Becca asks, "any questions on that bit?"
>Tkeeri ponders.
>Mordankaynin hugs Aldigold.
>(Tkeeri hunkers down and ponders whether to tell Becca that she missed it.)
>Kalipso looks over at Tkeeri and shakes her head.
>Becca says, "alright, i will continue"
>Becca paces back and forth.
>Greymar kisses Becca on the nose.
>Tkeeri lets out a hearty cheer for Greymar!
>Becca smiles at Greymar.
>Becca says, "To some extent, all Alchemist's need to know how their potions really work, all of the little technical details. Unless you really go out of your way to research and ask others, most of us learn what we need to know as we grow into and use the potions."
>Tkeeri clears her throat.
>Becca says, "After all, when you watch the effect of a drug as your potency grows over five levels, you do catch on."
>Becca says, "Some Alchemists do research, they do test each potion and they can answer all sorts of details on what a potion does, how long it lasts and what the best way to use it would be."
>Becca says, "It is good to know Alchemists who work that way. I don't work that way myself. I am content with the bit I learn from my own small experiments, and when I need more specific information, I ask someone else."
>Becca winks at you.
>Becca says, "That system works well for me, and it might suit some of you. After all, I do know about the drugs I use and I can answer general details on how a formula really works."
>You chuckle.
>Becca says, "But for those of you who need more details tonight, I have asked a few older alchemists to be available. So, do any of you have any questions on the technical aspects of your formulas? "
>Becca gets a silly grin on her face.
>You raise your hand.
>Epoclaen grins at you.
>Becca says, "a question about different kinds of bombs"
>You wave.
>Becca says, "would you like to take this pythos? if Hybrid has a potency of 6 on the brown, why switch to another of only potency one?""
>You say, "Okay I have done a bit of research on brown, grey and white"
>Becca says, "another whisper, higher potency is better"
>You say, "There is not whole lot of difference between the mistletoe and the elm"
>You say, "Especially at the lower levels"
>You say, "As you get better and the potencies get better then there is a slight advantage to the elm over the mistletoe"
>You say, "I have done the research and my elm is slightly better than my mistletoe"
>You say, "Even though it is lower potency"
>Aldigold says, "the reason i asked is because i have tried using the various powders my brother can make, as well as other types, i have seen powders blow an opponent out of the reach of a sword, while others stun them so bad they just stand there..."
>You nod to Aldigold.
>You say, "Now you are talking oak powders"
>Becca says, "i will add that I can make both, but i can batch mistletoe at 16, so i prefer to make those."
>You say, "The white powder will do those things"
>You nod to Becca.
>You say, "Yes how much you can batch is very much a consideration of which to make"
>You say, "But as Aldigold was mentioning"
>You say, "The white power, the oak power will do a lot more than the mistletoe and the elm"
>You say, "You will often get stuns"
>Aldigold nods to you.
>Aldigold says, "thank you."
>Tkeeri kisses Greymar on the ear.
>You say, "and have the critter be flung out of combat range"
>You say, "Now I can't make the witchwood yet"
>You say, "But understand it is even more deadly"
>You ask, "Does that answer the question?"
>Aldigold nods to you.
>Becca asks, "any other technical type questions?"
>Becca says, "ok, then i will move on"
>Becca smiles.
>Becca asks, "What are the frustrations or dangers for Alchemists right now?"
>Becca says, "Mostly we get frustrated. Even with batching we spend a lot of time foraging and mixing. We have lots of details to keep in mind, lots of preparing and we are constantly experimenting to see what potions and what styles of hunting work for us now."
>Becca says, "I often imagine that my hunting style must look like one of those slapstick routines from a traveling clown show. It is funny to imagine and funny to watch. I still can't hit the broad side of a barn, never could."
>Becca shrugs.
>Becca says, "But with my drugs, it doesn't matter. When I do hit, when all of you get to the stage that your drugs are working for you. It won't matter how badly you fight."
>Becca says, "Not when you can kill a mermel with one haphazard blow of a poppy."
>Becca says, "The hard part for us is growing to the stage where our drugs work. Then we get to experiment to see what works in each different situation."
>Becca says, "Alchemy is a tough profession. Hades loves us. At least, I think he must. We tend to die so often."
>Becca smiles.
>Becca says, "I have always felt that Alchemy was as much about death as it is about preserving life. So the next time you die, take time to explore Tartarus. Find the ways out, map, gather knowledge. Avoid those nasty death curses."
>Becca says, "About dangers. At this moment, we face very few dangers aside from hunting."
>Becca says, "We rarely are truly hurt when our potions fizzle on us. Sometimes we lose some ingredients, sometimes we get covered in goo, and once in a while we do lose a thumb."
>Becca says, "We have been told that this could be changing for us. We will hopefully be seeing more benefits from our potions. Maybe more experience, maybe more chances for all of us to sell them. Only the Gods know really. But with all of those possible changes, we will have to expect more danger."
>Becca asks, "We might even die when our potions fizzle! Did I mention to get to know Hades?"
>Becca laughs softly and rubs her hands together.
>Becca says, "There are many 'tricks' to surviving and growing as an alchemist. Lots of little things we do to make our lives a bit easier. Some are to do with mixing, some are to do with hunting. I have some suggestions that I will discuss with you but for now."
>Becca asks, "It's your turn to talk, what are some of the ways that you all make your lives easier?"
>Becca smiles.
>Becca says, "I have my little list of tips too, if you all get shy"
>Becca grins.
>Pamico says, "I have a question"
>Becca mutters something under her breath.
>Becca nods to Pamico.
>Pamico asks, "With the upcoming draught changes Those of us who have followed a stict alchemy training should we consider a weapons split as well?"
>Becca says, "well, i do mention that a bit later. Really, we don't know how the changes will work, so it is hard to say"
>Becca says, "plus we all will have a chance to reallocate again, if we are really on the wrong path"
>Becca says, "let me know what you think in a little bit Pamico"
>Pamico nods to Becca.
>Becca says, "well, i will inflict my tips on you all"
>Becca grins.
>Becca rubs her hands together.
>Becca says, "So, there are many 'tricks' to surviving and growing as an alchemist. Lots of little things we do to make our lives a bit easier. Some are to do with mixing, some are to do with hunting."
>Becca says, "Things like combining ingredients in just the right amount to mix conveniently for you. Whether that is only one dose at a time or making a whole bunch on the ground in some quiet place, or just collecting the correct amount of an ingredient to make a batch of 16."
>Becca says, "Keep the safety of others and possibilities of loss in mind when you are mixing. Pick the places that suit what you are going to mix."
>Becca says, "You can also trade potions with others. I expect there will always be ways we can help others with our potions. Whether that turns out to be elixirs and poisons, or reagents for older alchemists. I think we will always be able to trade services."
>Becca says, "We will also be able to sell things more. Someone was telling me that we could still sell some mixs at the pawn shops -- I am not sure about that myself, but it is worth testing. We will definitely be able to sell things to stores in the future."
>Becca says, "Some alchemists, as they get older and more cluttered in their heads, will often think in colours, or with some special mental highlighting to help themselves remember quickly. It seems silly, but it does help when you are trying to dig through a sack full of assorted potions and draughts."
>Becca exclaims, "Hunting!"
>Becca says, "When you are hunting, try to hunt in small groups if you can. Tell them all that you need to get some hits in also, use ranged weapons when you have to. Ranged weapons are wonderful for us, we will always have a use for them. Not to mention that ranged is the skill we use to throw our powders and vials."
>Becca asks, "When you get older, you will find you still use a lot of ranged weapons. That has something to do with fighting things that can kill us in two blows. I don't really want to get close to greatswords, do you?"
>Becca says, "Hunt with people who will help you get some hits in when you are young. As you age, find ways to not do too much damage when you are in a group. Find ways to help your companions hunt."
>Becca asks, "any thoughts on that? or questions?"
>Becca gazes around at her surroundings.
>Epoclaen ponders.
>You say, "Find which combinations of potions and formulas work best for your style of hunting"
>You say, "And keep a close eye on when they wear off"
>Becca nods to you.
>Epoclaen asks, "how can you ebb the strength of a Nike draught?"
>You say, "Don't drink it"
>You grin at Epoclaen.
>Epoclaen chuckles at you!
>Becca says, "it is very important to combine things right, I use several different combinations when i hunt, depending on who i am with"
>Becca asks, "Ebb?"
>Epoclaen asks, "do the other formulas have a lesser effect?"
>Becca peers quizzically at Epoclaen.
>Epoclaen says, "wane"
>Epoclaen says, "dilute"
>You say, "Actually if you drink Athena it will cancel the Nike"
>Epoclaen says, "tone down"
>Epoclaen grins at Becca.
>Epoclaen nods to you.
>Becca smiles at Epoclaen.
>Epoclaen says, "I was wondering if one of the other formulas would be good to keep from overkilling when pumped up on a draught"
>Becca says, "I would use other combinations, if i dont' want to be hitting hard, i avoid nike"
>Stamin raises his hand.
>Stamin says, "never mind"
>Becca says, "with some, i tend to just use Hermes, my longbow and poison"
>Stamin blushes a bright red color.
>Becca peers quizzically at Stamin.
>Becca smiles at Stamin.
>You say, "Course you could always drink Hestia if you don't want to do damage..."
>Becca nods.
>Epoclaen asks, "what's Hestia?"
>Epoclaen raises an eyebrow in your direction.
>Becca says, "but that is another drug, better to have fewer drugs"
>You say, "The draught of Hestia, goddess of Peace, imbues its drinker with incredible defense from physical attacks. At the same time, much offense is sacrificed."
>Becca asks, "that reduces strength too?"
>Becca peers quizzically at you.
>You say, "You can't hit"
>You chuckle.
>Becca chuckles.
>Becca says, "that would do it"
>Becca smiles.
>You say, "They can't hit you and you can't hit them..."
>Stamin asks, "Is there a way for an alchemist to hunt avoiding drugs completely?"
>Epoclaen says, "I was more interested in a combat enhancer that helps you hit less hard"
>You look at Stamin and shake your head.
>Aldigold grins at Stamin.
>You say, "Not when you are older"
>Stamin frowns.
>Aldigold says, "not unless you really really like zombies..."
>Becca says, "you would have to really underhunt"
>You say, "When you are young you can get by with weapon skill"
>Epoclaen chuckles at Aldigold.
>You nod to Becca.
>You say, "But as you age your weapon skills are so bad you won't be able to hunt anywhere near on level"
>Becca nods.
>Epoclaen asks, "has that actually been tested?"
>Stamin hangs his head.
>Epoclaen peers quizzically at you.
>Aldigold rubs Stamin gently.
>You say, "Try it"
>Becca says, "in my high teens, i have 9 in one-handed weapons for example"
>You grin at Epoclaen.
>Epoclaen says, "I am"
>Epoclaen grins at you.
>Epoclaen wiggles his eyebrows.
>You grin at Epoclaen.
>Becca smiles at Epoclaen.
>Becca asks, "is that all the questions?"
>You say, "Also the GMs are working on alternate ways"
>Becca nods to you.
>Becca says, "i will continue then"
>Becca smiles.
>Epoclaen says, "at age 4 I have 11"
>Becca looks at Epoclaen and sighs.
>Becca says, "now i am jealous"
>Becca grins.
>Epoclaen says, "sorry, continue Becca"
>Epoclaen grins at Becca.
>Stamin says, "I should be most unpleased if the only way for me to hunt would be to be all drugged up"
>Becca wiggles her nose.
>Becca says, "well, it gets easier though"
>Becca says, "as your drugs get better, they last longer, you can batch more"
>Becca says, "it all helps"
>Becca says, "you get so you can make hermes with your eyes closed. And while it doesn't help if you want to avoid drugs, that is about all we can do"
>Stamin nods.
>Becca says, "i will continue"
>Becca grins.
>Becca says, "Now - here's my nod to the future."
>Becca says, "Alchemy is changing. It looks like we will all be back to using most of our own battle 'drugs'. Many of you might be worried that this will slow down or kill your advancing. And it will make some things more difficult. But there are other changes coming too."
>Becca says, "Combat is changing. One day it should be possible to plan a hunt so that even a wimpy alchemist can hunt at level with his peers. It looks like hunting will be more cooperative and allow for the talents of each profession. Including scrawny alchemists. I am not a GM, I can't promise you anything, but I do know that people are taking these goals very seriously."
>Becca says, "Back to alchemy. Alchemy WILL adapt to reality of this place. Each change may hurt a bit at first but there is a usually a positive trade-off. Even if it is just to balance things so that storytellers are happier so we can all be happier."
>Becca says, "There will also be a chance for all of us to go back and reassess our training and life choices. I don't want to say too much about the future 'reallocation' here - partly because we have few details so far - but, we will be given another chance to adapt to future changes."
>Becca says, "If you basically like yourself, your God, whatever. Please don't feel that you have to start from the beginning to fix a few little details."
>Becca says, "So please don't get too worried about any changes that are coming."
>Becca says, "Think for yourselves, suggest things - try to take a long view. I have seen a half-dozen or so changes to alchemy, and survived them all quite well, thank you. Alchemists are an adaptable group, I expect all of you to survive too."
>Becca smiles.
>Becca says, "One area that is very important to all of us is how we train. When you look at the skills we have -not to mention the skills that we don't have- it may seem that we have very few choices in how we train."
>Becca says, "But this is not entirely true, we do have some options available for us. At this time, I can see a few ways that most alchemists might consider training. And I do feel that we will discover more options as alchemy becomes more developed."
>Becca says, "Training is one of the areas where other alchemists will disagree with me big time, but I do know of alchemists who follow each of these paths."
>Becca says, "Depending on your God, Alchemists get a good natural gain in our alchemy and related skills. Some of us are content with that natural gain, others of us feel we have to enhance it with our training points."
>Becca says, "In any case, whether we enhance our abilities in each school of alchemy or not, we will all be able to make all of the formulas in all of the schools of Alchemy one day. It may just take some of us longer."
>Becca says, "We are never going to get much in the way of weapon or defensive skills. Our natural gain is low or non-existent in these areas, and the costs to train these skills are very high."
>Becca says, "You can train weapons of course, but we will never compare well to our peers in the other professions, at least not with weapon skills alone."
>Becca says, "To off-set our lack of defensive and offensive skills, most alchemists follow a very predictable training pattern."
>Becca says, "Most of us train all alchemy, all the time."
>Becca says, "Usually, we become specialists in one or two schools of alchemy. We will double or sometimes even triple train in our specializations each time we advance. Triple training is very expensive though, so be sure to consider if you really need it. "
>Becca says, "Nearly all alchemists will specialize in Alterations. The way things are *right now*, I really, Really think that is a necessity for us."
>Becca says, "Alterations has all of our good battle potions so far. Just remember that could change in the future. For now though, we Need those potions."
>Becca says, "Some Alchemist do train weapons. They choose to reduce their alchemy training, hoping that the gain in a weapon or defense will off-set slower potency growth. This topic will cause huge disagreements between alchemists. You all just sit on your hands and hear me out for a moment."
>Becca cackles!
>Becca says, "Usually, the Alchemists who train weapons, train ranged, and, yes, most of them still train alterations. This is a valid choice, often made because of a person's innate character. Really, you should train what makes you happiest." Becca says, "If this is your choice, think and plan it out carefully. Don't let the arguements and fisti-cuffs with other alchemists stop you from being you. "
>Becca says, "This applies to choice of God also. You don't have to be with one of the three traditional Alchemy Gods, those being Apollo, Persephone and Demeter. Choose your God for the qualities you want to have in life."
>Becca says, "Many of these choices come down to "roleplaying" choices. Relax, let others be their own person and think carefully about your own choices. "
>Becca says, "training is a funny area, if Garrock or Vaage were here, they would jump me now"
>Becca smiles.
>Becca asks, "any questions on that?"
>Stamin shakes his head.
>Becca says, "then i will continue and let you poor souls out into the night"
>Becca grins.
>(Becca suddenly seems taller and more intense. Is that a soapbox she is standing on? Or is it just another potion?)
>Becca says, "You know, in these difficult times, most of the world looks on Alchemists with at least some disgust - after all, we did start by popping out that rat's eyes."
>Becca says, "And it does take a special sort to believe that we will be defended in battle by drinking water with an eensy bit of steel dust floating in it."
>Becca asks, "So who are the alchemists of Athens? What is it that makes us such an interesting group?"
>Becca says, "Some of are haughty scholars,"
>Becca says, "at least one of us seems to be a Sultan,"
>Becca says, "some of us are more like bums - digging in the sewers for ingredients,"
>Becca says, "a few of us are absolutely, twitchingly crazy,"
>Becca says, "some of us behave like clowns to hide our abilities,"
>Becca says, "at least one of us has colour sense to die for."
>Becca winces.
>Becca says, "And of course, there are one or two alchemists who are *astonishingly* beautiful and personable. I don't even need to add modest to that list."
>Becca hugs herself.
>Becca says, "Alchemy does something to us as we advance, it seems to distil our characters. It intensifies our basic traits. Often in ways that can be quite surprising to others who do not share our life."
>Becca exclaims, "But does this make us deranged? No! Is it our fault our characters get perfected along with our Art? Of course not!"
>Becca exclaims, "I really feel that others are just jealous of us when they call us all those names. Scrawny! Wimpy!! Bah!!"
>Becca paces back and forth.
>Becca exclaims, "We are hardly ever wimpy! And the wimpy Alchemists aren't even all scrawny!"
>Becca says, "Yes, these names hurt! But don't let them turn you from your studies."
>Becca says, "Perfect your Alchemy! Perfect your character! No matter what others may mutter about us, they need us! And we aren't arrogant, we know we need the other professions."
>Becca smiles and quietly says "they are very useful to us..."
>Becca winks.
>Becca exclaims, "Alchemists are a vital part of things here in Athens!"
>Jazzmine grins.
>Becca says, "So I want you all to remember that! Keep growing, keep working and don't be afraid to show your true characters."
>Becca says, "And, oh yes. Be careful out there! Or was it 'Win one for the -"
>(Becca suddenly starts to wobble, flapping her arms wildly! With a last dramatic Squeak! - she topples over completely and hits the ground with a resounding crash!)
>Becca rubs her head.
>Epoclaen mutters too many drugs...
>Becca asks, "I guess I am done, thank you all for listening to me. Any questions or comments?"
>Epoclaen shakes his head at Becca and clucks his tongue.
>Pamico chuckles.
>Becca gets a silly grin on her face.
>Stamin grins at Becca.
>Jazzmine chuckles.
>Epoclaen chuckles at Becca.
>Epoclaen applauds Becca!
>You let out a howl for Becca!
>You applaud Becca!
>Pamico applauds Becca!
>You clap your hands at Becca.
>Becca sways back and forth.
>Aldigold hugs Becca.
>Becca says, "really, any silly questions or comments? you are all marvelously patient"
>Becca smiles.
>Aldigold says, "hmm, silly comment..."
>Aldigold ponders.
>Epoclaen grins at Aldigold.
>Aldigold says, "just like to suggest you avoid the chalk..."
>(Aldigold gets that Sillie Horsie grin again.)
>Aldigold gets a silly grin on his face.
>Becca asks, "what is wrong with chalk?"
>Becca blinks at Aldigold.
>Aldigold whistles tunelessly to himself.
>(Becca rubs her head puzzled, leaving another chalk mark on her temple.)