Topic: Traditional Alchemy by an Untraditional Alchemist (Class)

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2012-11-17 02:03 EST
(*Treat any classes that Ammy is teaching as lectures that anyone can step into if they wish. I will run the class with an assumption that students are attending until PC students sign up. In the mean time, by all means use these lectures and class glimpses for any Role Playing inspiration or Role Playing material. Enjoy the class, play well with your sulfur and mercury, and please do not cry in the sodium!)

(**Further notes: Most material referenced for this class are from real Alchemy Texts I have in PDF or Physical form. The book used the most for inspiration on teaching this class is called Real Alchemy, A Primer of Practicle Alchemy by Robert Allen Bartlett, also using a bit of wikipedia fu to refresh myself on some of the laboratory and chemistry information I am rusty on.)

Ammy paced the classroom, white furred tail swishing back and forth in a steady rhythm as she went over her notes repeatedly. A clock, crafted seamlessly from crystal and precious metal wire with transmutation alchemy from her own hands sat on the large teacher's desk ticking away steadily the minutes until 1 pm. The female Lupinossai's golden eyes glanced to the clock and the silver minute hand.

Soon they will be here. Young minds, old minds, inquisitive minds searching for knowledge and hoping to explore the mysteries of alchemy. No reason to be nervous, you've taught at the Lupinossai Learning Center on this subject often and you've practice alchemy constantly for four centuries. They are just students. Just students.

A chime sounded from the clock bringing to mind images and visions of an alchemist working deep in a laboratory as clinks of glass containers and the grinding of mortar and pestle issue forth from the crystal clock. The chime was soon dwarfed by the voices of students filtering into the classroom and finding their favorite spots for the day. Ammy smiled as she watched the students settle noticing the class was indeed very diverse and filled with a mix of races, genders and ages. Allowing them to settle more, Ammy turned, picked up a stick of chalk and with a graceful but arcane script wrote her name on the blackboard. Laying the chalk down she turned, straightened her forest green vest worn over maroon blouse and made sure no chalk dust was on her black jeans just yet.

"Good afternoon class. I am glad you all found the classroom. I am Professor Ammy L. Spiritor, Master Alchemist of Traditional, Transmutational and Philosophical forms of Alchemy. Welcome to Traditional Alchemy. I do hope this is the class you signed up for. If it is not I can help direct you to the proper class or you may sit in for a bit and see what this subject is about. You just might have a little a fun and learn some things." Ammy smiled but showed no teeth.

Seeing no one looking confused about being in the class, Ammy took roll call efficiently and smiled; she had a full class. Laying down the clip board she walked to the front of the teacher's desk then sat on the desktop, folding one white furred hand into a marble stone hand laying them on her lap.

"This week's lectures will touch upon some history, theory and roots of alchemy. We will also see how alchemy paved the way to modern day chemistry. There will be no laboratory work this week, instead I want you all to research you favorite Alchemist or school of Alchemy for discussion at the end of the week. Now, now, I am hearing groaning already among my students. You'll be quite surprised what you will learn by looking up your idols or favorite methodology.

Moving on let us touch upon some of the history of Alchemy " Yes, miss Helwith?" Ammy glanced at a petite female human looking quite prim and proper in her academy uniform.

"Professor, how will you contend with the history of this subject given how ?" she dropped off in her question to look about the room at her fellows classmates. ?" your audience is quite diverse in both race and realms" Or that your methodology from a canine woman's point of view would be relatable?"

Ammy grinned showing a hint of teeth this time catching the quiet meaning behind miss Helwith's questions. Are you really qualified to teach us this class not being something typical in race" Ammy moved from the desk and approached the blackboard more than happy to take up the challenge of those questions.

"Excellent observations miss Helwith. Most arcane and scientific arts are easily taught when master and apprentice are of the same realm. Race is negligible unless they are part of a larger political squabble, but this is Traditional Alchemy and not Politics 101 or Ethical Treaties of Races 203. Those classes are two rooms down the hall. All races are equally capable of implementing and learning alchemy. As to the root of the problem with the history of alchemy " "

She began to chalk out a simple diagram and labeled it on the blackboard behind the desk. " " I have found that any race can understand the importance of alchemy by highlighting the core evolutionary steps of alchemy first, then relate direct historical events key to each realms developments that are familiar to the students from that realm. We are all situated in Rhydin, a crossroad of many realms and realities, home of all and definitely the last place to find the status quo. Now then to the evolutionary steps of alchemy's, the key phases are: Understanding of the Primary Elements (Earth, Air, Wind, Fire & Aether or Mana), Fundamentals of Refining materials (i.e. Forging, Smelting, Rendering, etc..), Accidental/Pre-Meditated Mixture to a Higher Quality Element, Repeated Mixtures & Refining of Elements, Elevation from Rudimentary Knowledge of Primary Elements to Higher Plains of Science.

With the key phases identified, most alchemical history tends to begin in realms as a simple means of discovering how to render and refine the elements around the basic alchemist into a higher state, or finer quality. Some simple examples that many can easily identify with is water purification, brewing teas, making of wines, beers and ales or finding better ways to keep your most valued foods preserved during the harsh seasons of drought, winter, blight, etc"

From this point in history, artisans and craftsmen tend to arise and more techniques are improvised, discovered and improved allowing the alchemist to observe, gather and test a larger array of elements, reagents and catalysts. Once the vast array of ingredients have been found and experimented with, questions about other qualities and properties of the realm around the alchemist emerge and higher science comes into play. Alchemy then is often reborn into chemistry or discarded. Sometimes in realms alchemy runs side by side with modern science." Ammy taps each phase of the Evolution of Alchemy in a realm with her chalk.

There was a rustle of notebooks with pens/pencils scratching upon paper taking down the flood of potential testable material. Miss Helwith watched Ammy lecture and jotted down just a few things. Ammy could tell this young lady was used to something either higher of a higher caliber, or simply unimpressed yet with any of the information presented by a "canine woman". Ammy moved to the next black board and began to write and lecture at the same time.

"Throughout a variety of cultures and history books among the realms, alchemy has often been lumped in with black magic, the dark arts or "that thing crazy people do". One realm, however prizes alchemy above all sciences though this high regard has lead that realm, Crysalis, to a near realm wide rebellion by many religious leaders and holy men. Some of the causes behind these negative reactions to alchemy are not unfounded. Many realms have seen alchemists try to make gold from lead or other such unsuitable material. Yet, more have gone insane in search of the Philosophers Stone, Red Water or Elixir of Life.

On the other side of this coin is the more realistic and less insane and fantasy filled madness. Illicit and potent drugs, poisons refined to lethality for any reason or purpose, potions and elixirs that can do wonders that can rival most mages or grant magical spells without training. Perhaps the two most disliked notions of alchemist across all realms are: Frequent Explosions of Catastrophic Size, Secrecy.

Granted the ratio of explosions to alchemists over the centuries have dwindled drastically with education, safer laboratories and simply warning citizens about that things may go boom. If you don't believe me, research a bit into the Great Gnome Explosion of Mt. What's It Name in Krynn 34 years pre-War of the Lance, or the Great Rift of Alasmar in the Gosmal realm where many Drow, Dwarves and Vikings died, and finally an event on Earth known as Woodstock. Technically, Woodstock was not a catastrophic explosion of a violent, physical nature, but more of an explosion of culture and experimentation due to an alchemist's frivolous distribution of some enhanced reagents for pipe smoking.

As for secrecy, it's a quality that tends to come with the territory for most alchemists. Alchemy is after all an art of trying to discover new mysteries and wonders that may exist if we just push harder with our reagents. Due to this pursuit and the mentioned explosive nature of some alchemy experiments or the dangerous characteristics of the reagents, alchemists wrote in code and symbols. These symbols and code are what lead most people to believe alchemy to be black magic or dark arts as many symbols are closely related to arcane runes. In reality, alchemy runes are universally recognized by all alchemists and most modern chemists regardless of race or realm."

Ammy drew out a few alchemy runes and labeled them as all the same element. Each rune had slight little tweaks to it, but they were very easily identical. She labeled each race and realm ranging from Human/Earth to Ice Giants/Ice Wind Dale and even Lupinossai/Sliinkaa. More rustling of paper as notes were taken, but soon the crystal clock was clinking and grinding its chime that class was over; Ammy laid the chalk down on the desk top and smiled at the students.

"Alright class, lecture is over for the day. Remember, select a favorite alchemist of your choice or a favored path of alchemy and research it. Our next lecture is Wednesday at 1pm and we will discuss your research Friday morning. You are all dismissed. May your day be filled with joy and learning." Ammy smiled and clapped her paws.

A flare of an alchemy array appeared in the air and a burst of sparkles and butterflies flitted off into the air as the class began to empty out. All of the students were gone save for miss Helwith. Ammy glanced at the lone student as she put away a few supplies.

"Something troubling you miss Helwith' Questions" If you aren't sure about where your next classes are?"

Miss Helwith just smiled for a moment and looked Ammy squarely in the eyes. "Mrs. Spiritor, I must confess and apologize for something I have done. I am not truly a student of your class but an appointed official tasked with reviewing all potential business owners/educators in the arcane. My questions were a test to see if you would prove unstable emotionally or lack a professional attitude to operate a business facilitating alchemy services much less teaching the delicate subject to a variety of students. So far, Mrs. Spiritor you have passed with flying colors. My resources didn't include how in depth your knowledge of the field was or the various histories of alchemy in multi-realms."

Ammy blinked and was quite surprised and not being alerted to this by the Academy. Miss Helwith saw the look and smiled a little. "Do not blame the Academy Mrs. Spiritor. My agency filed normal student applications, and honestly, I wish to continue your classes as Continuing Education Experience for my employment. Expect to see your business and practice licenses in the mail very soon. Now if you excuse me, professor, I do have an English class to get to.? The young woman grinned, winked and walked out of the classroom.

Ammy sat in the chair behind the desk and rubbed her neck. She was surprised. A large class with a successful lecture and her licenses instated soon so she could open the Alchemists Fire soon. Smiling, she stood, hefted her light travel satchel, stored the crystal clock inside one of the bags many pockets of holding and left the classroom. One lecture down, more to come.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2012-12-09 18:18 EST
Theory of Traditional Alchemy:

Tick, tick, tick, tick; the crystalline clock measured out time on the teacher's desk Ammy sat behind. No pacing today for her; she had broken the ice with the first lecture and had the fortuitous news from Miss Helwith about her licenses as well. Today's class was bound to go well. She reviewed her notes about the topic for lecturing and then stood checking over the contents of a box on the desk with visual demonstrations. The students should be pleased and entertained today.

The sounds of shoes on the linoleum floors drew her attention to the open doorway as the first cluster of students filtered into the classroom. "Afternoon students." Ammy gave a cluster of vampire students a warm smile.

The students smiled back, went back to their little swirl of gossip and banter and settled into a cluster of seats in the back of the class. Soon to follow were one or two Lycans, humans of all varieties, a draconian, some gnomes, a few elves and a few dwarves. Last but not least, barely getting into class and finding a seat as the crystalline clock began to clink and grind the 1pm chime was a quiet daemon that loved to look like a laid back human male teen.

Ammy took roll quietly as she watched them all file in mentally and was glad that the daemon, Gregory, as she recalled made it once more. Second time he's almost missed class. I should ask if he understands the layout of the academy and the attendance policy. Later.

"Welcome back to class students. Before I begin, I would like to make mention that we now have a class syllabus available for each student with updates to the class. I made one or two small adjustments to what we will be discussing or doing; nothing major, just a few things forgotten at the last minute." Ammy said with a smile and touched a tall stack of freshly printed syllabi.

Raising her hand she caused the stack to float and then distributed the syllabuses to each student. "Take a moment to look over the syllabus and then I will begin today's lecture on the Theory of Alchemy."

Every student glanced at the paper, some tucked it into a book or bag, and others just ignored it or drew on the back of the syllabus. Gregory though looked over the page quite thoroughly. https://dl.dropbox.com/u/93832244/Traditional%20Alchemy%20Schedule-1.jpg

Picking up a piece of chalk, Ammy began to write on the black board behind the desk and started her lecture. "Where to begin on theory about alchemy' There are many tale out there, some fraudulent and some very true about what alchemy can do. Honestly there is no one universal theory of alchemy, but many unique ones. We will start with the most common theory or thought of alchemy; the manipulation of the alchemist's environment by taking hold of the very materials making up our world and experimenting with them. Alchemy isn't the only field of study or magic to do this. Chemistry, Arcane Magic, Smithing, Art, Crafts, Farming and anything living beings have put their minds to in an effort to change their environment to achieve a better living, increased wealth, or a sense of beauty.

So you may be asking what makes alchemy unique in this common, almost universal Theory of Environmental Manipulation" Quite a bit, actually. Alchemy is one of the few bizarre and unique fields of study that blends ancient science with ancient magic in a marriage of pure miracles. Now many other fields of studies can often come close to this claim, but fall short of the full boast. Take Chemistry, Alchemy's daughter, has grown tremendously in a variety of realms and has done wonders in every industry including the healing arts and medical services, yet chemistry is unable to bottle an arcane spell. Nor has Chemistry been able to physically shift the elements on the periodic table into vastly different states of energy higher or lower on that table.

If I lost you with that last statement, I will refer you to the common thought that most people have when you say 'I'm an alchemist'. They think you can turn lead into gold. Technically it's possible. Practically, physically and in the name of safety and health it is not possible to turn a base, inferior metal into a pure noble metal. The energy and mass variables are too staggering....I'm seeing glassy eyes again. I'll explain later in class what I mean with a visual demonstration. Simply put, alchemy can do things other fields of study cannot do, but can also do mundane things other fields already do. It is that versatile. With this said, the alchemist considers his/her world the laboratory and everything in it as something to manipulate, mold and change into something new or miraculous.

The second most common and what I will emphasize as the most important theory in Alchemy is the Theory of Equality. Theory of Equality is a complex expression of an alchemy phenomenon or principle known as Equivalent Exchange but extends beyond that simple principle. Equivalent Exchange simply states that nothing can be created without an equal expenditure of energy and material on both sides of the alchemy equation. More on this alchemy equation will be discussed once we begin creating potions. A simple explanation to keep in mind is that there are two sides to all things created. Creation Phase and the Resultant Phase. Both most equal to make alchemy to work to satisfy Equivalent Exchange."

Ammy moved from the black board back to the desk and began pulling out her visual aids and demonstrations for the day. She could hear that a quiet battle was being waged between taking notes and getting out of one's seat to see what the professor was digging out of that box. Ammy grinned as soon the simple visual aides were out and ready. Clapping hands together she got her students attention and beckoned them all to come forward and stand around the desk.

Arrayed on the desk was a deflated balloon, a whicker basket with something pitch black painted on the inside of it, a very round globe like bottle next to the basket with a faint pinkish liquid in it and finally a piece of lead.

"That's right. Gather round and make sure you all can see well enough. Now then, Equivalent Exchange was a very popular theory and became the standard rule and law for some realms and their alchemy and it did work well for a while. To demonstrate this, take the deflated balloon as an example. I hold it up for you all to see. It is flat and undesirable. What we would like to see in a balloon is something big, round and floating. We now have an alchemy equation. We have a Resultant Phase, the balloon being full and round, and a Creation Phase, the common knowledge that one must blow air into the balloon to make it full and round.

Margy, you blow up the balloon....Now as Margy inflates the balloon, Equivalent Exchange is in effect as both sides of the alchemy equation are still in balance; the balloon still being filled with air by Margy and the balloon expanding in size to meet our expectations. Now, when Margy gets to the maximum size of the balloon we call this a stable equation. Margy keep blowing..." POP! "The balloon popping is the results of Equivalent Exchange proving that both sides of the alchemy equation must be balanced.

The Theory of Equality however would simply state that the alchemy equation was still balanced even when the balloon popped. The error made with our experiment was that the balloon was an inferior material. The bottle I now hold in my hands is a working example of the Theory of Equality. The liquid and materials within were melded using the Dresdenian Method of potion making; more on this method later in during our potions creation lectures. This potion right now looks like pinkish water and nothing fantastic. Shake it up though..."

A few shakes of the bottle a radiant, rosy glow emanated from the bottle throwing light over the students in a warm glow. A few of them gasped in amazement. Ammy sat the bottle down on the desk and covered it with the wicker basket. The potion continued glowing in rosy hues, spilling through cracks in the black coating of the basket as she continued her lecture.

"Many alchemists came upon the Theory of Equality by a simple process of trying complex alchemy, yet many believed their experiments to have failed or to be producing unusual results that didn't fit within the tried and true Equivalent Exchange. It took five centuries before one alchemist, Master Temrin Lazarous to investigate these strange results and discover that the alchemic equation isn't always a simple linear direction, a one set equation nor does it have to give only one result. The Light in a Bottle potion before demonstrates a stable medium storing a luminescent chemical.

While dormant it is balanced with every molecule and energy state in that medium and chemical lying in a state of rest that is until the bottle is shaken. It then seeks to balance itself by releasing the sudden insertion of kinetic energy put into it from the shaking. This balancing is achieved by radiating energy in a visible spectrum in this case it is a rose colored light that will last for several hours until the chemical reaches a neutral energy state once more. The constant state of keeping the medium and the luminescent chemical intact and stable throughout dormancy and agitation is the beauty of the Theory of Equality. Many interactions and reactions can be happening within an alchemical experiment and while it may appear to be chaos, the whole is balanced.

Now I have one last visual to give you all. The Theory of Equality opens up possibilities for alchemists to explore now that they are no longer restricted to simple, one way alchemical equations. Many alchemists have explored these possibilities from enhancing everyday items and processes with alchemical methods or..." Ammy lifted the piece of lead.

She let the students look at the simple piece of lead in her white furred hand and made sure to show them it was very real and not fake. Laying it back on the desk, and with chalk she traced out an array.

"The Theory of Equality allows for Alchemy to step into the magical realm in both capturing magical properties that mimic spells into the potions brewed or actually casting similar spells. We will not be getting into the magical spell portion of alchemy, known as Transmutation, in this class as it is a separate course. That said, Transmutation allows alchemists the ability to cheat nature sometimes and tamper with their world. Sculpt metal, bend wood in unnatural ways, make strong material out of straw and even attempt to turn lead into gold.

However, the Theory of Equality must be respected when using Transmutation or Potion creation. This array drawn will allow me to make this piece of lead into gold. All the formulae have been worked out, the math checked and just waiting for my energy to trigger it." She clapped her hands together and touched the piece of lead.

The lead began to vibrate then soften as if warmed up by a fire. It pooled within the array and bubbled before the liquid metal began to reform into a small brick that shimmered slightly like gold. It held for a second, and then the brick shattered into fine, powdery grey lead dust, contained by an invisible field within the array.

"Just because a method and a way has been discovered does not mean that the material will withstand the impact or that enough energy will be available. The Theory of Equality is not a free pass to play god with your world. Even alchemists have rules older than time that they must obey. Now then, please return to your seats. We are just about out of time today for further lecture. Just as a reminder, we have a class discussion on your favorite Alchemist or Method of Alchemy coming up Friday morning. Before that discussion I will touch upon the ethics and rules all alchemists are held to. Now then, have a good day and may the rest of your time be filled with learning and wonder."

Ammy smiled and dismissed her class. She began erasing the black board and heard someone fiddling with the Light in the Bottle potion on her desk. Finishing her cleaning task she finally turned and saw Gregory holding the bottle, admiring the rosy glow cast by the potion. Ammy sat behind her desk and stored away some personal items into her satchel.

"Gregory, you were nearly late for the second class in a row now. Are you finding your way around the academy grounds okay?" Ammy asked softly.

Gregory looked from the glowing bottle, rosy light glinting on pure black eyes and warming the tint of his human cheeks, lending more believability to his guise. "Professor Spiritor, I apologize for my near tardiness the last two days. I am still adjusting to the campus and the life filled within it. I will try to be here earlier next time." The daemon spoke softly and turned the bottle in his hands seeming fascinated with the glowing potion.

Ammy nodded hearing Gregory. "I would appreciate if you did come a little earlier. Some of the lecture material coming up is vital and should not be missed. You seem quite taken with that potion. Does something about it appeal to you?"

Gregory smiled, the barest hint of sharp teeth within his mouth seen hearing the professor inquire about his fascination. "I am just fascinated by anything that can conjure or create light so efficiently and with such a warmth to the color. My homelands were very murky and the thought of filling the lands with the glows of these bottles would be stunning. Beauty brought to a hellish, dreary plane. Perhaps one day I'll do that, and maybe go further. Do you mind me asking professor if it is possible to refine living creatures with alchemy?"

Ammy's furred brows furrowed as Gregory asked her that question. She stood and walked to the class room door and closed it for the moment then turned. "Gregory, you ask about something that is very delicate and touches upon the breaking of rules alchemists must follow. I can answer you in one of two ways; either as a professor with a need to raise concern with the academy about why this question is brought up, or as a counselor with a duty to understand you and why you are asking. The choice is yours Gregory."

The daemon nodded once understanding the situation he had placed himself into with that curious question. "I would prefer an ear to be lent rather than a firm hand showing me the gate."

Ammy gave a small relieved sigh. She didn't want to lose any students. "Very well Gregory, I will lend you my services as a student counselor. As to your question, I will give an answer when I feel I understand why you are asking it in the first place. At the moment though, we are out of time. Another class is due to use this room. We can continue our discussion at a later time. Agreed?"

Gregory gave a short nod yes to Ammy and walked to the classroom door, opening it and left. Ammy finished gathering her items and the box of visual aids and soon left the classroom as well. The question Gregory had asked her was not something that fazed her. It was a question or line of thought quite common in the field of alchemy all students stumbled upon. What was her concern was the direction the student took their interest and answer to that question.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2013-01-17 20:45 EST
The class had reassembled for the morning Laboratory time but nothing would be created in the lab today. It was time to discuss their first research assignment Ammy had given them. The research done impressed Ammy quite a bit. The class discussed many alchemists noted for fame, infamy or were so obscure even Ammy had to give the class a break to look them up in the Bristle Crios Academy Library.

Alchemists weren't all that were covered. They also covered Transmutation Alchemy, Traditional Alchemy, Theoretical Alchemy and a new form of alchemy that was on the rise Enlightened Alchemy that blended divine power into formulae and potions. What surprised her the most was the final report given in class. Given no less by Gregory himself.

"For my research paper today, I chose a person, an alchemist that was hard to research and worth my time to study. I chose the alchemist, Ammy Loraine Phoenix.

The class murmured. Wasn't that the same name of their professor, but that last name was different' Ammy's ears perked up and she looked to Gregory with interest. Leaning back on the desk she waved for him to continue, curiosity piqued by what he could have researched on her days of old that to her knowledge, was never documented before.

"Ammy Loraine Phoenix, or as we know her, Ammy Loraine Spiritor was a Master Alchemist in the Realms of Sliinkaa, a planet off in the Canis Majoris System. She came from a royal military family, and the few tomes I found in the Academy library indicate very little about her military career. A fact I could care less. This is an alchemy class after all. What they do state are some of the methods, potions and elixirs other alchemists remember and have documented that have had her unique imprint on, having patented them for her.

Among these was a way to permanently transmute metal into any fighting weapon and to retain that shape. An Elixir that could bring someone back from the dead. Creation of not one but three successful philosopher stones and three liquid philosopher stones. Her most accomplished patent it seems was the method of mental transcription of alchemical runes arrays in the mind of practitioner allowing them to cast without physical circles.

These successes aside though, she did accomplish other things using her Alchemy. Bringing a peace accord to a continent called Chanti'ir and setting up fair mage laws for them. Creating shelters for war victims and their families all over Sliinkaa and even protecting orphans during an aerial bombardment."

Ammy slowly smiled hearing Gregory. Ah, there have been little birds snitching on me in my past it seems. Nice to know it's the lighter side of my history he tells the students.

"I picked our teacher for my favorite alchemist as she has run the gambit of life it seems. Done things in alchemy both note worthy and notorious yet she has done things with it her alchemy for the greater good. Many of the alchemists I've heard today either stopped at wealth, fame or death when their schemes failed."

His remarks earned a lot of upset bickering in the class. Gregory had now set himself as the teachers pet and a nice target for a lot of resentment.

Ammy raised her hand for quiet. "Easy, easy. Gregory has a right to pick who he wants for his research paper, though his final summary could have been worded in a less inflammatory way. All alchemists should be praised for the historical achievements and downfalls. I am sure if Gregory had full access to information on me, I would be no better than any of the other alchemists discussed today.

Thank you all for your reports. It's time to end our session. Please leave your written copies on my desk for grading and I will see you all next week for more lectures. Till then, may you have a wonderful day learning." Ammy smiled and clapped her hands.

The students mumbled, their egos and attitudes lightly salved by Ammy's words. Gregory though was still getting dirty looks as they all filed out leaving him and Ammy alone. Taking up the stacked reports, Ammy put them in her leather satchel and looked at Gregory.

"Any particular reason you felt like setting yourself up as a target Gregory' Trying to flatter me will not get you better grades or get you into my good graces if you pull pranks in class."

Gregory came up to the teachers desk and leaned against it. "They can hate me all they want. I won't care. I can hold my own in any schoolyard fight. They need their eyes opened to think clearly. They need to pick role models that wont lead them off on paths of destruction."

Ammy leaned forward on the desk and looked at him with amusement. "And I am this godsend of a role model?"

Gregory crossed his arms and smiled showing pointed, demon teeth. "Those who flaunt their deeds and are well noted in history are but the poster children of an ideal. They are never the true, laboring, back breaking saints that make history what it is today. You don't flaunt yourself professor. I had to dig hard to find that much information I wrote about you today. To me that speaks volumes and says you are either very modest about what you do and don't care about your achievements or you're trying your best to set better examples by wiping your trail clean.'

Ammy just smiled softly and shook her head. "Gregory, some things are just not meant to be known by anyone. History is like that. If it's not written then it's best not to go poking into the past. I would pick a more modern roll model Gregory than me. I'm just a simple teacher looking for peace."

Gregory nodded and chuckled walking for the door. He looked back to Ammy. "Professor, sometimes us kids are just looking for the teachers seeking peace. Nothing wrong with peace and nothing wrong with being a role model in the present. That's the funny thing about time. The past never rubs shoulders with the present nor does the present sleep with the future. They all stay in their little boxes getting text messages. I've gotta scoot to math. Have a good weekend Professor."

Ammy leaned back in her chair now watching the daemon walk off and down the halls. That was a very interesting student and she felt like he was the one counseling her" Smiling to herself, she took up her satchel and left the lab and went home for the day.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2013-04-05 18:09 EST
A few months had passed since the last Traditional Alchemy class was held by Ammy. Many of her students were concerned about the disappearance of their professor, some were relieved as usual not to have more homework. Much to their delight or dismay, rumors spread over the Academy campus that Professor Spiritor had been seen on the grounds and in the Fire Magic class no less" That had a lot of rumors flying around with the students.

Rumors they kept to themselves now as they all sat, eagerly in the classroom ahead of schedule to welcome Professor Spiritor back to class. The door to the room opened and Ammy walked in, dressed in a kimono and not her usual teaching attire. The students noted the visual display that their professor, if rumors were true, was still a bit off. Ammy looked up from going over a clipboard and was surprised to see she had a full class ten minutes before it was class time. She lowered the clipboard, stunned and moved beyond words that her students had stayed and didn't give up on her.

"I . . . see we have eager learners today. It's been a while since we've seen each other, and I'm rather embarrassed to say this, but I've forgotten where we left off. Who can give me a hand at remembering what were doing next?"

Hands shot up all around the room. The students were happy to help and surprised. The professor rarely asked questions they could answer. Ammy chose M'orlen, a young Drow to answer.

"Reagents and identifying them professor. Plant ones first."

Ammy smiled and bowed her head to the young woman. "Thank you M'orlen. Let's see if any of you have been reading and researching on your own while I've not been around. Someone name three plant reageants that start with the letter 'B' and what they do."

Gregories hand shot up and Ammy called on him. "Birch heart is used for making several potions dealing with head aches, clairvoyance and divining. Black root is aptly used for making smoke bombs, invisibility potions, dimness effects or reversing blindness and found at the bottom of dry wells. Uhm . . . uhm . . . Bleeding thorns commonly used for thinning the blood in medicines, lacing weapons and purging poisons?"

Ammy gave her favored daemon student a small smile, even though one or two facts were not correct but close enough. "Nicely done Gregory. Let's see, someone else now, what are the three common reagents that start with 'C' and why do Alchemists favor them?"

More hands shot up to answer. Her heart glowed seeing her students were on the ball today. "Tagitha." she called on one of the three vampires in her class.

"Yes, Mrs. Spiritor. The three common 'C' reagents would be Canis root, Crimson sap, and Curly Bell posy. Canis root is prized for being an enhancing catalyst for most elixers and potions and reacts well with most mixtures. Crimson sap is regarded as the best stabilizing agent to allow mixtures to remain potent up to three times the normal life span of that mixture. Curly Bell posy is the foundation ingredient for all panacea mixtures. If it doesn't cure an ailment, it boots and enhances other reagents that will."

"Excellent Tagitha. Bonus question now. Who can tell me where Crimson sap is from and how it's harvested" Extra points too if you name another commonly used plant reagent." Ammy looked about the room. She pointed to Cassandra, one of her human students, a farmers daughters with a natural gift for alchemy.

"Crimson sap is found locked within the Obsidian Pear trees on the Twilight Island of Rhydin. It can be harvested several ways, usually by drilling into the tree's stoney bark and outer rings of pith with a mithril tap and spout. This is a rookie mistake and used by those wanting profit only and not caring for aquiring more samples from the same tree again as it kill the the tree with trauma. The preferred method is harvest the Obsidian pear fruit itself which is poisonous to eat, but contains concentrated Crimson sap within that is then ground up and distilled into a high quality plant ether.

Heart root is another common if not disreputable reagent used by alchemists. It has chemical properties and elemental properties that manipulate the heart chakra and emotions. Often used by charlatans trying to sell cheap love potions or by unsavory men wanting to lure women into bed."

Ammy gave Cassandra a smile and smirk. "I see I'm going to have a lot of fun with you on field trips and during quizzes. That was very informative and exacting Cassandra. Time to switch logic paths here a moment. I render water drinkable. Named for a low creature and have beautfile white skin. I can make you sleep deeply if you know my company. What am I""

Brian, a gnome chemist spoke up. "You would be Worm Wood."

"Correct Brian. I never see the sun, yet I shine like I have. I lend a ghostly veil to what I am in. I hide thee well from prying eyes. What am I""

Miss Helwith spoke up. "Glow Shroom!"

Ammy nodded and smiled. "A sharp class indeed. You are walking in the Southern Glen by the lake. Someone tell me what would you find near the lake" Then someone else tell me what you would find in the wild fields hemming the lakes beach?"

These two questions stumped the students for a little bit. Ah, seems her students were bookworming more than field tripping. She would have to fix that soon.

Alex, one of the few Lycan students she had finally took the challenge. She knew he would be out and about more in woods than the others.

"M...may I answer both questions professor?" Ammy gave Alex a nod yes. Alex took a moment to think, shut his eyes tight as if to hang on to any thoughts then spoke. "Around the lake you find Kili weed which we would use often for mixtures requiring water elementals, mixtures for curing the flue and for reviving a drowned victim. Also you would find Sleeping Pillow and Devils Snare. Both are favored for sleeping tonics, hallucination rituals and paralysis mixtures.

Move to the wild fields you find Emerald Saw Grass used for many mixtures as a key component for either touch, smell or taste senses when using the Dresdenian method of potion making. It is also used in rough first aid for antiseptic treatment of wounds. Monks Root and Kings Crown are found together as they are part of the same raggedy dark green weed found often in Rhydin. Kings Crown is the frilly goldenrod flower it produces and is prized for creating mixtures that enhance magical talent and wisdom. Moonks root is known as the enhancer for body, allowing mixtures to improve agility, stamina and constitution."

Ammy clapped her hands together. "Bravo Alex! That was well given. Okay then. Who can name the three primary plant reagents favored any healing mixture?"

Jessica, a dwarf spoke up this time. "T'would be Dog Wood, Oak Heart or Phoenix Weed professor Spiritor. Each one be just as good as the other in healing wounds but they do have varying potencies. Oak Heart's the weakest healing plant reagent. Dog Wood is well used for most healing tonics and potions for its versatile properties in slowing blood loss, closing wounds and keeping infection away. Phoenix weed though is the best reagent yet and getting harder and harder to come by due to it's effectiveness to treat all wounds and bring the injured back from the brink of death."

"Well you all have amazed me for the initiative you've taken to learn and study while I've been gone. Yes, Phoenix weed has been a very popular choice for a reagent since I introduced it to the Alchemy market with the Phoenix Weed potion I sell. Steps are being taken to cultivate and raise it within green houses so we don't loose such a valuable reagent to over use and poor harvesting techniques. Now then before we end today's class I have one last question. This one may slip your minds entirely. What three reagents were common but are now taboo in Alchemy use today according the Alchemy Guild and why were those three reagents banned?"

Banned? That thought was seen on every students face. Even Miss Helwith was looking puzzled by this question. Ammy watched the class and walked around the room several times to give them ample opportunities but it seemed like they all could think of no banned reagents in the plant domain. She smiled and reached the front of the classroom again.

"No points deducted for not knowing this answer. Few of you will ever come into contact with the following three reagents for I am one of the few Master Alchemists tasked with keeping them controlled and under watch. The three banned plant reagents are, Jade Rose, Moon Kiss and Moon Root. The specifics of what each one can do I will not discuss in this class unless I see it necessary. However, the purpose and reason behind the ban is important. Alchemist should never strive to erase the memory, enslave the mind to their own doings or addict their costumers to illicit drugs. Those three reagents cross those lines in multiple ways. For now, I am more than pleased with all of your hard study and support. Keep it up guys and girls and I'll see you next class."

Ammy watched them all file out, listened to them chatter and banter about the class and how unusual it was compared to her normal lecture format. Once she was alone, she locked up the room and walked the halls. Unusual . . . yes. She was doing her best with what she had left at the moment to keep her students educated. She couldn't bring herself to let the class go or see them fail. Ammy walked to her room in the Coven determined to keep going on no matter what she did or didn't remember.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2013-04-18 15:28 EST
Classes were still on an extended leave after her last appearance as she did her best to get reaquainted with her material again. She was attending retraining in magic under Art as well in the Academy to jog her memories into play again too. She didn't want to feel rusty or out of practice giving advice or teaching though and devised a plan to keep practicing her professorial skills.

A few fliers would land on the desks of the teachers at the academy as well as the heads of the houses and other members of the coven. Ammy had taken up offering personalized Alchemy workshops in her newly opened Alchemy shop to keep her skills sharp.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2014-02-03 11:32 EST
Before her reassembled class she stood and gave them all a charming and soft smile.

"Well then, now that we have had a very long break to rest, read and study, back to the grinding stone as the task masters would often say. Speaking of grinding stones, does anyone here know why a grinding stone is used for that metaphor?"

The class was quiet for a long moment. Ammy just grinned and picked up the piece of chalk and began writing on the black board to the sounds of groaning; not more notes!

"The term is used to indicate A: that it is time to continue doing the tedious task of grinding various grains into flour with a very heavy stone milling stone either pushed, pulled or moved with a beast of burden, B: that it is time to sharpen and enhance what you know or can do just as the fly wheel grind stone was used to sharpen and hone the edges of weapons and farming tools. Sharpening tools and even having weapons to this day would never have been possible without what?"

Ammy glanced behind to her students. A few hesitant hands raised. Ammy called upon a young man, a gnome if she remembered right.

"Minerals?" He said not too sure.

"Yes! Minerals. I know many of you will scoff and laugh at this notion that metals come from minerals but they do indeed come from that broad class of reagents when invistigate the texts of our pedecessors. Minerals were considered anything derived from the earth and soil including various stones, sediments, semi-precious and precious stones as well as the wide variety of metal ores and metal veins mined and refined. Now then we'll discuss all three types of minerals; Sediments and Stones, Semi-Precious and Precious Stones; Metals in class today. For now though, it is time for a 10 minute break."

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2014-03-13 01:21 EST
"Welcome back to our lecture, class. We are looking at the Mineral family of reagents and as discussed earlier it consists of three distinct categories in Alchemy: Sediments & Stones, Semi-Precious & Precious Stones, Raw Metal Ores & Refined Metals. For now we look at Sediments and Stones; for this category actually has a secret to it. Many reagents in the Spirit (Ether) and Flora/Fauna categories once distilled for alchemical uses and are raised to a higher level end up as Sediments or Stones. Many Alchemists will call these residues Salts. Not the same as the potassium chloride salt that you are used to sprinkling on food from a salt shaker. These salts are the condensed, refined, purified and dehydrated elements that allow little of the reagent to be used to deliver a very potent effect.

Due to the potency of these Stones, many hypothetical theories often arise: distilling the essence of a soul into a physical form to handle; an elixir to allow any alchemist to ignore all laws of physics and magic; the key to binding death for all eternity. However, with all illusions and day dreaming aside, Sediments and Stones provide the best way to capture the purest forms of reagents you wish to use while reducing the quantity needed.

Many great alchemists believe that their craft is alive, that it lives, breathe and can feel what the alchemist has put into it for creation. It may sound absurd, but take into account that alchemy is really wresting the living energy from all forms of matter and putting it to our own use. From this point of view we can see that all reagents can be classed in two ways; Living and Dead. Bear with me on this logic. Dead in this context means a sterile, pure reagent manufactured with modern efficiency and in high volume with little interaction with the producers. Is it a better reagent than one made by ourselves" Perhaps, but many things we can make, known as Living reagents will in fact outstrip the Dead reagents as we impart our souls, our minds, our emotions and even bits of ourselves to these reagents creating a custom blend that thrives with vigor. This is by no means telling you to forego mass produced reagents for they have their places in expediting some studies or producing results when time is essential.

I can see the haze of overload has happened and hands that are idle and not taking notes." Ammy smirked at her class and took up some chalk. She was soon assaulting the black board behind her. Her precise script flowed as she detailed several different types of Salts and how they are made and what they were used for.

"Alright, to continue this plunge into Salts and Stones, we need to know the two fundamental ways our Alchemical forbearers arrived at them: Via Humida & Via Sicca, The Wet Way and the Dry Way. What these ways describe is the process we apply to various reagents to reduce them to the Salts and Stones we desire. The Wet Way will be discussed first as it is most often used for most reagents. The Wet Way uses the processes of fermentation, wet distillation and exaltation to create a medium called a Menstrum that our Salts live in. The Dry Way uses the processes of calcinations, fusion, sublimation, amalgamation and dry distillation to derive the sediment like the dry salts associated with the word "Salt". Have I rocked your world yet by saying Salts can be wet' How about another world shaker; Stones can be soft or liquid.

Menstruums or Menstrua in all reality are solvents. These solvents help to break down reagents in all three classes. To make Menstrua, most alchemists prefer to use water, vinegar, alcohol, acetone and ether. We will get into the finer points of Menstrua during our lab work on Friday. For now, just an over view and yes, this is just an overview. As our classes continue, you may feel like you are sinking into a quagmire of knowledge too murky, but fear not, take my hand and I'll keep you afloat to see the wonders that are our field of specialty. The most common Menstrua made and used in all labs are Circulatum (Living Vegetable Stone), Kerkring Menstruum (Philosophical Alcohol) or Hartshorn or The Salt of Almun, Alkahest of Tartar, and Alkahest of Nitre or Alkahest of Urine or Van Helmont's Alkahest.

And I have lost you all once more. Never fear, for by doing and putting your hands to work will alleviate your fears and open up understanding on Friday. For now, it is best to jot these menstrua down and yes, I did not make a mistake on the Alkahest of Urine. Urine has been found to be a very useful reagent. Granted, as I can see you all smirking, wrinkling noses or thinking gutter humor, urine is simply a menstruum in its own right. It is a base of water, trace amounts of minerals and large quantities of ammonia and nitrous. Several of our menstrua mentioned above can use urine once distilled. What though are the differences between all of these menstruums listed" Circulatum is really red wine vinegar that is distilled and exalted repeatedly until it creates a strong, acidic solvent. The Kerkring Menstruum entails the latter menstrua Hartshorn and Salt of Almun as they are the true predecessor and prot"g" of Kerkring Menstruum. It is called a philosophical alcohol as it can pull or magnetized itself into various salt solvents depending on what it is mixed with. In short, it is considered a universal solvent just like any Alkahest is a universal solvent. The difference in Alkahest's though is they work best on metals raw or refined. All of these menstrua are considered beneficial in health though there are many more out there to be made or studied. Strong caution though on drinking or taking in any of these menstrua as many can be severely toxic or downright lethal. Always consult a master alchemist or mage guild before planning self consumption for further study and theory testing.

We have two more parts to this lecture which will conclude after a second break. Yes, I am giving you time to stretch and let your mind reflect on what is taught. Before that though, I have a good illustration of what making Stones from a Dry Way can yield."

Ammy moved from behind the desk and left the classroom for a moment and soon wheeled in an old desk, well worn and falling apart. Upon the desk were two containers. She opened one of the containers filled with something crystal like and red. She walked around the class giving each student a small quarter cup sample of the red crystals. "Both examples I have can be considered Dry Way Salts or Stones. What you have before you is a tasty treat most youth enjoy. Go ahead and try some." She moved back to the old desk.

Several students seemed hesitant hearing the warning about how dangerous Salts could be in alchemy but others felt if the teacher was trying to kill them she'd have done it on day one. Ammy put the partially full container down and her ears twitched hearing a delightful chorus of snap, crackle, pop, the hallmark of Pop Rock candy.

"What you have is called Pop Rock candy. A Dry Way Salt or Stone result that took sugar, food coloring, fruit juice, water and starch and infused it with carbonation. From there, a quick dry distillation leaves you with crystals flavored sweetly that pop once the carbon bubbles are released by your saliva. A case of making something pleasant and appealing from reagents that may be considered unpleasant alone or in wet form. The other example I have is also a crystal but you will not be eating or touching it for the reason I'll show you."

Ammy opened the second container and showed the class several dullish gray white crystals packed in foam padding. She withdrew the smallest shard, closed the container and moved both of them to her desk. Crystal in one hand, she signed a warding sigil upon the old desk she brought in and a protective barrier rose around it. She then walked around the class room again to show the students what she held.

"What I have here is called Fulminated Mercury. Mercury is a very fluid metal, liquid at room temperature, solid at 38.8 degrees Celsius or 234.32 degrees Kelvin and can be quite expansive or contractile when exposed to varying temperature. It will boil at 356.7 degrees Celsius or 629.8 degrees Kelvin creating a toxic, poisonous vapor. I will not tell you how to make Fulminated Mercury as that is a trade secret left to only Master Alchemists and certain trade guilds. You will get the chance once you graduate this academy and pursue your careers. Needless to say, when you crystallize Mercury, the results are volatile."

Ammy walked up to the old desk. "Please, cover your ears class." Once the curious students did as requested, she tossed the shard onto the old desk. Boooooom! The old desk shattered in a storm shrapnel and toothpicks that the warding kept contained. "Let this serve as an example of how beneficial and how detrimental Salt's can be if you do not know what you are dealing with. Now then, break time.?