Alchemy was the study of reactions between substances, using reagents such as minerals, plants, and chemicals to create magical results. Unlike Spellcraft, alchemy produced effects that could not be counterspelled by abjurative spells, making it a reliable craft accessible to anyone with the right ingredients and knowledge. Everyday uses of alchemy were common across the world, from matchsticks and fireworks to preservatives and solvents, but trained Alchemists pushed the field further, crafting potent elixirs, healing tonics, and volatile bombs.
The influence of alchemy stretched across both daily life and warfare. Martial Adventurers carried Alchemist's Fire and Tanglefoot Bags into battle, while explorers relied on elixirs to fight off disease and poison. Black powder, explosives, and steam-driven technologies drew directly from alchemical innovation, reshaping industries and military strategy alike. Though recipes and reagents made the craft accessible to anyone, true mastery demanded years of study and experimentation.
Alchemical experiments on the body were referred to as "mutagencraft", and were generally avoided due to the potentially life-threatening effects. Only the most fringe alchemists and Blood Hunters resorted to such experiments. If one could overcome the risks and adverse reactions, mutagens could offer powerful, if temporary, enhancements to the body.