Lessons in the Alchemical Arts
by Wind Minstrel of Magincia
Alchemy is the process of grinding various reagents into a potion. There are those who say the potions are magical, but they are superstitious fools who don't understand the complex interactions of the four humors and the four elements. In any event, here are the steps to accomplish the alchemical sciences:
You can use any reagent in the mixing of potions, even those so-called "pagan reagents" that so many look upon with superstitious dread. You can combine up to three different reagents to form a potion, should the recipe so require. You may also heat (condense) your potion to greatly strengthen it, but that will halve the volume of your mixture. Several potions can be brewed at once in the same flask, so make sure you grind a stack of herbs while you're working.
Take care when mixing potions, because if you're not sure of your recipe, you could make an unstable concoction. I've seen a few explode, much to the chagrin of the apprentice! Rumor has it that El Asharar, a notable old sage, once had an experimental mixture evolve a poisonous gas! Needless to say he was careful from then on.
Some reagents act as catalysts that can increase the strength of your potions. Brimstone is like this in many mixtures. Dragon's Blood, while rare, can enable your potion to withstand the stress of heating, and create the most powerful of potions.
I'm not going to give away all of my precious trade secrets to an apprentice like you, but here are a few paltry concoctions:
Lesser Heal Potions: grind 1 part ginseng per potion desired. Decant into bottles
Heal Potion: grind 3 parts ginseng into a flask. Gently drip 2 parts brimstone into the mixture. Decant.
Greater Agililty Potion: grind 16 parts bloodmoss and 4 parts brimstone into a flask. Infuse 2 parts dragon's blood into the mixture, and carefully heat over a brazier. Decant into a bottle.
I hope this missive has proven useful. Please remember the sage Wind Minstrel with fondness.