Alchemy for Barbarians

The book Alchemy For Barbarians is a classic piece that helps unpack the role of alchemy in the world as a whole.  

Excerpt:

Introduction

Okay, if you are reading this, then you are most likely not a barbarian. Sorry Krom… you’re just too dumb to undertake alchemy. Maybe raise your INT by 3 and we’ll talk - because you’ll actually be able to use full sentences instead of your fists.   This book is for those interested in undertaking the skill of alchemy, or that of potion brewing. Potion brewing is an ancient art practiced by witches, druids, priests and wizards alike. It is one of the most powerful branches of magic for within it lie not only the secrets to creating potions, but the creation of many magic items.   Anyone who owns a cauldron, uncovers the secret recipes, and obtains the right ingredients can brew a magic potion. But the secrets to recipes are closely guarded and learning the clues to uncovering them is no small feat.   Indeed, this is why Alchemy is not for barbarians, but the intelligent. When an alchemist manages to find the clues to a recipe, they must solve a puzzle to create the correct formula. Only then is the recipe complete. Next, the aspiring alchemist must find the ingredients to brew the potion. Potions are always created from a combination of four different plants and each plant must be prepared in a different way. Twelve plants with magic properties can be used in this way. The following section explains the ingredients that have magical properties, and where/how they may be found.

Ingredients

Potions are always created using four plants. Each of the four plants to go into the cauldron must be prepared in a unique way. No preparation method or plant may be used more than once in any potion. Plants can be chopped, ground, soaked or bruised.   There are three categories of plants which make up the ingredients for any potion:   Kingsfolly, boterbloem, murkweed and pheasant’s eye are common plants, easily obtained.
Maidensbliss, hazian, dueorgeduostle and widdowleaf are uncommon plants which are harder to obtain.
Darkroot, orillia, skyblossom and white haleron are rare plants most difficult to come by.

Boterbloem

This plant is often used as a herb and tastes slightly like butter. It grows by the side of the road.

Kingsfolly

The story goes that an ancient king believed in a prophecy that his warriors would become invincible if they wore little but wreaths of this plant when going into battle. Of course, his army was butchered and the plant was renamed kingsfolly by the enemy who had thought up the false prophecy in the first place. It grows in forests and fields.

Pheasant’s eye

This bulbous plant resembles the eye of a pheasant. Its considered a pest by farmers because its roots tend to kill other plant life. It is very nutritious but has a rancid taste.

Murkweed

Murkweed grows in bogs, marches and other places generally populated by mosquitoes. It is very resistant to rotting. Layers of murkweed are often woven into mats and used to construct canoes and huts.

Maidensbliss

Maidensbliss is found on the slopes of mountains cliffs. Suitors often risk their lives trying to obtain it. Being presented with a bouquet of maidensbliss is considered a sign of true love and devotion. The plant is also the main ingredient of an intoxicating perfume that goes by the same name and is highly coveted by the upper class.

Hazian

Forbidden in most lands, hazian is a highly addictive desert plant that has destroyed communities and even countries. It is sought after by diviners for its transcendent properties. At first it enhances the senses and creativity but eventually it robs subjects of their desires, leaving them in a lethargic state.

Dueorgeduostle

Also called ‘the dwarven plant’ Dueorgeduostle avoids sunlight and only grows below the surface or in places of shade. It is an important ingredient in forging dwarven weaponry adding strength and resilience to steel. It also makes for a decent chewing tobacco. Dwarfs won’t trade this plant for anything.

Widdowleaf

A low dose of widdowleaf leaves its victim temporarily paralyzed, while a highly concentrated dose is often lethal. The poison is tasteless and colourless, but does turn the victims blood purple. Orillia can counteract the effects of widdowleaf. It grows in graveyards.

Orillia

Orillia is a magical plant which grows in holy natural sites and druid’s groves. Its existence is tied to the nature around it. Picking an Orillia plant often leads to the demise of its surrounding nature. It is therefore fiercely protected by druids. Orillia is highly coveted because it is said to cure all ailments.

Skyblossom

Skyblossom is an extremely light magical plant which grows on clouds. Its seeds float on the wind and never touch earth. It is the patron plant of all that is good and holy in this world. It grows on joy, love and selflessness.

White Haleron

White Haleron only appears for one minute when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Predicting where it will appear is notoriously difficult, but it is said to appear where justice is done. Once plucked it does not disappear.

Darkroot

This magical plant grows on darkness, pain and death. It is often protected by the undead who seem drawn to it. It exists between this world and the next, and only appears in our realm shortly where great suffering or death have recently taken place. Once plucked it does not disappear. Highly coveted by necromancers, hundreds of souls have been slain in attempts to obtain this plant.

Logic Puzzle Grid

Once you have found clues to the potion recipes, you will want to formulate a Logic Puzzle Grid to help you solve the riddles. Because the practice of alchemy is so intensive and secretive, only those skilled in the art of logical deduction will discern their secrets.

After You Brew…

One additional note before I share a few additional coded recipes for you. After you finish the process of brewing your potion, it must wait in a sealed container for a period of time for it to develop. Magic takes time, and unless you’re a time wizard, or have access to the Feywild, you have to wait like everyone else. Here are the general wait times for various potions, organized by rarity:   Common - 3-5 days   Uncommon - 5-7 days   Rare - 10-15 days   Very Rare - 30+ Days   Legendary - Months! Some of the more permanent potions may take years to develop, but they are invaluable once completed!