Alchemy

In the world of Arcturus, no technology has been advanced more than that of Alchemy. Combinations of Essences make up everything in existence and can be manipulated in a variety of ways to produce different effects. Simple combinations of liquid essences can be combined to make potions or poisons, while a more advanced technique would be to transmute one object in to another similar object by adding or removing essences in specific ways.   One of the greatest advancements in alchemical engineering was the synthesis of Aether, the prime essence. This advancement allowed for more widespread use of Aether, and further discovers to be made on it's potential uses.   There are 8 low essences: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. 8 high essences: Light, Life, Darkness, and Death. And one prime essence: Aether.   All essences have notable interactions with each other and the study of these interactions is the foundation of modern alchemy. Aether, the embodiment of all essence, was the most recent breakthrough in this field, and the driving force behind the Age of Supremacy and the cause of the Age of Desolation.   One of the most basic techniques that all Alchemical Engineers learn is the refinement of essence. Various techniques exist but an example would be refining a common plant in to liquid earth and life essence with basic Alchemist's Supplies.