Basic Alchemical Theory

The basics of alchemy are fairly simple and most people will pick up on bits and pieces of it as they grow up.  All things are made up of matter and energy, and that energy can be manipulated in various ways.  Additionally, all energy can be tied to either the elements, or a pure force of magic.  Energy and objects that are naturally occurring in the world (not counting living things) are all tied to one or more of the elements in a vary particular configuration.  Alchemy relies on extracting particular energies, and harnessing them to a particular effect or to enhance the natural properties of an object or material.   While there are several competing theories regarding the number of elements, what they are, and how they are best organized, the prevailing theory in Aegroran and Abrekuzan alchemy is that the base elements are fire, earth, water, air and soul/spirit.  In traditional models, these are either organized vertically (Top to bottom: Soul, Fire, Air, Water, Earth) or in a circle/pentagon (Clockwise from the top: Soul, Water, Fire, Earth, Air.)  Other theories may change the order of these elements, or may add or substitute others, including Life, Wood, or Metal.   Other elements (such as positive and negative energy, or elements associate with law, chaos, good and evil) have much more complicated origins, often either from life itself or from beyond the material plane, and are a subject more well suited to an advanced student of alchemy, and so will not be covered in this text in detail.  Be aware that these elements do exist and it is possible to manipulate them using alchemy as well.