Introductory Alchemy

The Multiverse, in spite of its perceived complexity, is fairly rudimentary with regard to its physical composition. In fact, across every plane of existence, corporeal reality is only made up of 24 naturally occurring substances called cruxes and 4 extramundane substances called fulcrums, which break down and coalesce with each other to create all things. The art of manipulating these substances is known as Alchemy, and those with the know-how to do so are typically referred to as alchemists. However, many aspects of Victorian living, from medicine to warfare, require at least a cursory understanding of alchemy’s basic principles. Found below are the aforementioned cruxes and fulcrums, and the elements with which they are most closely related.

The 4 Fulcrums

Aether is the vaporous material from which all extraplanar creatures derive their existence, and of which the very Multiverse is comprised. Intangible while inert, aether is the purest form of planar energy to exist, taking on the properties of any metaphysical force it comes into contact with (such as good, evil, order, or chaos). Only recently recognized as a distinct substance, it is also the reason why the cruxes and other fulcrums were erroneously classified as “elements” for centuries, for many early alchemists believed all of creation to be connected by an indivisible elemental force, later identified as aether.

Caelum is a lightweight bluish mineral that was once extracted from a mysterious cave system beneath the Old World known as the World’s Core. In its raw state, caelum is good for aesthetic purposes, such as ornamental runestones, but very little else. It is only after being magically refined, however, that its true properties are revealed; for processed caelum can be used to empower runic technology, from deluxe modes of transportation to weapons of mass destruction. However, recent studies have shown that long-term exposure to its odorless fumes have a potentially deadly effect on organic life.

Phlogiston is a highly combustible but clean-burning oil that fuels most of the city of Craven, from its streetlamps to its electric railcar line. Before erupting into flame, phlogiston resembles an acrid pinkish orange fluid, with a thin film that reflects any light shined upon it into dazzling hues. Unlike the other three fulcrums, phlogiston has never been found in large quantities, even on the plane of Fundament. Yet, House Belgrave claims to have found a deposit of it large enough to light up the Isles for a hundred lifetimes or more, though, their method for obtaining such a supply remains a well-guarded secret.

Vitae is a form of life-giving energy, its appearance akin to frayed strands of pale green light, which acts as a sort of animating force that’s present within all living things. Just as extraplanar beings are given life via aether, nearly all organic or soul-bearing mortals require vitae to exist, with the notable exception of anvilwrought and some fungal creatures. Though it was the first of the fulcrums to be discovered by alchemists, it is still the least understood; just as its presence gives life, it is widely believed that the absence of vitae (or the void left behind by its extraction) is the main cause of magically induced undeath.

The 24 Cruxes

Antimony // Solid

Arsenic // Solid

Bismuth // Solid (Fair Metal)

Calcium // Solid

Carbon // Solid

Cobalt // Solid (Fair Metal)

Copper // Solid (Fair Metal)

Gold // Solid (Noble Metal)

Helium // Gas

Hydrogen // Gas

Iron // Solid (Base Metal)

Lead // Solid (Base Metal)

Magnesium // Solid

Nickel // Solid (Base Metal)

Nitrogen // Gas

Oxygen // Gas

Phosphorus // Solid

Platinum // Solid (Noble Metal)

Quicksilver // Liquid (Fair Metal)

Salt // Solid

Silver // Solid (Noble Metal)

Sulfur // Solid

Tin // Solid (Base Metal)

Zinc // Solid (Base Metal)

Proposed Additional Cruxes

Adamant // Solid (Noble Metal)

Neon // Gas

Orichalcum // Solid (Noble Metal)

Tungsten // Solid (Fair Metal)