Voligenetics

Synopsis

Voligenetics is the study of natural substances and their interactions with one another. This includes both organic and inorganic materials, like plants and minerals. All natural substances have inherent natural properties, and some have latent properties that can be activated by contact with other substances. Voligeneticists are masters of chemistry and biological engineering, and are familiar with the species of plantlife of Bwrdd and their uses. They also experiment with the production of vegetation and the effects of Voligenetics on crops. Records of Voligenetic experiments are kept in the Spectral Library, and information about Voligenetic plants is recorded in the Herbarium.

Origin

The first practitioners of Voligenetics operated without the use or knowledge of Volition, and as such called it by a different name. After the discovery of Volition and its interaction with natural substances, the vague craft of 'Alchemy' began to be referred to as 'Voligenetics'. Since its proper establishment as a domain of study, many discoveries have been made in the ways of both healing and industry. Experiments around the effects of Voligenetics when practiced directly on living bodies have yet to be made; the situation around the ethics of experimentation in many areas of Volition is a source of tension and debate between Volitionists and common folk alike.

Reputation

Due to its association with Volition, Voligenetics is almost exclusively practiced by Volitional healers/engineers. Before the establishment of Volition as a discipline regulated by the Barony, townspeople and farmers consulted with known Voligeneticists with help with their gardens or physical ailments. Following the 93rd year of Advarsel the fear of Volition has kept away many that would otherwise have sought help from Voligeneticists. In the year 148 the propaganda from the Institute of Justice has driven the people to fear not only Volition, but any form of scientific exploration. Still, there remain those desperate enough to seek help from wherever they might.