History
Centuries ago, as the various human tribes met, fought, and gradually coalesced into larger groups, healers, herbalists, and alchemists met and shared their unique research and creations. Dissatisfied with traditional remedies, they sought to understand the hidden energies within plants, minerals, and the mysterious essence of Yrddestones. A select number of the best and brightest, their identities now long forgotten, put aside the differences of their tribes and clans and united to create a neutral group dedicated to understanding the natural world.
In the early days, they were met with suspicion and even fear. Their experiments often resulted in explosions, unintended transformations, or unpredictable side effects. But, slowly, they began to refine their practices, codifying their knowledge, and establishing a network of guilds across Yrdde. Their expertise in healing, creating powerful concoctions, and imbuing objects with potent enchantments proved invaluable. Armies sought their aid for war, merchants funded expeditions for rare ingredients, and everyday citizens relied upon their salves and remedies.
As the Guild’s influence grew, so too did their commitment to preserving their secrets. Knowledge became their currency, fiercely guarded and passed down only to those who demonstrated both skill and unwavering dedication to their art.
Hierarchy
Joining the Alchemist's Guild is a challenging feat. Potential apprentices must be sponsored by an existing Journeyman or Master Alchemist who sees potential in them. A rigorous series of tests, both practical and theoretical, weed out the unworthy. Those who persevere and earn a place within the Guild embark on a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, bound by oaths of secrecy and a code of conduct designed to prevent misuse of their powerful craft.
Apprentices
Young alchemists, often recruited from talented individuals showing an aptitude for natural remedies or an unusual sensitivity to Yrddestone energy, begin their journey under the watchful eyes of Master Alchemists. Their duties involve menial tasks like cleaning equipment, preparing basic ingredients, and studying ancient texts, all while learning to observe, experiment, and respect the potent forces they handle.
Journeymen
After years of dedicated study and proving their understanding of alchemical principles, apprentices graduate to the rank of Journeyman. They assist Master Alchemists with more complex tasks, travel on expeditions, and are allowed to craft a limited range of potions and talismans under supervision.
Master Alchemists
The most skilled and respected alchemists, those who have mastered complex techniques, developed their own unique recipes, or demonstrated an ability to handle dangerous ingredients with caution and expertise. They lead expeditions, train apprentices, and control access to the most valuable and potent alchemical knowledge.
"The Alchemist's Guild - a bunch of secretive, fume-sniffing eccentrics with more rules and regulations than the Imperial tax code. They guard their recipes like they were printed on gold, but even a blind sky-whale could see their fingerprints all over Yrdde. Need a love potion guaranteed to not be dyed rosewater? They've got it. Want a tonic that promises eternal youth (results may vary, of course)? They've got that too. Accidentally drank a dangerous concoction that could melt your insides? Well, let's just say most alchemists wear light robes and carry all their belongings with them for a reason. And you can bet your last Yrddestone that I'm digging to uncover their secrets – think forbidden knowledge, questionable ethics, and maybe even a love potion gone wrong. Stay tuned, darlings. This story’s got potential to blow up… figuratively speaking, of course." - E Dawnstrider
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