Alchemy

Alchemy (錬金術 Renkinjutsu) is the main form of combat utilized by Alchemists.

Overview

Different from Magic, Alchemy involves transforming matter by alchemizing it, thus performing a Transmutation (錬成 Rensei), changing the shape and form of said material, be it on hand or from the Alchemist's surroundings. The basis of Alchemy is understanding the substance and even mixing the components to form new materials,^[1] some believe Alchemy to simply be the mixture of different ingredients within a caldron similar to chemistry, but in reality it’s more complicated than that, as an Alchemist can mentally alter their desired matter.^[2] This is not limited to solid objects, as it can even work on intangible elements such as gases.^[3] Alchemy can also effect abstract concepts, one such example involves "bonds", which would transform the affected person into another and vice versa.^[4]

Machias are natural Alchemists, being living beings made of metal who can alter their bodies and form complex mechanical weapons.^[5][6]

This ability has similarities with Molding Magic, where in users are able to create and shape constructs out of different materials.^[7] Other Magic abilities such as Ushi no Koku Mairi^[8] have also implemented similar alchemic principles. According to Makarov Dreyar, Alchemy is apparently no different from a Curse from the stories that he has heard of.^[9]

Usage

While there are a variety of Alchemy used in Earth Land, and they can be used for many purposes, the standard primary ability of Alchemy is utilizing materials for crafting, creating various tools and items, some with special abilities for themselves or other non-Alchemists to use.^[10] Alchemists can Alchemize a target and mentally manipulate warp the shape and size of the materials they touch,^[11] depending on the style however have also shown to be able to to transmute something even from a certain distance.^[12] Some Alchemists are capable of transmuting a type of matter into another, converting it into the element they specialize in, including on living beings.^[13][14] An Alchemist must also understand the nature of the target they wish to alchemize, therefore they can only perform transmutations on subjects they are familiar with.^[15]

Alchemic Power

According to Rogue, he could sensed a power in Alchemists that's notably different from Magic power, however the type of power for Alchemy is currently unknown.^[16] Also, unlike a Mage's Magic Power which is limited and draining from each use, Alchemy has no limit and remains at full power always.^[17]

That being said, Alchemy can make use of other sources such as magical based items and materials can also be used as substance for transmutation.^[18] Skilled Alchemists can create more advanced and technological constructs such as large artillery weapons, even powered by Magic.^[19] Taking it further with Bodily Alchemy which can create living mechanical dolls, capable of independent thought and the ability to utilize Magic and Alchemy.^[20] As well as recreate those who have passed as mechanical beings, almost as if coming back back to life through.^[21]

Hand Signs

While majority of the Alchemy don't necessarily need hand signs to perform, as almost all known Alchemy or at least those that specialize in physical elements, only requires the user to make physical contact with a specific substance or even the area around them to transmute.^[22]

Yet, there are still a few examples that need a specific hand gesture and stance to transmute their techniques, typically those that transmute something ethereal.^[23] Some Alchemy also requires the hand gestures of the user to control any mobile inanimate objects they've constructed like puppets.^[24]

Alchemical Combat

Of the various uses of Alchemy, combat purposes are its most notable usage, as Alchemist can freely create item from the materials around them to instantly forge weapons from simple metal swords^[25] to high large high tech mechanical guns and missiles,^[26] or even a squad of artificial soldiers to fight for the user.^[27]

Some will carry existing weapons on hand that compliments their style of Alchemy that they can morph and reshape for increased effectiveness.^[28]

Alchemists can also make weapons with special abilities for others to use, these items can also double as tools needed for the profession they work in.^[10]

Alchemical Items

Certain Alchemists carry special items they can utilize their Alchemy as well as doubling as a weapon for combat, be it an item that manifests the matter they specialize in^[29] or one they can morph for increased versatility and range.^[30] An Alchemist can employ their Alchemy via their items, transmuting anything that comes in contact with the item.^[31]

Alchemy

Armor Alchemy	Bodily Alchemy	Bond Alchemy
Concept Alchemy	Dream Death World	Emotion Alchemy
Gold Alchemy	Iron Alchemy	Machina Alchemy
Magic Alchemy	Plant Alchemy	Purgatory
Smoke Alchemy	World Alchemy

References