Alchemists of Travance.

I don't understand why you consider the homunculi a defilement of our craft. If Maker wasn't using his creations to attack the town, there'd be no issue with what he's doing.

Even more importantly, alchemy at it's highest level is as much mysticism as it is scientific. By trying to think in only scientific terms you'll limit your understanding and growth. And that is the biggest issue with a formal academy. It would set a curriculum. In such a rigid environment, free thought often stifles and research becomes stale. It is why I left my formal schooling at a young age and never returned.

It does have the benefit of being able to coordinate supply of alchemicals to lands and the proper allocation of resources to where they are needed. And this is wonderful for those alchemists who are looking for work. But I already have my hands full with different duties and I'm sure many of the other long established alchemists in Travance feel the same.

Just because the experiments started out selfish, doesn't mean the homunculi are a defilement. They grew past his experiments. They're unique.


Your idea for a gathering sounds interesting, even those who are not alchemists could benefit. Perhaps a whole gathering of our more 'scientific' practices would do some good. I know that we have tried explaining the usefulness of Corpse Essences and Syringes prepared with alchemical potions in the past.

**Not Tyros posting**

Mr. Ironwill,

For a man of science, you seem to believe that the creation of life is ‘gods’ domain alone. I understand that you may not fully grasp how this new form of life may occur, but it doesn’t make one a god by proxy. If you have some flower seeds and soil, and you decide to plant the seeds within the soil, and perform the proper maintenance would you not be creating life? The components existed, you just took the proper steps to help them flourish. Do you consider yourself a god because you created life?

Furthermore, if you were to consider the possibility that all life was created by something, then what issue do you have with new life being created? We may be different and you may have met the creator of Homunculi, but it doesn’t make the creation any less magnificent.

The Seneschal spoke briefly about considering Homunculi to be complex organic machines, but not alive. You must then decide what your definition of alive is. We as a species may be incompatible from a physiological stand point, but this shouldn’t define life since many species are similar, yet can be considered vastly different. Consider an animal, such as a monkey compared to your average Kormyrian. In many ways they have similar features; they can both walk on two legs, each have some ability to reason and solve puzzles, yet communication between different races can be strenuous, and Kormyrians have a more likely chance of understanding both races and how to interact with them. Druids may be able to understand them to a greater effect and would agree that they are also alive.

I pose this question to any that are interested: How do you define life?

In the pursuit of prosperity,
Belberith

Oh, another debate? One moment, let me propose an idea: clear another spot on the wall for this. Let me send a couple of notes out and see if we can do this proper and not detract from the original writings.

---
The courier didn't work.
I'm going to clear another section of wall and offer we remove our notes about Homunculi and move them there if that's alright?

The invitation goes to Belberith, Mr. Flamel, and anyone else who seems interested in the topic.

If you don't move them, I'll copy them when I return.

As long as this guild/academy/whatever does not mandate membership of all Travancian alchemists, I will not oppose its formation at this time. I do not think it the best course of action, but I've already said my part.

Sundays I am usually doing my Baronial paperwork, but can make an attempt at rescheduling if this is meeting is to actually take place.

The four True Homunculi were willing to give their lives to defend me. They show compassion and a desire for understanding that grows every day. Though they may be called childlike, or do not behave in a way that you are necessarily used to, that is far more than I can say for some humans, elves, faerie kin, and goblinoids.