Alchemists of Travance.

Good day to you all, Dunn Ironwil here with a bit of an idea. You see last moon I spoke to Rudolf and he and I were tossing around an idea of an Alchemist Guild. With all the influx of new scientific minds as well as the whole homunculi business, I believe it could be a grand idea to say the least! So being that we are all men and women of science I figured we could debate the pros and cons of the idea before seeing if we'd like to move forward.

First off, I would like to state the major pro with all of this, information! With all of our minds crammed into one guild, the possibilities for research or possibly discovering something new could be absolutely endless! Not to mention for the betterment of Travance as a whole. We could find a way to help the farmers, the smiths, we could even make sure that when the Travancian forces go out to fight something terribly dangerous, that they are well stocked with things to keep them safe!

Secondly, as newly arriving in town, I find that essences are well.... a tad difficult to find as I am not one to find myself on any battlefield. So to those who also don't, this can be a good way for us to keep stocked up on the things we need at all times!

Thirdly, with this passing moon I got up close and personal with a few humonculi and I can say this. We as alchemists should stand firm in defense of our science and band together in order to show the would be god that we will not take such defilement of our craft!

So that is what I have now. I look forward to a respectful and spirited debate as to why or why not we should begin working on starting a guild!

Signed,
Dunn Ironwil.

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.

Zelritch,

I feel you have made an excellent point, but you see if we create this, we make the curriculum, we set the rules within the laws of the barony of course, and we dictate how we proceed. Yes the other established alchemist may have their work, but why not use this as a home of sorts to nurture our colleagues so that they are not swept away with the constant evolving tide of Travance? It would be simply easy to just go about your business and remain simply within oneself, but the more established alchemists, you, Meander,, Rudolf, Tycho, all of you could spread your thoughts and ideals into the next generation of science. Unlike me you are all just humans. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but this would be a great way to see that the future of alchemy in Travance is preserved.

Furthermore I include the idea of magic in with science. Magic can be broken down into scientific terms as well and although I have the trait of my kin of not being able to benefit, I'm sure the others who can would very much enjoy a boost of magic in their alchemy.

To also answer your first point, I see it as a defilement because he is using alchemy for his own selfish purposes. He is trying to use the science I love to become something more than what he is, a man of science. He is trying to become a god. I am not one for faith, I think it dilutes more rational minds and keeps ones entrapped in a manner of speaking. But that is my thoughts on the situation and is besides the point of this conversation.

Signed,
Dunn Ironwil

Mr. Ironwil,

While not an alchemist myself - nay, the only alchemy I've performed to date, has been to make myself coffee - and therefore my opinion may have less value here, I would still like to say a few words on the matter.

Why set a curriculum at all? Nothing good in this town ever came from imprisoning the townsmembers' imagination. The more infamous example in my mind happened this time last year, when some men believed there was only one way to solve a particular problem and scorned those who thought outside a certain set of parameters.

The town would indeed benefit from regular meetings of its more-experienced alchemists. However, as Zelretch noted, it may be a hefty task gathering all of them in the same place, at the same time.


-Nalick

Nalick,

You are correct, why limit ourselves? But with my words from my last posting I simply met we can shape and form how we want this to be. It can be free form, or it can be set. This is merely a debate to see if this would be worth investing time.

As to your second point, it would be a hefty task. Yet.... Are we to believe that us alchemists are more busy than let's say a Lord? Or the Count? Or even the High Priest of Andorra? All of these men and women find time to meet with their vassals, their subjects, their flock. How could we not find a mere hour or so to speak with one another?

Signed,
Dunn Ironwil.

Structure is not made to limit, but to guide, to give an idea. If one wishes to go outside of that structure, well, I doubt anyone will write them a writ of detention.

This is not a school. Allow a curriculum for the novice, then allow them to see the world through their eyes as a journeyman.

Food for thought,
Mr. Pierce.