The Manuscriptum Universal Alchemic

by

Hermes Trismegistus

     This body of magical knowledge derives from ancient Greek and Egyptian manuscripts, known as the Hermetica; the other famous (but not so essential) surviving texts of the Hermetica are the Asclepius and the Corpus Hermeticum (the Manuscriptum Mentallis is also part of the Hermetica, but its existence is little-known). All four deal with alchemy, magic, astrology, etc.; but only this text (of the three well-known surviving texts) has "practical" uses. The Asclepius and the Corpus Hermeticum are nonetheless required reading for novice Freemasons, since they deal with alchemical theory, along with a fair amount of philosophy.

     The dating of these texts is traditionally from several thousand years B.C., however recent discoveries have made a date of about 200 B.C. more likely. In any case, the main items of Lore are:

Universal Alchemic (8 ♦) 

    This allows the caster to change the inherent material structure of non-living forms, such as lead to gold. The Definitions required are Duration, Range, Number of Subjects or Area, Type of Subjects, and Familiarity of Subjects. Elements of Complexity, Conditional and Gradual are optional; Damage is not allowed.

Flesh to Mineral / Mineral to Flesh (8 ♦)

     This discipline allows the caster to transmute minerals to flesh and vice versa, with the defined mineral type established at the time of transformation. The Definitions required are Duration, Elements of Complexity (for the Mineral to Flesh version), Range, Number of Subjects or Area, Type of Subjects, and Familiarity of Subjects. Conditional and Gradual are optional; Damage is optional for Mineral to Flesh, but is usually required for Flesh to Mineral.

     The creation of living creatures from "mere" statues may, or may not, be possible with this Lore; terrible consequences may ensue.

Alchemic Destruction (16 ♦)

     The base for spells which cause the target to disintegrate into its raw chemical components (for living things, a mess of water and grease). The Definitions required are Duration, Range, Number of Subjects or Area, Type of Subjects, Familiarity of Subjects, and Damage. Elements of Complexity, Conditional and Gradual are optional.

Alchemic Barrier (8 ♦) 

    This allows the caster to stop any or all of the above alterations, as long as the spell is cast before the transformation has begun. The Definitions required are Duration, Range, Number of Subjects or Area, Type of Subjects, and Familiarity of Subjects. Elements of Complexity, Conditional and Gradual are optional; Damage is not allowed.