Divine Alchemical Theory

Divine Alchemical Theory is a common theoretical model of chemistry among numerous Centrelands scholars. The model combines theory of Divine Metaphysics with practical alchemical knowledge to form a basis of understanding and prediction for the interactions of the alchemical building blocks of the Mortal Demesne.
The theory traces back to interpretations of Albertus Agrippa's seminal work, Metaphysics of the Divine Realms; alchemists applied the theological theories from Agrippa's work to their understanding of chemical interactions. In particular, the principle of Divine Convection helped explain previously enigmatic inconsistencies in alchemical interactions.
== Core Principles ==
Although the depth of understanding has progressed significantly since its conception, Divine Alchemical Theory revolves around four core principles:
# Substances possess a mixture of one or more Divine Energies, of which there are six in total.
# Divine Energies have a natural tendency to interact with one another to balance themselves. In particular, opposing Energies tend to attract one another, balancing themselves in the process.
# When a substance has balanced Divine Energies, it is said to be in a state of Equilibrium (represented as 'neutrality' in notation); substances are typically more stable in this state. Conversely, when a substance possess unbalanced Divine Energies, it possess a 'charge' and is typically less stable
# Through possession of differing Divine Energies, and a natural inclination to balance themselves, substances alchemically react and form new substances in a state of Equilibrium
== Divine Energies ==
There are six Divine Energies that substances can possess; these relate to the Six core gods observed across a variety of cultures, religions and eras: Yvir, Belathon, Paramac, Suradan, Kolarek and Endric.
Divine Energies in isolation are typically unstable and seek to interact with different Divine Energies to reach a state of Equilibrium; Where a substance possesses an abundance of a particular Divine Energy, it will seek to alchemically react with substances possessing opposing Energies to reach Equilibrium. These interactions are predictable and may be more intense and volatile depending on the Energies that are interacting. 
=== Alchemical Circle of Divine Energies ===
The Alchemical Circle of Divine Energies maps the predictable reactions of the six Energies in relation to one another. Energies on the opposite side of the Alchemical Circle are most attracted to one; Alchemurgists refer to this as "opposing" Energies and substances possessing opposing Energies will typically react more easily or in a more volatile manner with one another. Conversely, Energies close to one another on the circle are less reactive with each other.
=== Grouping Divine Energies ===
Divine Energies can grouped in some additional ways that help to explain reactivity and stability:
Heavenly & Earthly Energies - The four Earthly and Heavenly Energies are the most common types of Divine Energies. These Energies are typically less reactive with the other Energy in their category (eg. the Heavenly Energies of Belathon and Yvir are less reactive with each other). However, Energies are more strongly reactive with those in the other group (Eg Energies of Belathon are often reactive with the Energies of Paramac and Suradan.)
Kintropic & Entropic Energies - Kintropic Energies are generally less volatile. Entropic Energies are typically more volatile.
== Table of Alchemical Alignments ==
Alchemurgists refer to substances with an imbalance or excess of Divine Energy as "charged". Furthermore, substances are often naturally inclined towards certain charges. Alchemurgists have constructed the Table of Alchemical Alignments to map these natural inclinations; using the table it is possible to predict reactivity of interactions between different substances. 
For example, iron has an affinity for Divine Energies of Paramac. This excess of Divine Energies of Paramac is referred to as a "P-charge" (Paramac-charge). Therefore, Iron would feature in the bottom-right of the Alchemical Alignments table. In line with the Alchemical Circle, it is reactive with Kintropic Energies and Heavenly Energies, especially Energies of Belathon. When two substances react together to reach a state of Equilibrium they typically form a new substance and are "neutrally charged"; the Divine Energies are still present but their continued interaction maintains Equilibrium. The resulting substance is also substantially less reactive, as it has achieved the neutral state that it was seeking.
== Alchemical Reactions - Simple Visualisation ==
Dating back to scholars of the Emergent Era, a commonly taught introduction to the three core principles uses the example of the formation of rust on iron:
 IronP+AirB=RustN
Iron (Paramac-charged) + Air (Belathon-charged) = Rust (Neutral Charge)
* Principle 1: In our example, iron possess Divine Energies of Paramac (P-charged) whilst Air posesses Divine Energies of Belathon (B-charged).
* Principle 2: Using the Alchemical Circle of Divine Energies to understand the interaction of Divine Energies, Paramac and Belathon sit opposite one another on the circle; they possess opposing charges and therefore attract one another to balance themselves.
* Principle 3: Once they have become attracted they form a state of Equilbrium. This state is stable and is manifested as rust.
=== Inconsistencies in this visualisation ===
Although the example above is considered to be a solid introductory principle, it ignores that reactions, including rusting, occur at different rates and intensities or sometimes do not occur at all. Emergent era alchemists acknowledge this and noted that one or more of the following must also be true:
* Some substances can be further decomposed into composite substances, possessed of their own charges and thus affecting reactivity levels.
* Some charges are more powerful and/or reactive than others.
* There is an unknown force affecting charges in hither-to unpredicted ways.
*
== Advanced Alchemical Theory ==
In basic conceptualisations of Divine Alchemical Theory and older theories of Alchemurgy, substances possess a charge and the interactions between differently charge substances are what drive alchemical interactions and the formation of new substances. Furthermore, substances are typically inclined towards certain Divine Energies, as recorded in the Table of Alchemical Alignments. However, this overlooks the rich variety of alchemical interactions that occur (and do not occur) in the world, especially interactions that run counter to established expectations.
Advanced Alchemical Theory posits that substances are made up of fundamental building blocks called "Motes". These Motes possess the Divine Energies that form the basis for alchemical interactions. In this theory, Motes are possessed of two parts, a Core and one or more Deion(s). 
These two components of a Mote can each independently carry a charge. The Core is the part of a Mote that typically carries a predictable charge, aligned with the Table of Alchemical Alignments. The Deion(s) carry a less predictable charge and are susceptible to external factors. There are a number of principles governing the interactions of Motes, their Core and Deions and the respective charges of those components. 
* All Substances are formed of Motes
* Motes possess a Core and one or more Deions
* An abundance of a Divine Energy causes a charge in the Core and in Deions.
* The charges in the Core and Deions are independent from one another; they may be the same or completely different charges.
* Charges in the Core are inherently predictable, charges in Deions are not.
* Alchemical interactions occur due to interactions between two or more motes seeking to balance their charges.
* The interactions of Deions and Cores of two motes are mutually exclusive; the Deion from one mote cannot interact or balance itself with the Core of another Mote.
* The exception to this is that a Core and Deion of the same mote can interact to reach Equilibrium.
The distinction between 
Furthermore, the alchemical reactions caused by the interactions of Deions are more volatile and 
== Divine Convection ==
The reason why the world is not neutral and dead, or uninhabitably unstable; Total Rationality, where everything has settled in a state of Equilibrium, Divine Convection makes this a localised phenomenon at worst. However, a consequence of Divine Convection is the reverse, where Divine Energies can change rapidly and vary hugely in volumes, such taht nothing can settle in a stable manner and thus life or even the fabric of the Mortal Demesne is unsustainable. This can be observed beyond the Farthest Reaches at the edge of the world and is sometimes referred to as Total Irrationality. Finally, there are theoretical states where a single Divine Energy is so overwhelmingly abundant in a given space that it will disintegrate all other substances due to the overwhelming volumes of mono-Energies seeking Equilibrium. [Name? Monohue?]
W.I.P
== History ==
Theological-alchemists in the Mesou cultures of the Ancient Era were the first to theorise that different natural substances were aligned to divinities and that these alignments may affect their reactivity. However, as these civilisations had not yet developed Hexatheonic-theory their alchemists struggled to consolidate the relevance of Divine Energies. Furthermore, a rise in monotheism in Argaiv and Ankh lead to a decline in theories centred around Divine Energies; if only one deity were to exist, then there would be no need state of balance that would need to be sought.
Mono-chemical Theory, which became the basis for alchemy for over a millenium, hinged on a complex rule-set of chemical interactivity based on mass and empirical observation. Although many of its rulesets continue to be valid due to their empirical nature, it does not provide a picture of underlying principles and was limited in its ability to predict reactions.
The emergence of Quadratheonic and Hexatheonic Principles following the Ankhosian Crusade lead to a resurgence of alchemical theories based on Divine Energies. Quadratheonic-based alchemical theories in particular were simple to understand and relatively robust and alchemists sought to understand the affinities for particular Divine Energies that were possessed by different substances.
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