Alchemist

An alchemist was a craft profession. At the most basic level, anyone who mixed substances together in a liquid form to create a wanted effect could be considered an alchemist. Alchemy required a fair amount of intelligence, as well as time and materials. It could also be a very expensive pursuit. 
An alchemist could craft mundane substances, such as oil, soap, perfume, antitoxin, acid, alchemist's fire, sunrods, tanglefoot bags, and thunderstones, magical substances such as potions and oils, and other things such as the special brews that were used in the process of creating a dracolich. In the days of ancient Netheril, an entire school was dedicated to the study of alchemy. Scholars there were able to turn lead into gold, turn air into poisonous gas, make water explosive, and shape elemental fire.
Not all alchemists were spellcasters, but many were, as spellcasting ability was needed to make magical potions. Dedicated practitioners could become master alchemists.
Of all the races, gnomes were best known across the Realms as alchemists.
==Alchemical Supplies==
In addition to a clear space and workbench, a fully-stocked alchemical laboratory required many tools and implements, costing on average between 200-1000 gp.
The preparation of substances used tools like the common measuring cup and spoon, balance scale and weights, mortar and pestle, or quern. Careful measurement of liquids could be done with a burette, and separation of materials could be done with a centrifuge, or through a filter on a funnel. A file was useful for taking small slivers off a solid chunk of material.
For storing supplies and finished products, alchemists used containers like bottles, flasks, jars, jugs, and vials Preservation of non-stable ingredients could be helped with a cold ice chest filled with blocks of ice.
Timekeeping for processes could be tracked with a minute or hourglass or large water clock. When taking quick notes, an alchemist could use an easel, drawing slate and chalk, or a handy papyrus pad. The examination of their work could require the use of various lens, concave and convex, to get a clearer view.
When actively mixing and heating they used dishes, cauldrons, beakers, alembics retorts, crucibles, glass tubing and piping, and often stirred with a non-reactive glass stirring rod while propped up with stands, firegrates, racks, trivets, or other frames. Common clay provided a useful material for filling gaps, propping up items, or insulating them from heat, while simple string had any number of uses holding things together.
For heating, some sort of fireplace or furnace was needed, with coal serving as an ideal fuel. The brazier was a common choice, while candles were used for smaller applications. Ovens and kilns provided large-scale, steady and high temperatures, making them a vital but bulky addition to a workspace. Bellows fed air into the flame to intensify the heat, while a vent could be used to safely evacuate dangerous gases from a chamber.
For handling their work, hazardous or otherwise, an alchemist was advised to use tongs, tweezers, heat mats, and magnets depending on the situation. They could also wear sturdy gloves and an apron to protect themselves further. Cleaning up could be made far easier with sponges, a washing basin and a water reservoir.
==Notable Alchemists==
* Almaestaddamir Auldcastle: ran an alchemist shop in Ashabenford.
* Amelior Amanitas: alchemist and sage from Secomber.
* Angrath Dree: owner of Old Angrath's Smokehouse in Red Larch.
* Askrim "the Bold": of Neverwinter, co-author of The Making of a Homunculus.
* Cordwainer: a member of the Ministry of Art in Ravens Bluff.
* Grollar Zarmshield: of Tulmene. Developed a method to can fish for caravan travel.
* Kappiyan Flurmastyr: master alchemist from Waterdeep.
* Olin Foolsgold: owned a small shop in Darkenshield, Cormyr.
* Rhetsim: owned an alchemist shop in Waterdeep.
* Urngath Dorrund: an alchemist who operated out of Delzimmer.
* Valas Jaelre: second cousin of Jezz the Lame.
* Lorthio Bukbukken: duergar alchemist of the Gray Ghosts thieves’ guild.
==Appendix==
===Gallery===
Alchemy_kit_WoW.png|A kit of alchemy tools for adventurers from the 15 century DR.
Separatory Funnel.png|Alchemist's tools: separatory funnel.
===Appearances===
===References===
===Connections===
Category:Alchemists
Category:Arcane spellcasters
Category:Specialist wizard classes
Category:Artificers
Category:Artificer specialists