Alchemy and Herb Lore

Alchemy has a storied history in the Jade Empire. Alchemy is split into two categories. Alchemy uses the rules for Fusion Alchemy in Pyramid #4/1, with some changes. To start with, either Blessed (Harmony with the Tao) or Gadgeteer are required to use Alchemy for anything other than the processes given under "Basic Practical Chemistry".

Modifiers:

• Formularies: Preparing an elixir without a formulary gives -6. Knowing the relevant elixir technique at full Alchemy skill waives this penalty.
• Equipment: -1 to +1.

Basic Practical Chemistry

• An unmodified skill roll can be made to perform extractive procedures (that refine existing natural materials) such as distillation (Distillation can be improved up to Alchemy+6 with a Hard Technique).
• An unmodified skill roll lets a practitioner perform simple inorganic syntheses (such as the creation of sulfuric acid ("oil of vitriol")). As a general rule, if it takes more than two steps or requires expensive, bulky lab equipment, it is not "simple"! More complicated synthesis is difficult or impossible; the GM may assign a penalty of -3 or worse, or simply rule the attempt fails.
• Perform identification and analysis of chemicals, at -3 to skill. Blessed (Harmony with the Tao) or Gadgeteer eliminates the -3 penalty.