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 Alchemy
The art of preparing alchemical concoctions is an inseparable part of the
witchers’ profession. As such, it is assigned the same importance as sword
fighting and Sign skills. Alchemical knowledge, or lack thereof, can mean the
difference between life and death when it comes to confronting monsters.
Familiarity with appropriate formulae, ingredients and substances enables
witchers to increase their tolerance for pain, develop antivenins, amplify sense
perceptions, decrease reaction times, augment their strength, accelerate blood
clotting and physical regeneration, and assure mental focus and physical agility
in situations where normal human beings would freeze with fear.
Alchemy in The Witcher is subdivided into three areas;
Potion Brewing – various alcohols that can include spirits and herb infusions
serve as the base for these liquid mixtures. Some potions require ingredients
extracted from exceptionally mighty and rare creatures. Called mutagens, these
brings about irreversible changes in Geralt’s organism, unlocking new abilities
or accelerating overall development.
Oil Preparation – animal fat, such as that of geese, serves as the base for these
oils. Applying these greasy substances to sword blades produces a variety of
effects useful in battle that depend on the ingredients used. Oils are made with
specifi c adversaries in mind, vampires, ghouls and specters being among them.
Bomb Production – bombs are a side effect of the experiments of mad
Zerrikanian alchemist-mages, and while not really a witcher concept, Geralt
is capable of learning how to produce them and thus surprising many a foe.
Bombs can instill panic among your enemies, poison them or render them
fl ammable. Black powder is used as the base for these mixtures, and when
used, they produce an area effect around Geralt.
During your adventures, you will encounter and study a variety of different
alchemical formulae. You can learn them by talking to other characters or from
alchemy books you fi nd or buy. If you acquire a tome containing alchemical
information (the object’s panel will inform you of this), right-click on the book to learn
the formulae. From then on, the formulae will be available in the Alchemy Panel.
Alchemical potions are made from six basic substances found in various herbs,
minerals, and the body parts of slain monsters. These substances are:
Vitriol, Hydragenum, Rebis,
Aether, Quberith, Vermillon
Ingredients may, but need not, contain one of three additional substances:
Albedo, Nigredo, and Rubedo. If all the ingredients used to create a potion
contain the same additional substance, the resulting potion will provide both
a basic and a bonus effect.
Albedo potions – these are characterized by reduced toxicity. Additionally,
a potion taken immediately after an Albedo potion is consumed, also has
reduced toxicity.
Nigredo potions – affecting Geralt’s physical coordination and mental focus,
these increase the chance of hitting opponents.
Rubedo potions – in addition to their basic effect, these also regenerate
Geralt’s Vitality.
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Advent Children
