Post by Jonathan McCloud on Jun 23, 2006 12:00:51 GMT -5
Alchemy – To put it as simple as possible, Alchemy is a three-step process. The first step is understanding the structure of a certain matter, followed by decomposition, and finally reconstruction and manipulation. The energy for alchemical reactions comes from the other side of the Gate, supposedly from the death that occurs in the world on the other side of the Gate.
Automail - A kind of prosthetics, made from metal and linked directly to the nerves of the body. Well-made automail can allow a range of movement and strength as good as or better than the original limb it replaces.
Equivalent Exchange - The rule that alchemists is consider to be the foundation of Alchemy, or even the fundamental law of the world: To gain, something of equal value must be lost. Alchemists examine this implications of Equivalent Exchange as a philosophy. It also investigates into whether Equivalent Exchange is a natural law, or rather, a false ideology. As an example, an Alchemist can use the chemicals present in the human body, in thinking that this simple chemical exchange would be all that was needed to bring back someone from the dead. Needless to say, this law is of vital importance to the storyline.
State Alchemist - An Alchemist serving in a special branch of the state military. State Alchemists are selected by a series of examinations, and are regarded as some of the most powerful and talented alchemists. The position of State Alchemist also holds considerable authority and influence, automatically being promoted to the rank of Major. However, State Alchemists are despised by the general public, often called 'dogs of the military' - meaning that the person sold their soul to the military in exchange for special entitlements.
Transmutation Circle - Transmutation circles act as catalysts in alchemic reactions, and are needed for any transmutation, except in the case of certain alchemists who can transmute without one. The circle represents the constant flow of energy, the patterns decide what effects the transmutation has. A circle may be drawn on the spot, embroidered into an article of clothing, or even tattooed onto the alchemist itself.
Philosopher's Stone - A legendary stone said to allow the holder to completely bypass the law of Equivalent Exchange. However, the truth about this stone is that it by far needs more sacrifices then just the energy that you lose on your quest to find it.
Incomplete Philosopher's Stone (Akai Ishi) - An unfinished or impure Philosopher's Stone, commonly referred to as a Red Stone. Though far less powerful than a complete stone, a Red Stone can act as a powerful amplifier for an alchemist's abilities. The Red Stone will inevitably and unpredictably backfire on its owner. A related material is Red Water, which while toxic to humans can be refined into a Red Stone.
Red Water - A liquid with the potential for alchemical amplification. It can be refined into an incomplete Philosopher's Stone either by a long and labor-intensive process, or by using the body of a pregnant woman as a living refinery. This substance is toxic to humans, but can be absorbed by plants. The question of whether the Red Water is composed of human souls like the complete Philosopher's Stone is not answered.
Blood Seal - A special type of transmutation circle that acts as a seal to bind a person's soul to an object, such as a suit of armor. It must, as the name suggests, be written in blood; the soul is tied to the blood and an element in the blood must be binded with the object itself. This typically only works on armor as the iron in the blood binds with the armor. Thus the blood acts as an intermediary between the soul and the object. If a blood seal is destroyed, the soul will no longer be tied to the object, and the person will enter the Gate. Some people refer to it as a "Blood Array"
Gate of Alchemy - Also known as the "Gate of Truth" and just "Gate", it is said to be the source for all alchemical power. An alchemist who sees into the gate can then perform alchemy without the use of a written or tattooed circle because of the knowledge passed during the experience. Behind the Gate is an alternative world, our world, now in the chaos of a world war. People's deaths from beyond the gate fuel alchemy. The Gate swings forward each time the energy for Alchemy is summoned. There is a Gate inside everyone, they just need to know how to call upon it. A weak link between the body, mind and spirit is what calls the Gate - Death. A baby has a weak link between the body, mind and spirit thus it is easy to summon the Gate with the power of a baby. The Gate resembles Rodin's sculpture The Gates of Hell. There is also the Kabbalahistic tree of life on the gate.
The Truth - Also referred to as "Genuine Truth", "Truth behind Truths" and "Universal Truth" among many people. The ultimate goal of every alchemist. It is often displayed as an omnipotent god-like being that exist in gate, the one who controls the law of Equivalent Exchange. Cruel, but fair. Any alchemist who stopped seeking truth meant their life as an alchemist had already died.
Amestrian – The most popular race, it has no characteristic adjectives.
Ishballian – A race that was once involved in a terrible war, called the Ishbal Massacre. Not many Ishballians survived this blood bath, most of them live either in exile or in their homeland called Ishbal. There most unique adjective is their tanned skin and crimson red eyes.
Homunculi - Are artificially generated beings, retaining human physical form and mental capabilities, but having an abnormality of the definitive trait of life that is a soul, whose existence is replaced and replicated, to some slight degree, with the material created from uncountable amount of soul called "philosopher's stones." They are manipulative, pulling the strings from behind the scenes for much of history, and cutting them when they no longer serve a purpose. Whereas the existence of a human being revolves around the soul, the existence of the Homunculi is sparked by the Philosopher's Stone they carry within them. Due to the healing powers of the stone, Homunculi are endowed with amazing regenerative abilities, even to the point of allowing them to return from utter annihilation. This impressive ability, however, is fueled by the souls of the stone, and should their stones be depleted, their death is imminent. Another way to kill a homunculus is to create a specific transmutation circle designed to seal a homunculus's power; the only requirement for the transmutation to occur is a piece of the human whose attempted resurrection created the homunculus. Apart from their healing power, each homunculus is gifted with a paranormal power, which manifests itself uniquely for each of the homunculi.
Ouroborus - All Homunculi bear the mark of the Ouroborus, though the location of the tattoo varies from homunculus to homunculus. The winged serpent consuming its own tail represents the cycle of life and death through which the Homunculi constantly pass. This specific Ouroborus also features the Seal of Solomon, which depicts the unity of the alchemic symbols for fire and water (upwards and downwards triangles, respectively). In alchemy, the union of opposing elements is symbolic of both transmutation and the quest for the Philosopher's Stone. All homunculi are also marked with several red circles on various parts of their bodies that are connected by a red line. It is unknown what purpose this marking serves.
Human Sacrifice - A term that Homunculi used to call the alchemist who had opened the gate and saw the truth.
Chimera: – A creature created through a successful transmutation. A chimera must be created from 3 animals/humans.
Automail - A kind of prosthetics, made from metal and linked directly to the nerves of the body. Well-made automail can allow a range of movement and strength as good as or better than the original limb it replaces.
Equivalent Exchange - The rule that alchemists is consider to be the foundation of Alchemy, or even the fundamental law of the world: To gain, something of equal value must be lost. Alchemists examine this implications of Equivalent Exchange as a philosophy. It also investigates into whether Equivalent Exchange is a natural law, or rather, a false ideology. As an example, an Alchemist can use the chemicals present in the human body, in thinking that this simple chemical exchange would be all that was needed to bring back someone from the dead. Needless to say, this law is of vital importance to the storyline.
State Alchemist - An Alchemist serving in a special branch of the state military. State Alchemists are selected by a series of examinations, and are regarded as some of the most powerful and talented alchemists. The position of State Alchemist also holds considerable authority and influence, automatically being promoted to the rank of Major. However, State Alchemists are despised by the general public, often called 'dogs of the military' - meaning that the person sold their soul to the military in exchange for special entitlements.
Transmutation Circle - Transmutation circles act as catalysts in alchemic reactions, and are needed for any transmutation, except in the case of certain alchemists who can transmute without one. The circle represents the constant flow of energy, the patterns decide what effects the transmutation has. A circle may be drawn on the spot, embroidered into an article of clothing, or even tattooed onto the alchemist itself.
Philosopher's Stone - A legendary stone said to allow the holder to completely bypass the law of Equivalent Exchange. However, the truth about this stone is that it by far needs more sacrifices then just the energy that you lose on your quest to find it.
Incomplete Philosopher's Stone (Akai Ishi) - An unfinished or impure Philosopher's Stone, commonly referred to as a Red Stone. Though far less powerful than a complete stone, a Red Stone can act as a powerful amplifier for an alchemist's abilities. The Red Stone will inevitably and unpredictably backfire on its owner. A related material is Red Water, which while toxic to humans can be refined into a Red Stone.
Red Water - A liquid with the potential for alchemical amplification. It can be refined into an incomplete Philosopher's Stone either by a long and labor-intensive process, or by using the body of a pregnant woman as a living refinery. This substance is toxic to humans, but can be absorbed by plants. The question of whether the Red Water is composed of human souls like the complete Philosopher's Stone is not answered.
Blood Seal - A special type of transmutation circle that acts as a seal to bind a person's soul to an object, such as a suit of armor. It must, as the name suggests, be written in blood; the soul is tied to the blood and an element in the blood must be binded with the object itself. This typically only works on armor as the iron in the blood binds with the armor. Thus the blood acts as an intermediary between the soul and the object. If a blood seal is destroyed, the soul will no longer be tied to the object, and the person will enter the Gate. Some people refer to it as a "Blood Array"
Gate of Alchemy - Also known as the "Gate of Truth" and just "Gate", it is said to be the source for all alchemical power. An alchemist who sees into the gate can then perform alchemy without the use of a written or tattooed circle because of the knowledge passed during the experience. Behind the Gate is an alternative world, our world, now in the chaos of a world war. People's deaths from beyond the gate fuel alchemy. The Gate swings forward each time the energy for Alchemy is summoned. There is a Gate inside everyone, they just need to know how to call upon it. A weak link between the body, mind and spirit is what calls the Gate - Death. A baby has a weak link between the body, mind and spirit thus it is easy to summon the Gate with the power of a baby. The Gate resembles Rodin's sculpture The Gates of Hell. There is also the Kabbalahistic tree of life on the gate.
The Truth - Also referred to as "Genuine Truth", "Truth behind Truths" and "Universal Truth" among many people. The ultimate goal of every alchemist. It is often displayed as an omnipotent god-like being that exist in gate, the one who controls the law of Equivalent Exchange. Cruel, but fair. Any alchemist who stopped seeking truth meant their life as an alchemist had already died.
Amestrian – The most popular race, it has no characteristic adjectives.
Ishballian – A race that was once involved in a terrible war, called the Ishbal Massacre. Not many Ishballians survived this blood bath, most of them live either in exile or in their homeland called Ishbal. There most unique adjective is their tanned skin and crimson red eyes.
Homunculi - Are artificially generated beings, retaining human physical form and mental capabilities, but having an abnormality of the definitive trait of life that is a soul, whose existence is replaced and replicated, to some slight degree, with the material created from uncountable amount of soul called "philosopher's stones." They are manipulative, pulling the strings from behind the scenes for much of history, and cutting them when they no longer serve a purpose. Whereas the existence of a human being revolves around the soul, the existence of the Homunculi is sparked by the Philosopher's Stone they carry within them. Due to the healing powers of the stone, Homunculi are endowed with amazing regenerative abilities, even to the point of allowing them to return from utter annihilation. This impressive ability, however, is fueled by the souls of the stone, and should their stones be depleted, their death is imminent. Another way to kill a homunculus is to create a specific transmutation circle designed to seal a homunculus's power; the only requirement for the transmutation to occur is a piece of the human whose attempted resurrection created the homunculus. Apart from their healing power, each homunculus is gifted with a paranormal power, which manifests itself uniquely for each of the homunculi.
Ouroborus - All Homunculi bear the mark of the Ouroborus, though the location of the tattoo varies from homunculus to homunculus. The winged serpent consuming its own tail represents the cycle of life and death through which the Homunculi constantly pass. This specific Ouroborus also features the Seal of Solomon, which depicts the unity of the alchemic symbols for fire and water (upwards and downwards triangles, respectively). In alchemy, the union of opposing elements is symbolic of both transmutation and the quest for the Philosopher's Stone. All homunculi are also marked with several red circles on various parts of their bodies that are connected by a red line. It is unknown what purpose this marking serves.
Human Sacrifice - A term that Homunculi used to call the alchemist who had opened the gate and saw the truth.
Chimera: – A creature created through a successful transmutation. A chimera must be created from 3 animals/humans.
