Skip to content

Alchemy Threads

Threads are specific techniques and preparations within a Method. Each Thread represents a particular approach to alchemical practice that the character has learned, practiced, and internalized.

Cost: 5 XP each

Purchasing a Thread requires: - the associated Method as a prerequisite - any Thread prerequisites listed on the individual Thread - narrative access — training, study, or guided practice

Threads are similar in power to Gifts. Some Threads unlock more advanced Threads within the same Method. A character must have at least 2 Threads in a Method before purchasing a new Method.

Preparation Format

Every preparation follows a standard format to ensure consistent rulings at the table. If a preparation cannot be described cleanly in this format, it is probably drifting toward spellcasting.

  • Name
  • Method
  • Intent (what problem it solves)
  • Application (ingested, injected, applied, inhaled, etc.)
  • Onset (immediate, delayed, gradual)
  • Primary Effect
  • Duration
  • Lifecycle Sensitivity (how Fresh vs. Degraded changes it)
  • Common Side Effects
  • Dependency / Aberration Notes
  • GM Notes (what can go wrong)

Threads by Method

Adrenal Surge Draught

Method: Stimulation Intent: Push the body into extreme output for a short time. Application: Ingested (liquid or gel) Onset: Seconds Primary Effect: For the duration, the subject: - ignores penalties from fatigue and pain - gains a noticeable increase in physical output (speed, force, reaction) Duration: One combat or a few minutes Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: strong effect, predictable crash
- Stable: reliable
- Degraded: violent overstimulation, tremors, loss of control Common Side Effects: - severe exhaustion afterward
- shaking hands
- disorientation Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use leads to reliance on artificial adrenaline regulation.

GM Notes: This does not make the subject stronger forever. It borrows capability and demands repayment.

Breath of the Deep

Method: Adaptation Intent: Alter respiration and circulation to function in hostile environments. Application: Ingested (thin, bitter draught) Onset: 15–30 minutes Primary Effect: The subject adapts to one condition chosen at preparation: - thin air - smoke - underwater breathing (limited)
- choking fumes
This does not grant immunity. It allows survival where it would otherwise fail. Duration: Several hours Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: smooth adaptation
- Stable: effective but tiring
- Degraded: labored breathing, panic responses Common Side Effects: - chest tightness
- dizziness
- altered voice or breathing patterns
Dependency / Aberration: Long-term use can permanently alter breathing mechanics or oxygen needs.

GM Notes: The body remembers how it learned to breathe.

Chameleon Veil

Method: Mimicry Intent: Temporarily mimic adaptive coloration and visual blending. Application: Applied salve or ingested draught Onset: 5–10 minutes Primary Effect: For the duration: - skin tone subtly shifts to match surroundings
- outlines soften and movement becomes harder to track
- observers find it easier to overlook the subject
This is not invisibility. It alters perception through biological adaptation. Duration: One scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: smooth, responsive blending
- Stable: muted but effective - Degraded: patchy discoloration, delayed response Common Side Effects: - skin discoloration after effect ends - sensitivity to light - mild disorientation Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use risks permanent pigmentation changes or identity distress.

GM Notes: Chameleon Veil makes hiding feel natural—and being seen unsettling.

Chimeric Gland Extract

Method: Mimicry Intent: Temporarily express a biological trait from another organism. Application: Injection or ingestion Onset: Minutes Primary Effect: Grants a single borrowed trait, such as: - adhesive secretion - venom analog - enhanced scent
- hardened skin patches Duration: One scene to one hour Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: controlled expression
- Stable: limited or muted - Degraded: partial integration, mutation risk Common Side Effects: - rejection response
- localized mutation - lingering physical marks Dependency / Aberration: Very high. Mimicry is never "clean."

GM Notes: This is where Alchemy starts to scare people.

Disruption Serum

Method: Disruption Intent: Interfere with coordination and focus. Application: Ingested, injected, or aerosolized Onset: Seconds to a minute Primary Effect: - impaired coordination
- slowed reactions - difficulty maintaining actions In combat, this often translates to Conditions or action misuse, not damage. Duration: One scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: precise effect - Stable: messy interference - Degraded: cascading neurological effects Common Side Effects: - vertigo - nausea - sensory mismatch Dependency / Aberration: High risk of lasting neurological disruption.

GM Notes: This is control through dysfunction, not harm.

Focus Ignition Compound

Method: Stimulation Intent: Hyper-focus the nervous system for precision and clarity. Application: Ingested or inhaled vapor Onset: 30–60 seconds Primary Effect: For the duration: - heightened focus and reaction
- reduced distraction
- improved fine motor control under stress Emotion and empathy are muted during effect. Duration: One scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: razor clarity - Stable: clean focus - Degraded: tunnel vision, fixation, obsessive behavior Common Side Effects: - headaches - emotional flattening - irritability afterward Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use risks long-term attention issues and emotional blunting.

GM Notes: This is excellent for tense, delicate work and terrible for social situations.

Hardskin Tonic

Method: Adaptation Intent: Increase tolerance to physical harm by altering skin and connective tissue response. Application: Ingested over time (thick tonic) Onset: 10–30 minutes Primary Effect: For the duration: - skin toughens and bruises less easily
- minor impacts and abrasions are reduced or ignored
- pain response to blunt force is dampened
This does not stop serious injury. It shifts the threshold. Duration: Several hours Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: flexible resilience
- Stable: noticeable toughness - Degraded: stiffening, reduced mobility Common Side Effects: - tight or itchy skin - reduced tactile sensitivity - discomfort when bending or twisting Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use may lead to permanent thickening, scarring, or reduced sensation.

GM Notes: Hardskin makes characters harder to hurt, but also harder to feel.

Inertia Philter

Method: Suppression Intent: Suppress reflexes and urgency, making action feel slow and effortful. Application: Ingested or injected Onset: Seconds to a minute Primary Effect: For the duration: - reflexive actions are delayed - initiative and responsiveness are reduced - emotional urgency is flattened In combat, this often manifests as delayed or misused actions, not paralysis. Duration: One scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: controlled suppression
- Stable: sluggish but functional - Degraded: severe disorientation, loss of balance Common Side Effects: - vertigo - frustration or irritability - lingering heaviness Dependency / Aberration: Long-term use can blunt motivation and drive.

GM Notes: Inertia doesn't stop action. It makes everything feel like a bad idea.

Mindfog Tincture

Method: Disruption Intent: Interfere with concentration, memory, and decision-making. Application: Ingested Onset: 30–60 seconds Primary Effect: For the duration: - thoughts become slow or tangled
- maintaining focus is difficult - complex decisions feel overwhelming In combat or tense situations, this may cause: - delayed reactions
- forgotten intentions - poor tactical choices Duration: One scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: mild cognitive haze - Stable: pronounced confusion - Degraded: disorientation, panic, emotional instability Common Side Effects:
- headaches - irritability - fragmented memory Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use may lead to lasting attention deficits or emotional volatility.

GM Notes: Mindfog doesn't erase thoughts. It buries them under static.

Numbing Salve

Method: Suppression Intent: Mask pain and reduce shock without healing injury. Application: Applied directly to skin or wound site Onset: 1–2 minutes Primary Effect: - Pain is significantly reduced - Penalties from injury may be ignored temporarily Duration: One scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: clean, effective - Stable: normal masking - Degraded: pain rebounds sharply when it wears off Common Side Effects: - delayed realization of injury severity - stiffness - loss of fine sensation Dependency / Aberration: Chronic use dulls natural pain response.

GM Notes: This is dangerous because it makes bad decisions easier.

Obscurity Balm

Method: Suppression Intent: Dull pain, panic, and shock to allow continued function. Application: Applied directly to skin, wound site, or pressure points Onset: 1–2 minutes Primary Effect: For the duration: - pain is significantly reduced
- penalties from shock, fear, or acute injury are muted - the subject remains functional despite trauma This does not heal damage or prevent worsening injury. Duration: One scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: clean suppression, clear return of sensation - Stable: effective masking - Degraded: delayed pain surge when effect ends Common Side Effects: - stiffness - delayed reaction to injury - emotional dulling Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use dulls natural pain responses and risk awareness.

GM Notes: Caligo makes bad decisions easier and consequences harder to notice.

Overdrive Catalyst

Method: Stimulation Intent: Sustain intense effort longer than the body should allow. Application: Injection or inhalant Onset: 1–2 minutes Primary Effect: For the duration: - fatigue accumulates more slowly
- sustained exertion (running, climbing, fighting) is possible far beyond normal limits - penalties from long-term strain are delayed, not removed Duration: Several minutes to one scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: extended endurance with clean collapse
- Stable: functional but harsh recovery - Degraded: muscle spasms, coordination loss mid-use Common Side Effects: - muscle damage - dehydration - delayed onset pain Dependency / Aberration: Long-term use causes chronic exhaustion cycles and burnout.

GM Notes: This preparation is about lasting, not hitting harder.

Serpent's Kiss

Method: Mimicry Intent: Mimic venomous secretion for offensive or deterrent use. Application: Ingested or injected Onset: Several minutes Primary Effect: For the duration: - the subject produces a toxic saliva or glandular secretion
- bites, scratches, or deliberate application can deliver venom-like effects - potency depends on preparation quality This is not a spell-like poison. It is a biological function. Duration: One scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: predictable toxicity
- Stable: effective but inconsistent - Degraded: self-poisoning risk, erratic potency Common Side Effects: - burning sensation in mouth or glands
- nausea - altered taste and smell
Dependency / Aberration: High risk. Repeated use may permanently alter glands, teeth, or saliva.

GM Notes: Serpent's Kiss blurs the line between tool and body.

Sleep Draught

Method: Suppression Intent: Induce sleep, unconsciousness, or deep lethargy. Application: Ingested or inhaled vapor Onset: 30 seconds to several minutes (dose dependent) Primary Effect: The subject becomes: - drowsy, then unconscious, or - profoundly slowed and unresponsive This is not paralysis. It suppresses alertness and awareness. Duration: Minutes to hours Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: predictable onset and recovery
- Stable: heavy lethargy - Degraded: erratic sleep cycles, confusion on waking
Common Side Effects: - grogginess
- memory gaps - slowed reactions after waking Dependency / Aberration: Frequent use disrupts natural sleep and circadian regulation.

GM Notes: Sleep Draught is safer than blunt trauma and far more socially acceptable… until it isn't.

Spider's Gift

Method: Mimicry Intent: Borrow adhesive and climbing traits from arachnids. Application: Ingested or injected Onset: 1–2 minutes Primary Effect: For the duration: - hands and feet exude a faint adhesive secretion - the subject can cling to walls, ceilings, and rough surfaces - grip strength and stability are dramatically improved This does not grant perfect control; slipping is still possible. Duration: One scene to one hour Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: clean adhesion, controlled release
- Stable: strong grip, residue left behind - Degraded: uncontrolled sticking, difficulty releasing Common Side Effects: - skin irritation
- difficulty handling delicate objects - faint web-like residue on skin Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use may cause permanent gland changes or unwanted secretion.

GM Notes: Spider's Gift is useful until you need to let go.

Tremor Draft

Method: Disruption Intent: Interfere with fine motor control and bodily steadiness Application: Ingested or injected Onset: Seconds Primary Effect: For the duration: - hands shake and muscles twitch - fine manipulation becomes difficult - precise actions are unreliable In combat, this often results in: - penalties to attacks requiring precision - dropped items - misused or delayed actions Duration: One scene Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: localized tremors, predictable effect - Stable: generalized shaking - Degraded: spasms, loss of balance, occasional collapse Common Side Effects: - muscle soreness - jaw clenching - lingering weakness Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use risks chronic tremors or nerve damage.

GM Notes: Tremor Draft doesn't stop action. It makes competence unreliable.

Verdant Balance

Method: Adaptation Intent: Increase resistance to toxins, disease, and environmental stressors. Application: Ingested over several doses Onset: Gradual (over an hour or more) Primary Effect: For the duration: - improved resistance to poison and illness - reduced severity of ongoing effects - faster recovery from exposure This does not cure conditions. It reshapes how the body reacts. Duration: One day Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: strong, stable resistance - Stable: reliable protection - Degraded: uneven resistance, strange reactions Common Side Effects: - changes in appetite - unusual body odors - altered waste or perspiration Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use can permanently shift metabolism or immune response.

GM Notes: This preparation makes survival easier and normal life stranger.

Verdant Resilience Tonic

Method: Adaptation Intent: Increase tolerance to an environmental stressor. Application: Ingested Onset: 10–30 minutes Primary Effect: The subject gains increased tolerance to a specific condition: - cold - heat - thin air - toxins (chosen at preparation) Duration: Several hours Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: best adaptation - Stable: effective - Degraded: partial adaptation with physiological distortion Common Side Effects: - altered metabolism - unusual cravings - skin or eye changes Dependency / Aberration: Repeated use may permanently shift baseline tolerance.

GM Notes: Adaptation does not grant immunity. It buys margin.

Vertigo Smoke

Method: Disruption Intent: Disorient spatial awareness and balance. Application: Inhaled vapor or aerosol Onset: Immediate upon exposure Primary Effect: For the duration: - sense of up and down becomes unreliable - movement feels unstable - rapid turns or sudden motion are difficult In combat, this often manifests as: - slowed movement - difficulty repositioning - hesitation or misjudged distances Duration: One scene or until clear air is reached Lifecycle Sensitivity: - Fresh: controlled disorientation - Stable: strong imbalance - Degraded: nausea, vomiting, incapacitation Common Side Effects: - headaches - lingering dizziness - visual distortion Dependency / Aberration: Frequent exposure can cause long-term balance disorders.

GM Notes: Vertigo Smoke is especially dangerous in confined or elevated spaces.

See Alchemy Progression for Method and Thread costs, prerequisites, and the Breakthrough system.