Synthesis is the process of creating a synthetic Engine in which materials can be reduced to their mana content and reconstructed, transmogrified, or modified into new items. Syntehsis is practiced primarily by alchemists, who utilize it to construct a broad array of items from consumer goods to foodstuff to illicit drugs, but also by physicians who are typically highly skilled and specialized alchemists capable of producing delicate and complex medicinal drugs.
Synthesis requires the use of an enclosed, oostersteel vessel heated on three sides, or 85% of its surface area. Large industrial or stationary vessels are referred to as cauldrons, whereas smaller or more specialized stationary vessels are typically referred to as crucibles, despite there being minor functional differences between the two vessels in practice. Portable vessels are available and are typically referred to as burners.
Alongside a vessel, an alchemist or physician must be capable of lesser channeling abilities, heightened and projected through a conduit made of corfith and venadanite. Alchemists pride themselves on inventing unique and customized conduits and as such, conduits are often regarded as the symbol of alchemy, whereas physicians utilize a more standardized model of conduit and often less reliant on it due to superior natural channeling abilities.
It is believed that during the Lost Age, humans were capable of synthesis without conduit or vessel. Many have attempted to rediscover this art, but because it is highly dangerous to do so and no progress has been made over the course of the previous 4,000 years, this practice has been both legally outlawed and blacklisted by all legitimate Medical and Alchemic associations.