Alchemists are Channelers capable of transmogrifying mana-based objects through the practice of syntehsis in which mana is extracted, isolated, and reformed into a different, distinct item.
The Channeling ability necessary to enact synthetic alchemy is typically substantially less than that required to channel mana directly and as such, until The Second Allied Kingdoms era most individuals were considered capable of alchemic synthesis with the proper training. Only during the latter half of the Second Allied Kingdoms era did the title and profession of alchemist become distinct, meaningful, and culturally esteemed.Today, Alchemist is considered one of the most respected and lucrative professions available to all in possession of the requisite channeling ability. While in Iska, basic alchemic study is offered to all students in the public school system, in Unified Castia, the study of alchemy is something that begins in post-secondary or trade-based education. There are, then, two paths to becoming a licensed alchemist in Unified Castia, either through study in Universities or apprenticeship under a licesnsed alchemist. While the majority follow the latter, the former path holds more cultural prestige and as such, university educated alchemists garner much higher salaries than apprenticed alchemists.
While there are tiers of licensed alchemists in Unified Castia, the skill levels between the tiers vary greatly and as such, tier three alchemists are easily found and minimally capable while tier one alchemists are extremely rare and capapble of profound synthesis. However, because of the relative ease of access to tier three licensing, unlicensed alchemy is illegal in Unified Castia and one of the most severely punished non-violent crimes.
Since the foundation of Unified Castia, the prominance of alchemists and the quantity of alchemic students has increased rapidly year over year. The marked increase has, of course, been attributed to the status of Unified MinisterMichael Chevre as an international hero and role model as, in fact, all three of Minister Chevre's former and current professions, physician, alchemist, and minister, have become increasingly popular among middle and upper class students.