Fragments of Alchemy: The Code Keeper

Glossary

A

Alchemical Oath – A promise that is sworn using an Alchemist’s or Chemist’s Kundalini, making it a binding Oath that can only be broken with dire consequences. Also known as an Oath.

Alchemists – The people who can perform Alchemy.

Alchemy – The magic of this world. Alchemy has a special Code of Conversion Circles and Code Words that are kept secret so that only people who have been trained in Alchemy can perform Conversions. There are seven Fragments (or categories) of Conversions, and each Fragment has five, six, or seven Conversion Circles, which have different Code Words. Most Conversions require a Component, which is like an ingredient that makes the Conversion have a variety of results. See Fragments of Alchemy and Conversions and Components for more information.

Alchimaera – A game played with cards and dice and holographic Chimaeras.

Amaranthine – See Fragments of Alchemy.

Amaranthine Alchemist/Chemist – Someone who teaches or studies the Amaranthine Fragment.

Anima(single)/Animarum(plural) – Alchemists who work with the Code Keeper to keep Alchemy a secret from Recreants and protect the Keeper’s secrets. They also protect Blackthorn and Burtree from Shadow Alchemists.

Astral Dreamer – Alchemists who work for the Keeper to view and record Infinimages in the Crystal Realm.

Aurulent – See Fragments of Alchemy.

Aurulent Alchemist/Chemist ­– Someone who teaches or studies the Aurulent Fragment.

Azure – See Fragments of Alchemy.

Azure Alchemist/Chemist – Someone who teaches or studies the Azure Fragment.

B

Blackthorn and Burtree – The magical society of Alchemists, and the school where Chemists learn Alchemy. The Sacred Halls of Alchemy located at Blackthorn and Burtree are underneath the city of Bergen, Norway.

Breaker – The leader of the Shadow Faction of Alchemists. This is considered the Dark Faction of Alchemists known to prey on the weak to perform Alchemy of the Occult which sacrifice the living (oftentimes using the lives of Recreants as Components for their Conversions). The Code Breaker is usually concerned with stealing the secrets of the Code Keeper.

Burgeoning Notebook – An Alchemical notebook that is enchanted to do a number of magical things, including add pages as the user needs them, sort the pages of notes into sections for each Fragment of study, and renew the pencil so it will never need to be sharpened.

C

canitris – A kind of Chimaera (Alchemical beast) made from a dog and hawk. It has the head, body, legs and tail of a dog and the wings of the hawk. The most famous canitris is Simargl.

caprequos – A kind of Chimaera (Alchemical beast) made from a goat and gazelle. It has the head, body, tail, and legs of the gazelle, with the hooves and beard of a goat (if male). The antlers of the gazelle come together to make a single horn on the caprequos. Unicorn is a famous caprequos.

Cardinal – See Fragments of Alchemy.

Cardinal Alchemist/Chemist – Someone who teaches or studies the Cardinal Fragment.

Cerulean – See Fragments of Alchemy.

Cerulean Alchemist/Chemist – Someone who teaches or studies the Cerulean Fragment.

Chakras – The wheels of power of the body that Alchemists use the perform Conversions (or spells). There are Seven Chakras: the Root Chakra (called Muladhara), Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana), Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura), Heart Chakra (Anahata), Throat Chakra (Vishuddha), Third Eye Chakra (Ajna), and Crown Chakra (Sahasrara). Kundalini resides in the Root Chakra until Alchemists activate it to perform Conversions. See Fragments of Alchemy for more information on Chakras.

Chamber of Trials – A large amphitheatre in Blackthorn and Burtree where Chemists perform their various Trials or receive their Decrees (orders for Trials) from the Keeper. This Chamber is also used to hold meetings, as it is one of the largest areas in Blackthorn and Burtree and can contain all the Alchemists and Chemists living there. Advancement Ceremonies are also held in this amphitheatre.

Chandler – A Chemist that has Advanced once and is a high enough rank to have a Protégé. Chandlers with Protégés are called Mentors.

Chemist – The people who can learn Alchemy, usually teenagers. Starting at age 14 people can become Hopefuls and can learn some Alchemy from their Mentors to prepare for a Trial of Entry into Blackthorn and Burtree. If the Hopeful successfully completes his or her Trial, he or she will become a Chemist of Alchemy and can study the Fragments he or she has unlocked with the Trial.

Chimaera – An Alchemical beast created with the Amalgamation Conversion. Chimaeras have an Alchemical link to their Alchemist/Chemist. They can communicate telepathically and empathically with their Alchemist/Chemist. They can even sense each other’s five senses.

Often times, two animals are combined together to make a Chimaera that has characteristics of both animals. These Chimaeras have two Spirits, one from each animal, and are said to be stronger than Alchemists because of this. Different animal combinations create different Chimaeras that are often recognized as Mythological Creatures. The given names of famous Chimaeras are often mistaken by Recreants for the names of Mythological creatures, such as Pegasus, Dragon, and Unicorn.

Natural Chimaeras are Alchemical Beasts that are not created with the Amalgamation Conversion, and instead are just bonded with Alchemists and Chemists using the Amalgamation Conversion. These can be rogue Chimaeras that are taken from the wild to be bonded with the Alchemist or Chemist, as well as domesticated Chimaeras which are born and raised by Alchemists. Natural Chimaeras can also be regular animals that are bonded with a Chemist or Alchemist. They need not be the result of combining two animals. These Alchemical Beasts only have one spirit, and are said to be weaker than regular Chimaeras, though some Alchemists believe this is the only humane way to bond with a Chimaera.

Rogue Chimaeras are Alchemical Beasts that have not bonded with Alchemists or Chemists and therefore do not obey anyone. They are like wild unnatural animals with Elemental Powers. They must eat and drink to sustain themselves, unlike regular Chimaeras.

Zenith Chimaeras are Chimaeras that are made of four animals by combining two Chimaeras or by combining all the animals at once. They are very strong but very wily Chimaeras.

Crystal Chronicles – The collection of prophecies recorded by the Keeper’s Astral Dreamers. They are kept within the Crystal Realm and guarded heavily to keep the prophecies safe.

Circle – Another word for Conversion Circle. The Symbol an Alchemist must draw to perform a Conversion. Also called a Sigil and Symbol.

Component – The ingredients Alchemists use to determine what a Conversion does. Anything found in the natural world can be a Component. Sometimes Alchemists create certain items with Conversions, and these new items become Components for other Conversions.

Conversion – The spells Alchemists and Chemists cast. Casting a Conversion is called Converting. Conversions have rules Alchemists must follow. They must draw a Conversion Circle (also called a Sigil or Symbol), speak the Code Word, provide the necessary Component, and use their Kundalini to power the Conversion.

Conversion Circle – The Symbol an Alchemist must draw to perform a Conversion.

Crowning Chamber – The large round chamber in Blackthorn and Burtree, where Alchemists and Chemists go to meditate, read books in the library, and practice martial arts in the dojo.

Crystal Realm – The Fourth Dimension, which is also called Time. This is a place where mortals cannot live and can only visit for split seconds at a time.

D

Dimension Walking – Using the Crystal Realm to travel around the world. The Crystal Realm is also called the Fourth Dimension. It is a world where time does not flow and people can only visit, but not live there.

Divination Globe – an Alchemical object that allows Alchemists to scry each other. Other forms of scrying include Divination Mirrors and Scrying Bowls.

Dragon – A famous volucerta. See Chimaera and volucerta.

E

Earthen Realm – The Third Dimension, where mortals live.

Effervescent – See Fragments of Alchemy.

Effervescent Alchemist/Chemist – Someone who teaches or studies the Effervescent Fragment.

Endless Ink Quill – An Alchemical pen that can write on any surface and does not require an ink well. Most Endless Ink Quills are made of solid metal and have a feather tip that allows the pen to easily be shrunk down and enlarged again.

Energy – The life force Alchemists use to Convert Conversions. Energy can be found in all Chakras, not just the Kundalini in the Root Chakra. Alchemists and Chemists meditate to replenish their Energy.

Eternitime – A concept of time in the Fourth Dimension (Crystal Realm). Alchemists and Chemists who travel through the Crystal Realm must will themselves to perceive the passage of time in order to traverse through the Realm without going mad. This is because time does not flow in the Fourth Dimension. Without time, eternity will overwhelm them.

Eternity Prison – A timeless prison that ensnares the Focus of the Conversion permanently, or until it is undone. Only the Keeper is known to be able to Convert an Eternity Prison.

F

First Alchemist – The very first Alchemist to have existed is called the First Alchemist. He went by many names, including Hermes Trismegistus, Mercurius ter Maximus, Thoth, Thrisheros, Theyt, Amun, Idris, and Enoch. He was the very first Keeper of the Code. There is a lot of mystery surrounding his origins. Some say he is the incarnation of God on Earth while others claim this is blasphemy or impossible because there are no gods. Others say he is a time traveling Alchemist come back to the beginning of time to ensure that man could know Alchemy, while others say that time travel does not exist.

First Chimaera – The First Alchemist was said to have been involved in the origins of the First Chimaera. Some people say that the First Alchemist created the first three Chimaeras in the shadow of the World Tree. Other people say that the First Chimaera was a prime evil being that could shapeshift, and the First Alchemist defeated it and Extracted all manner of life from the beast, and that is where all animals come from. Other people say the First Chimaera is a myth and that animal Amalgamations (Fusions) were discovered by accident in the 7,000’s BCE.

Focus – The object that is affected by a Conversion. It is placed onto the Conversion Circle.

Fourth Dimension – The Crystal Realm, which is also called Time. It is a dimension where mortals can only visit but cannot linger.

Fragmented the World – The first Alchemist is known to have Fragmented the World. He created Alchemy when he Fragmented (or Broke) the World.

Fragments of Alchemy – The categories of Conversions Alchemists can perform. There are seven Fragments, each one focusing on a different level of Alchemy. As the level of Alchemy increases, the Chakras that an Alchemist must use increases until all seven Chakras are used to perform the Conversion. This makes the upper levels of Conversions much more challenging to perform.

The first Fragment is the Cardinal (red) Fragment (also called the Modicum Fragment). This school of Alchemy covers all things regarding matter Manipulation. It is associated with Muladhara, the Root Chakra. The Conversion Circles for this Fragment glow red when activated with the Code Word.

The second Fragments is the Effervescent (orange) Fragment (also called the Amalgam). This Fragment includes all Alchemy concerning Transmutations. It is associated with Swadhisthana, the Sacral Chakra. The Conversion Circles for this Fragment glow orange when activated with the Code Words.

The third Fragment is the Aurulent (yellow) Fragment (also called the Dynamism Fragment). This Fragment includes all the Conversions that deal with Energy Manipulation. It is associated with Manipura, the Solar Plexus Chakra. The Conversion Circles for this Fragment glow yellow when activated with the Code Words.

The fourth Fragment is the Viridian (green) Fragment (also called the Façade). Alchemists Convert Illusions with this Fragment. It is associated with Anahata, the Heart Chakra. The Conversion Circles for this Fragment glow green when activated with the Code Words.

The fifth Fragment is the Azure (blue) Fragment (also called the Seven Forces). This Conversion involves Conjuration of the seven Elements: water, earth, air, fire, lightning, plants, and beasts. It is associated with Vishuddha, the Throat Chakra. The Conversion Circles for this Fragment glow light blue when activated with the Code Words.

The sixth Fragment is the Cerulean (indigo) Fragment (also called the Fragment of the Cosmos). It is associated with Ajna, the Third Eye Chakra. The Conversions for this Fragment include Teleportation, Invocation, Intuition, Divination, Time Manipulation, and Telekinetic Manipulation. The Conversion Circles for this Fragment glow dark blue (indigo) when activated with the Code Words.

The seventh and final Fragment is the Amaranthine (violet) Fragment (also called the Celestial Fragment). This Fragment is very rare and includes Abjuration Conversions. These include Protection, Alteration, Evocation, Restoration, and Perception Conversions. It is associated with Sahasrara, the Crown Chakra. The Conversion Circles for this Fragment glow purple when activated with the Code Words.

G

Giver – The leader of the Personas, a Faction of Alchemists known for aiding Recreants, who they refer to as Common People. The Giver is oftentimes a woman, but not always.

Guru – An Alchemist who is a master in the art of Conversions and replenishing Chakra Energy, and is tasked with imparting their wisdom to Initium Chemists, who are just starting out on their journey into Alchemy and need help mastering the art of Converting and replenishing their Energy.

H

Higher Self – Another word for Kundalini, the life force that is used to Convert Conversions. Also called Kundalini, Spirit, and Spiritual Essence.

Hopefuls – Fourteen-year-old teenagers who know about Alchemy and have had their Chakras Read by the Keeper. They must complete a Trial of Entry into Blackthorn and Burtree to become Chemists. Hopefuls can learn simple Alchemy from their Mentors to prepare for their Trial.

I

Infinimages – Images of the past and future, which can be glimpsed in the Fourth Dimension (also called the Crystal Realm and Time).

Initium – The lowest ranking Chemist. Hopefuls who have completed their Trial of Entry are called Initiums and can begin attending lessons to learn Alchemy.

K

Keeper – The leader of the Animarum, a Faction of Alchemists devoted to protecting the Keeper’s secrets. The Keeper resides over Blackthorn and Burtree, the Sacred Halls of Alchemy. He (for the Keeper is usually male) protects the Chemists as they learn Alchemy. All Chemists swear an Oath to the Keeper to keep Alchemy of secret from the Common People and to only teach Alchemy to their own Protégé.

Keeper’s Antechamber – The large hallway outside of the Keeper’s Chamber. This same hallway is connected to the Chamber of Trials and the Great Hall. This hallway also connects the Halls of Blackthorn and Burtree to the Roots.

Kundalini – The Spiritual Essence an Alchemist uses to Convert Conversions (Alchemical spells). It is also called Higher Self, Spirit, and Spiritual Essence. Its resting place is the Root Chakra. The Kundalini travels up through the Chakras and leaves the body when an Alchemist Converts.

L

Loggia – The private rooms under the mezzanine in the Crowning Chamber, where Guru’s teach their disciples.

Lupitris: A kind of Chimaera (Alchemical Beast) made from a wolf and a hawk. It has the body, head, legs, and tail of a wolf and the wings of the hawk. The most famous lupitris is Pterolycus.

Lyndis: A kind Chimaera (Alchemical Beast) made from a nighthawk and a bobcat. It has the body, head, legs, and stubby tail of a bobcat and the wings of the nighthawk. The most famous lyndis is Ninurta.

M

Meditate/Meditation – The act of replenishing Chakra Energies so Alchemists can continue to expend Energy to perform Conversions.

Mentor – Each Chemist and Alchemist has a Mentor who teaches them about Alchemy. The teacher is called the Mentor and the student is the Protégé. Mentors are usually only a year older than their Protégés.

Mezzanine – The walkway across the center of the Crowning Chamber. Below the mezzanine, each Guru has a private study room, called a loggia. The mezzanine divides the giant chamber in half, with the library on the left side and the dojo on the right side.

N

Natural Chimaera – See Chimaera

noctos: A kind of Chimaera (Alchemical Beast) made from a horse and owl. It has the body, head, legs, and tail of a horse and the wings of the owl. The most famous noctos was Pegasus.

O

Oath – See Alchemical Oath.

Occult – Forbidden Alchemy that usually involves sacrificing the living and using the blood and other body parts to perform Conversions.

Ostium – The point of the Conversion Circle Insignia where the Alchemist’s Kundalini will enter the Symbol to make the Conversion work. It is helpful to focus on the Ostium when performing Alchemy to channel the Kundalini into the Circle more easily.

P

Pegasus - A famous noctos. See noctos and Chimaera.

Protégé – Each Chemist and Alchemist has a Protégé who they can teach about Alchemy. The teacher is called the Mentor and the student is the Protégé. Protégés are usually only a year younger than their Mentors.

R

Recreants – Common People who do not know about Alchemy. Alchemists use Memory Extractions to remove the memories of Recreants who witness anything Alchemical.

Rotunda – The grand rooms where lessons are conducted at Blackthorn and Burtree. Each Rotunda is shaped like a half-sphere with a mural depicting a theme appropriate for each Fragment. There are six Rotundas, for the Cardinal Fragment, the Effervescent Fragment, the Aurulent Fragment, the Viridian Fragment, the Azure Fragment, and the Cerulean Fragment. The Celestial Fragment does not have a Rotunda, because the lessons are taught privately in the Chemists’ dormitories.

Rogue Chimaera – See Chimaera.

S

Shadow Realm – The Second Dimension, where two-dimensional objects, such as shadows, reside. It is a place where Alchemists and Chemists must first Convert certain Conversions on themselves to remain alive before entering. Oftentimes, Shadow Alchemists use the Shadow Realm to perform Forbidden Conversions (the Occult).

Shadows – Alchemists who work for the Code Breaker. These Alchemists try to steal the Keeper’s secrets and use forbidden Alchemy (the Occult) to perform horrendous Conversions.

Sigil – Another word for Conversion Circle. The Symbol Alchemists must draw to perform Conversions. Also called a Circle and a Symbol.

Spirit – The lifeforce that powers Conversions. Also called Kundalini, Spiritual Essence, and Higher Self.

Spirit Guide – A Chemist’s or Alchemist’s Chimaera. Some Alchemists use this term of endearment for their Alchemical beast because the Chimaera is a kindred Spirit who guides them in decision making.

Spiritual Essence – Another word for Kundalini, the lifeforce that powers Conversions. Also called Spirit and Higher Self.

Symbol – Another word for Conversion Circle. The Circle Alchemists must draw to perform Conversions. Also called a Sigil and a Circle.

T

Tattoos – Alchemists and Chemists have been known to Inscribe Alchemical Tattoos on their bodies, especially their hands and arms, but sometimes even on their chests and faces. These Tattoos are copies of Conversion Circles that Alchemists can use to perform Conversions. These tattoos eventually fade away and must be Inscribed again. Oftentimes, they must be Inscribed in certain kinds of ink and then made to last longer with Duration Conversions.

Trial – A test for a Chemist to pass in order to Advance to the next level of Chemist. The very first Trial is called the Trial of Entry, and upon completing this Trial, Hopefuls become Chemists who can begin training with Alchemy tutors.

Tutor – An Alchemist who has been given permission to teach Chemists about Alchemy. The Keeper absolves Alchemists of their very first Alchemical Oath so that they can impart their wisdom unto the youth. There are seven levels of Tutors at Blackthorn and Burtree.

U

Unicorn – A famous caprequos. See Chimaera and caprequos.

V

vesperta – A kind of Chimaera (Alchemical Beast) made by combining a lizard and a bat. It has the body of a lizard with the wings of a bat. Wyvern is a famous vesperta. See Chimaera.

Viridian – See Fragments of Alchemy.

Viridian Alchemist/Chemist – Someone who teaches or studies the Viridian Fragment.

volucerta – A kind of Chimaera (Alchemical Beast) made by combining a dragonfly and a lizard. It has the body of the lizard with scaly double wings. Dragon is a famous volucerta. See Chimaera.

W

White Wards – The first hallway of Blackthorn and Burtree, where all the Animarum working for the Keeper have their domiciles.

Wyvern – A famous vesperta. See Chimaera and vesperta.

Z

Zenith Chimaera – See Chimaera.

Character Compendium

In order of appearance:

Mageus Mortimer – The Code Breaker. He is the leader of the Shadow Faction.

Nicholas Hylantree – The Code Keeper. He is the leader of the Animarum.

Fanella Malus – An Anima working for the Keeper. She is Althea’s aunt.

Althea Presten – Thea Presten, also called Allie by her father, is the main character of the Code Keeper. She is fourteen and can break the laws of Alchemy. She knows kung fu and writes in her spare time.

Fiona Presten – Thea’s mother. She is an Anima working for the Keeper.

Owen Presten – Thea’s father. He is also an Anima working for the Keeper.

Tenebrous – The Bookkeeper. He serves as the Code Keeper’s secretary at Blackthorn and Burtree.

Todd Alder – Thea’s Mentor. He studies the Azure Fragment.

Tajana Pomići – A Spectrum Scholar at Blackthorn and Burtree. When Thea meets her, she feels like she is meeting a long-lost friend who she has always known.

Quentin Malus – Thea’s cousin.

Silvanus Malus – Thea’s uncle. Also called Uncle Van and Venarius Malus, he is an Alchemy tutor at Blackthorn and Burtree.

Chemists in the Roots – When Thea goes into the Roots with Todd, she meets Hulan, Demi, Hideki, and Desmond. They play Alchimaera together.

Chadwick MacNamara – The third Spectrum Scholar at Blackthorn and Burtree. His dorm room is right across the hall from Thea’s.

Animarum – Ainsworth Larkin, Daquan Yuan, Bria Songwind, Bradley Atwood, Corwyn Crandle, Yuki Hayashi, Hathor Osborne, Baxter Ward, and Stan Wald are all Animarum working for the Code Keeper. They hold an emergency meeting with the Keeper.

Maleficus Arkose – An Alchemy tutor of the Cardinal Fragment. He teaches Thea how to use the Cardinal Fragment to melt, evaporate, condense, and solidify obsidian. He gives Thea permission to leave her lesson early when she completes the task in only 3 minutes.

Veneficus Charu – An Alchemy tutor of the Cardinal Fragment. He teaches Thea how to create a cloud that she can solidify and fly around on! (Neat, huh?) He also teaches her about the First Alchemist.

Maleficus Keegan – An Alchemy tutor of the Effervescent Fragment. He teaches Thea how to Augment (enlarge) the elements. This lesson results in a severe injury from a fire Augmentation Conversion.

Veneficus Ruis Pethboc – An Alchemy tutor of the Celestial Fragment. He teaches Thea about the Codex, which is an ancient book that contains the Code Words for all the Conversions. He also teaches her about the Lost Insignias.

Maleficus Barberry – An Alchemy tutor of the Seven Forces. She teaches Thea how to Infuse air into a variety of Focuses. She allows Thea to participate in Chadwick’s lesson. He is researching the Lost Insignias.

Venarius Malus – An Alchemy tutor of the Effervescent Fragment. He teaches her about the First Chimaera and how to Transmute elements into a knife. He is also Todd’s tutor, and he teaches him about the Extraction Conversion.

Guru Ellhorn – A Guru at Blackthorn and Burtree. Gurus teach Chemists how to harness their Spirit (Kundalini) and how to meditate to replenish the Energy in their Chakras. The developes