Alchemy is one of the primary reasons that true Kindred fear and mistrust the Duskborn, and in order to better reflect that in the setting we are creating categories of potential consequences and use restrictions for it that would exist in character. Alchemists would be generally aware of these limitations as common sense/through word of mouth about what would befall them if it was discovered that they can do things that the Kindred establishment finds threatening.
Any use of Alchemy on another PC still requires OOC consent, but use of Alchemy on a Full-blood without IC consent can always potentially get an Alchemist into trouble regardless of what category it falls under.
IC enforcement of these rules will take place going forward and not be applied retroactively. Past uses of Alchemy that might not conform to these rules will be assumed to have been handled correctly, had the appropriate permission, etc. Thin-bloods can obtain permission to use Restricted and Controlled formulae by writing a letter to Vane. If permission is granted, they will not see consequences for use as expressed. Permission can’t be sought for Taboo formulae, but SPCs may look the other way if they are used in the domain’s interest (i.e., in campaigns).
Reporting Thin-bloods for alchemy that a character has witnessed them perform or been told about does not require player consent; that reporting is considered a potential consequence of Alchemists not being careful about who they discuss Alchemy with and perform it for.
The four categories are as follows:
Unrestricted Formulae
As long as the Alchemist does not use them against another Kindred, they are relatively safe and bear no stigma for possessing. Counterfeit Discipline Powers of level 1 and 2 (i.e., 2 or 3 dot formulae), Body Paint, Elevate, Far Reach, Food Stain, Gaelor’s Bane, Haze, Mercurian Tongue, Plug-in, Speak From the Heart, Blue State, Envelop, Mirror of Trust, Diamond Skin, Defractionate, Mandagloire, Rumor, Stay the Falling Sand, Tank, TLC, Troll the Pious, Airborne Momentum, Half-Living Conductor, Red State, Short Circuit, Toxic PersonalityRestricted Formulae
Use of these formulae without permission can result in social consequences and Flaws for the Alchemist.Counterfeit Discipline Powers of level 3 and 4 (i.e., 4 or 5 dot formulae), Checkout Time, Blacklight Surprise, Blood of Mandagloire, Friends List, Fang-Stinger, Hospital Chains, Copycat
Controlled Formulae
Simply being known to possess these formulae can result in social consequences and Flaws for the Alchemist. Using them without permission carries an inherent Final Death warning due to the severe consequences of discovery. Bolded formulae in this category carry no social consequences/Flaws provided that the Alchemist has reported their ability to use it and seeks permission to do so due to their usefulness to other Kindred. Red’s Flaming Hot, Fireskin, Profane Hieros Gamos, Hollow Leg, Vitae MSG, Awaken the SleeperTaboo Formulae
Simply being known to possess these formulae carries an implicit Final Death warning. They pose a risk to any hierarchy of vampires and are therefore universally dangerous to learn and practice.Portable Shade and On-Demand Sunborn (Sabbat affiliation is immediately suspected), Flowering Amaranth (there is only one possible use for this), Saturn’s Flux (while potentially useful, this poses an extreme risk to the status quo)