Research Formulae

This is a lengthy process in which an Alchemist attempts to determine what materials and what process might make a substance. The process is similar to that of spell research. It is easier if a sample of a known substance is possessed, but harder if a completely new substance is attempted. The following formulae together with the table of bonuses and results are used to determine the outcome. The initial attempt takes 2 weeks, with any further attempts taking a further week.

(Alchemist's Specialism Level x Lab's Rating) - Difficulty of Substance + (Mages Int over 14) + d20

Formulae Research
Bonus
+ 2	The Alchemist knows the substance.
+ 5	Alchemist has a sample of the Substance at hand.
+ 10	Alchemist has either an existing formulae for this substance, or has identified the substance extremely well before.
- 10	The Substance is completely novel
Result	Explanation
8 or less (1 Rolled)	Total Impasse. No further work is of any use until the Alchemist's Int or Level of Specialism has increased.
9	The Alchemist has identified another difficult ingredient that must first be obtained before the research can continue.
10-14	Nearly correct, an extra week may produce the result.
15	Apparent success, unfortunately the Alchemist has unwittingly discovered an ineffective mixture.
16	Apparent success, unfortunately the Alchemist has unwittingly discovered a toxic poison.
17	Apparent success, unfortunately the Alchemist has unwittingly discovered a formulae for a noxious substance
18-19	Partial success, the substance will however be slightly substandard.
20-24	Success.
25 or more	Outstanding success, the substance will perform better than expected.

After a substance has been successfully researched the Alchemist is entitled to a 500 XP / point of substance difficulty award. The DM may very well delay this until the result has been thoroughly tested.