Difference between revisions of "Alchemists' Guild"
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The '''Alchemists' Guild''' is an ancient society of learned men, sometimes called '''pyromancers''', who have claimed many magical and arcane abilities through the years. In recent centuries the [[maesters]] of the [[Citadel]] have largely supplanted the alchemists almost everywhere in [[Westeros]]. | The '''Alchemists' Guild''' is an ancient society of learned men, sometimes called '''pyromancers''', who have claimed many magical and arcane abilities through the years. In recent centuries the [[maesters]] of the [[Citadel]] have largely supplanted the alchemists almost everywhere in [[Westeros]]. | ||
− | == | + | |
− | In its earlier years, the Guild was very powerful, but by the reign of [[Robert Baratheon | + | ==History== |
+ | ===Early History=== | ||
+ | In its earlier years, the Guild was very powerful, but by the reign of King [[Robert Baratheon]] the Guild's abilities and influence are greatly diminished. Now only a few of the old order remain, there are few true pyromancers left. {{Ref|aCoK|58|p 608}} A full member of the Alchemists' Guild is called a ''[[wisdom]]''. There are also apprentices and acolytes to assist them. {{Ref|aCoK|20}} | ||
At the height of their power, Alchemists claimed the ability to transmute metals and create living creatures of flame. In their later years, they still hint at possessing vast secret stores of knowledge - but the only skill they demonstrate is the creation of [[wildfire]]. | At the height of their power, Alchemists claimed the ability to transmute metals and create living creatures of flame. In their later years, they still hint at possessing vast secret stores of knowledge - but the only skill they demonstrate is the creation of [[wildfire]]. | ||
− | + | Wildfire is a highly volatile liquid similar to napalm and Greek fire. Alchemists typically refer to it as ''the substance''. Wildfire can be set aflame with the smallest spark, and sometimes even by the heat of sunlight. As it ages, it becomes even more volatile. Once wildfire is lit, it burns with green flames that are almost impossible to extinguish. Wildfire will seep into many materials, making them flammable as well. Great quantities of wildfire will combust with explosive force. It is typically commissioned for use as a weapon of war, | |
The Alchemists create wildfire in their [[Guildhall of the Alchemists|Guildhall]], which is set beneath [[Rhaenys's hill]] in [[King's Landing]]. The hall is an imposing labyrinth of cold, black stone. Acolytes of the Guild make wildfire in solitary cells. | The Alchemists create wildfire in their [[Guildhall of the Alchemists|Guildhall]], which is set beneath [[Rhaenys's hill]] in [[King's Landing]]. The hall is an imposing labyrinth of cold, black stone. Acolytes of the Guild make wildfire in solitary cells. | ||
− | The Alchemists claim that the creation of wildfire is a delicate and magical process. Should the wildfire explode, the cells' false ceilings are designed to collapse and fill the cell with sand, snuffing the fire as well as killing the acolyte. Wildfire is contained in clay jars that are textured to increase grip. These jars must be handled carefully to prevent fracture or combustion. The most volatile jars are housed in storerooms of water and transported in sand-filled wagons. At any one time, the Guild's store of wildfire could number in the thousands of jars. {{Ref|aCoK|20}} | + | The Alchemists claim that the creation of wildfire is a delicate and magical process. Should the wildfire explode, the cells' false ceilings are designed to collapse and fill the cell with sand, snuffing the fire as well as killing the acolyte. Wildfire is contained in clay jars that are textured to increase grip. These jars must be handled carefully to prevent fracture or combustion. The most volatile jars are housed in storerooms of water and transported in sand-filled wagons. At any one time, the Guild's store of wildfire could number in the thousands of jars.{{Ref|aCoK|20}} |
− | == | + | ===The Mad King=== |
− | The Alchemists enjoyed a period of increased influence during the reign of King [[Aerys II]], who took great pleasure in wildfire, using it for executions such as Lord [[Rickard Stark]]'s. | + | The Alchemists enjoyed a period of increased influence during the reign of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], who took great pleasure in wildfire, using it for executions such as Lord [[Rickard Stark]]'s. |
− | Aerys appointed three of the Alchemist Wisdoms, Lord [[Rossart]], [[Garigus]] and [[Belis]], to create a vast quantity of wildfire to [[ | + | Aerys appointed three of the Alchemist Wisdoms, Lord [[Rossart]], [[Garigus]] and [[Belis]], to create a vast quantity of wildfire to [[wildfire plot|destroy]] King's Landing should he lose the [[Robert's Rebellion|War of the Usurper]]. When his [[Hand of the King|Hand]] Lord [[Qarlton Chelsted]] opposed the plan and renounced his duties in disgust, Aerys had him burned to death with wildfire and made Rossart as his next and final Hand.{{Ref|aSoS|37}} This was one of the reasons why Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] slew both Rossart and King Aerys. |
During the [[Sack of King's Landing]], a great many Wisdoms were killed or went missing. Jaime Lannister himself hunted down Garigus and Belis and killed them to prevent them from carrying out Aerys' orders. The acolytes were inexperienced in destroying the wildfire, so it remained below the city, some of it only being rediscovered during the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{Ref|aCoK|20}} | During the [[Sack of King's Landing]], a great many Wisdoms were killed or went missing. Jaime Lannister himself hunted down Garigus and Belis and killed them to prevent them from carrying out Aerys' orders. The acolytes were inexperienced in destroying the wildfire, so it remained below the city, some of it only being rediscovered during the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{Ref|aCoK|20}} | ||
==Recent Events== | ==Recent Events== | ||
− | ===A Clash of Kings=== | + | ===''A Clash of Kings''=== |
− | During the [[War of the Five Kings]], [[Cersei Lannister]] | + | During the [[War of the Five Kings]], [[Cersei Lannister]] commissions a great quantity of wildfire for the city's defences. The Alchemists report an unexplainable increase in the effectiveness of their spells, where it is quickly noted that it had not been as easy since the time of the [[dragons]], which allowed them to create the substance more quickly.{{Ref|aCoK|20}} |
− | ===A Feast for Crows=== | + | ===''A Feast for Crows''=== |
− | The Alchemists | + | The Alchemists are once again employed by the crown to burn down the [[Tower of the Hand]].{{Ref|aFfC|12}} |
==Quotes== | ==Quotes== | ||
− | {{Quote| | + | {{Quote|Wildfire is but one of the dread secrets of our ancient order. Many and wondrous are the things we might show you.{{Ref|ACOK|20|p 228}}}} – Lord [[Hallyne]], to [[Tyrion Lannister]] |
− | {{Quote| | + | {{Quote|King [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys]] took a great interest in our work.{{Ref|ACOK|20|p 228}}}} – Lord [[Hallyne]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]] |
− | {{Quote|His brother [[Jaime]] had told him a few stories of the [[Mad King]] and his pet pyromancers. {{Ref|ACOK|20|p 228}}}} - [[Tyrion]]’s thoughts | + | {{Quote|His brother [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] had told him a few stories of the [[Aerys II Targaryen|Mad King]] and his pet pyromancers.{{Ref|ACOK|20|p 228}}}} - [[Tyrion Lannister]]’s thoughts |
==References and Notes== | ==References and Notes== | ||
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[[Category:Alchemists' Guild| ]] | [[Category:Alchemists' Guild| ]] | ||
[[Category:Organizations]] | [[Category:Organizations]] | ||
− | [[es:Gremio de Alquimistas]][[fr:Guilde des Alchimistes]][[ru: | + | |
+ | [[es:Gremio de Alquimistas]] | ||
+ | [[fr:Guilde des Alchimistes]] | ||
+ | [[ru:Гильдия Алхимиков]] | ||
+ | [[zh:炼金术士公会]] |
Revision as of 17:24, 13 August 2014
The Alchemists' Guild is an ancient society of learned men, sometimes called pyromancers, who have claimed many magical and arcane abilities through the years. In recent centuries the maesters of the Citadel have largely supplanted the alchemists almost everywhere in Westeros.
Contents
History
Early History
In its earlier years, the Guild was very powerful, but by the reign of King Robert Baratheon the Guild's abilities and influence are greatly diminished. Now only a few of the old order remain, there are few true pyromancers left. [1] A full member of the Alchemists' Guild is called a wisdom. There are also apprentices and acolytes to assist them. [2]
At the height of their power, Alchemists claimed the ability to transmute metals and create living creatures of flame. In their later years, they still hint at possessing vast secret stores of knowledge - but the only skill they demonstrate is the creation of wildfire.
Wildfire is a highly volatile liquid similar to napalm and Greek fire. Alchemists typically refer to it as the substance. Wildfire can be set aflame with the smallest spark, and sometimes even by the heat of sunlight. As it ages, it becomes even more volatile. Once wildfire is lit, it burns with green flames that are almost impossible to extinguish. Wildfire will seep into many materials, making them flammable as well. Great quantities of wildfire will combust with explosive force. It is typically commissioned for use as a weapon of war,
The Alchemists create wildfire in their Guildhall, which is set beneath Rhaenys's hill in King's Landing. The hall is an imposing labyrinth of cold, black stone. Acolytes of the Guild make wildfire in solitary cells.
The Alchemists claim that the creation of wildfire is a delicate and magical process. Should the wildfire explode, the cells' false ceilings are designed to collapse and fill the cell with sand, snuffing the fire as well as killing the acolyte. Wildfire is contained in clay jars that are textured to increase grip. These jars must be handled carefully to prevent fracture or combustion. The most volatile jars are housed in storerooms of water and transported in sand-filled wagons. At any one time, the Guild's store of wildfire could number in the thousands of jars.[2]
The Mad King
The Alchemists enjoyed a period of increased influence during the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen, who took great pleasure in wildfire, using it for executions such as Lord Rickard Stark's.
Aerys appointed three of the Alchemist Wisdoms, Lord Rossart, Garigus and Belis, to create a vast quantity of wildfire to destroy King's Landing should he lose the War of the Usurper. When his Hand Lord Qarlton Chelsted opposed the plan and renounced his duties in disgust, Aerys had him burned to death with wildfire and made Rossart as his next and final Hand.[3] This was one of the reasons why Ser Jaime Lannister slew both Rossart and King Aerys.
During the Sack of King's Landing, a great many Wisdoms were killed or went missing. Jaime Lannister himself hunted down Garigus and Belis and killed them to prevent them from carrying out Aerys' orders. The acolytes were inexperienced in destroying the wildfire, so it remained below the city, some of it only being rediscovered during the War of the Five Kings.[2]
Recent Events
A Clash of Kings
During the War of the Five Kings, Cersei Lannister commissions a great quantity of wildfire for the city's defences. The Alchemists report an unexplainable increase in the effectiveness of their spells, where it is quickly noted that it had not been as easy since the time of the dragons, which allowed them to create the substance more quickly.[2]
A Feast for Crows
The Alchemists are once again employed by the crown to burn down the Tower of the Hand.[4]
Quotes
Wildfire is but one of the dread secrets of our ancient order. Many and wondrous are the things we might show you.[5]
– Lord Hallyne, to Tyrion Lannister
– Lord Hallyne to Tyrion Lannister
- Tyrion Lannister’s thoughts
References and Notes
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 58, Davos III, p 608.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 20, Tyrion V.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 37, Jaime V.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 20, Tyrion V, p 228.
This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original content was at Organizations in A Song of Ice and Fire. |