Alchemy in Avalon is more than bombs, potions, and turning lead into gold.
In this episode of Under the Lamplight, Chris and Brett dig into the history, culture, and mechanics of alchemy in Streets of Avalon. They explore why alchemy became a distinctly human discipline, how it sits somewhere between science and magic, and why the Alchemist Guild encourages experimentation instead of settling the debate over what alchemy really is.
They also break down how the alchemy kit works in play, from smoke bombs and lock-melting acids to crime scene investigation and improvised problem solving. The goal is to make alchemy a flexible tool for clever players, not just another way to throw explosives.
Along the way, they talk about Felix, the head of the Alchemist Guild, the guild’s university-style structure, the forbidden practice of using alchemy to tamper with the dead, and why “better living through alchemy” may be one of the most dangerous ideas in Avalon.
This is episode 26 of Under the Lamplight
Download the free Streets of Avalon playtest edition:
https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SoA_Playtest-Book_V02.pdf
Chris will continue updating the game and sharing design notes through free posts on the official Streets of Avalon website.
Streets of Avalon website:
https://thestreetsofavalon.com
Join the Discord:
https://discord.gg/grazDQmepK
Share your feedback on the Streets of Avalon playtest:
https://tinyurl.com/k7akba7r
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