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 Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 12:31 pm
Alchemist An Alchemist is one of the many remarkable individuals capable of studying and practicing alchemy. As the craft of alchemy requires a full understanding of chemistry and ancient alchemical theory, alchemists are closer to scientists than magicians, but the ability to perform alchemy is also tied to an inherent talent for manipulating matter and energy so not all people can become competent alchemists merely by studying. Though essentially scientists, alchemists' abilities are incredibly practical and can be applied to the simple enhancement of normal life in the form of quick, relatively effortless repair of objects that ordinarily take a good deal of time and energy to fix. As such, alchemists are revered as productive members of society and hold the concept of Be Thou For The People as their unofficial credo. This creed dictates that alchemists use their abilities for the good of the public rather than for personal gain or political reasons, a creed generally rejected by alchemists who opt for government licenses and funding as State Alchemists. Despite their obligation to the people, alchemists are also careful to keep the secrets of their research out of the hands of the general public so as to prevent abuse of that knowledge and power by those with less-than-noble intentions. As such, alchemists generally keep their research notes coded so that only they - or other like-minded alchemical geniuses - may understand them.
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 12:32 pm
Homunculi Homunculus (Latin for "Little Human", plural Homunculi) refers to the mythological concept of an artificially created human, presumably brought into existence by way of alchemy. Though a common concept, well known and understood by alchemists in Amestris, the idea of homunculi is regarded as no more than a farce or faraway fantasy as no individual or group of alchemists has come anywhere close to successfully creating such a being in officially recorded history. Even so, alchemists have been forbidden by the Amestrian government to attempt or research in the transmutation of humans and State Alchemists have such a restriction as part of their creed. However, off the official record, not only one, but several of these creatures have been created in arcane, sinister secrecy. In the most relevant sense of the word, "Homunculus" refers to seven individuals who make up the main antagonist group of the Fullmetal Alchemist series. These created humans, named for the seven deadly sins (Pride, Lust, Greed, Envy, Sloth, Gluttony and Wrath), are supernatural beings with incredible longevity, astonishing regenerative properties and a host of varied superhuman abilities. The Homunculi usually carry the mark of the Ouroboros upon their bodies and are identified as such by said mark.
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 12:33 pm
Chimera A Chimera, as understood in the Fullmetal Alchemist series, is a creature synthesized by alchemically "marrying" two or more dissimilar living beings into a new, complete form displaying attributes of its "components". Though a legitimate branch of bio-alchemy, chimeric research has seen very few significant strives in Amestrian history - or at least in recorded history - and has been described as a science built upon countless dead ends and false starts. Still, the production of such fantastical beings is possible with the proper alchemical expertise and skill Nina and Alexander in their chimera form (as displayed by both Shou Tucker, who had made chimeric alchemy his focus as a State Alchemist, and Cornello, who was able to perform chimeric alchemy with the aid of an incomplete Philosopher's Stone). As mutant beasts granted the traits of multiple species, standard chimeras appear best suited for guard duty and are frequently positioned as such; in the manga, Father keeps an innumerable horde of these fantastic beasts guarding the underground passageways to his lair and, in the 2003 anime series, the State Military contains a great number of reptilian feline chimeras in Laboratory 5 tasked with eliminating intruders that manage to elude Guards Number 48 and Number 66.
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 12:46 pm
Humans
Humans are the dominant beings on the planet Earth and comprise most of its animal population. In addition to being the only life forms capable of using tools and skills in an advanced manner, they are also the only known species on Earth capable of performing alchemy.
Additionally, as understood in the Fullmetal Alchemist universe, humans are comprised alchemically of three major parts: the body, the soul and the mind/spirit.
The physical body, which is a complex system of bones, muscles, organs, nerves and blood vessels developed for optimal interaction with the environment, follows standard natural laws and patterns that, while different between species, are similar to all animals life on the planet. It has been stated that, broken down to its basest components, the average adult human body is comprised of Water (35 L), Carbon (20 kg), Ammonia (4 L), Lime (1.5 kg), Phosphorous (800 g), Salt (250 g), Saltpeter (100 g), Sulfur (80 g), Fluorine (7.5 g), Iron (5 g), Silicon (3 g) and fifteen other elements in trace amounts.
The soul, on the other hand, is a component apparently unique to humans in the Fullmetal Alchemist universe. It is the incorporeal and supposedly eternal part of a human, synonymous with the self or psyche, which contains all non-biological and emotional attributes and is said to separate entirely from the physical body at death.
While a human remains alive, however, the body and soul are connected by an entity known as the spirit (but often referred to as the mind. Regardless of how mutilated or altered either the body or soul may become, so long as their both remain intact, the connection between them remains and will cause the two components to resonate with each other and attract one another in an attempt to reunite them.
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