Recently, after thinking over something that LoB had said quite some time ago..I began to wonder about Alchemic arrays.
What is it that makes an Alchemic array? Is it the belief that this collection of symbols will help you to fufil whatever task you're trying to alchemitize? Or does the array have some special energetic properties within itself which tie in to certain elements and the art truly lies in determining what elements are needed for whatever you're setting out to accomplish and to organize an array like so, on an as needed basis?
How exactly is an Alchemic array used? Are they even used at all, other than with the things that LoB listed in his thread about his old Alchemy lessons?
I have another question, which all ties in to this whole thing.
As much as I hate to do this, LoB did say that the circles in FMA did have some power..so here's a small guide to them:
http://www.animeindepth.com/series.php?series=1&page=12&mode=pageNow, you'll notice at the top of the page, there's a guide as to what only a few of the symbols mean. Could you use that guide to actually make a functioning Alchemic array? Could you make your own functioning Alchemic array without that Guide?
Another question is, the arrays on that page can actually do things, what can some of them do, as I'm sure that their function on the show isn't exactly...true...to modern day life. It's a good thing that, as LoB says, these circles are a watered down version of the symbols they represent, as opposed to the actual symbols themselves. Imagine all the kids who could get REALLY hurt if those symbols were really powerful?..I digress..
My final question is, LoB, if those circles from FMA are the weaker versions..then where can I find the more potent ones from which they are based?
biggrin Thank you all for reading through this lengthy first-post..and I hope this isn't in the wrong subforum... >.<