FMA:B Theory
Entry posted by Zox Tomana
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Needless to say spoilers below:
So, I've been rewatching FMA: Brotherhood, and I was thinking about Alchemy vs. Alkahestry. More specifically I was trying to think of a "scientific" basis for Alkahestry similar to that given for Alchemy. I may be way off base with this, but I think I have some kind of idea beyond the "flow of energy/chi" and "the Dragon's pulse." Let's lead off with what we do know about Alkahestry:
1. It is based on harnessing the flow of energy "from the tops of mountains down to the valleys where it nourishes the earth" (paraphrase).
2. You have to be able to sense and manipulate how the energy is flowing (feel the "Dragon's pulse").
3. It can be used for distance transmutation.
4. The only Alkahestric transmutation circle presented is a pentagram inscribed within a circle which can be used for multiple purposed and doesn't even have to be drawn so long as you have a position for it marked. (Note: you can use complex symbols such as Scar's tatoo.)
And what about Alchemy?
1. It is based on harnessing the energy released from plate tectonics deep within the earth.
1a. This can be blocked using a sufficiently large philosopher's stone.
2. You don't have to be able to sense the energy (Ed and Al couldn't tell that they'd been cut off; but Scar, May, and Hohenhiem knew something had happened).
3. You can only do local transmutation.
4. You require a complex transmutation circle with an array of symbols (those who have seen the Truth can use their own body as an array, forming a circle with their arms).
So what is the proposed statement regarding Alkahestry? My issue is that May's explanation leans heavily on spiritual-ish terminology, while Alchemy tends to be explained with scientific-esque ideas. I wanted to figure out the basis for Alkahestry in the same way Alchemy is understood. Alchemy starts with energy that is harnessed by a circle, and directed by the drawing of lines and symbols. I proposed that Alkahestry also begins with energy, but that there isn't a transmutation circle so much as there is a transmutation sphere... a really big sphere... a giant, giant transmutation sphere known as the whole planet. The sphere of the planet is like the circle, capturing energy in circulation while natural formations and lines on the planet's surface (mountains, rivers, valleys) cause the energy to flow across the surface in predictable, useful ways. The Alkahestrist is taught to take that energy, and direct it towards their intended goal (as opposed to the Alchemist drawing energy directly up to circulate in their transmutation circles).
Now, where did the idea come from? Where is it grounded? When May is explaining it to Dr. Marcoh, she begins with the flow in the earth, and then applies that knowledge to the human body specifically. Why not go in the reverse? Those who have seen the Truth use their bodies as transmutation arrays/circles. They capture energy with their bodies and use their will to direct it. I think it is reasonable to go backwards to apply this property of the human body and generalize it to the planet. This would explain why you can have one simple transmutation circle: you already have the energy circulating and flowing and ready to go, you just need to redirect it a little bit. It also explains the basis of distance transmutation: we have some energy flowing this way, let's put some reaction points down and make it go that way instead.
In short: I think the basis of Alkahestry is about using the planet as a natural transmutation sphere, with the natural formations of the world acting as a passive array, and the Alkahestrist taking the exist energy flow and redirecting is through/to specified points marked by their transmutation circle.
I have no idea if anything in there will make sense to anyone else XD
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