"What do you mean there are only fifteen alchemists in the entire dwarf city!" Remey had just been told this by one of the three that came to show her the tool in the alchemy room and learn the basic potion formula.
"Alchemy had become less of a focus. Most of the young have unlocked doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other medical related systems. Dwarves are not ones with much magic, to begin with. Having alchemists to make magic healing potions is rare in the first place." The dwarf that was explaining this was not the highest ranked and felt that he had been thrown to the monsters for this job.
"Well, you at least have some master alchemists, right?" Remey was worried that forming the alchemy guild would be harder if there were no dwarven alchemists. Not to mention that having fewer alchemists as a whole would make it harder for the dwarves to heal their people overall.
"Of course we do! He is standing right next to me." The younger alchemist dwarf pointed to the older dwarf who was peaceful standing to the side examining some herbs on a shelf.
Remey sized the dwarf up. He had long brown hair that appeared to not have been cut for some time. Unlike most dwarves, he was thinner and had very little muscle. "He isn't much to speak or talk or even make potions. But don't get him wrong, he is very good and has helped invent many of the tools we use. He just things in strange ways."
Hearing the younger alchemist explain this Remey realized that every other dwarf she seemed to meet was some strange genius in some way. The king of the deep cave was hard headed and forceful whereas this alchemist was reserved and intuitive.
"Well, then let's see what you can do. I have a proposition for you if you can prove you are worth bringing on board with it. I need the best alchemists I can get so that my dream can come true and change alchemy in multiple kingdoms." Remey was gazing at the older alchemists with intensity.
The older alchemists finally brought his attention to her. Remey's straight forward approach seemed to be the best way to get a dwarfs' attention no matter the personality. It was a little refreshing since she didn't want to jump through too many hoops to get the answers she was seeking.
"My name is Rob. Just Rob. I don't need master Rob or Alchemist Rob. That is all...extra. I have been in the city for a long time and have done my best as an alchemist. Rarely am I called on to assist in healing since I can not heal golems and the surgeons take care of injuries. I will take your challenge and I expect a fruitful experience."
The response surprised the younger alchemist who was much more used to the older one rarely speaking and rarely taking action. He was standing there staring at Ron and then back at Remey before his curiosity began to take over his awe at Rons' attitude. "What do you need us to do?"
Remey didn't think that the younger alchemist would want to participate but was glad that he did. "I have made three potions over there. Each one had been made with the herbs in this room and without most of the tools since not every single one is required. I just want them identified." Remey knew that this could be a very tough challenge for an alchemist that was not well studied.
Remey cleared off a table and placed three different potions down. The first she pointed to and waited for the two to examine it. "Can we open the top and examine it further?" The younger alchemist wanted to see what effects it might have and what it looked and smelled like clearly.
"As long as you don't drink it then it's fine" Remey was expecting this and made sure that they weren't drunk to see if it had certain effects. She didn't need the exact names just what they may do or what they were made from. This was a challenge she was basing off of her alchemical brawlers' field guide. It was her source of knowledge and any that would be able to stand next to her should be similarly adept.
The younger alchemist opened the top and watched as the red potion sent off a slight red vapor. This was then sniffed and a little was poured on to the table. "This is a high tier healing potion. Is this really a test?" Remey didn't even flinch as her eyes moved to Rob who was standing a little further away.
"That is a modified high tier health potion that has better effects. The vapor that came off is the condensed ingredients starting to evaporate since they are compressed in the bottle to a degree." Rob easily saw through this and was met by a nod from Remey.
"Exactly right. It was a modification to the traditional health potion that a master alchemist in my kingdom made. The old man is pretty smart and will be part of the proposal I will make if you can guess the next two." Remey left this as even more incentive for the two who were guessing the potions.
The younger alchemists just chalked them up to experience and looked at the next one. He wasn't going to guess wrong this time since he was already an alchemist of renown even though there were not many alchemists in the city. Compared to the master he was sure he would win this challenge because the master was not as active in the ways of potion making and chose to focus on making potion tools.
"The next potion please." Remey gestured to the second potion she had placed on the table. She was eager to see what they said it was.