Mandrake root and scorpion tail; spongy mushroom and warty toad — these are the foundations of the alchemist's livelihood, science, and art.
But what arcane secrets do these strange ingredients hide? Now it is time to find out. Mix them into potions and drink them to determine their effects — or play it safe and test the concoction on a helpful assistant! Gain riches selling potions to wandering adventurers and invest these riches in powerful artifacts. As your knowledge grows, so will your reputation, as you publish your theories for all to see. Knowledge, wealth, and fame can all be found in the murky depths of the alchemist's cauldron.
In Alchemists, 2-4 players compete to discover the secrets of their mystical art. Mix magical ingredients into potions and drink them to determine their effects - or play it safe and test the concoction on a helpful assistant! Points can be earned in various ways, but most are earned by publishing theories - correct theories that is - and therein lies the problem.
Players declare their actions for the turn by placing cubes on the various action spaces. Action spaces are then evaluated in order. Knowledge is gained by mixing ingredients and testing the results using a smartphone app (iOS, Android, and also Windows) which randomizes the rules of alchemy for each new game. If the alchemists are longing for something even more special, they can always buy magical artifacts for extra points and special abilities.
Players can also earn money by selling potions of questionable quality to adventurers, but the money is just a means to an end. The alchemists don't want riches, after all. They want respect, and that respect usually comes from publishing theories.
During play, players' reputations will go up and down. After six rounds and a final exhibition, reputation is converted into points. Points will also be scored for artifacts and grants. The secrets of alchemy are then revealed and players gain or lose points based on whether their theories were correct. Whoever has the most points at the end of the game wins.
No. of Players: 2 to 4
Min. Age: 13