The Gate of Alchemy

[Artemis Godhand]

The Gate

The Gate of Alchemy or Gate of Truth is a metaphysical construct integral to the plot of the Dangerous Transmutations. The Gate is the source of all alchemic energy, often exemplified by the light of an alchemic transmutation. It bears a striking resemblance to Auguste Rodin's "The Gates of Hell". It is depicted as a large, black, two-doored gate that is variable in height and typically suspended in a white void.

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The Gate seems to not be any particular location but rather a dimensional rift to be entered an entrance to the Gate exists in every human soul since birth. As people age, the Gate's presence within them is weakened. However, there are certain uses of alchemy that bring a person directly to the "Gate of Alchemy". Those who call upon the Gate, or are sacrificed to reach it, usually lose a portion of their body that is drawn within it by the creatures who inhabit the Gate. These small, black creatures of unknown origin serve to regulate passage through the Gate, and they can reach outside of it by extending their string-like arms. These creatures can be circumvented by a well-trained alchemist or by an object traveling faster than they can control.

The Truth

The Gate also contains what is referred to as the "Truth", which is an inconcievable amount of knowledge about alchemy. It is bestowed upon all those who manage to access the Gate. Not all of this knowledge is always immediately retrievable from memory afterwards, but the knowledge gained includes the methods for binding a soul to an object through a Blood Seal, as well as being able to transmute alchemy without the use of physical transmutation circles. (The alchemist can actually create a circle within themselves by envisioning it in their minds and then activating it with the touching of their limbs; the most common example is a clap of their hands.)

Energy and The Other World

The Gate is the basis for alchemy in the world of Dangerous Transmutations. The energy of alchemy (required to at least decompose and rebuild matter) in the world of Amestris is generated by the souls of deceased humans traveling through the Gate from Earth. If accessed properly, the Gate can also be used for the living to travel from one world to the other. Furthermore, the Gate serves to bestow the "Truth" to those who open it.

Summoning the Gate

Alchemists can directly summon the Gate by at least three methods: attempting human transmutation; activating the appropriate transmutation circle on an infant--whose mind/body/soul are still connected in the child's youth, allowing the Gate to be called more easily--and sacrificing all or part of a human or Homunculus; and by sacrificing humans or Homunculi on the proper transmutation circle.