alchemical yeast

Carbohydrates, particularly sugars, provide the bulk of alchemical yeast's dietary requirements, leading to fermentation and alcohol production. As a result all yeasts in its genus can be found naturally growing in areas with high sugar concentrations.   Unlike its relatives, however, alchemical yeast also requires an extraordinarily high strength in the local magical fields of Nature Magic in order to thrive. The yeast harnesses this magic to excrete a second metabolic byproduct, arbitrium, an early ancestor of the Imperium produced by many creatures to access magic. Since Nature Magic is an Exoarcana Magic, relying upon localized external fields rather than those of the self or the universe, alchemical yeast rarely thrives within the Void, instead requiring planet-based operations for growth.

Some say that alchemical yeast was created entirely by Biomicrokinesis, genetically altered from its relatively mundane cousin, baker's yeast, to metabolize more arbitrium than required for its own use. This is an exaggeration of the truth. Alchemical yeast harvested from the wild can be effectively used in food products for arbitrium production, although these wild strains are somewhat less potent than many of the biomicrokinetically-enhanced variations seen commercially. Creatures known to use magic as part of their evolutionary adaptations have been known to seek out these wild strains with their other food sources.   The use of alchemical yeast and its wild cousins has been traced back to the ancient days of Fillimet, with many of the strongest strains in use today bearing a striking resemblance to those mentioned in historical scientific texts. Some scientists hypothesize alchemical yeasts predate the intentional study of Magic, while a handful have gone so far as to wonder if the digestion of arbitrium led to the early use of magic.

Alchemical yeast possesses the same basic properties and capabilities as traditional baker's yeast and is therefore readily adapted for use in baking, brewing alcoholic beverages, and other yeast-based food processes. The use of alchemical yeast does impart a different flavoring, with deep yet mild nutty undertones. This difference is of minimal significance to all but the most discerning of connoisseurs.   What truly sets this yeast apart from its siblings is the yeast's production of arbitrium. Alchemical yeast produces this extra metabolic byproduct in noticeable quantities, which has made the yeast a critical component of magic-replenishing consumables. Unlike Imperium, arbitrium is relatively non-toxic and safe for direct consumption, and yet its molecular structure is similar enough to Imperium that a magic user's metabolism can easily adapt to convert arbitrium into the Imperium required for casting. This process becomes more reliable the more often an individual consumes food products containing arbitrium until finally peaking at maximum effectiveness, but regular exposure is required to maintain this capability. If an individual has abstained from arbitrium consumption for more than a full day their metabolic processes will begin to unlearn their acquired efficiency until sufficiently re-exposed.   As a result arbitrium exposure is considered part of a standard training regiment for dedicated magic casters, who will regularly consume products manufactured with alchemical yeast. This typically takes the form of bread products, as the arbitrium remains infused throughout the dough even though the baking process kills the yeast itself. Food products also have the advantage of invoking a slower digestion process which allows for a time released exposure throughout the day.   In more urgent situations, particularly when attempting to avoid cosmic burnout, alchemical concoctions or even mage-targeted beverages are available to allow for faster digestion. Most of these also contain alcohol, due to the fermentation caused by the alchemical yeast, although some products are specially treated in an effort to lower the alcoholic content.   While most products kill the yeast as part of the decoction process (and as an effort to maintain trade secrets regarding their particular strain of the yeast), some alchemical yeast-based beverages are carefully prepared to allow the yeast to continue to grow and thrive. These live-aged concoctions, when stored properly, gradually gain potency with time as the yeast continues to excrete both arbitrium and alcohol. While the traditional decoction processes are more effective for products intended for consumption in the shorter term, live-yeast mage liquors are considered quite valuable - and potent - once sufficient aged.