(I'm not quoting that massive chain.) Â :P
@ the ongoing alchemy chain:
I can really see Alchemy being a secluded and widely unused branch of magic in Militeregnum, by the simple belief (regardless of it's accuracy) that it is "too difficult", "too complicated", or too "useless" to learn compared to "Magic" magic. (inner energies/lay lines/chi/nature/the norm.)  A simple but I think effective reason/explaination for why Alchemy has not shown up in our stories so far--- It simply is a "niche" branch of Magic right now. Not in Popularity.  Like.... oh, what's a good comparison... Like... * takes 5 minuites to think of a good comparison* Like.... MACRAME!  :P Took me forever to think of that.... Google is invaluable.  :P Â
That makes sense...
Sorry if that sounded unenthusiastic, I do like it!