Though there have been many forms of magical research throughout the history of Tempestas that have been known as (or translated as) alchemy, the most common understanding of it originates from a form of research done in Vruikt Barr since ancient times. While many associate the concept of alchemy with creation and transformation, to the Barrians, at alchemy's heart was instead the principle of knowing, of understanding. Due to their specialty in Destruction magic, the Barrian alchemical process centered around the principle of dissection and analysis-- using Destruction spells to tear something into its base molecules to understand every aspect of its form. It was this understanding of form that allowed Barrian alchemists to surpass the creation abilities of their counterparts in other nations-- while they could examine material's qualities through scientific means, or through Augury magic, the information gained from alchemical dissection allowed a level of data beyond what those methods could glean.
During the latter days of the War of Fire, Vuurstahl hunted down Barrian alchemists, on information they had received that the researchers had been researching magical weapons to find a way to drive back the Empire. Though there was never any evidence found of the supposed weapons the alchemists had been working on, the Empire's campaign was otherwise an almost complete success; Barrian alchemists have been almost completely wiped out, what few that remain unwilling to return to their work, lest the Empire finish what it started.