The New Player's Guide to Alchemy RPG

Learn more about Alchemy RPG and how to make the most of it for your adventure with your friends.

Alchemy RPG

Immersion is the name of the game with Alchemy RPG, a VTT that boasts impressive visual and audio features. If you want to stream your game or just play with cinematic flair, check out Alchemy.

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What is Alchemy RPG?

Alchemy RPG is a virtual tabletop platform, a website where people can connect to play tabletop roleplaying games. It made waves during its Kickstarter run for its sleek-looking interface that prioritizes showmanship over tactical combat functionality. To put it more simply, Alchemy gives hosts tools that allow for impressive scene creation such as ambient sounds, animated effects, and immersive art pieces. These compliment more story-heavy TTRPGs, the ones that encourage roleplay more than combat. Alchemy is very streamer-friendly as a result and even includes special functions for live streaming. 

What Features Does Alchemy Have?

Most other VTTs tend to put a focus on maps for combat. That makes sense as the biggest TTRPGS, like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder, are known for their combat gameplay. So many VTTs were developed to serve the largest audience, putting focus on tools like dungeon lighting and accurate measuring grids. Alchemy takes things in a different direction by supporting theater of the mind. 

Theater of the mind is a TTRPG term for action that takes place solely in the imagination. Instead of using drawn maps and mini figurines to set the scene, the GM relies on their narration abilities, perhaps with the help of art and a soundtrack. The result is meant to be a more freeing, collaborative effort. Freed from the bounds of boxed battlefields, players can think more creatively. 

Alchemy assists this effort by centering user focus on cinematic elements. The typical screen shows a “scene” as directed by the GM. A scene is dominated by an evocative art piece that’s brought to life by particle effects like wind gusts or fae lights. Scenes have music attached to the

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GM can pre-set them and focus on the moment while in game. When it comes time for a fight, character profile pictures appear on the screen, with the active character front and center during their turn. It calls to mind the way some video game RPGs shift the camera  to the active combatant, keeping your eyes glued to the screen even when it’s not your turn. The GM can opt to include a traditional grid battle map, with basic functions supported. 

A free account includes the ability to create one campaign with all the bells and whistles included. The paid subscription, Alchemy Unlimited, allows for unlimited campaigns. Users can also buy integrated Alchemy adventures that add unique art and effects to their game. 

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How to use Alchemy RPG

Check out this video, which is a great introduction to getting started with Alchemy RPG

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Why hire a professional Game Master?

Convenience and Flexibility:

StartPlaying allows you to easily find and book sessions with professional Dungeon Masters and Game Masters that work for your schedule. You can focus on enjoying the game without worrying about the logistics of organizing sessions. Playing online provides flexibility, as you can join games from anywhere with an internet connection.

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Quality and Consistency:

Player reviews on StartPlaying make it easy to find a Dungeon Master whose style aligns with your preferences. With reviews from other players, you can gauge whether a DM is the right fit for how you want to play,  whether it’s combat, role-playing, storytelling, or a specific genre.

Tailored Play Experience:

Player reviews on StartPlaying make it easy to find a Dungeon Master whose style aligns with your preferences. With reviews from other players, you can gauge whether a DM is the right fit for how you want to play,  whether it’s combat, role-playing, storytelling, or a specific genre.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VTT?
What is a Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG)?
What is the difference between a one-shot and a campaign?
How do I know if I found a good or bad GM?
Is it normal to pay for a Game Master?
Do people mostly play D&D and other TTRPGs online?
Do I need to be good at math to play TTRPGs?

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