Anataeus isn't too keen on the alchemical liberties taken. Game Within a Game: Sigmar's Garden is a solitaire-like game based around clearing a hex-grid board of coloured balls with alchemy-inspired rules.They are then marked on a histogram of how other players have done on the puzzle, giving you an idea of how you compare. Gameplay Grading: After completing a puzzle the cost of your machine, the number of cycles to complete, and the area used for the machine are recorded.The puzzles which follow are based on previous generations of the engine which had far more limited space. The "Production Alchemy" forewords notes that the near-infinite workspace of the main story's alchemy engine is a modern convenience.Starting with the next chapter, he has to use the "Glyph of Purification" to turn metals into their higher forms without mercury. During the post-puzzle conversation of "Very Dark Thread", Anateus mentions they've used up their last supplies of mercury/quicksilver to make the eponymous thread.Frameup: Part of the unspoken plan is arranging events to frame Verrin Ravari for creating the poisoned lipstick that kills Taros.Much later in the game Verrin Ravari, alchemist of House Colvan, is revealed to have been planning to usurp House Colvan, with the destruction of Van Tassen laying the groundwork. Foreshadowing: Playing Sigmar's Garden unlocks additional conversation where Concordia mentions that Van Tassen's previous alchemists used their role as a way to get into House politics, which holds true for most alchemists she's met.Despite this some alchemists are still trying to produce "aether". 5: The Journal of Alchemical Engineering introduces quintessence, which is made from combining the four elements together inversely it can also be split off into its constituent elements. Captain Gelt insists that having Frederick Van Tassen show up with impeccable hair to raise a sword will inspire the troops enough to turn the tide of the war. Dramatically Missing the Point: Anataeus tries to convince his patrons that a war cannot be won by assigning him to make hair gel.Decoy Getaway: The Head Alchemist of House Colvan has found Anataeus in his hideout, but the Mists of Hallucination and a spare mannequin reveal that Anataeus and Concordia are long gone.Deadpan Snarker: Concordia Lem, House Van Tassen's Provisioner and natural foil to Anataeus's egotistical genius.The optional "Journal of Alchemical Engineering" has some difficult levels as well. Brutal Bonus Level: After the main campaign is completed, you get access to the "Production Alchemy" puzzles, which require creating solutions in a limited space and with some new mechanics.At the end, Verrin Ravari, realizing his plans were for naught, laments the loss of his opus magnum. Bookends: The tutorial levels end with Anataeus and his classmate Henley discussing their plans after graduation, and Henley wishes that "each of us realize (his) opus magnum".The creators actively encourage players to consider the game's setting and aesthetics when designing submissions for the in-game Journal of Alchemical Engineering. Scientific accuracy took a backseat to aesthetic appeal when it came to designing the puzzles for this game. Art Major Physics: Even more so than SpaceChem.House Van Tassen treats the war with Colvan as more of this posturing, only realizing when it's too late that Taros isn't playing by the rules. And You Thought It Was a Game: For generations the Houses have engaged in low-stakes "wars" where they'll fight for a bit before one side cedes a few streets.When Concordia compares him to a wizard, Anataeus protests that alchemy is a science and an engineering discipline, not magic.
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