Herbalism vs. Alchemy in BECMI
by HåvardSo how about the following definitions:
HERBALISM
Understanding of plants (widely defined) and their properties and the skill of how to brew potions from these. This can include medicines, cures, potions and antidotes.
ALCHEMY
Understanding of alchemical substances including metals, minerals, salts, and oils and how these relate to the elemental planes and the movement of celestial bodies. Using this knowledge they can create elixirs (Potions), oils, poisons and antidotes. Alchemy also involves knowledge of transmuting one substance into another, infusing constructs with energy and possibly even life.
SPECIALISTS VS. MASTERS
So, any character can take these as skills (Technically, only Alchemy exists as a skill in the RC). This bestows the basic knowledge and understanding of their field as well as the ability to produce simple substances. Character with the appropriate skill can be hired as Specialists. True Masters of a field however, is limited to certain character classes. Alchemists are within the realm of Magic Users, most notably those trained in the Secret Crafts of Glantri. Herbalist Masters are probably druids?