Hermetica is a card game based on alchemy, an ancient practice that takes elements from chemistry and philosophy to achieve the transmutation of matter. The ultimate goal of alchemists, like Blasco in the game, was to obtain the Philosopher's Stone, capable of transforming metals into gold and granting eternal youth.
In Hermetica, a basic hand of cards is assigned to the player, representing the tools of an alchemist to overcome the dangers that assail him. Each time a card is dealt, it is assigned a randomly chosen movement. Each of the cards corresponds to one of the three basic principles of alchemy: Sulphur, Mercury and Salt, which are related to each other by means of a rock-paper-scissors scheme. In this way, there is always one element that is more powerful than another, and that we must take into account in combat.
If we use a Mercury card against a Salt enemy, we will deal half the damage indicated on the card, but if we use the same card against a Sulphur enemy we will inflict double the original damage. In our world, Sulphur can defeat Salt, Salt can defeat Mercury and Mercury can defeat Sulphur. In case of matching states, by default, the damage indicated on the card used is done or received.
It should be noted that the iconography of the cards represents some procedures, for example, Rebis, represents the duality of things, fixed and volatile.
The second aspect in which alchemy is reflected in Hermetica is more pure; the creation and modification of our deck. Blasco can visit different hidden laboratories in the city of Toledo, which resemble those used by European alchemists during the 15th and 16th centuries. In each of these laboratories, we can work with materials that we have obtained in the stores and in combat.
Blasco must obtain a series of books detailing raw materials and processes with which to improve his cards. Among the procedures featured in Hermetica are crushing and blending, fermenting and distilling. Each has its own requirements and results in improvements that can be applied to the cards.
After our first demo, we continue to work on Hermetica, and very soon we will be able to give a definitive release date for the game, in 2024.