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No. 189

#Reconstructed Solvent

#Though we are fortunate the treachery that took place in House Colvan was ultimately exposed, there are still some elements of the crime that have not been fully understood. Why, for example, was Verrin Ravari found in an abandoned tailor’s shop in the Downriver Quarters? A powerful solvent found at the scene suggests the involvement of another, highly trained alchemist, perhaps a rival or a co-conspirator. There is one theory, advanced by the more gossip-prone, that the young Head Alchemist of House Van Tassen survived the initial Colvan assault and was able to carry out some manner of reprisal from this hidden location— though that seems rather far-fetched.

Unfortunately, a satisfactory answer to this riddle may never be found. Still, in the interest of advancing the issue in my own small way, I have endeavored here to reproduce a solvent of the kind I believe the mystery alchemist may have used.