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Opus Magnum (Video Game)

 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
type
TVTItem
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
label
Opus Magnum (Video Game)
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
page
OpusMagnum
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
comment
Opus Magnum is a Programming Game from Zachtronics Industries that draws inspiration from real world alchemy. Using a transmutation engine that is effectively the fantasy equivalent of SpaceChem's atomic reactors, you separate, bond, and transform atoms from one form to another, programming the machines you place onto the transmutation engine's workspace to make it happen.Like SpaceChem's 'fake chemistry', Opus Magnum takes its cues from 'real' alchemy: Only the classic elemental primes, neutral salt, and a handful of metalsnote The seven metals of antiquity; mercury/quicksiver, lead, tin, iron, copper, silver and gold. are used to create every molecule you construct in the game. The game draws many ideas from one of Zach's previous games, The Codex Of Alchemical Engineering, including all the component atoms save sulfur, and arms and glyphs to manipulate the atoms and molecules you'll be working with, now on a hexagonal working space instead of Codex's orthogonal board.In a departure from the usual approach of Zachtronics games, you take on the role of a named character — Anataeus Vaya, an ambitious young man about to graduate from the Imperial University. The story follows his graduation and employment as the Head Alchemist of House Van Tassen. He chafes under the restrictions of his position and the politics of high society, but quickly finds himself scrambling to fight back when House Van Tassen comes under attack.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
fetched
2024-02-09T11:06:42Z
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
parsed
2024-02-09T11:06:42Z
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
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DBTropes
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_20847f2c
type
Sequel Difficulty Drop
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_20847f2c
comment
Sequel Difficulty Drop: In contrast to other Zachtronics games which tend to introduce space or resource limits pretty quickly, the entire main story of Opus Magnum gives the player unlimited space and a bottomless supply of every relevant tool for every scenario. Gameplay Grading does encourage trying to be time, space, or resource-efficient, but this is not required. In effect, the entire story scenario is a tutorial for the "Production alchemy" and alchemical journal modes, where not having unlimited means becomes part of the puzzle.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_20847f2c
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_20d965e
type
Gentleman Thief
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_20d965e
comment
Gentleman Thief: Nils Whittle, who manages to steal a shipload of lead from the Van Tassen estate for Anataeus and Concordia, is actually a high-level spy in employ of Clara Soria.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_20d965e
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_24321e44
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Only Sane Man
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_24321e44
comment
Only Sane Man: Anataeus seems to be the only one who actually takes Colvan's aggression and later attacks with absolute seriousness, trying to make things that would actually help Van Tassen's defenses.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_24321e44
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_27a42ebc
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Spiritual Successor
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_27a42ebc
comment
Spiritual Successor: To The Codex Of Alchemical Engineering.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_27a42ebc
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_2a6bf668
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Inadequate Inheritor
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_2a6bf668
comment
Inadequate Inheritor: Frederick Van Tassen is never seen but most conversations indicate he is less intelligent, ambitious, and cunning than his father.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_2a6bf668
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_2b98ddb5
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Liquid Courage
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_2b98ddb5
comment
Liquid Courage: The Courage Potion, which turns out to be mostly alcohol.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_2b98ddb5
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Frame-Up
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_2d364343
comment
Frameup: Part of the unspoken plan is arranging events to frame Verrin Ravari for creating the poisoned lipstick that kills Taros.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_2d364343
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_30cdefe1
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Reluctant Ruler
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_30cdefe1
comment
Reluctant Ruler: Clara Soria explains that, as the heir of a major house, she constantly fears for her life and has to deal with the harshness of political plots. With Anateus and Concordia, she contemplates the idea of being a humble clothier. It is unclear whether this is a pure fantasy or if she seriously considered it.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_30cdefe1
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3126c34a
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Insufferable Genius
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3126c34a
comment
Insufferable Genius: Anataeus is very much one. The tutorial's storyline is about him swotting up on the principles of automated alchemy for his final exam before graduating; prior to this he'd been doing all his labwork by hand, without realizing how powerful and convenient modern alchemy is. When he mentions that he finds the term "opus magnum" to be rather pretentious, his classmate scoffs at his lack of self-awareness. The Head Alchemist of House Colvan gives off this vibe as well, but his ability doesn't quite measure up to his boasts.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3126c34a
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3a1c2171
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The Man Behind the Man
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3a1c2171
comment
The Man Behind the Man: Verrin Ravari claims he manipulated Taros into starting the war between the Houses.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3a1c2171
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3abd8bbb
type
Natural Elements
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3abd8bbb
comment
Natural Elements: In Opus Magnum, molecules are composed of atoms. These atoms each correspond to one of the classical elements: Salt (the basis of all matter, acts as a stabilizer in molecules), Air, Earth, Water, Wind, Quintessence, Vitae (vital force), Mors (lethal force), Lead, Tin, Iron, Copper, Silver, Gold, and Quicksilver (purifies one of the former metals into the purer state).
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3abd8bbb
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3e95582f
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The Greatest Story Never Told
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3e95582f
comment
The Greatest Story Never Told: Anataeus wistfully bemoans that the story of how he manufactured the Universal Solvent (one of the aspirations of classical alchemy) will never be known, but survival and their revenge against House Colvan hinging on no evidence of his work remaining wins out over his desire for recognition. Ironically the only evidence of his survival after the timeskip were traces of the solvent.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_3e95582f
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_44fc28e8
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Honor Before Reason
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_44fc28e8
comment
Honor Before Reason: House Van Tassen's military tactics amount to a lot of posturing and bluster, as Captain Gelt is positive that a few rockets will completely rout the House Colvan advance. When House Colvan slaughters the entirety of the Van Tassen line, it comes as a major shock to everyone involved.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_44fc28e8
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_4577bd49
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Gameplay Grading
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_4577bd49
comment
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. They are then marked on a histogram of how other players have done on the puzzle, giving you an idea of how you compare.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_4577bd49
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_4d044580
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Motive Rant
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_4d044580
comment
Motive Rant: Having found Anataeus, Verrin Ravari, Head Alchemist of House Colvan, reveals that the happenings of the game were his idea, and that his plan was to take control of House Colvan, and then proceed to take over the other Houses, which he considered weak from decadence, with his alchemy talent. He even offers Anataeus the remains of House Van Tassen, in exchange for his help. However, as detailed above, Anateus and Concordia are long gone by the time Ravari tracks down their hideout.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_4d044580
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_5313c266
type
Bookends
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_5313c266
comment
Book Ends: 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". At the end, Verrin Ravari, realizing his plans were for naught, laments the loss of his opus magnum.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_5313c266
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_5fcb9ad1
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Time Skip
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_5fcb9ad1
comment
Time Skip: The "Production Alchemy" puzzles take place an unspecified number of years after the main story, as the "Fragrant Powders" puzzle refers to the assassination of Taros Colvan happening "many years ago".
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_5fcb9ad1
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_65f86fcc
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ArtMajorPhysics
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_65f86fcc
comment
Art Major Physics: Even more so than SpaceChem. Scientific accuracy took a backseat to aesthetic appeal when it came to designing the puzzles for this game. The creators actively encourage players to consider the game's setting and aesthetics when designing submissions for the in-game Journal of Alchemical Engineering.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_65f86fcc
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_6bf81a2e
type
Useless Superpowers
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_6bf81a2e
comment
Useless Superpowers: Anateus is stated to be one of the most brilliant alchemists of his time, and alchemy is stated to be a very powerful science (some even say it brings total mastery over the world). And yet, Anateus finds himself unable to protect the house Van Tassen, after which he has to hide in a decrepit abandoned shop, wanted by a military that aims to execute him. He reflects that alchemists believe far too strongly in their own abilities.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_6bf81a2e
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_6dafc69d
type
Decoy Getaway
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_6dafc69d
comment
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.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_6dafc69d
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_78efbeda
type
Gaslamp Fantasy
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_78efbeda
comment
Gaslamp Fantasy: Much of the game's art direction and aesthetics are inspired by this, with artwork that depicts characters wearing elaborate outfits, intricately detailed interiors, and airships. The architecture of the Great Houses and major landmarks such as the university grounds dominate the landscape of the city, resembling cathedrals and industrial palaces that dwarf everything else. Even taking the map's emphasis of these locations as a Broad Strokes depiction they must tower over the surrounding buildings.
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_7c1d92d7
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Now Do It Again, Backwards
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_7c1d92d7
comment
Now Do It Again, Backwards: Two puzzles from "Production Alchemy" require a complex molecule be disassembled in one compartment, transferred to a second compartment one atom at a time, and then reassembled in the same configuration. One is a method for chemically distilling liquor while the other is an attempt to create aether through continuous refinement of a substance. Amusingly, both puzzle descriptions lampshade how worthless both processes are: the liquor manufacturer insists its disassembly then reassembly unlocks unique flavors though the book's author is visibly skeptical while the aether "creation" is noted to be a fool's errand only pursued by a handful of fringe alchemists who still refuse to accept that quintessence is the true "fifth element".
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_7c1d92d7
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_82d2715f
type
Magitek
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_82d2715f
comment
Magitek: The transmutation engine is an atomic manipulator with magical parts that use the classical elements to perform traditional alchemy. Think the WALDOs in SpaceChem with alchemy thrown in.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_82d2715f
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_8a9989ae
type
Mini-Game
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_8a9989ae
comment
Minigame: Sigmar's Garden, a match-the-marbles game with its own set of rules based on the principles of alchemy.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_8a9989ae
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_92f674e5
type
Revenge
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_92f674e5
comment
Revenge: House Van Tassen is taken down by House Colvan. Anataeus, Concordia (former employees of Van Tassen) and Clara (who was in love with the Van Tassen heir who got exectued) plot to take down House Colvan in return. Although the protagonists don't know it, the idea to take down the house was suggested by Colvan's alchemist, Verrin Ravari. Ironically, the protagonist's revenge plan is to assassinate Taros Colvan with a kiss with poisoned lipstick, and then frame Ravari for synthesizing the lipstick.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_92f674e5
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_967fd9b
type
Perilous Old Fool
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_967fd9b
comment
Perilous Old Fool: Captain Gelt, the aging commander of House Van Tassen's soldiers, charges into the Colvan forces and dies for the honor of his House — which surrenders immediately thereafter.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_967fd9b
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_9a4ff3b1
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Post-End Game Content
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_9a4ff3b1
comment
Post-End Game Content: Completing the main story unlocks Appendix levels where the player has only limited space, and journal, that has multiple, usually difficult levels. Journal also gives insight to more in-game lore.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_9a4ff3b1
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_9d12bbc1
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Foreshadowing
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_9d12bbc1
comment
Foreshadowing: Playing Sigmar's Garden unlocks additional conversation where Concordia mentions that Anateus is the only alchemist she has met that is actually focused on alchemy: all the previous Van Tassen alchemists spent most of their time getting involved in House politics. 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.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_9d12bbc1
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_9e9203e1
type
Dramatically Missing the Point
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_9e9203e1
comment
Dramatically Missing the Point: Anataeus tries to convince his patrons that a war cannot be won by assigning him to make hair gel. 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. It doesn't.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_9e9203e1
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_a3df8e61
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And You Thought It Was a Game
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_a3df8e61
comment
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. 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.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_a3df8e61
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_a5398aba
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Authority in Name Only
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_a5398aba
comment
Authority in Name Only: The story makes several references to an imperial authority, hinting that the story takes place in an empire. However, the emperor seems powerless to intervene in concrete political affairs. The Imperial alchemist guild issues certifications to alchemy graduates, but the houses can start civil wars and steal territory from each other without repercussion. Taros Colvan destroyed and massacred one of the Empire's most prestigious houses, with absolutely no worries about the reaction of the imperial authority.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_a5398aba
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_a7aef9ff
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Obfuscating Stupidity
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_a7aef9ff
comment
Obfuscating Stupidity: Clara uses her reputation as being a bit dim to hide her behind-the-scenes activities. This even allows her to assassinate Taros at a party but avoid any personal suspicion.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_a7aef9ff
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Deadpan Snarker
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_ae3d6438
comment
Deadpan Snarker: Concordia Lem, House Van Tassen's Provisioner and natural foil to Anataeus's egotistical genius.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_ae3d6438
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Squick
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_b486877f
comment
Squick: An in-universe example. Anateus is not... exactly thrilled when he has to make a stamina potion to help Frederik "produce" a heir for House Van Tassen.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_b486877f
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 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_be3e7584
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Brutal Bonus Level
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_be3e7584
comment
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. The optional "Journal of Alchemical Engineering" has some difficult levels as well.
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_be3e7584
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Element No. 5
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_bed47e72
comment
Element No. 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. Despite this some alchemists are still trying to produce "aether".
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_bed47e72
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Unspoken Plan Guarantee
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_c82e751f
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Unspoken Plan Guarantee: Exaggerated, as we never actually learn what Clara's plan for revenge on House Colvan was, even after it is executed and the debris settles. From the little bits of dialogue and the compounds Anataeus makes for her, it appears to involve Clara making a dazzling appearance at her first official high society event, seducing Taros Colvan, giving him the Kiss of Death with the poisonous lipstick Anataeus created for her, then pinning it on Colvan's own alchemist, Verrin Ravari. Meanwhile, Nils sneakily places timed explosives (also created by Anataeus) around the Colvan estate to go off the moment Taros dies, ensuring the downfall of his House. And while all that is happening, Anataeus invents the Universal Solvent to destroy all evidence of his involvement, leaving behind a mannequin sprayed with hallucinogens to buy time while he and Concordia skip town.
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Alchemy Is Magic
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Alchemy Is Magic: Repeatedly defied. When Concordia compares him to a wizard, Anataeus protests that alchemy is a science and an engineering discipline, not magic.
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Mayor Pain
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_da4300b9
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Mayor Pain: The city where the story takes place is ruled by noble houses that are portrayed as decadent, self-centered, full of themselves, superficial, incompetent and oblivious to the real state of politics. Few to none of the alchemical compounds the Van Tassen asked Anateus to produce were created for the population, most of them was for the house's own profit. Although the population does not seem to suffer from these politics (at least not to the point of public unrest), the antagonists plan on using the weakness of the houses to seize control of the city.
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Kiss of Death
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_dc67d9ba
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Kiss of Death: The Curious Lipstick is worn by Clara in order to give a deadly kiss to Taros.
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Corrupt Bureaucrat
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_df4edb04
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Corrupt Bureaucrat: The alchemists employed by the major houses tend to be more interested by inserting themselves into politics and furthering their political interests than actually practicing alchemy. Concordia tells Anateus that the vast majority of the previous alchemist who worked for the Van Tassen seldom set foot into the alchemy lab. She says Anateus is the first Van Tassen alchemist to actually focus on alchemy since generations.
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Silk Hiding Steel
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_e407c172
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Silk Hiding Steel: Clara Soria, who is generally overlooked by her House as a pretty, but dumb thing, is actually a master planner and manipulator.
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GameplayAndStoryIntegration
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Gameplay and Story Integration: After suddenly finding himself in a resource-starved working environment, the first puzzle of the chapter is Anateus building an alchemical engine to convert common cheap alcohol into a steady supply of basic elements necessary to get much of anything done. 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. Starting with the next chapter, he has to use the "Glyph of Purification" to turn metals into their higher forms without mercury. The "Production Alchemy" foreword notes that the near-infinite workspace of the main story's alchemy engine is a modern convenience generally available only to labs and noble houses. The puzzles which follow use engines from a "production" environment which have limited workspace available.
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Mundane Utility
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_eff83d77
comment
Mundane Utility: In contrast to the real world where alchemy never achieved the transformation of lead into gold and even today it takes a hefty amount of equipment and a degree in nuclear physics, in-universe this is a well-known and straightforward process, to the point of being passe, especially by the main character's standards. He takes the indignity of having to perform such a basic procedure (twice!) poorly. More generally, alchemy is used to produce any number of useful and mundane substances - clean water, abrasives, rat poison, etc.
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Game Within a Game
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_f7567671
comment
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. Anataeus isn't too keen on the alchemical liberties taken.
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Ruling Family Massacre
 Opus Magnum (Video Game) / int_fd6b88cb
comment
Ruling Family Massacre: Taros Colvan orders the Van Tassen nobles to be executed after they surrender, just to make sure they are not a threat to him in the future. In that case, it makes Concordia and Clara's intense hatred for him quite justified.
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Opus Magnum (Video Game)

The following is a list of statements referring to the current page from other pages.

 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
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Alchemy Is Magic / int_fdab7ec5
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
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And You Thought It Was a Game / int_fdab7ec5
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
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Game Within a Game / int_fdab7ec5
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
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Sidetracked by the Gold Saucer / int_fdab7ec5
 Opus Magnum (Video Game)
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Video Games of 2015–2019 / int_fdab7ec5