

It is clear, that transmutation circle in FMA plays significant role for
transmutation result. I really doubt, that, for example, Isaac McDougal can
use Mustang's circle for water transmutations, and vice versa. But during
Brotherhood series, there several example of usage of same transmutation
circle for different goals.

First example - Alphonse circle. For instance, aside of creating things such
as cage for Paninya, in Liore he also manages to fix radio (which is fairly
complex device) with same circle.

Another example is Roy Mustang, who was able to use his circle for at least
two really different transmutations - his common attack with burning oxygen in
air, and dissipating water to hydrogen and oxygen during first encounter with
Lust under fifth lab.

So, question is - how important is pattern of circle, and is there any hints,
what variety of transmutations are allowed with single circle?


CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-13T07:55:13.310
36805
2017-10-31T16:51:32.527
22203
question
fullmetal-alchemist-series
How important is transmutation circle pattern?


Note that Al's alchemy tends to always revolve around the **displacement of
material**. Comparatively, Mustang's alchemy revolves around chemistry
(igniting materials)

Al may be using the same circle which allows him to use a form of "telepathy"
(for lack of a better word) to piece things together.

From many instances of alchemy being used, you can see that the **intent** of
the alchemist changes the effect of the transmutation.

  * Mustang's glove carries the same symbol, but Mustang has many fire transmutations up his sleeve.
  * Armstrong's glove is the same (for earth and metal related transmutations) 

This is a recurring pattern for many alchemists. Their circle limits their
alchemy to a specific **realm** (fire, earth, destruction, displacement, ...)
but they use the same circle to perform many different transmutations within
that realm.

Alchemy seems to be **a combination of the circle** (method of transmutation
=> Al's circle displaces material) **and the alchemist's intent** (how to
apply that method => Al puzzles the thing together again).


CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-09-01T16:02:29.687
42113
2017-09-01T16:02:29.687
34778
36805
answer