Invictus: Nigredo & Calcinatio

Invictus is a narrative virtual reality (VR) game which makes use of 16th century alchemical concepts on becoming spiritually whole. As an alchemist, the player begins their first steps in achieving The Great Work – a state of perfect being; synonymous with creating The Philosopher’s Stone. To begin, players embark into a stage called Nigredo, where the many is transmuted into one through the processes of alchemical Fire – calcination – as a method of purification. Players begin in an alchemical laboratory, learning about and preparing the first stage and process. To experience being transmuted by the power of Fire, players brew the “Philosopher’s Tincture” in their lab and submerge themselves within the concoction. Players next find themselves awaking at the top of a mysterious library tower deep underground. As players solve magical puzzles and traverse down the tower, they learn of the lessons that Fire has taught humanity over the ages. This thesis describes the game and its context in alchemy and technology.