Hmmmmmm, I am excited to see the culmination of your world building... follow lol :)

Yes, however the alteration is only temporary (for as long as the spell is sustained).

So, choosing to cast a spell is choosing to alter something’s essence?

If I understand most of it correctly, it’s a great system. Really enjoy its implications on how humans (or actually, anything) interact with the universe. 

Very cool.

Beyond the material world (*Physis*) there is a parallel information realm - *Logos*. Every object in Physis possesses a counterpart in Logos, a data body referred to as an *essence*. When an essence is altered, the corresponding object follows suit.

**Alchemy of Forms** is a magic system that takes advantage of this to allow casters to rewrite reality on a limited scale. It's achieved with alchemical formulae (commonly refered to as spells) - information bodies constructed by the practitioners to execute certain action sequences in the world. Rewriting reality is four step process that consists of:

* analysis of an essence (*Nigredo phase*),
* visualisations of the effects (*Albedo phase*),
* modification of an essence with an alchemical formula (*Citrinitas phase*),
* alteration of phenomena in physical world (*Rubedo phase*).

This is a really interesting not just because its a complex however grounded way of magic because its so close to chemistry

Said personalised abilities are an effect of expertise, genetic factors and the theme of aforementioned epiphany.

Logos indeed does exist, but not as a physical place. More like metaphysical realm superordinate to Physis.

I like the parallel to computer science with the source code. Can I think of the personalized abilities like being an expert in specific field or type of code? Like being an expert for network or databases programming?

Also is the source code parallel an in universe thing or just a metaphor to explain it?

Aside from training it requires also a series of sensory deprivation sessions with heavy use of medicines, body stimulations, and the like. The purpose of that is to isolate one from regular reality in order for them to develop Nous - an alternate "channel", a peculiar extrasensory perception that allows them to directly interface with source code of reality. At this point one is refered to as *User* and can cast simple cantrips.

To gain more potent, personalized abilities one has to become an *Adept*, what requires an epiphany, a certain unique realisation that doesn't leave the caster for the rest of their life.

Also sapience is a prerequisite for using Alchemy of Forms.

Can everyone do it that with the right training? And if yes, how much training do you need? I mean more pluming or brain surgery?

Are there animals or even plants that use that system or do you need higher intelligence?

I really like that system, partially because I had the idea to something similar, but didn't flesh it out yet.

Hey, I’m from your magic system discord server, this is a cool concept

Spellcasting in Alchemy of Forms