It's just one branch of magic - I wouldn't say it's widespread but it's not exactly a hidden art either. Well, every island has their own cultures and traditions, so it's not surprising that there would be a variety of types of magic and no real cohesion throughout.

It seems these days, most alchemists are associated with the Helmuth Alchemy Guild, led by my sister's descendants - and the same ones who sealed me away for a few hundred years.