Editing Impossible Theorem (Guide)

[[Category:Guides]]

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<span style = "font-size: 2em">'''On Theorizing About the Impossible'''</span>

Created by [[User:JmeJuniper|Hannah]]

Reviewed & Improved by [[User:Tirerim|tirerim]] <!-- Add your name & what you did to the title area if you contribute -->
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[[File:Chambersoftheheart.png|thumb|link=Impossible Theorem]]

This guide will go over the two ways to obtain an Impossible Theorem, with cost analysis and ways to optimize the process.

Impossible Theorems are used in various places, sometimes expended, sometimes not. Of course, for spoiler reasons I won't mention them here, but if you are curious, you can find {{Ask|Uses|Impossible_Theorem|the list of actions which require an Impossible Theorem.}}

There are two different methods to create an Impossible Theorem currently in the game with the first one being almost always far superior to the second. However, both methods will be included in this guide for sake of completeness.

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== Researching ==
=== Requirements ===
Naturally, researching something literally labelled as "Impossible" will have a few pre-requesites.
* {{IL|University Laboratory}}
* {{IL|Equipment for Scientific Experimentation|7 x}}
Both of these are covered in [[University Laboratory (Guide)|this (quite comprehensive) guide]].

Additionally, you will require
* a source of {{IL|Parabolan Research}}

=== Speeding up the research ===
While, technically, the above is all you need to research an Impossible Theorem, it isn't advisable. Assuming a rate of 25 {{IL|Laboratory Research|Appearance=research}} per action, excluding {{IL|Parabolan Research}}, it would take you '''''520''' actions'' of researching to complete the experiment. Luckily, there is a way to speed this up.

Since you can exchange {{IL|Searing Enigma|1 x}} for {{IL|Laboratory Research|500 x}} on [[Relate this problem to a past Enigma]] under "Review the Prior Literature", it is recommended to have up to 26 {{IL|Searing Enigma|Appearance=Searing Enigmas}}. See [[Mysteries Grinding (Guide)#Searing Enigma|this guide]] on {{IL|Searing Enigma}} sources.

It is important to know that [[Relate this problem to a past Enigma]] will be locked if you are less than 500 research away from completing the project. The goal therefore is less to optimize lab assistant research and more to use up Enigmas.

=== Actually starting ===
If you plan to use {{IL|Searing Enigma|Appearance=Searing Enigmas}} to speed up your research—which you most definitely should—make sure '''NOT''' to dismiss the card [[Review the Prior Literature]]. Additionally, when expending {{IL|Searing Enigma|Appearance=Searing Enigmas}}, don't worry about failing the check on the card. The {{IL|Laboratory Research}} is the same, the only difference is success gains an {{IL|Unavoidable Epiphany}} and your {{Hand Discarded|Guide=true}}. By the end of the experiment, there is another check, but you can simply try again if you fail, though it does give {{IL|Nightmares|+2 CP}}.

== Hunting ==

=== Requirements ===
[[Locate an Impossible Theorem|Hunting]] is much simpler than researching—however, that's not to say it's easier. The requirements are straightforward,
* Access to {{IL|The University}}
* {{IL|Searing Enigma|49 x}}
* {{IL|Sudden Insight|9 x}} (10 x if you're using one to increase your chances)
* and a dream that RNG favours you in that moment

=== Considerations ===
One important thing to be aware of is you are extremely likely to die at least once through this method, and additionally, it costs almost twice as many {{IL|Searing Enigma|Appearance=Searing Enigmas}} as researching does even if you succeed first-try.

Here is a calculator that will give the expected results of trying to gain an {{IL|Impossible Theorem}} through hunting, given your {{IL|Watchful}} and if you are using {{IL|Sudden Insight|Appearance=Sudden Insights}} for second chances:
{{Calculator/OptionCost
| title = Average Hunting Results per Theorem
| id = hunting1
| hidden = true
| act = 9
| diff = 500
| sucs = 3
| squal1 = Impossible Theorems
| snum1 = 1
| squal2 = Sudden Insights
| snum2 = -9
| squal3 = Searing Enigmas
| snum3 = -49
| fals = 5
| qual1 = Sudden Insights
| num1 = -3.5
| qual2 = Searing Enigmas
| num2 = -1
| qual3 = Echoes
| num3 = -100
| qual4 = trips to the boatman (+72 CP wounds each)
| num4 = 1
| qual5 = CP Nightmares
| num5 = 7.5
}}-->