
The Alchemy Index saw the group write to theme-specific elements, and record in a split manner: two of the members would be work on an acoustic song, while drummer Riley Breckenridge was focused on programming for the Water element, or bassist Eddie Breckenridge would be writing bass parts for the Fire element. Though Kensrue took a break from the writing process to go on a brief US tour later in the month. Writing for Beggars began in January 2009, with the band aiming to make the record "a little more upbeat and energetic" following their two previous projects, Vheissu and The Alchemy Index, which they felt had a "sleepy feeling" to them. I & II: Fire & Water in October 2007, and Vols.

Dubbed The Alchemy Index, it was released as two double-discs sets: Vols.
