Can the Alchemist turn an item into gold and immediately pay the Mercenary to engage in combat that same turn? Can this be done any turn or only on the player's turn?

Augustisimus said:

The only time you cannot turn an Object into gold with the Alchemist, is when you have just been defeated in battle or psychic combat by another character or the Merchant or Thief have announced which Object they will take from you (you may change an Object into gold before this occurs).

The same rule also applies to the Acquisition, Gust of Wind, or Shatter Spell the moment they are cast.

Ell.