In 1553, obsessed by the Elixir of Life, Hans Burgner begins serving as a famulus to a Magister. After repeatedly asking for and being denied the Elixir, he kills his master and rips the potion from around the Magister’s neck. Because he obtained the Elixir by murder and before his mind and body are ready, Hans is trapped with dark, chaotic forces in the eternal life he craves. Lifetime after lifetime he wakes in a different body with the veil of forgetfullness lifted. He must become an Adept himself to rise above the forces he contends with, enduring the trials and training each lifetime bring him. These various lifetimes will lead him to the places, experiences and people who will teach and guide him as he learns the process of alchemy and turns himself from a base man into a Magus. He will travel with the illustrious Count St Germain, come into contact with well known personages such as Casanova, Marie Antoinette, Frederick III of Denmark, and the glittering aristocracy at the highest courts of Europe. He must also journey to the lowest point of humanity to complete the circle, along the way mastering the Eleven Rules, the Six Duties and the Sixteen Secret Signs of the Order.
The Eleven Rules Love God above all else. Use your time to develop your soul. Be completely unselfish. Be sober, humble, active, and silent. Learn the origins of the 'metals' in you. Beware of charlatans and liars. Constantly revere the highest Good. Learn the theory before you try to practice. Practice charity toward all beings. Read the ancient books of wisdom. Strive to understand their secret meaning.
The Six Duties Heal the sick and relieve the suffering without thought of reward. Conform to the customs of the country in which you live. Meet with your fellow members in a pre-set place once a year. Select your own successor. Remember the letters R.C., symbols of the Brotherhood. Keep the existence of our Order secret for one hundred years.
The Sixteen Secret Signs A member of the Order is patient. He is compassionate. He is incapable of envy. He is not a braggart. He is not proud. He is not debauched. He is not greedy. He is not easily roused to anger. He thinks no evil of others. He loves righteousness. He loves Truth. He knows how to remain silent. He believes what he has learned. His hope does not fail. He does not falter during suffering. He will always be a member of the Brotherhood.