Ruslav's mouth contorted slightly, beneath his bushy grey 
mustache. "| am no Elder. Not yet. | am simply Ruslav. Or if you're 
feeling formal Mister Diaghilev." 


Adebeyo nodded, and gestured to a staircase to his right, "Please, 
follow me." Down the stairs was some kind of open-air lecture hall 
and they passed several tables laden with books, and various small 
apparatuses. Young men and women sat before the tables, presided 
over by several older Alchemists in robes of every color imaginable. 


One of the presiding alchemists, no more than four feet tall, was 
floating on a small sphere of quartz, with a cushion on top. Ruslav 
could feel the Alchemic currents holding the quartz up. He'd never 
felt the Aethers as strongly as he did in this place. They were like a 
constant flood around him of every conceivable shade and variety. 
The short man's voice was soft, and fatherly "Remember, 
Astronomy is the science, and Astrology is the pseudo-science. We, 
as alchemists, know how to combine the two to create a true 
alchemical understanding as Astrologians..." the words faded away 
as they walked past the tables, and to a heavy door of what looked 
like some kind of obsidian. 


Adebeyo laid his hand on the door, and concentrated. The 
Terronous aethers stirred around him, and a reverberation went 
through the dark glassy material. The doors parted, and Adebeyo 


stood back slightly. "This is a bit beyond me, but | wish you luck, 
Mister Diaghilev." 


Ruslav smiled slightly, and nodded to the young man, walking in to 
the richly appointed room that served as a foyer for the offices of the 
Alchemists of the Thirteenth Circle. The walls were a soft 
sandalwood draped in tapestries. Each one showed a different 
Alchemist, performing some major feat of mastery. 


Ruslav's eyes moved from left to right, as his feet glided over the 
thick carpeting on the foor. The philosopher's stone. ..the first 
transmutation...the prediction and ending of the second alchemic 
war..., he thought to himself, before reaching the final tapestry. It 
was old. Much older than the others, and only a few feet long. In it, 
were stitched a few runes that Ruslav couldn't recognize. 


He concentrated for a moment, and the Aethers swirled around him 
in a dazzling concordance of colors. He felt a strange prickling 
sensation over his scalp, as the runes settled in to something more 
familiar. The formation of the College of Alchemy. Merlin forming the 
first compact. 


"Beautiful aren't they?" A woman called out from behind a shallow 
desk along the far wall. Her ash blonde hair was giving away to grey 
in places, but her face was that of someone just past a very vigorous 
middle age. She wore robes of Sky blue, and she looked relaxed, as 
she stood from the chair. 


Ruslav nodded. "My apologies. | do not normally get caught up 
looking at things." Twice in one day no less... Ruslav admonished 
himself. 


"It's a common reaction. May | ask what brings you to the Thirteenth 
Circle?" Her smile remained pleasant, but he could feel the edge in 
her tone. His brows knit for a moment before he bowed deeply to the 
woman, as recognition set in. 


"Elder Perenelle. | am honored to meet you." He straightened, and 
withdrew the letter from his sleeve. "My master sent in a letter to the 
college many months ago, requesting my entry. | was summoned by 
the Thirteenth Circle here, to answer for a response." 


She strode forward, and took the letter from Ruslav, slipping a pair 
of spectacles over her ears, and on to her face. "Ahh, yes. Hayyan's 
request was highly unusual. He outlined your...condition in the 
letter, but we wanted to see it for ourselves." 


Ruslav shifted uncomfortably, and nodded. "| understand.” 


She smiled again, a reassuring and warm expression. "Wait here for 
a moment, while | bring in the other members of the circle?" He 
nodded in affirmation. 


...1am nearly certain my life will end after | accomplish this. | ask, however, 
that this man, Ruslav, be allowed my place in the college in my stead. He has 
all of my knowledge, and the will to enact my final project which you've all 
been briefed on. Beyond that, he is what we've always dreamed of. Takwin. 
Artificial Life. He is as close to a pure weapon against outside threats as we 
will ever get... 


-Excerpt, Letier from Elder Hayyan to the Thirteenth Circle of the College of 
Alchemists 


Ruslav sat in a spartan office, along with Elders Perenelle and 
Nicholas Flamel. Ruslav had endured several hours of questions, 
prodding, and alchemic examination by the Thirteenth Circle before 
being invited to the Flamel's office. "I couldn't believe it myself. Do 
you realize what you are, Mister Diaghilev?" The heavy wooden 
panelling of the walls conveyed a sense of warmth, and the light 
streaming in from the clear glass windows was a soft golden gleam 
from some artificial source. 


Ruslav nodded. "| am aware of the conditions of my creation. 
Perfectly. Everything that Elder Hayyan knew, | know." 


Elder Nicholas leaned forward, "So you're saying you could do it 
again? Takwin? Create life?" 


Ruslav shook his head softly. "No. | cannot do this. Master Hayyan 
expressly forbid me from enacting this Alchemy ever again. | would 
not dishonor his wishes." 


The senior alchemist leaned back in his chair, the heavy forest 
green robes he wore bunching around his thick forearms. "And why 


SCP-924 will release drowned bodies after 1-6 hours. Recovered 
bodies show all signs of prolonged submersion and high pressure, 
as well as liquefaction and consumption of internal organs and 
muscles. Bodies will also contain high levels of virulent bacteria, 
which, when exposed to the human body, will break down most 
types of connective and muscle tissue, while leaving skin and bones 
unharmed. Bacteria will remain active within the body for up to two 
weeks after feeding. 


SCP-924 was first recorded as a series of mysterious 
disappearances of ice fishermen in the area around [REDACTED]. 
While the species requires a below-freezing environment to function 
properly, as its internal activity lessens as the temperatures around 
it increases, it has been known to migrate south during the winter to 
find prey. The southernmost encounter with an SCP-924 was 
approximately three miles outside , Michigan. 


Addendum: An incident on / /20 , while resulting in no casualties, 
proved that SCP-924 are capable of supporting themselves and 
moving outside of water, and that attacks on unwary fishing vessels 
are possible. Special Task Force Tau-2 has revised their protocols 
accordingly. 


« SCP-923 | SCP-924 | SCP-925 » 


not? What's so wrong with it?" 


Ruslav looked in to the Elder's deep green eyes with conviction, "To 
create life requires that one destroy life. It puts...an onus upon the 
creation. Elder Hayyan created me, whether he realized it or not, 
with a compulsion. While | have my own will, | will, or must, 
eventually obey this compulsion." 


Elder Perenelle took in a breath, "God preserve...that's...." She 
looked over at Nicholas, who nodded. "! understand. Thank you for 
being candid. Either way, the other Elders have concurred that 
you've got all the knowledge, and qualifications to join the 7th circle, 
as Elder Hayyan wished. Furthermore, we're happy to convey the 
title of Elder upon you. Congratulations, Elder Diaghilev. May you 
walk in wisdom." 


Nicholas beamed at the newly entitled Alchemist, and grinned. 

"Congratulations indeed. This is going to certainly light a fire under 
Henry though. He's been campaigning to have that Alagaddan join 
the 7th circle instead, and it's no secret he disagreed with Hayyan." 


Ruslav bowed, "Thank you, Elders. If it is not too much trouble, | do 
not have lodgings in the Citadel tonight. Is there a place | could—" 


Nicholas held up his hands, hastily cutting off Ruslav, "Of course, of 
course. We'd insist you stay anyway. We have to hold a 
congregation to have you installed formally within the circle. I'd like 
to invite you to be our personal guest until then, if you're amenable?" 


Ruslav nodded, and bowed his head to the Elders again. "I would be 
honored. Thank you, Elders." 


Perenelle smiled, and waved a hand. "Think nothing of it. May | ask 
you a question, Elder Diaghilev?" Ruslav nodded. "Why you? Not to 
sound rude, but you're from the far slavic regions are you not?" 


Ruslav sat back a bit, and took a deep breath. "Yes. |am froma 
small village, where | studied Alchemy from my first master, who 
was not part of the college." 


Nicholas leaned his head on his hand, his eyes sliding over to the 


book case in the corner, idly waving his fingers in his free hand. "So 
you just...travelled across the entire world, to meet Elder Hayyan?" 


Ruslav shook his head, his own eyes drifting to the small crystals 
lining the edge of the desk. "My master had sent me to Elder 
Hayyan for personal reasons. There was an accident, and | ended 
up being mortally wounded. Elder Hayyan tried to heal the wound, 
but to no avail. The next thing | remember, was waking up, with 
Elder Hayyan over me. He'd claimed he'd unlocked the secret of 
Takwin and quickly fell ill. He passed away several months later. | 
set off immediately for the College, as he wished." 


The Elders exchanged glances, and Perenelle hesitated for a 
moment, before speaking, "Elder, did he...ask you to come here for 
something specific." 


Ruslav fixed her with a heavy-eyed stare, the intensity of which 
reminded her indelibly of the conviction she saw in Elder Hayyan's 
eyes in the many years they'd worked together. "The Great Seal. It 
is time. Elder Hayyan believed it, and so do I." 


Nicholas let out a quiet whistle. "Do you realize what this is going to 
do? Who this is going to anger?" 


Ruslav nodded. "Da. | am prepared for this." 


...We are out of time. We're missing one last key to the Great Seal. I'm not 
yet sure what it is, but I feel like its coming closer. When | find it, I will let you 
know. I don't know if you can get a message to him, but if you can, tell him 
to be ready... 


-Excerpt, Letter from Elder Hayyan to the Thirteenth Circle of the College of 
Alchemists 


Ruslav had arrived to the Great Hall hours before the meeting. The 
entire room was relatively simple, if spatially impossible. Far 
overhead, massive lanterns of golden flames lit up the entire hall. 
The walls were solid stone, and the ceiling was made from the 
largest timbers that Ruslav had ever seen. 


The seats in the room were broken in to 12 sections, for each of the 


non-senior circles, and a general assembly for those not within a 
collegiate circle. In the center of the room was a large circular dais, 
with 13 chairs on it, and a single lecturn. The Thirteenth Circle would 
sit on the dais, and address the lower circles, with Ruslav's 
appointment being the last order of business. He himself sat in the 
general assembly, having not yet been formally recognized as a 
member of the 7th circle. 


His brand new silk stole sat around his shoulders, indicating his title 
of Elder. Already, apprentices and journeyman were taking their 
seats. The seats of the First Circle were the most numerous, with 
the apprentices streaming in. The journeyman took their place in the 
seats of the Second Circle, followed soon by the Magi in the Third 
Circle. Ruslav recognized the dark skinned Adebeyo among the 
Magi of the Third Circle. 


The fourth circle were the first to have the Elder stoles, it's 
membership primarily the newly minted Elders coming up from the 
Third Circle. The next group to enter were the members of the Fifth 
Circle, the first specialized circle. Each of them were well versed in 
Evocation and the direct application of the Aethers as direct forces. 
Lord Henry had transfered from the Fifth to the Seventh circle years 
ago. 


The Sixth Circle members were talking among themselves, 
somewhere around seventy members all specialized in the calling of 
entities and beings from beyond our reality. Among them were 
several Alagaddans, covered head to toe in their impenetrable 
robes. 


Ruslav paid close attention as the seventh circle came in, and 
Ruslav only knew one by sight, Lord Henry who had apparently 
disparaged Ruslav's entry to the Thirteenth Circle. He narrowed his 
eyes slightly as the man came in, dressed in robes of deep 
mahogany. 


The Eighth circle, specialized in Imbuing had the most members of 
any circle, around a thousand. They were followed in by the Ninth 
Circle who comprised the vast majority of scribes and instructors 
within the college. 


The Tenth Circle, masters of signs and hermetics were followed by 
the 11th circle, the dedicated students of transmutation. 


The second to last circle, the Twelfth Circle was comprised of the 
leaders of each of the lesser circles, and were in general contention 
to be promoted to the Thirteenth Circle eventually. 


A flash of light emanated from the dais, and the thirteen members of 
the Thirteenth Circle stood with their croziers in hand, looking out 
among the collection of alchemists. The leader of the circle, and 
Eldest among the Alchemists strode forward, and held his crozier 
aloft. Another flash of light, and swirl of the Aetheric currents in the 
room, and the doors locked in unison. Hermes Trismegistus called 
the meeting to order. 


Ruslav couldn't follow what most of the meeting was about, referring 
to internal matters within the physical college at the Citadel, or with 
minor issues of the council. Finally, Perenelle gave Ruslav a 
significant look from the dais, and Eldest Trismegistus spoke 
gestured towards the younger Alchemist. "Elder Perenelle, you have 
the floor." 


She bowed slightly, and stood, smoothing out her robes. She 
approached the lecturn with joviality. "Elders, Magi, Journeymen, 
and Apprentices. It is my great honor to announce that we have an 
installation today. Elder Diaghilev, would you please join us on the 
dais?" 


Ruslav stood, and took a steadying breath, his own crozier held 
loosely in his hand. He walked up the three steps to the dais, and 
strode across, his feet absolutely silent in the handcrafted shoes he 
wore. 


Elder Perenelle gave him a deep smile, and turned to address the 
assembly once more. "This man, Ruslav Diaghilev has shown 
mastery of the art in all required areas, and in significant quantity to 
attain his rightful title of Elder. Please join me in welcoming him to 
this most august rank." A polite chorus of applause emanated from 
the assembled Alchemists. 


"As an Elder, he would normally be conveyed to the Fourth Circle 


until a specialized area of the Art was shown to be in true mastery. 
In this case, and with the recommendation of the late Elder Hayyan, 
Elder Diaghilev has petitioned, and the Thirteenth Circle has 
acceded to his request, to join the Seventh Circle of Alchemy within 
the College of the Citadel." The assembly erupted in to genuine 
applause this time. Perenelle looked over at the seats containing the 
ten or so Elders of the Seventh circle, beaming. Most of the men 
and women there were applauding with the same enthusiasm of the 
rest of the crowd, except for Lord Henry. 


A dark, ugly expression crossed the aristocrat's features, as he 
stood, his slender crozier held in his hand. The Aether currents 
swirled around him, as he channeled them to amplify his voice. The 
Aeronus and Fulminous aethers trembled as his voice rang out, 
"This is an OUTRAGE!" 


The entire assembly fell silent, as Elder Henry strode out of his 
section, the other members of the Seventh Circle sat silently, in 
apparent assent. "This man, this...dabbler comes in here, and is 
immediately given a stole, and a place in our Circle? This is an 
outrage!"