Konrad is an alchemist from Germany , and is currently over 350 years old , due to having discovered the Elixir of Life . His Elixir can bring dead tissue to life , and make it so strong just one of his creations killed dozens of people before being stopped . Konrad has previously been encountered by Cade developing bio-weapons for the Nazis and had been arrested in Nigeria by Cade and Griff in 1970 ; however , Konrad used his skills to save President Ronald Reagan 's life after the attempt on his life in 1981 ; in return for this favour , and handing over his Elixir , he was granted a full pardon , U.S. citizenship and enough money to start a new life in America as a high-end plastic surgeon in Las Vegas , Nevada
the attempt on his life in 1981
Attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan
Blood Oath (Farnsworth novel)