From: Michael Fassbender <[email protected]>

Setesh, also known as Sutekh, Seth and Set, is very similar to the being referred to as Set in the _Legends and Lore_ tome (the latter deity being more properly known as Typhon-Set), but he is in fact far older. He is not a god of

evil, but rather a god of destruction, the end that awaits all things of the Earth by virtue of their transitory nature. The destruction that he brings is no more malicious in intent than are the desert heat and storms that he personifies. Paradoxically, like with Shiva of the Hindus, the death and destruction that he brings are fundamental components of the divinely-ordained order of things; the exception that enforces the rule, he violates Ma'at in order to uphold it. Indeed, Ra is believed to have expressed this thought by saying, "Let Set be given unto me as a son, and he shall speak through the thunder, and men shall fear him."

It is Setesh, and not Typhon-Set, who is the son of Geb and Nut, one of four born at once, the others being Osiris, Isis and Nephthys. In the darkest moment of his existence, Setesh indeed did murder Osiris, who was in turn vindicated by Horus. This is not the only aspect of Setesh, however; he is also a warrior-god, believed to guide the pharaoh and his men in training and battle. He slays, but he also protects those under his care, especially those whose nomes (regional districts) revere them, until their time has come to die.

In some areas, Setesh's reputation became sullied by resemblances to Baal, a Mesopotamian god much hated in the regions in question. This decline allowed an opportunistic evil godling (perhaps a baatezu Lord) to gain followers by masquerading as a genuinely evil incarnation of Set; only wicked, perverse Egyptians turned to this new cult, but such people can surely be found in every culture.

Role-playing notes: Setesh is a thunderous, dark god who is rightly feared, but is also unswervingly loyal to those who are his own, be they from a community looking to him as their patron, or an individual dedicated to him, by choice or by parental decision. Egyptians with red hair, for example, are often entrusted to his care, as this hair coloration was usually associated with Setesh. (Viz. the Pharaoh Seti I, named after Setesh for precisely this reason.)

Statistics: AL n; WAL any; AoC desert heat, destruction, warriors; SY Set-Beast, sometimes python or goat.

Setesh's Avatar (fighter 20, necromancer 20)

Setesh's Avatars typically appear as a man with the head of a creature often known as the Set-Beast. This creature, while not absolutely identified, resembles a jackal, but is noted for its flat-tipped ears; it may, in fact, be a form of wild dog now extinct in Egypt, known as a dhole. Setesh may, at will, appear as a Set-Beast, a python or a goat, instead of his hybrid form. He can call upon any school of magic save Illusion/Phantasm or Enchantment/Charm.

Str 25 Dex 20 Con 20

Int 23 Wis 23 Cha 23

MV 15 SZ 7' MR 50%

AC -4 HD 20 HP 160

#AT 1 THAC0 -6Dmg weapon or 2d20+14 (bite)

Special Att/Def: When Setesh's avatar attacks, he does so with spells and

with weapons or his powerful bite. Anyone bitten must save vs. poison or

be instantly slain. He can only be hit by +3 or better magical weapons.

Duties of the Priesthood

The priests of Setesh, in addition to performing their service to the deity, often minister to soldiers. They are rare outside of nomes dedicated to him, but are usually respected.

Requirements: AB standard; AL any; WP any; AR a; SP all, combat, guardian, healing, necromantic, protection, weather; PW nil; TU nil.