Seth
The storm raged across the desert, and for the first time there were eyes to witness it. He looked out at the electric filled sky and the parched land below. All was sand; it had been so long since water had touched this place that all was dead. Only the presence was there to witness the chaos that raged in the sky above. It knew it was daytime though no light graced the ground below. Only the lightning made the desert visible. The gaze turned down to look at the desert, and sudden purpose filled it.
“Rain.”
It’s first word spread out across the waste with a finality of decision that could not be disobeyed, and with a sound of sudden thunder water fell at last on the desert once more. It smiled and took a first step forward into the world.
Contents
THE HISTORY
Set /sɛt/ or Seth (/sɛθ/) is a god of the desert, storms, and foreigners in ancient Egyptian religion. In later myths he is also the god of darkness and chaos. In Ancient Greek, the god's name is given as Sēth (Σήθ).The meaning of the name Seth is unknown, though it may first have been pronounced Sutah based on his name in the first language, .
The myths speak of a being that defended all from the tyranny of Apep. The importance of it so great that it became a nightly occurrence to the people who followed him. The story of Seth's defense of Amun-Ra's Barque is one few know today yet is a defining feature of who he was. Too many focus on the battle between Horus and Seth, forgetting that the Council of the Gods, led by Amun-Ra would have chosen Seth as the ruler of Egypt if not for Ma'at. Few realise the reasons why he sought leadership and the demonising of his name during Greek Occupation of Egypt was catastrophic.
Seth was worshipped in the metropolitan city of Sepermeru and it was there he made his first home among the humans. To this day the remains of a temple still stand at this site called 'The House of Seth' and the walls of the temple and the scrolls found their speak of his daughter, though little else remains to show where this daughter came from as no similar record is present in the House of Nepthys who was supposedly his wife at the time.
Demonisation
With the end of the Egyptian civilization, at the hand of the Greeks, Seth's true standing was demonised and his protective role forgotten. A revenge attack perhaps by a nation still reeling from the final act of protection Seth and Amun-Ra enacted for their people. It remains a closely guarded secret to this day, but no-one who has questioned the great being about it has ever received anything more than cryptic answers in return. Whatever it was though, it was enough for the Greeks to turn him into the evil character to many think of him as today.
If the Greeks had sought to rile him up into action of any kind they were mistaken. Indeed any record of Seth in the country vanished almost as soon as the Greek's stepped foot in the capital. He has returned but rarely to the place once called Kehmet, the wounds perhaps to painful to examine once more. For what is two thousand years to such an old being?
The Long Journey
Since the fall of Kehmet there have been whispers and rumours about a man with blood, red hair and crimson eyes from many countries around the world. All speaking of a man set apart from the rest, a distant watcher. Yet also of someone who acted to defend the unfortunate, stepping up to defend the weakest, only to vanish at the end of the troubles. Sometimes accompanied by a woman, at other times alone, there was never any record for more than a year before he moved on again.
Seen as far afield as India and the Americas; an inscription in a Mayan Temple talks of a red eyed demon that came out of a storm and destroyed the priests sacrificing a beaten army to their god. The people talking in fear of the being who had walked away with over a hundred suddenly freed captives as the temple collapsed into ruins.
Another legend speaks of a man who visited the great swordsmith Masamune in Japan, staying for month after month until finally the great man relented and taught the traveller the Soshu tradition of making swords. This was the longest appearance of 'Seth' since the myths of Kehmet, for he stayed for nearly twenty years with the Priest. Indeed, some records from the time write that Seth stayed until Masamune died. "The traveller having become the shadow of the Smith, always in his presence; The two quite inseparable," as a leading writer of the time described in his diaries.
Reemergence
Perhaps only seth could reemerge with the aplomb and 'style' as he. Returning into public view as a Lord under the reign of Francis II, Kahi returning once more to his side. Living in what was once the Hradčany, the Castle District, they were surrounded by the height of culture and intrigue. Slipping seamlessly into society and into the hidden world's of the little people. They were always where the stories were.
Kahi was a frequent visitor to a street in the Hradčany called Golden street. This was one of the highlights of the city at the time, filled with curios and tales of other places. In other words, the perfect place to visit. Here,she met the Philosopher Uhle; considered an eccentric by many, that spent his entire income on books about magic and alchemy. For a few years there was nothing untoward about their stay in the city. Unfortunately, this was not to remain the case.
On the day that Lord Seth and Lady Kahi vanished from the city there was a large detonation under Uhle's house in Golden Street. When the house was finally made safe, and the fire put out, they found Uhle's body still intact and clutching a large nugget of what later proved to be gold. The locals still say to this day that he had to have been successful in his search for the Philospher's stone. Modern day alchemists disagree though, anyone who would have succeeded should have survived the process. Visitors to Seth's Mansion in Alau however may see a figure resembling Uhle's description wandering the halls, but it may just be a passing resemblance. Indeed, whenever any difficult situation or catastrophe happens around Seth or Kahi they often refer to "The Prague Incident". They are never forth coming on the actual details though.
The Modern Day
Seth's most recent appearance is in Millenium City however, drawn as he was to that city after the Battle of Detroit. He has been a resident on and off for many years now, a regular at many of the city's attractions and outlets. His continued need to defend those that most need it has led him to the attention of many different organisations. In this technological age with it's power-savy people many are beginning to question who this man really is. For the moment he finds this entertaining, though it is unlikely it would remain so were someone to attempt to make life difficult for him.
Living in the Downtown area he is often seen about the city taking an interest in the life there; curious about all the different lifeforms than now pass through this nexus point. He feels there is much that he is grateful to the city for, including his ever growing family. Despite all the wandering he may have found somewhere to settle for a time. He does still wander the globe and further afield at times, yet he always returns to those he has met here.
After thousands of years it is this place which has driven him to become more active again, appearing more as who he is to the others. Gathering people together, and in some instances joining supergroups to experience the ambiance they bring. Now though he simply gathers those he is closest to into Black Sun, drawing a line against the true darkness that always threatens to take the home he holds most dear. The Earth on which he was born.
FAMILY
The Myths would have you believe that Seth is the son of the goddess of the sky Nut and the God of the Earth Geb. However this is not entirely true. The real story is something far greater, something far weirder, than even the Ancient Egyptians ever managed to understand.
Seth has no true family and only calls the being nowadays called as 'Amun-Ra' father because of their long existence together and the others marginally greater age. It has nothing to do with anything beyond their emotions for each other.
Created during the formation of the planet both have had a tumultuous and somewhat lonely existence as they watched the evolution of life and attempted to find the reasons for their 'creation'. Neither believe in the need of a higher deity to have led to their creation, but even after billions of years they still find themselves adrift of a true purpose. Indeed, in the first years of his association with Amun-Ra, Seth voices the opinion that their purpose was served when they were created; an opinion based solely on the yearning he had felt for there to be rain in his first conscious moments. Whether this is true is unknown, but it is likely there is far more to them than is suspected by even them in this much later years.
The Sphinx
Name: Kahi
Primus: Here
Brought to Seth as a mere infant she quickly became the most important part of Seth's life. Living in Seth's house in Sepermeru she grew up surrounded by the priests of Seth's order and in the knowledge that she was to be something more than the human she was. Seth though was reluctant to change her, despite having been the one to inform her of her possible abilities, for he had grown to love her as if she were his own. Time has shown her to ever be loved by his heart.
The Saiyan
Name: Dominick
Primus: Here
Dominick was one of the first people Seth ever met in Millennium City and his forthright innocence and determination led Seth into a new lease of life and it was rare indeed when they were not seen together. He proved himself to him time and again with his strength in battle, and could not be parted from him. Offered the chance to become Seth's Avatar he took it, and through that ritual he was linked to them both and gained an effectively immortal life.
The Grandfather
Name: Amun-Ra
Primus: Needed not
Amun-Ra, father... More truly a brother to the odd Seth in actuality. Born before Seth he found him as the storm raged on the surface of a turbulent new world. The two lost and adrift without meaning or purpose. Thrust together by the simple need to not be alone. They have spent the past eons walking the universe together, trying to find a way to live when all they had was never ending existence. Together they made a family they grew to love. Both are father to Kahi and love her dearly.
FRIENDS
Despite this, or perhaps because of it, from the moment they have first met humans they have sought to surround themselves with them, guide them and generally meddle in their affairs. This led to the birth of the Ancient Egyptian Civilization and with their help it was maintained for thousands of years. The belief in their guidance led to the creation of the other Egyptian Gods, lesser beings to themselves that were fed off human belief in them and they only ever increased in number. Till there were nearly 300 other deities in the Egyptian Pantheon. This was their first family, and while not all were close to them, there were many that were dear to them and remain with them to this day.
The Fighter
Name: Mercy
Primus: Here
Perhaps one of the most hot headed of people he knows Mercy has become someone close to him indeed. A surprise for many considering their many first meetings, when not knowing who or what he was Mercy attacked him repeatedly. It was through these battles they came to know one another and a somewhat forced friendship began. Mercy admits that Seth taught her how to find a place to find balance in her life, a lesson that was hard won for himself as well. He always admits to seeing so much of his younger self in the woman.
The Altered
Name: Slick
Primus: Here
It is possible that Seth considers him to be his closest friend in this time. Seth has never once regretted meeting this individual and finds his talks with this being to be calming and rather cathartic. There are few who are willing to accept Seth for all he is outside his family, and there are many times Seth has found himself sharing secrets. He hopes, dares to dream, that his friend will prove to be immortal.
The Rebel
Name: Lynn
Primus: Here
While tumultuous at best, and at other times simply argumentative, the relationship with Lynn and Seth has always been an odd one. Recently though they have come to a mutual understanding and ground has been covered. Important ground if recent developments within the family are to come to pass. Their mutual interests are sure to bolster up this growing friendship in the future.
The Assassin
Name: Miss. Frost
Primus: Here
A new friend that has quickly become close to the group, Miss Frost has shown an accepting personality with perhaps just the right touch of dark past to mix her in with the odd group. Introduced through Methari the two have found they have much in common. Future adventures to Babylon are sure to cement this.
The Shifter
Name: Blaq
Primus: Here
An old friend of Seth's he is happy she has come back into their lives after a long absence. With so much in common many a long evening is spent simply talking and relaxing in each others company. Able to share many stories without fear of being judged. A once difficult thing to do. A kind hearted soul Seth is always warmed by her appearance and always finds her opinions to be wise.
The Guardian
Name: Mitsuko
Primus: Here
Mitsuko is one of the few friends that Seth has met in Millenium City that have stayed the passage of time, perhaps because she is so aware of what it is like to be a walker through it. And of what can be lost. He finds his heart reaches out to this person who has lost so much simply because of the effects time, and the idiocy of people, can have on a place. He hopes that he can aid her as much as she has aided him in feeling at home as he does now in Millenium City.
PROVEN POWERS AND ABILITIES
Seth's most usual style of fighting is with a pair of dual swords. Handcrafted in his own workshop they are fashioned similarly to Katanas though the metal is not the usual folded steel. A special alloy that incorporates his own strange essence means the blades are wicked sharp and never in need of the dull task of polishing after their initial creation. A skill he has had time to hone over centuries it is one he is well versed in, and utilises with ease, mixing magic into his fighting abilities to put him on par with the super-humans and Mages that surround him. If perhaps a little more indestructible.
It is clear though that his powers far extend beyond the simple magic and swords that he uses on a daily basis. When called upon his powers have been known to change the very world around him. This usage seems controlled though and only used in dire circumstances, when pressed Seth will mention only vaguely a set of rules that seem to guide him. Perhaps this is the reason why he doesn't 'cheat' as often as he could.
WEAKNESSES
It is often discussed whether a being such as Seth could have weaknesses. Here people talk about powers, about strengths, abilities and the tools at his disposal, very rarely do they talk about the heart of Seth. For Seth's greatest weakness is his heart and his emotions. Despite how cold and aloof he may seem on first meeting he cares deeply for those close to him and for the plight of those he meets. In most situations this is a benefit, a sign of strength, but too easily it can be used against him. His heart is scarred from all the times it has led him into pain. As he has said many times his heart is more fragile from the burdens he has had to bear, not stronger.
Any being vicious enough to attempt to strike a blow to him would go for those he holds dear. Though they should be cautious, any attempt is likely to bring Seth's anger and few have seen such ferocity and lived.
MEMORABLE EVENTS
Here you will find many short tales and scenes from the life of Seth. Feel free to browse, or not browse, at your leisure.
Creation of a Sword
The forge was dark save for the glow of the fire and the glow of power in the smith’s eyes. His gaze was cool and concentrated on a heated length of metal protruding out of the fire. Time passed interminably as the tall figure simply watches the fire, occasionally turning the length this way or that way.
“This must be perfect.” He says at last, slowly withdrawing the alloy and heading towards the anvil...
Visiting Kahi
“Kahi,” Itennu says softly, then he sighs, voice becoming louder, “Kahi.”
“What?” she asks, looking towards him with a sigh.
“You are not paying attention.” He says sternly, trying to glare at the six year old before him and failing.
“But I’m bored It-en-nu!” she replies, banging her sandaled feet onto the steps where she sat with every kick of her legs emphasising her boredom.
Fighting as One
Nothing of such scale, grandeur or such complete devastation could be called anything but a violent storm of anger.
The army poured towards the small band making their way through the centre, their power terrible to behold, all falling before them. However the strain was beginning to show, their blades bloodied, sweat for once appearing on their brow and still their enemy came down upon them.
“There are too many!”
Shifting Dawn
All was quiet as Seth sat listening to the gentle shift of sand around him in the breeze. A soft smile playing on his face as he lets the sound fill him. This was a moment he always enjoyed, the time dawn approached in Alau, a time of shifting powers, a moment of the pure balance. It helped him remember happier times. It helped him find the balance all said that someone such as he would be unable to find. Almost without notice a gentle glow shimmers over his frame, an outward sign of the strange peace...
A Light Breakfast
This is the universe.
A confusing tumult of particles shifting out in all directions, creating eddies on the shifting tide of gravity that presses outwards, growing into the ever present darkness of the nothing between worlds. A new universe, vibrant with energy and blindingly bright. A joyous thing to behold as the light sears its way through the passage of creation. The laws that bind only the successful on their journey snap into being...
Apep Returns
In the quiet afternoon of the city two dear friends stand talking. The crowds move around the two unnoticed as Dominick and Seth continue their conversation, smiles flickering on their faces as they talk. It is clear they are quite comfortable in each other’s presence, truly at ease. A peaceful scene indeed as they discuss those they had thought they’d lost. Both vaguely aware of a third presence watching them, the paper doll of Mitsuko sitting on the wall but remaining quiet as she watches on...
Hesitant Steps
The chaos of the hospital rang loud in his mind as Seth forced himself to step into the foyer. The press of people around his form made him shudder a little, the edges of his control raw with fatigue and fear for the one he came to see. In defence he shifts, returning to his older forms, his Anubite face appearing and his robes swirling around him in a deep red hue. A safety net he almost clings to.
Hesitant Steps
The small forge echoes to the sound of Seth’s measured hammer blows, his red eyes watching the metal carefully for imperfections with every hit. Never before has this being concentrated so on his crafting, but then it has never meant as much as this. Seth pauses as there is a quiet knock at the door; he looks over the metal, debating his move before fixing it back into the coals.
The Call
“Dominick,” The whisper comes to him, echoing around him in the hospital, “Dominick.”
The words intoned with a pressing need to follow that voice to where it calls for. Unable to avoid it and even as he questions himself and his hearing he is standing. His eyes widen and he gives a cry of surprise as his own body betrays him and begins to follow. Despite the force of the pull it is benevolent and almost beseeching.
Returning Home
Warm light flows into a peaceful room. White drapes fluttering in the air in the cool breeze as the first hints of a fine summer make the day beautiful. Beautiful to all except the form that lies limp on the bed, golden light shimmering around her as she heals. It has been a long time since she has been in this state, caught on the brink of death and only returning because of the powers that bind her. A twice bound soul to both her nature and her master.
Vigil
The look on Kahi’s face was harrowing as she took in Seth’s condition. It had been two days since she had awoken after her rebirth, two days since she had learned of Seth’s poisoning and those two days had felt the longest of her existence for some time. Amun-Ra and Dominick had tried to keep her distracted with training, idle chatter and even a long walk into the nearest small town of workers. Yet everything had reminded her of this man. Her father.
Maelstrom
“If you think you are so powerful why don’t you fight him.”
The words said in frustration echo in the courtyard as Kahi turns to glare at Seth. Her face is set with determination and sudden anger at her father who had done nothing but laugh quietly while she and Dominick trained. The quiet sounds of amusement an ever present distraction after every failed attempt to land a blow on Amun-Ra, every annoying moment...
TROPES
General
TimeAbyss - Seth has been alive for billions of years.
Older Than they Look - Seth only looks in his mid thirties despite his age.
Complete Immortality - A given alongside Time Abyss.
The Sacred Darkness - Seth may have chaotic and dark powers but that does not make him evil.
Characteristics
A God I am Not - Whenever he is called a God he is the first to deny it, because he is not a god.
Sharp Dressed Man - Seth never dresses in any way other than his best.
Good Old Ways - Despite the passage of time he will always reminisce about Ancient Egypt and the people he once knew there.
The Omniscient - Simple age will do that to a guy. He's not so much Omniscient as very, very old.
Personality
Helping Would be Kill Stealing - At any time he could alter the events happening in his friends' lives, yet he does not.
Badass Grandpa - Acts the father figure to many characters, and works to increase their abilities. Mercy and Cache in particular.
Badass Baritone - Every time he speaks and is a peculiar take on this as he's chosen to be this deep in tone.
Powers
Weather Dissonance - Seth can cause this at times when he actually flexes his powers. A rare event.
Heroes Prefer Swords - Seth has all his power, yet chooses to fight with swords.
Don't make me Destroy you - Often Seth wishes to win a fight without the need to fight. Often works too...
Morality
Chaotic Good - Seth will always do the right thing his way.
PUBLIC OPINIONS
Dominick
"Hmm… Where do I Start? He is one of the greatest friends of a figure to me. So strong and yet gentle in his nature. I cannot express how much this man means to me outside of just being under his service as Avatar. We hold the best bond, heh. He is one of the reasons why I stand today, healthy and stronger than ever before. He is literally the toughest I have ever fought to this day, and I'm very grateful he's on the good side otherwise we'd be in huge trouble, haha. But yeah, he's also a great teacher. In fact, I am glad I am part of his family, and will do whatever it takes to always make him proud. I am well honoured to call him a father."
...
Mercy
"Ha… the fox? -My- fox? He inspires me and my motives to make me the better person I wanna become. He can be a little pain in the ass sometimes with his innocence, but that’s what I love about him. I learned not to fuck around with him when he's tight. Piss him off, and your ass is grass. Lesson well-grounded. But other than that, he's like the pops I never had. When I'm around him, just his presence assures me that everythin'll be alright. If I hadn't bumped into him for the first time when I did I probably wouldn’t' a' been alive today to even comment about him. Strong motherfucker he is, I envy his strength and power. But its only the better reason for me to push my limits to be as tough as he is. He'll get it soon enough. Love him tho'."
...
Kahi
The familiar patter of rain hitting glass rings out as the golden woman stares out into the grey city-scape. Sitting across from you, her legs crossed casually her posture is however perfect.
“I love the rain. Don’t you? Ah, but of course. You do not want to hear about that now.”
“So, what can I tell you about him? Much, everything perhaps; maybe nothing more than you know… I have known him for as long as I can remember and perhaps, I remember less than I should.”
“He is the complete selfless protection of those of his people caught in alien places. Wrath to those that mean his heart harm and protection to those that find themselves in its warmth.” She smiles, the love in her lining her soft expression.
“He is every meaning of safety and love I have ever known. My father…” She looks away now out into the city view, memory gripping her old heart.
“Set, my Seth. Typhon to those that may know him by other names, in truth he has many, all correct but none of them true.” She grins as she looks back at you.
“We’ve been to just so many places, met so many different people. Saved some and… Condemned others.” Even as her face twists slightly with bad memories she suddenly lights up again, bringing the entire tone of the conversation with her mood. She laughs a wonderful golden sound,“Ah, if you ever get the chance ask him about the ‘Prague Incident’.” She grins wickedly, “He’ll know what you’re talking about.”
“I don’t know what I would do without him. Often I fear I don’t show him I love him enough, don’t say it enough… Nefer ib.” She pauses, the final words a language long dead to the world but they have meaning to her.
Eventually she smiles, “Don’t let me prattle on, I am sure you have more questions; don’t you?”
...
OPEN TO ADDITIONS
MISC
This page is still undergoing changes, and the story is always changing. Because, in the end we are always changing.
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