Holy Order of Set
Set's religious organization is rather complex because the worship of Set was not viewed with suspicion in the days of Ra. When Ra was King of the Gods, Set was his most trusted lieutenant. Set was Ra's fiercest defender. In fact, in those days, priests of Set were revered by the populace, who largely overlooked Set's tendencies toward evil. As long as Set and his followers were defending the cause of Order, they were willing to look the other way when that defense took a dark turn.
Structure
See "Priesthood" below
Dicastery of the Monasteries
The Holy Order manages its monastic orders through the Master of the Shadowed Discipline. This leader must hold the rank of Shadow Vizier (Quorum Rank). Control must be tightly held by the Quorum to ensure the Monks are trained for ruthless, political ends and maintain absolute adherence to the Law of the Strongest.
History
The Open Order (Pre-Horus)
Before Ra's abdication, Set was Ra's chief lieutenant. His followers were revered as champions of Strength, Discipline, and Lawful Defense. They practiced their faith openly, focusing on rigorous martial discipline and the use of fear to enforce Ra's Law, serving as the necessary, unyielding fist of the Pantheon against Apothis and all forms of cosmic disorder. Set's lust for power was held in check by Ra's supreme authority, and he was a loyal enforcer of the cosmic Law.
The Schism and Current Context (Post-Horus)
When Ra abdicated and chose Osiris as his successor, Set's Lawful alignment warped. The core tenet became dedicated to proving that Horus was weak and that power must be seized by the strong and maintained through terror. Because the current King of the Gods (Horus) and his High Priest (Osiris) oppose Set, the Order is now a Lawful Evil, aggressively ambitious, and highly secretive organization bent on political and military conquest.
Tenets of Faith
The tenets reflect the current ambition for seized power and the rejection of all compassion.
- The Law of the Strongest: Authority is not divine right; it is continually justified and must be taken by force. Any ruler who cannot defend their throne against challenge is inherently weak and deserves to be overthrown.
- The Rejection of Mercy: Mercy is the signal of weakness and a sin against the Law of the Strongest. Compassion corrupts necessary strength.
- Order Through Fear: The highest form of Law is achieved through absolute obedience enforced by terror. The state must maintain constant vigilance over its subjects to prevent any internal chaos.
Worship
The Order's practices are secretive, focusing on martial discipline, the philosophy of tyranny, and the destruction of the weak. They are designed to serve the cult's goals of political and military conquest.
Everyday Practices (The Rites of Discipline and Fear)
Daily rituals are acts of psychological and physical reinforcement, preparing the members to be ruthless enforcers of the Order.
- The Vow of the Scourge (Daily): A mandatory morning ritual where the follower reaffirms their loyalty to the Grand Despot and commits to demonstrating their own strength throughout the day. This serves as a daily check for weakness, which is deemed a sin.
- The Rite of Domination: A psychological ritual where the follower identifies a target—a rival, a subject, or an opponent—and mentally plans a campaign of intimidation or control, reinforcing the tenet of Order Through Fear.
- Martial Discipline: All members, especially the Black Scorpions, are required to maintain a brutal, rigorous schedule of martial training and exercises focused on precision and overwhelming strength.
Weekly Service (The Shadow Tribunal)
The communal gathering is highly secretive and focused on planning and reinforcing the Order's dark philosophy.
- The Shadow Tribunal: The primary weekly service, held in a secret location (often the Warden of the Deep's headquarters). It is a closed meeting focused on strategic planning, interrogation, and review of regional targets. The service often includes:
- Philosophical Debates: Arguments focused on justifying tyranny, the Law of the Strongest, and the weakness of Horus's rule.
- Loyalty Checks: Low-ranking members are often subjected to psychological pressure or minor torture to test their obedience and dedication to the cause.
Sacraments and Ordinances
The Order's ordinances are reserved for the consecrated ranks and mark their commitment to tyranny and destruction.
| Sacrament/Ordinance | Description and Purpose | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| The Consecration of the Instrument | A ceremony performed by a Master of Discipline to ritually bless and enchant instruments of destruction (assassin's blades, poisons, tools of war) to ensure their effectiveness in carrying out Set's will. | Paladins (Black Scorpions), Assassins, and Priests. |
| The Purity of the Strong | A solemn, private rite where the consecrated member renews their rejection of mercy and compassion, ritually cleansing themselves of any lingering feelings of weakness. | Clergy and Paladins. |
| The Covenant of Dominance | A specialized rite of ordination where a priest is elevated to Master of Discipline or Shadow Vizier. It involves the sacrifice of a symbol of weakness or mercy to cement their commitment to tyranny. | Reserved for High Leadership. |
Annual Festivals and Holy Days
The annual calendar celebrates historical acts of power and the eventual downfall of their enemies.
- The Festival of the Tyrant's Ascent: The primary annual celebration, commemorating Set's attempted seizure of power from Osiris. It is a day of political rallying, martial displays of overwhelming force, and the symbolic burning of texts or symbols that represent mercy and Horus's Law.
- The Day of the Desert Scourge: A day dedicated to the total destruction of a specific threat, cult, or political rival identified by the Quorum of Three Shadow Viziers. This public, ruthless demonstration of force serves as a visible warning to all who oppose the Order's ambitions.
Priesthood
The Order's structure reflects its history as the supreme instrument of Lawful power, dedicated first to Ra's Order and later to Set's Tyranny.
I. Priesthood Structure: The Shadow Council
| Position | Title | Role and Function (ADR - Under Ra) | Role and Function (ADH - Under Horus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiritual Leader | The Grand Despot (High Priest) | Chief Enforcer of Ra's Law. Served as the visible, unyielding fist of the Pantheon, overseeing martial discipline. | Supreme Political and Spiritual Head of the rebellion, dedicated to tyranny and conquest. |
| Governing Quorum | The Quorum of Three Shadow Viziers | Administrative council that managed the Pantheon's military logistics and ensured strict doctrinal obedience. (Openly operated). | A small, highly secretive council that sets clandestine policy and directs subversive operations. |
| Quorum Rank | Shadow Vizier | Highest earned priestly rank; renowned strategists and military planners. | Master conspirators and regional tyrants. |
| Grandmaster Rank | Tyrant of the Unbroken Law | Provided specialized counsel on Lawful strategy and ultimate discipline to the Pantheon leadership; served as a master tactician against Apothis and cosmic disorder. | Directs strategic intelligence and political planning for the Quorum; the ultimate master of tyrannical philosophy dedicated to the overthrow of Horus. |
| High Administrative | Master of Discipline | Senior priests responsible for enforcing military discipline across the Pantheon's forces and leading public purges against chaos cults. | Senior priests responsible for enforcing internal obedience and managing clandestine regional cells. |
| Presiding Keys (Local Temple) | Warden of the Deep | Presided over local temples that specialized in martial training and preparing followers for the defense of the Law. | Presides over a local, secret headquarters (often hidden desert fortresses or deep cellars). |
| Mid-Level Rank | Tyrant Initiate | The core clerical rank; focused on the recruitment and training of warriors and the philosophical defense of Law through Strength. | Focuses on local conspiracy, political manipulation, and subversive recruiting against Horus's rule. |
| Low-Level Rank | Scourge of Weakness | Entry-level rank; focused on instilling martial discipline and loyalty in new recruits, serving as field instructors. | Enforces the will of higher ranks and focuses on instilling fear and absolute loyalty among cult members. |
II. Priesthood Succession (Highest Offices)
The small Quorum maintains absolute control over the hierarchy to ensure loyalty to the Grand Despot's tyrannical vision.
| Office/Rank | Appointment Authority | Ordaining Authority |
|---|---|---|
| The Grand Despot (High Priest) | Elected by a majority vote of the Quorum of Three Shadow Viziers. | Ordained by the Quorum of Three Shadow Viziers collectively. |
| Shadow Vizier (Quorum Rank) | Appointed and called by the Grand Despot. | Ordained by the Grand Despot. |
| Tyrant of the Unbroken Law (Grandmaster Rank) | The Quorum of Three Shadow Viziers | Shadow Vizier (Quorum Rank) |
| Master of Discipline (High Admin Rank) | Promoted upon recommendation from a Warden of the Deep and approval by the Quorum of Three Shadow Viziers. | Ordained by a Shadow Vizier (Quorum Rank) OR by the Warden of the Deep after receiving specific ordination authorization from the Quorum. |
III. Delegation of Presiding and Ordaining Authority
Authority is strictly delegated to maintain the covert nature of the organization and reinforce local control.
| Office/Rank | Appointment/Promotion Authority | Ordaining Authority (Who Performs Ceremony) |
|---|---|---|
| Warden of the Deep (Presiding Keys) | Called by the Grand Despot to preside over a local cell or headquarters. | Ordained by the Grand Despot or a Shadow Vizier designated by the Grand Despot. |
| Tyrant Initiate (Mid-Level Rank) | Promotion granted after display of ruthlessness and loyalty, approved by the local Warden of the Deep. | Ordained by a Master of Discipline. |
| Scourge of Weakness (Low-Level Rank) | Promotion granted after approval from the local Warden of the Deep. | Ordained by a Tyrant Initiate. |
Paladin Substitue Arm: the Black Scorpions
The Black Scorpions are Set's consecrated military force, dedicated to terror, assassination, and the enforcement of the Law of the Strongest. Because the rules of Dungeons & Dragons 3.5e include a paladin alignment restriction that is incompatible with Set's alignment and creed, Set's martial followers are of the Assassin class.
I. Assassin Ranks
| Military Rank | Title | Role and Function (ADH - Under Horus) | Base Class Progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Commander | The Executioner of the Weak (Chief Assassin) | Leads the corps; responsible for high-value political assassinations and military sabotage. | Assassin (Highest Level/Authority) |
| Presiding Assassin | Master of the Fortress | Presides over a local, secret fortress/cell, directing regional assassination efforts and enforcing discipline. | Assassin (Senior Commander) |
| Officer Corps | Desert Scourge | Commands infiltration and strike teams; specializes in tracking and political sabotage. | Assassin (Officer/Infiltrator) |
| Core Warrior (Elite) | Black Scorpion | Operates as core agents; expert assassins, bodyguards for high priests, and agents of political terror. | Assassin (Core Rank/Field Agent) |
| Core Warrior (Standard) | Dune Viper | The standard enforcer rank; focuses on gathering intelligence, recruitment, and surveillance for assassination targets. | Lawful Evil Rogue (Transition Rank) |
| Novice | Acolyte of Strength | Focuses on displaying brutality and absolute loyalty; entry-level training. | Lawful Evil Fighter/Rogue (Novice) |
II. Promotion and Ordination Process
Promotion emphasizes merit, ruthlessness, and unwavering loyalty to the current leadership's quest for power.
| Rank/Title | Promotion Requirement | Spiritual Ordaining Authority |
|---|---|---|
| The Executioner of the Weak | Appointed by the Grand Despot (High Priest) based on strategic and ruthless merit. | Ordained by the Grand Despot. |
| Master of the Fortress | Calling: Appointed by the Executioner of the Weak. | Ordained by the Executioner of the Weak. |
| Desert Scourge | Requires proven ruthlessness and successful completion of a major punitive or assassination mission. | Ordained by a Shadow Vizier (Quorum Rank). |
| Black Scorpion | Requires mastery of combat, stealth, and a successful trial of loyalty. | Ordained by a Master of Discipline (High Admin Priest). |
| Dune Viper | Requires successful completion of basic martial and political training. | Ordained by a Master of Discipline (High Admin Priest). |
| Acolyte of Strength | Entry granted after displaying unquestioning obedience and a willingness to commit brutal acts. | Vow administered by a Tyrant Initiate (Mid-Level Priest). |
Granted Divine Powers
I. Affiliation Score Criteria (AS)
| Action/Event | Modifier (ADR: Under Ra) | Modifier (ADH: Under Horus) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Time Modifiers (AS Added Once) | |||
| Take the Vow of Iron Discipline (Initiation) | +5 | +5 | One-Time |
| Character Level | +1/2 Character Level (rounded down) | +1/2 Character Level (rounded down) | One-Time |
| Possess 5 or more ranks in Hide or Move Silently | +3 | +3 | One-Time |
| Possess 5 or more ranks in Disguise or Bluff | +3 | +3 | One-Time |
| Possess Improved Sunder feat (reflecting destruction/force) | +2 | +2 | One-Time |
| Possess 1st level spells of the Law or Destruction domain | +2 | +2 | One-Time |
| Successfully lead a unit in defense of the Pantheon (ADR Only) | +10 | — | One-Time |
| Successfully perform a High-Level Consecration Rite for the Quorum | +10 | +10 | One-Time |
| Stacking Modifiers (AS Added Multiple Times) | |||
| Successfully enforce Ra's Law using discipline and strength | +4 | — | Stacking |
| Successfully defend a Lawful authority figure from Chaos (Apothis) | +3 | +3 | Stacking |
| Successfully lead an act of sabotage or military subversion against Horus's allies | — | +4 | Stacking |
| Successfully interrogate and break the spirit of a prisoner (Order through Fear) | — | +3 | Stacking |
| Successfully destroy a symbol or structure of mercy/weakness | -3 | +2 | Stacking |
| Penalty Modifiers (AS Deducted) | |||
| Fail to enforce Law (Chaos wins) | -6 | -6 | Stacking |
| Engage in open, reckless, or Chaotic behavior | -8 | -8 | Stacking |
| Show genuine mercy or compassion | -3 | -10 | Stacking |
| Actively betray the Quorum (in either era) | -15 | -15 | Stacking |
II. Cleric/Priesthood Ranks, Benefits, and Duties (4 Ranks)
| AS Range | Title/Rank Achieved | Priesthood Office | Primary Duty & Benefit (Game Mechanics) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 5 | Lay Follower | None | No special duties or benefits. |
| 6 - 15 | Scourge of Weakness | Low-Level Rank | Duty: Enforce minor discipline; instil basic fear/loyalty. Benefit: +1 bonus to Intimidate checks. |
| 16 - 30 | Tyrant Initiate | Mid-Level Rank | Duty: Local conspiracy; political manipulation; recruiting. Benefit: Gain +2 bonus to Sense Motive when questioning loyalty. Once per day, may reroll a failed Bluff check. |
| 31 - 75 | Master of Discipline | High Admin Rank | Duty: Enforce internal obedience; manage regional cells and resources. Benefit: Gain Leadership feat (if eligible). +2 bonus to Concentration checks for casting spells with the Evil domain. |
| 76+ | Tyrant of the Unbroken Law | Grandmaster Rank | Duty: Direct strategic intelligence; prepare for the final political seizure. Benefit: Gain Spell Mastery over two 1st or 2nd-level spells of the Law or Destruction domains. Gain a +1 bonus to the save DC of all spells of the Law or Evil domains. |
III. Military Ranks, Benefits, and Duties (4 Ranks - Assassins)
The benefits now reflect the core abilities of the Assassin class.
| AS Range | Title/Rank Achieved | Military Rank | Primary Duty & Benefit (Game Mechanics) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 5 | Lay Follower | None | No special duties or benefits. |
| 6 - 15 | Acolyte of Strength | Novice Rank | Duty: Entry-level training; surveillance and basic enforcement. Benefit: +1 bonus to Hide and Move Silently checks. |
| 16 - 30 | Dune Viper | Core Warrior (Standard) | Duty: Intelligence gathering; surveillance for assassination targets. Benefit: Gain Weapon Focus (Chosen Weapon). Gain a +1 bonus to all Saving Throws against mind-affecting effects. |
| 31 - 75 | Black Scorpion | Core Warrior (Elite) | Duty: Expert assassination; bodyguard duty; active agent of terror. Benefit: +2 bonus to Hide and Move Silently checks when preparing a Death Attack. Gain Skill Focus (Chosen Assassin prerequisite skill). |
| 76+ | Desert Scourge | Highest PC Rank | Duty: Commands infiltration teams; oversees regional political sabotage. Benefit: Gain Improved Critical with one chosen weapon. Gain a +2 bonus to Attack and Damage Rolls when fighting Lawful Good creatures. |
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