| ee AU DUTT NN UU CEUBY GRAEME DAVIS AND JAMES ESTESCREDITS ‘Authors: Graeme Davis and James Estes ‘obert Hatch Art Director: Lawrence Snelly Layout and Typesetting: Katie McCaskill Interior Art: John Cobb, Brian Ewing, Darren Frydendall, Fred Hooper, Alex Sheikman Front Cover Art: John Cobb Back Cover Art: Alex Sheikman Cover Design: Katie McCaskill Cine STupIO © 1997 White Wol, Inc. All sights re- served. Reproduction without the written. ‘permission ofthe publisher is expressly forbid- den, except for the purposes of reviews. White ‘Wolf, Mage the Ascension and Vampire the ‘Masqueradeare registered trademarksof White Wolf, Inc. All rights reserved. Werewolf the ‘Apocalypse, Wraith the Oblivion, Change- ling the Dreaming, A World of Darkness ‘Second Edition, Mummy Second Eulition and. ‘Vampire the Dark Ages are trademarks of White Wolf, Inc. All rights reserved. All characters, names, places and text herein are copyrighted by White Wolf, Ine. ‘The mention of or reference to any com- ‘panyorproduct in these pagesisnotachallenge tw the trademark or copyright concerned. Because ofthe mature themes involved, reader discretion is advised. Check out White Wolf online at hetp:/ Iwww.white-wolfcom:; alt.games.whitewolf and rec games fp storyteller PRINTED IN CANADA. ‘WORLD OF DARRESS: NENT SPECIAL THANKS Justin “We Dub Thee Developer” Achill, or picking up the gauntlet, tilting atthe lists, and generally agreeing to defend the honor of the expanded Dark Ages line. Andrew “Red Five Standing By” Bates, for settling into the cockpitof The Game Formerly Known AsPri—er, Exile. Brad “Musket Bal and Chain” Butkovich, for making his ‘own personal Pickett's Charge into wedlock. Greg "Norman Vincent Peale” Fountain, forhishearewarming inspirational message. (Now let’ssee what he's like after the thousandth dirty diaper.) Erin “G'Day t'Ye” Kelly and Carole “Sayonara” Simmons, for displaying wisdom beyond their years. Louvie ‘Girl 6” Locklear, forreapprising usof the Phone Fiend. AUTHOR'S NOTE 1d like to offer a round of thanks, as usual John Blakely, friend and colleague, for his professional support and mentoring through some difficult times. Maimun Khan, for reappearing to the lands ofthe living. How like one of the Reborn. Rob Hatch, for not killing me. This book is dedicated with love to Steven D. Long, for tolerating the intolerable with humor and letting me know when I was getting out of line. Thanks, monkey-boy! — James EstesSECOND EDITION TapLE OF Contents Inrropuction 4 Carrer One: SEBAYET 14 Cuarrer Two: THE WORLD OF MUMMY 52 Carrer Tutt: CHARACTERS 416 Curren Four: HEKAU 16 Curren Five: THE UNDERWORLD 106 Cuvrren Six: THE MANY FACES OF REBIRTH 118 Carrer Seven: STORYTELLING 130 TARLEOF ContesTo Ankh-esven ‘How long the concuries have be Arnot, che sister of my heart the millennia Thave in Darkness withoue che sunlight of your smile. How bieeer che ah for a sale Lake a huidred times bigger chan Amenhocep buile for che love of Tiye. ars Thave wept, ¢ How wretched has boon my existence. chat forces me co live ying world, forever denied the y love. my sou. again avid again in this Ye presence of my sister. my life Te wasonly in my latest death chat Tearned cerca ching whieh led me ¢0 write chis( walked among the uncouth souls of barbarians, 8d learn of one 1s Ankles 1 co pray far such eter — far only chon, as my ba whe soughe the way to Amenti, whose ma en Amun. Though ie weighs against my he sathing yet Toare to hope you dwell chere yet. and will not pass con to the blessed Lads of A‘aru soci chis my poor missive is able t9 reach you. He who bri oS field ye ooked pon me with favor. reward him again few lines after these tll luow’ where co bring them to me T write chat you may know’ what has become of me anid why 80 many ages have passed. and in each of them T have failed co redeem my promise of joining you at che Feet of Osiris. And Ture to hope that, once knowing, you will derstand. and ly understanding. you will forgive: “That which I enclose wich chis leer ts che krowledge Thave been able co acquire regarding myself anid chose like ime, Te és a poor work to show for all these lifetimes, but gmatic and secretive breed, and keep our ge to ourselves. And further, as you shall see. my effares have been ha ‘my love. even now the face of “Horus is turned away from edly my outcast status — for yes me, and am branted wich the narse of Ishmael, who was the first co abanon him “For the erime of our love after you went onward. 1 Aan My was forever denied che blessed sight of punishmene has been co live eternity, through countless lifetimes, ad ever to be parted from the sister of my heart IvtnooterionAc the time. i¢ was put co me differencly. though T was not deceived. Indeed. chey said co me that this Was aan honor, and chat T was not worthy of i since T had corrupted a priestess. ‘Yet, they said. Horus himself had chosen me. and the fighe of the Shemsu-heru, the Children of ‘Horus, againse che vile minions of Set and Apep had need of my strength and Hekau. “But T would have nome of it. Though Ze may have been 4 sor to repudiate my allegiance to Horus, T could not follow one whe was so harsh in puntshmene as to impriso me eternally among the living, and forever deny me the anid company of my beloved. Surely his blessed mother. your mistress. whom we wronged ly our love, woul noe have been 30 cruel. for all chat she brought farch from the teachings of Thoth che ritual ky which Twas damned to this sending Despair Be that as tt may. I would not follow Horus. and was branted wich che name of Ishmael after che firse mummy who left his service. For that is what Tam — a ‘mummy. living for a while, chen dying, then Reborn, as the grander of my kind would have (e The Children of sttorus are noe che entirety of the Reborn, chough they would have us believe they were. AlL of us have received — willingly or otherwise — the Rite of Rebirch. as set down ly che mighty hand of Isis from the teachings of Thoth: and none of us. te és said. can pass on From this world but for « shore time, while che ba wanders abroad anid refreshes its power In my various deaths T have searched endlessly for some news of you. I have waniered through the Bread spirit Lands of “Neter-khertet, and seen them overrun by barbarians own the centuries. I have gazed upon che palaces of Amenti, and walked the halls once troden by Osiris himself — now litele better than che crumbling ruins of Memphis. whose evenings we once shared. T have sailed wich Anubis — for he seems ¢0 hol? me no worse than the followers of Horus, if no beccer ~ into the cerrible Tempest that surrounds each of them Thave hear? Anubis speak of A'aru, where the spirie may find peace. and T have even seen its walls from a distance. chrough the great storm. ‘But I would not let him take me there, far it ts said chat whoever enters the gardens of A’aru will never leave chem and return to the world of dead shades ~ and T would not 49 in, for fear of finding you noe there But now. Ihave hope — and if this unworchy plea should at last find ics Way to you. and if your heart ts not angry wich me that Thave not come to you all these centuries, as T swore upon my life to 20 ~ then lee me come to you. wherever you are. and let us fourney to A aru together VO Ve ev Te eV ee ‘WORLD OF DARKNESS. MOWATThe wirivings T send y heart's plea Tfirse colleceed that I mighe understand my condition ‘anid by understanding, eicher learn a way £0 overcome itor at (east, learn Co.use its unique advantages t0 ai me in my search for you. T have kept these writings ever with me. along wich my journal which T have faithfully kepe in che of la since che time of my firse death. ‘These chings help me to remember ~ far through a score of lifetimes, Deaths and rebirchs che memory can become confused. and the most treasured recollections of Iygone centuries can fade like the stuff of Yreams when they are scattered by the waking smile of Ra, T have seen those of my kind who no longer recall their own ames, and it is « terrible thing Yee if forgetfulness is a curse. chen remembering is scarcely a blessing. To be. ad do, and see, and know. and Love so mary ehings. people. places own chrough s0 many lifetimes. aid €0 see each crumble. age. wither and Ye, forever lose — i wearies che spirit in a way that hardly conceivable co one who has Lived but a single lifetime. Ocspair Yrives some to hunger for death, and ‘yet itis denied chem. Only madness offers any escape Te was you. Ankh-es-en-Amun. Life of the Sun. joy of my heart, who has kept me from madness these many centuries, The thoughe chac T might find you again. Aarw somehow, and that we might at last be reunited i Lhave carried wich me from lifetime co lifetime. that I love you and search far you, T kuow that T am “‘Kharis. and ¥o not forget: hoping that Tmay yet fink you. Thold onto che prospect of jey. and do noe despair Read. I entreac you. the wrieings T sent your heart judge me by what Thave become. O heart of ny heart, Ihave not been faithless, not far a heartbeat since we were first parted. Send me wore. and tell me and let where you are. and your ‘Kharts shall come Co you. ir on my life, heare and name that we fed — even if we must defy all che Then, Tw shall never be gods at once. T centuries ago, and if torus despises me for loving the sister of my heart more than T love his war against his uncle. chen I care not far his Bisapprobatton. Should he see your face but once — even through his single eye — he could noe Fail €o understand. And you. gentle one. fair and pure despice che calumnies of in Aaru you may find it in your heart to ent fe and loving Isis. 9 undo the ritual cemples were no bar co our love. these taught her by Thoth the ever-wise, and restore your ‘Kharis to you. as he longs co be rescore?. ‘Remember. Theg of you. her love for Osiris, and how de never lefe her through all chetr trials. and grant that a licele of that love may scill be in your heart for me. INTRODUCTIONWelcome to the second edition of Mammy. Much has transpired in the World of Darkness sincethe isrelease of Mummy, which waspubihed Beal eeslacaghy caer ir Pir poms Sines original publication of Mummy, the Underworld sn greatly developed, magical systems have been. codified, and the relationships of various supernatural creatures to each other have been richly developed. In fact, much of this develop. ‘ment has surpassed the world and setting of Mummy, and this edition means to reintroduce the Reborn into the World of Darkness, with an expanded secting and Mummy is about immortality: trae immor: tality, not simply longevity. Mummies — also called the Reborn — can die, but death is not permanent for them: After their death they spend a period of activity in the Underworld, and then return to a renewed, living body and are among the World of Darkness’ greatest sorcerers — but they are not true mages. They exist in the Underworld, alongside the Restless Dead but they arenot wraiths. Their history and beliefstie chem, into the eternal struggle of the Jyhad, but they are certainh s and their struggle against Apophis, the De vourer, links them to the war of the Apocalypse, but they are not Garou. In short, mummies live and act across the breadth ‘of the World of Darkness, ifnot with the sime depth as any ‘one constituent. Mummy details the unique history of this small group of immortal beings and clarifies their interac tions with the rest of the World of Darkness. WHAT THIS BOOK CONTAINS Mummy Second Edition contains the following elements * Seti of Exype: Mummies use magic the history and background of the Reborn, 1 beliefs, deeds and world-view. * Character — everything you need to create Egyptian * Storytelling — Advice and information for Storytel son running mummy chronicles, or integrating mummies Storyteller chronicles The Reborn of Mummy ate tian, and their origins lie in the history and mythology of ancient Egypt. Not all mummies are Egyptian, but this sourcebook emphasiz the Reborn followers of Horus. This work will ell you all into oth 3st exclusively Egyp- the activities of the Shemsu-her you need to know to create and play Egyptian mummies while the lessons leaned in Mummy can apply to the Rebom of other cultures, they must receive, sadly, limited treatment in a work of this size Voge ve TWN TV Ve Te Ve Oe OW Oe ee oy Ty, e ‘WORLD OF DARKS, MUN =]THEME ‘The theme of Mummy is memory. Think back five years, 10 years — how much can you remember with clarity? How many of your memories are truly accurate? Now — for those of you who are so able — go back 20 yeats. The same principle applies. Now imagine going back a hundred years, or a thou sand years, This is the dilemma of mummies: They can live forever, but they cannot truly process the lessons of their many experiences. It has been said that we live in an age of information-overload, and that an abundance of information can drive out knowledge of things truly important. Imai gine the struggle of trying to contain and ‘comprehend the memories of thousands of years of expe- rience; then picture the struggle of trying to hold onto the memories that mean the most to you, as you are overcome by centuries of petty details. Memories fade nd with the loss of memory comes a loss of meaning and identity. And chis is one of the g with time, struggles a mummy can face MOOD The atmosphere and mood of Mummy chronicles embody the conflict between grim determination and apathy: Sometimes mummies hold onto pointless i or beliefs simply because they give their life some mean. ing. Other times, they cannot maintain an interest in anything, and they are overcome with indifference. This ambivalence marks the existence of many mummies, and Mummy chronicles should reflect this. The Reborn of man's war, and the mood of Mummy chronicles should also reflect this. In many ways, the Reborn than immortal pawns, removed from the chessboard and then placed back on it again later. Even those mummies who were originally scribes or priests have a role to play in the war. Indeed, the entire existence of mummies is predicated on the struggle of one man to avenge his father's death, gypt were created to serve in one little more War is hell, the saying goes — and the life of an immortal soldier should thus be endless hell. But don't think that Mummy chronicles are simply slugfests; mum: motivations, who seek to find some joy in life. Not all Mummy chronicles should be filled with brooding, vio- lent, angst-ridden immortals. still people with human interests and Remember, the struggle is to find meaning in loss, and joy beyond the eternal struggle. If you be game already having given into despair, then you n the BIBLIOGRAPHY AND FILMOGRAPHY ‘There have been literally millions of words written about ancient Egypt, and almost as many works of fiction have drawn upon the Egyptian civilization and its burial customs and beliefs. The following should be regarded only as asamp. HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY Carol Andrews, Egyptian Mummies (British Museum Publications, 1984) — An easily digested summary of Eeyp- tian mummies, packed with color pictures. J. Bierlein, Parallel Myths (Ballantin A cursory survey of world mythology, Books, 1994) — ncluding Egyptian, this book serves as a useful introduction to comparative mythology Bob Brier, Ancient Egyptian Magic (Quill, 1981) —A useful survey of Egyptian magic, more recent chan Budge’s work (and easier to read), this work includes an Egyptian, calendar, instructions on mummification, and a compila- tion of spells. Margaret Bunson, editor, A Dictionary of Ancient Egypt (Oxford, 1991) —One of the more useful recent books con Ancient Egypt, this work is packed with 1500 entries. you wanting more, butitstill offers lot. Ieis also good as a quick source of Egyptian names. E, A. Wallis Budge, The Book of the Dead (1899 original; Arkana, 1989) —A superb resource for a Mummy Storyteller of player. Contains complete texts of litanies and spells E. A. Wallis Budge, Egyptian Language: Easy Lessons in Egyptian Hieroglyphics (original 1910; Dover, 1966) — For those inclined to learn Egyptian. E. A. Wallis Budge, Egyptian Magic (1901 original; Dover Publications, 1971) — An excellent source of tales of Egyptian magic use, with an exhaustive section on magica amulets, E, A. Wallis Budge, Egyptian Religion (1899 original; Barnes & Noble, 1994)— A basic introduction to Egyptian religious beliefs and mythology. E. A. Wallis Budge, The Mummy: A Handbook of Funerary Archaeology (1925 original; Dover jons, 1989) — Dry in places, but a painstakingly description of Egyptian burial practices in all periods, including plans and reconstructions of tombs of various kinds and detailed examinations of the religious and magical purposes of the amulets and other objects found with mumsnies. Sometimes ite vv Vv VvVvVvVVVvVTV Vv VV ‘ntKooeeTonLeonard Cottrell, Life Under the Pharaohs (Pan, 1957) — A highly accessible mixture of archaeology and storytelling. The author vividly explores the everyday lives of ancient Egyptians, drawing upon tomb paintings and other sources Christiane Destoches-Noblecourt, Tutankhamen (Penguin, 1965) — Packed with color and mono illutra- tions, including plans and reconstructions of a number of temples and rock-cut tombs. Covers all aspects of life at the time of Tutankhamen, as well as his death and burial. Francois Dunand and Roger Lichtenberg, Mummies: ge through Eternity (Harry Abrams, 1994), a nicely illustrated pictorial introduction to the history of Great Ages of Man series, Ancient Egypt (Time-Life Publications, 1966) — One ofthe best coffee-table books on, ancient Egypt. Stanislov Grof, Books of the Dead: Manuals for Living and Dying (Thames & Hudson, 1994) — A survey of how various cultures viewed the journey into the afterlife, as found in various thanatological texts like the Egyptian and Tibetan Books of the Dead, Medieval Ars Moriendi, et al S. H. Hooke, Middle Eastern Mythology (Pelican, 1963) — Includes a lucid and easily digested summary of Egyptian mythology, which is sometimes incredibly complex. Knopf Guides: Egypt — This work has somewhat scattered organization, buts filled with pictures and histori cal bits of information about Egypt, and is useful general reference, Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology (Larousse, vari ouseditions) — An excellentsource on Egyptian mythology, lavishly illustrated. Vicki Leon, Uppity Women of Ancient Times (Conari Press, 1995) — A fun, feisty and compulsively readable collection of historical anecdotes about prominent women in theancient world. Covers ancient Egyptian women from all walks of life along with the obligatory mentions of Hatshepsut and Cleopatra VII. Lawrence Sullivan, editor, Death, Afterlife, and the Soul (Macmillan, 1987) — A scholarly yet highly readable introduction to various historic and cultural understandings of the Underworld. This book isa selection of atiles from the Mircea Eliade Encyclopedia of Religion. Scott Wayne and Damien Simonis, Egypt and the Sudan: A Travel Survival Kit (Lonely Planet, 1994) — An. informative guide book of Egypt, this is a great book for Mummy games set in Eeypt FICTION Most of the tiles mentioned here have been published and reprinted various times, so specific publication details have not been provided Agatha Christie, Death Comesas the End—an Agatha Christie murder mystery set in ancient Egypt. Marie Corelli, Ziska — a crime committed in ancient Egypt is avenged among Cairo society in the late 19th century. The story involves reincarnation rather than re- birth, bur is worth reading nonetheless Anne Rice, The Mummy — an Egyptian pharaoh rendered immortal by « magical elixir falls in love with a mortal archaeologist. Bram Stoker, The Jewel of the Seven Stars — the author of Dracula takes a foray into ancient Egype MOVIES The mummy movie, by and large, has been less inno- vative and less successful than the other great monster genres. In most cases, the mummy isa shambling, mindless killing machine awakened to murderous lie by the opening ofits tomb andor the machinations of evil Egyptian cult- ists It lurches around breaking necks until someone finds a ‘magical formula or some other means of stopping it, and then the movie ends. While this is the pattern of most nummy movies, there are exceptions. The movies listed below include the complete Universal and Hammer mummy cycles, for the sake of completeness; apart from Universal's The Mummy and Hammer's Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb, though, none of them can be recommended wholeheartedly, ex- cept perhaps as an example of what might hecome of a ‘mummy who awakened into new life after losing that last point of Humanity ‘The Mummy, Universal 1932 — the film that estab- lished the Mummy alongside Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man as one of the great movie monsters of all time. Boris Karloff’ role in chis movie is very close to this game's conception of a mummy. The Mummy's Hand, The Mummy's Tomb, The Mummy's Ghost, The Mummy's Curse, Universal 1940, 1942, 1944 and 1944 respectively — sequels to The Mummy, with the mummy reduced to a shambling kill- ing machine, each movie worse than the last. The degeneration culminated in Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) WORLD OF DARKS, MENON Wav VV ev TV SYSNeTY av VV TV TV TW UY TOT TeWo! A BASIC REFERENCES W ¢; Mummy playersandStorytelle oe books in the Store Underworld the struggle INtRooecrioN "1THEJYHAD The jyhadiisthe greatstrugele between ancient vampiric forces, and itisfrom this struggle that Horus and the Shemsu hheru were born. The Jyhadlis more fully discussed in the game ‘Vampire. The supplement The Book of Nod is particularly useful for understanding the ancient origins of the vampires. The Followers of Set (and their deluded view of the war against Horus) are detailed in Clanbook: Setites. THE WAR AGAINST APOP HIS Apophis is but one incarnation of the Wyrm, the great enemy of many Werewolf sagas. For a basic intro- duction co the struggle against the Wyrm, refer to Werewolf: the Apocalypse. Particularly useful books (other than the core book) include the Werewolf Players Guide (which introduces che Bastet and the Mokolé as well as other members of the Changing Breed) and the Silent Steiders tribebook. For more dirt on the bad guys, and more “brood of Apophis,” consult Book of the Wyrm and Freak Le- gion: The Players Guide to the Fomori. The Chronicle of the Black Labyrinth is good source-material for the manifestations of the Wyrm in a highly readable “oc: cult tome” style THEUNDERWORLD ‘The Underworld is discussed thoroughly in Wraith Also useful for understanding the setting are the Wraith Players Guide (with information on various Dark King- cdoms) and Sea of Shadows (which discusses the Byways and dangers of the Tempest). MAGI Mummies frequently interact with magi of many kinds, be they members of the Cult of Isis, Hermetic scholars or Infernalists. Two books in the Mage line are particularly useful: Ascension’s Right Hand, which deals with “hedge magics’; and the Book of Madness, which discusses the Nephandi,Infernalists, and other diabolical magi MORTALS ‘The entire Hunters Hunted series — kicked off with ook of the same name — provides good allies and the antagonists on the mortal scale. Halls of the Arcanum and ‘The Inquisition derail the activities of those organizations, while the Orphic Circle and other groups # the mysteries of the Underworld are discussed in The Quick and the Dead. it delve into WORLD OF DARKS MLM VV YEN VV OV TY OV OV PY SY NV VY OY Ye oNLEXICON ‘Ab: The heart, thought to be the seat of consciousness, animal life and good and evil. In the afterlife, the Ab was weighed against the feather of Truth (Maat) to judge the deceased ‘Amenti: The stronghold ofthe Egyptian dead, hidden in the Underworld. Apophis: The Great Serpent which threatens to devour the Sun; similar to the Wyrm of Garou cosmology. Ba: The part of the soul that journeyed to the Under- world and must return to the body for rebirth to occur; atype of energy used to fuel this soul-par’s activities and to effect Rebirth. Bane Mummies: See Children of Apophis. Bane Rite: A variant of the Rite of Rebirth, used to create Bane Mummies. Cabiri (singular Cabirus): Mummies from Europe and Asia Minor, who are created with a variant spell of the Rite of Rebirth, Children of Apophis: Mummies (once minions of Set) created by a perverted version of the Great Rite; they are servants of a demonic force called Apophis. Code of Horus: The laws which guide some Egyptian mummies, established by Horus in his crusade to restore Maat Duat: The Underworld, where the Restless Dead reside and mummies go after death, First Death: The ending of the character's First Life. First Life: The character’s mortal life in ancient Egypt, after which the character became a mummy. Great Rite: The magickal formula which creates mu mies. Also called the Rite of Rebirth and the Spell of Life. Ishmaelites: Renegade Egyptian mummies who have abandoned the Code of Horus. Hekau: The Egyptian magical paradigm, now practiced solely (and more effectively) by mummies. Ka: The part of the soul that remained in the vicinity of the tomb to guard the body (khat); a type of energy used to fuel this soul-part’s activities. Khaibit: Theshadow, closely related totheka. A mummy ‘whose humanity is gone and is now ruled only by his shadow Khat: The phy: Khem: Ancient Egypt Khu: mummy's body. Known Name: The name by which a character was known in Firs Life, and by which the character istill known to other mummies. Maat: Cosmic onder and balance; some believe that Maat has been overturned. Mummies: Humans for whom death is temporary after a period in the Underworld, mummies return to healed bodies. Not all mummies are necessarily Egyptian. Reborn: Another name for mummies. Ren: The true name ‘ence and believed by th inseparable part of the soul body. he “shininy —an intangible covering over the a vital part of a person’s exist: ancient Egyptians to be an Sebayet: Literally “teachings,” this is a body of didae- tic literature which teaches the origins and goals of the Shemsu-heru, Sekhem: Power or vital force, similar in some ways to the Chinese concept of Chi. Shemsu-heru: The Followers of Horus — Egyptian ‘mummies who follow the leadership of Horus and abide by his Code. Sahu: The spiritual bod True Death: The final annihilation, from which a mummy eannot return. True Name: See Ren, above ‘Use-Name: Analiasadopted toavoid attractingattention. Visier: Administrator of the Shemsu-heru, acting as prime minister. Each vizier has authority over a different geographic jurisdiction, ceverlastingand eternal soul. _ vw VV VY VV VVOVoVoviy vvvey Vv INtnoouctiona_A_A_A_A_A_A_A__A_____4__A_ A A Ha UW Lie NAVE m across the great divide Memon Would I spend forever here Sarah McLachlan, "Possession’ I write, that I may remember the oldest of our kind, the oral lore passed among us, and ‘Memory isa frail and untrustworthy thing, itscontents those few fragmentary texts which speak of us. The me, Lam not new to latter, combined, make up the Sebayet: the teachings of capable of subtle alteration throug! immortality, and [ leared longago that an endless life is not ‘a guarantee of ironclad recollection: That which is firmly ‘embedded in our mind's eye one night may be dim and hazy While the permanent loss of one of our kind is rare sur origin and destiny according to our founder and the next morn. Ando Icollectall that have learned of the it is equally unlikely thar there shall ever be more like us Reborn, so that when I next open my eyes after the death, I may know for sure where I have come from. better understanding of our own nature, I have under The following account of the Reborn, known more _ taken the goal of recording our history, for actions reveal prosaically in some quarters as “mummies, compiled character, and the history of a people is the revelation of from many sources: correspondence and audience with _ @ people’s natur ,vVVVVYw¥Y¥#e¥eW¥MGVY}’®G¥W¥ft._VYVYVWVYY CQHAPTER ONE SEBATET 5LINGUA FRANCA No doubt some of my readers will be incensed by my use of Greek nomenclature instead of my ‘our story. Does not even Horus now call himself Horus? Language changes, and the people whose it change. Accept, and move on. Inspite of my defense, though, I will offer a key native Egyptian. However, | stand by my decision. Thave written this treatise that it may be read and understood by all who set eyes on it; thus | use Greek appellations for our own familiar Egyptian placesand peoples when itis more reasonable and makes these terms more identifiable. Those who accuse me of abandoning my heritage are fatuous purists. We of all people should realize the tran- sience of a language; while the knowledge of our native tongue isa skill worth keeping, we should notbe opposed tothe Hellenization of names from that readers might know the more authentic names of those whom I call by their Greek vocatives: Egyptian Greek ‘Anpu Anubis Apep Apophis Asar Osiris Eset Isis Heru Horus Nebt-Hut __Nephthys Sutekh ct 4.2205 THE ANCIENT DAYS In the first days, inthe very frst days, Inthe firs nights, in the very fist nights, Inthe first years, in the very first years, —The Inanna Cycle ‘We hail from the days before history; our deeds have been all but forgotten, lost through time or transformed into the myths and legends of mortals. We are an ancient people —notsoancient as humanity, tobe sure,ortheskinchangers, ‘or the fae, bu still we come from ancient lands. Most of our kind come from the Nile Delta and the land called Egypt, but we are not alone: Oth 1s of Sumeria and beyond, but we know little of them. Some few ‘of us, the later ones, hailed from Europe, but they are the minority. Without a doubt, our beginnings lie in Egypt. But these beginnings are lost even to us: After the creation of our first two representatives, a thousand-year span separates the next of our kind. The first two mum- mies say litele of our origin, and what they say often contradicts; so we know nothing with certainty. But we do know that we are ancient, and there are some amon us who were already old when human civilization was newborn. The document which most authoritatively speaks of our origins isthe Isis Fragments: the tale of Isis and Osiris, the dark brother Set, and our prince Horus, as recorded by the mighty Isis herself. Ir is unlikely that this can truly claim Isis herself as author: More likely, one of the Cult of Isis passed the tale of Isis and Osiris through the generations, finally recording it lest it be for ensions it may hhave undertaken is anyone's guess. Bucit tells the tale which, ‘most of us look to when we seek to answer whence we came. Reborn come from the k ten entirely. How many THE Isis FR AGMENTS GREAT Smpiver Apopias, wio SOUGHT TO SWALLOW THE SUN AND DROWN our DARKNESS, AND EACH DAY THE TWO STRUGGLED IN THE HEAVENS. My BROTHER HUSBAND WAS Ons, ALSO CALED WEN-NarE, TH BEAUTIUL One Oorus WAS INTHE HEAVENS. KHEM WAS THE RST LAND CREATED BY THE GODS, 3s AND OUR CLILTURE WAS THE! BEST TO GRACE THE EARTH TO PROTECT THESE LANDS AND ITs! Se PEOPLE WERE WE CHARGED, Ostus AND I ‘WORLD OF DARKNESS, MUNMTee rare : agus WAS A GREAT LEADES WHOSE VOICE COMPELLED PEOPLE TO TASKS OF GREATNESS: AP tran rao seeks WERE THE DISPARATE REGIONS OF EGYPT URETED, ANO THE SEEDS OF A GEEAT Seen eeaiPLAnTeDy THLS BECAME OSRUS THE LORD OF THE TWO LANDS, THE PRET HNO SONS aac nnvtapeD NOEDENDENT OF THESNEW EGYPTIANSTATE, BLT MANY MORE)ORED IT 3 THE reobes pOWED JOYFULLY BEFORE OGRIS, AND TOUETHER WE ALL LOOMED TO A BRIGHT FUTURE Maar CeuTRAL TO OUR WEL-BENG WAS ADHERENCE TO THE HARMONY AND ORDER OF TH COSMOS Tras pnts WAS KNOWN TOUS AS MAAT, AND INTHE ANGENT DAYS MAAT APPEARED TOSS Hrane erAREO® A WOMAN, WHO ISSTRUCTEDUS RIHER WAYS. WEKREW THEN WHAT IF FESS aeeeerrraé To MANTAN MAAT WAS TO LIVEN PEACE AND CELESTIAL HARMONY, AWD 7 ree DON MAAT WAS TO USHER DARKNESS AND DISORDER Osmus WAS GIAMRON CF Mane ane bY HS LEADRGHEP AND GUIDANCE DD THE PEOPLES OF Kirtew LIVE ACCORDESS TO) MAAT, THUS ENSURING PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR THE FUTURE SET A wer nesTED NN OSnIS COURT, THOUGH His YOUNGER BROTHER SET, wi WAS GSS ANe h ransTin OF GALE SET COVETED HES BROTHER'S POW, AND FLIT HES MIND TO THE TASICOR ceeone An THAT wraci WAS Osmust BUT SET's DESRES WELE AGARST MAAT, FORIE SST aero uae THAT HE MIGHT BESET Ha PEOPLE, BUT THAT THEY NOGHT SER VETS SET © PESTS A THE THRONE BECAME GEAR, AND IN TIME OTHERS DISCOVERED HS TREACHEROUS SCHEMES, OUR wee traits RETUGAL WAS HARSH, BUT JUSTS Hie BANSGHED SET UEYOND THE NATONS BORDERS Fae pan Aciany SAID ry, ralecAniDy) Vimsl XERBe RAGE =e bem Hemasane= eart,A\Pe2 NONE TET proeLt OF EGYPT LOOKED TO THE FUTURE WITH HOPE, FOR MIAAT HAD BEEN RESTORED “Ties WAS THE TIME OF OODG AND KINGS, AMD NOTHING ON EARTH COULD STEAL FT FROM US Bur THN THE STRANGER CAME Freeron ever LEARNED 185 TRUE NAME SHOULD ANYONE EVBLLEARN IT, TPRAY THAT THE STRATES mance Hann witch HE BROUGHT TOUS INTHOSEDAYS, THOUGH HECAMEDYSVEELE TYET**S THe Cane Ont THE NIGHT OF A FULL MOON, PRESENTING HIMSELF AT OUR COURT AND SESE ES ay rLSUAnED SHOTHER AN ALIDENKE TYPHON WAS A COLD MAN — NOT MERELY i MATSES [TT cee pou rao eran r WAs GRID) Whe 7) TEEN COLD STORE EM CED WUATES OS DEALT WAG OREATHTAKING, THOUGH THE ONLY EMOTION THAT CROSSED FSS FFE, PALE FEATURES. WAS A CRUEL HUMOR. SOME THOUGHT TYPHON A GOD, COME TO AID OUR CHIEFTAINS OTHERS, Me LER, QUESTIONED WHAT KIND OF DEITY THES FROZEN-EYED STRANGER COLAD BE Bur ens Nar OW HIG NATURE, AND OSHS GRATED AN AUDENE TO TwpHion: WITH ra ata y Baas EGYPT SHOULD Ocgis BELNEREDARED AGARSTMY COUNSE, ASD TIEURE AS Raia veone, Oars RECRESTED PRIVATE ALONE WITH TYPHORS AND THROUGH TH WEE aoe ier onox LIST REFCREDAWN THE VIXTOR DEPARTED, AND OSRIS WASLEFT ALONE TOBSOSS. Ton poust MOONS DID THS PATTERN CONTINUE ON THE EVE OF A RAL MOON TYPHOR WOOD REAEDEAR TO SPEAK WITH OGRIS, AND ALWAYS THEY SDOKE IN PRIVATE EACH TNE TTyPHON DEPARTED, Osis GREW FILED WITH QUIET DREAD! THOUGH HE SPOKE LITTLE TO ME OF THER TALKS, Tinew THAT WHAT OSIRIS HAD LEARNED WEGHED HEAVILY ON HIS SPRIT Bur ON THE MORNING aaa rononig roUtTH'~ AND FNAL DEPARTURE, MY BELOVED WAS FOUR 81: NOME? DEATTS DALE AND ISLOODLESS ON HES BEDCHAMIBER FLOOR, vy ov LOT ON curmowsenct | iTHe Gop-Kinc \Wourp THAT HE HAD DIED THE TRUE DEATH ~ FOR AFTER HS APPARENT RECOVERY: HE WAS AS COLD AND PALE AS TYDHON Osaus EVIKED MANY DIVINE GIFTS AFTER THES! ALREADY STRONG AMONG enti WASNOW AGSTRONG AS MANY BULLS? ALREADY AN ELOQUENT SPEAKER, NOW HS'SDEECH WAS cieesTour Hie CLAIMED HIS POWERS EXTENDED OVER THE VERY NILE ITSELF, AND FOR MANY SEASONS ee HAD FERTILE RELDS. THUS DID OUR CHIEFTAIN BECOME OUR GOD OF AGRICULTURE AND THE HELD. A Mecrthy RAP FELL UBON OUR LAND, AND MANY SAW THES AS EVIDINCE OF OSIRIS GODHOOD. Bur TH RST RAIN OF THAT DAY WAS NOT A SIGN OF PRGSPEUTY? NO, THE HEA VINS WEFT, FOR Warn Oamis' TRANSFORMATION, MAAT HAD BEEN OVERTURNED. NEVER AGAIN WOULD IT BERESTORED [AS IT HAD BEEN UNDER MIS EARLIER RECN. “To-THES DAY NONE KNOWS WHETHER OSIRIS CHOSEURNUFE, OF WHETHER IT WAS THRUST UPON HIM. vex D0 NOT KNOW THE TRUTH, FOR ON THAT NIGHT MY HUSGAND DIED WHAT RULED IN FS PLACE Wea COLD AND DISTANT FROM ME, AND THOUGH HE CARED FOR ME AND HIS PEOPLE, HE DID SO IN A Sanna UNGIME THE Osnus ILOVED IT WAS GEAR THAT HELIVED IN A WORLD APART FROM US For THRE YEARS OSIRIS THUS RULED. HE BEGAN TO BUILD ABOUT HIM A CADRE OF SOLDIERS WHO SUDBED FROM HS BLOOD AND THUS GAINED HIS STRENGT?£ SOME HE EVEN TURNED INTO CREATURES LICE HIMSELF, THOUGH OF LESSER STATURE ALWAYS HE SPOKE OF THE COMING DARKNESS, AND IN TIME HE BECAME A SULLEN AND JOYLESS KING NEVER AGAR COULD HE SEE THE UGHT OF R.A, OUR GRANDEATHES THE cus AND INA RARE MOMENT OF INTIMACY WITH ME HE SPOKE OF THE HORRUD BEAST Wr8cHt \WRITHED WITHIN HBS SPIRIT, DESIRING NOTHING BUT BLOOD: (Oss TURNED INWARD, SEEKING A MEANS: OF OVERCOMING THE BEAST, GLIT NO ANSWERS CAME ONLY BY FORCE OF Will WAS HE ABLE TO KEED prone GUCCLIMISING, AND THUS HEBECAME COLD AND STERN, EVEN RIGID AND UN YIELDING — FOR IFEVER. HE LOST CONTROL, THE BEAST WOULD WIN, THotn bh Trese TIVES CAME THoTH - THE Beaumrun oF Niatr, THe Samy Barc Like TYPHON, He ADDEARED MYSTERIOUSLY? HETOO DISPLAYED MANY STRANGE ABILITIES AND WOULD ONLY VIST AT. ere wns ns BEAUTY WAS MOST RADIANT. IBUT WHERE TYPHONS BEAUTY Hap A UFRLEDS EVR! ATHOTH WAS GENTLE AND Wise HE NEVE? SOUGHT OS8US! ALIDIENCE, CLAIMING THAT WHAT HEHAD TO CGFrER COULD NOT BE ACCEPTED BY ONE LIKE OUR LORD. INSTEAD THOTH CAME TO ME AND NIDHTHYS, SHE WHO WAS MY SISTER AND SET'S SISTER: WIFE BorriNeprritys AND IHAD LEARNED THE WAYS OF HEKCAU~ MAGICAL WORIINGS WHICH WE ALWAYS cere ro rane Gun: PEOPLE BUT THOTH TUTORED US INTHE WAYS OF GREATER HEKAU, AND COUNSELED ceincrne wacre OF WISDOME HE WAS A.LIST AND RIGHTEOUS PERSON WHO ABHORRED ABOMINATION “Toot WAS WITH.US FOR MANY MOONS, AND THEN HE AGRUPTLY DEPARTED. “ToT TAUGHT US MANY THINGS BEFOREHELEFT, THOUGHE WE LEARNED THE WAYS OF BLOOD, AND OF SPRITS, AND OF THE LEMENTAL FORCES NEDHTHYS LEARNED THE WAYS OF DEATH, AND IL THE WAYS etme AND bY OUR WILL WE PERFORMED MANY MIRACLES FOR OUR PEOPLES INA Visions, ILEARNED THE run WAM OF RA, WHO REGNED GUPREME INTHE CESTIAL FRMAMENT, AND THUS COULD T CONTROL {THE WORLD AROUND ME Bur I WAS STILL HUMAN, AND I DID NOT (CHOOSE THE MANTLE OF GODHOOD: FOR MYSELF AS MY HLSDAND HAD DONE Ser Tren RETURNED SET. 1 bo NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN HIS EXILE, BUTT WAS GEAR WHAT SET HAD BECOME HE HAD GUANGED, AS HAD Ooms — BLT HEDID NOT FEAR THE BEAST WITH INDEED HEREVEED INIT, ANDIT GAVE FORCE TO HS DARK DESIRES AND VAR ASPIRATIONS OSIRIS COMMANDMENT HAD BECOME A PROPHECY Fon NG LONGER COULD SET STAND BENEATH THESUN, AND HETOO WAS A CREATURE OF DARKNESS HENOW WAS ANUNWITTING SERVANT OF APODHSS, BEUEVING IN HES VANITY THAT HE WAS HS OWN MASTER 7 — Ln WORLD OF DARKAISS: WENT(QHAPTER ONE SeBATEE 1 | 9ee 20 van + ; (OsmtiS HAD RETURNED FROM THE SHORES OF THEDEAD, AND HE HAD COME BEARING WISDOM UIPON HES DEATHHEHAD MET ABOATMANNAMED ANUDIS, ALSO CALLED THELORD OF THE MORTUARY RITES, AWHO TOOK HaM-TO BLESSED FIELDS. AS THEY JOURNEYED, ANUBIS SPOKE WITH OSRuS AND TAUGHT HIM MANY SECRETS OF THE WORLDS OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD ~ SECRETS wact OSiRIS NOW BORE Returns Rom DUAT HE KNEW AT LAST HOW TO CONTAIN THE BEAST WICH HAD ROWED WITHIN, HIM SINCE THE TIME OF 8S CHANGE, AND THE PEACE WHICH HE HAD SOUGHT AND WHICH HAD ALWAYS HLIDED HIM WASNOW 8S. THIS KNOWLEDGE HE SHARED WITH 18S FOULOWES, THAT THEY TOO MIGHT FRND TRANQURLITY, AND IMPART IT TO OTHERS WHO SHARED THER STATE No LONGER WERE THEY TO BE WARRIORS OF THE FLESH, BUT WARRIORS OF THE SPIRIT, COMBATING THE CORRUPTION WHICH DARIC GREATURES UKE SET WOULD SPREAD UKE THE PLAGUE "AS HEDEGAN TO INSTRUCT HS CHILDREN, THE CALL WENT OUT, AND THOSE WHO WOULD OPPOSE SET BEGAN TO GATHER AT MESTHA'S FARM, INCLUDING THE SKINSHIFTEE CAT-FOLK AND CROCODILE FOU Tre Great RE [ANUS HAD SHARED MANY SECRET THINGS WITH OSIRIS, AND THEREBORN KING ALSO KNEW HOW yO SAVE HS SON. BUT TO SAVE HORUS, RRST THE PRINCEING HAD TO DIE, SO THAT HIS IA MIGHT DEPART #85 BODY AS HES BA ALREADY HAD! WITH THE GREAT Rives wract ANunis HAD TAUGHT ‘Ourus, HORUS BA AND KA MIGHT LATER UGTHRBON HIS DEAD BODY, AND GIVEHIM UFEETHENAL AND G0 Ositis SHARED HIS KNOWLEDGE WITH HIS SISTERS? WITH HS KNOWLEDGE AND QUE OWN ARCANE WISDOM, WE CREATED THE RITE OF REGITH [Bur WE WEREUNSURE OF TS KNOWLEDGE AND WESOUGHT PROOF AT LAST MIESTHA’ OUR AGING HOST, OFFERED TO DIE THAT WE MIGHT HAVE THE EVIDINCE WE SOUGHT, SO WITH 185 BLESSING, WE MUMRED HIS SENSES AND POISONED HINE OVER HIS DEAD BODY WE PERFORMED THE GREAT RITES, AND ‘Neprrnitys CALLED PTO THE UNDER WORLD AND DREW HIS SPIT BACK INTO HIS BODY. AS HE STIRRED, Nipirritys AND IRBOICED, FOR WE HAD FOUND A MEANS OF SAVING MY SON CONVINCED OF OUR SUCCESS, I WITHDREW MY HEAUNG MAGICKS FROM MY SOM; AND HORUS BREA TED 185 LAST PAINED BREATH. WE GEANSED HIM AND ANOBNTED FIM, AND WRAPPED Hi FORM. INURE, AND LAID If-TO REST IN A SIMPLE SARCOPHAGUS THAT IT MIGHT BE SAFE UNTIL HIS BA AND KA [RBOINED — FOR WE KNEW NOT HOW FAR INTHE FUTURE HIS IBA MIGHT ISE FREED. WE PERFORMED THERITES OvER HIM JUST AS WE HAD OVER MESTHA, BLT THE PROCESS WAS ARDUOUS AND LENGTHY FINALLY, [AS THE SUN SET, WE WERE FINISHED, AND WE RETIRED TO REST. Wuen Gops CLASH “Tren Set ARRIVED, WITH 185 FORCES, ALERTED TO OUR ACTIVITIES. WE WERE WEARIED, AND OUR. MAGKCKS WEAKENED. AT OUR PRIME WE COULD NOT HAVE OVERCOME THESE FORCES, AND WE KNEW THATNOW WE WERE DOOMED. THE FRST TO DIE WAS MY SISTER, AS A JEALOUS SET PLUCKED HER HEART Garr AND, WITH A HEARTY LAUGH, CRUSHED IT, ISTOOD, ATTEMPTING TO RALLY WHAT POWER ICOULD, PREPARED FOR THE WORST. Bur Te Reson KNGSTRUCK, AND THE TWO BROTHERS BATTLED WITH ALL THEPOWERS AT THER, COMMAND JUST AS THEY CLASHED, THER FOUOWERS MET IN BATTLE TOO. SOME OF THE FOUOWEKS OF ‘Ser, SENG MAGMCGENT O5aU5, FLED IN TERROR. OUR SHAPESHIFTER COMPANIONS FOUGHT BRAVELY AND FERCELY, STRING DOWN SET'S CHLDEE HITHER AND YON THE EARTH SHOOK BENEATH THs CONFUCT, AND FOR MILES AROUND US CHILDREN WAILED AND DOGS HOWLED. "AND AGAN SET PREVAILED. OSIRIS DIED ONCE MORE, HIS FORM CONSUMED BY MAGICAL ARE Fis FEW SURVIVING FOLLOWERS WEREROUTEDBY THESUPERIOR NUMBERS OF THE SETITES, AND OUI SKINCHANGER COMB ANIONS DIED ALMOST TO THE LAST ONE ISTOOD WITH THELAST SURVIVORS OF OSIRIS! CHILDREN, DERANT EFORE THE VENGEFUL SERPENT WHO TAUNTED ME WITH MY SON'S STOLEN EYE CALLING UPON THENAME OF RA, I ASSAILED SET WITH EVERY MAGICK KNOWN TO ME ELEMENT AL FORCES CONVERGED LON HIM, AND SPIRITS TORE AT HIM, AND HIS BLOOD SPLLED TO THE GROUND IN TORRENTS, YET HE LAUGHED INTHE FACE OF MY MIGHT, AND STRUCK ME TO THE GROUND wy ae ee Vv owvvyvyVY WORLD OF DARKNESS: MENTBerone THE ANAL Low, Horus THE AveNcE SALVATION CAME y OUTER OM: seontetTHEOSIRIAN LEAGUE ‘A thousand years passed between the creation of Horus and the next group of immortals — including myself — and what records we do possess come solely through oral tradition ghd what ‘we were taught upon our transformation. But this period was significant. Duringthistime,asSetsolidifedhisgrasponourland, Honus began the establishment of what would be called the COsirian League the gathering of men and women, moral and immortal, who vowed to oppose Set. THEOSIRIAN RESISTANCE Huncreds of years ha passe since Se’s defeat by Horus— or Osiris defeatby Set ifyou prefer —and Horus worked slowly, with all the patient deliberation an immortal could muster, to build up his nation’s resistance to Sets influence. He had vowed nor justo avenge hisather, but ro protect his people from Set and his wiles. For years he remained inthe Sina, establishing the network hhe would call the Osrian League: all those wise to Sets machina- tion and eagertoendit. He ives amongthe Silene Siders at fist, those shapeshifters who cal themselves the Garouand have many ‘enemies oftheir own. Other shapeshifiers were willing tohelp the Reborn King: The Bubast,the dark-skinned cat-people who were wise the ways of magic and the spirit word, agreed tohelp Horus intheirown fhion; unfortunately, many Bubast werebeguiled by Set into his service, and they were not a wholly reliable people. ‘TheMokoléofKhem, championed by Sehek were occasional alliesas well they werea long-lived people, with ancient memories. Unforcunately after Sebek’s death Hons was force to negotiate with a new chiefain; sich became standard forthe Mokolé, and Horusleamesthatthe Moko although usefulwariorsagainst Set and his band, could not be readily depended upon. Horusleamed soon enough ofthe difficulties in dealing with the shapeshifer: They were tubo peoples, and their customs were ancient and often unfathomable. Many resisted negotiating with Hors for theystillremembered the days when humans were nothing but cattle. But they proved valuable on occasion, and Horuswaseverprepared to maintain frendlyrelations withall the breeds in order that his army against Set be strengthened. ‘The Children of Osiris, those vampiric offpring ofthe Dead King, were ultimately valueles as warrorsto Horus, Horussought vengeance, and he sought Set’ destruction; Osiris children, on. the other hand, had tumed too far inward, and were, in site of their prodigious abilities ess inclined to fight. They sought not revenge, but redemption. But still Horus was wise to continue dealing with them, forthey posessedan uncanny insightinto the nature of vampirism, and some served as valuable counselors. Horus soon leamed of a race of long-lived folk who wan- dered the desert, called the eshu; while they were a reckles and unpredictable lot, Horus sill found utility in them. Superb storytellers they spoke ofhappenings beyond Hons’ domain or from before his time. Some sought bold adventure, and proved themselves capable warriors in Horus’ cause. ‘WORLD OF DARKNESS: MUNIN ‘And what of mortals, the very sheep which Horus had sworn to protect? Some sheep had teeth, and eagerly sought tobite the threatening lion; thus the Osirian League gained new members. The Cult of Iss, the fellowship formed by his mother, endured through the centuries, and passed down the secrets of the Spell of Life. Its members contained priests and warriors, scribes and farmers. At times stronger than others, italwaysacted asone of Horus’ armswhen he needed tostrike against the machinations of Setorhis puppets. These wizards and sorcerers were among the finest Egypt had to offer — certainly as fine as those in Ser's employ. THESYHAD ‘When and how did Horus learn ofthe other vampires? He knew of them early on, to be sure; Typhon wasa stranger inourmidst, and Sethad been changed while an exile. Sohe {new that inthe outer wastes beyond ournation's fragile and ever-changing borders, others like Set existe. Horus learned more about these vampires from the Silent Striders, whoroamed the landsandknewmanyoftsseeretyand from the vain eshu, who told tales of distant places and danger- us creatures. At fist he thought he only had to protect Egypt from the Comupter and perhaps the occasional wandering Visitor like Typhon; instead he leamed of the enonnity of the Jyhad — thar great war waged by vampires across the world. Egypt, which had been the whole workd to Horus, was obviously litle more than a comer of a gameboard, and Osiris had been litle more than a playing piece. And Horus-lespaird. But Horus was an immortal, and he could not afford an, eternity of despair. Hisresolve strengthened, and he chose to ‘extend his vendetta against Set ro all his infernal ilk: Other than the Children of Osiris — who were saved, in Horus? eyes, by their own penitential desires — there were no exceptions. Horus declared his own Jyhad, and vowed to exterminate the entire brood of Caine. And so vowing, he redoubled his efforts to secure his network of allies FUPPET KINGS AND SHADOW THRONES. We cannot claim to know what thoughts ran through Set's mind after his encounter with Horus: Only Set himself would have such knowledge, and anything he speaks would bealle. But we do know what happened in Khem soon after Osiris’ resurrection. ‘Already the unity which Osiris had established was beginning to weaken and fracture. But under Set, these fractures widened, and within a year of Set’s ascendancy, the ‘once-united Egypt fll apart into its various provinces. And tales of Osiris’ death and resurrection were surfacing, as were tales of Set’ cowardice and villainy. Horus’ eshu allies were ‘hard at work, spinning the tales which would one day become legend: Osiris, the Reborn King, would be the hero forall Egypt. There can be no doubt that Set seethed at chi, but there was little he could do to stop it. ae: Le) - Tea reer BN Salers ells ee Naver WN) ie 2 = if bi 2 > y ) EGYPTIAN HISTORY IN BREF a ceagietea accnscceir | Priests and nobles fought again, eéritories were lost, the country fragmented and was invaded again. FOREIGN POWERS ‘Over the following 700 years, 10 diferent dynasties : ruled Egypt, formed by Assyrian, Nubian or Persian con querors. Finally, in 332 BC, Alexander the Great ‘conquered Egypt and built a local capital in Alexandra ‘After Alexander's death, his territory was divided among his generals, with Ptolemy taking Eeypt and founding the Prolemy Dynasty. The Ptolemies introduced Greek cul ture while stil attempting to maintain native Egyptian culture. Alexandria became Egypt’scapital, and its library made the city one of the ancient world’s great intellectual centers. The as Ptolemy, Cleopatra, committesticidein 30BC, and Exype became a Roman province. MEDIEVAL EGYPT Egypt remained nominally Roman until the sev- enthcentury, when Muslim Arabsconquered the nation, uleimately giving ita new capital (Cairo) and a new culture. After a sequence of Arab, Turkish and North African dynasties — and. a brief interlude called the ‘Crusades — an officer named Saladin formed the ‘Ayubbid Dynasty, which ruled from 1181 to 1250. Mamelukes — military slaves — revolted in 1250 and seized power for 200 years. The Mameluke period was cone of the mast artistically prodigious (and militarily ruthless) periods of Islamic Egypt. The Ortomans in- vaded in the 16th century, bur did not drive out the “Mameukes, instead giving them governorship of Egypt. MODERN EGIFT By the 1700s, the Ottomans and the Mamelukes ‘were fighting for power. Napoleon invaded Egypt, wanting to establish a French colony, and he brought many French scientists and scholars who helped foster a European interest in Egyptology. The Otto- ‘mans, assisted by the British, forced the French out in 1801. The 20th century gave us an Egypt as British protectorate, but slowly moving toward indepen- dence from Europe, finally rising to become one of the Middle East’ strongest powers Formoreinformation on the history of Egyptin the ‘World of Darkness, and in particular the role of vam- pires, refer to A World of Darkness Second Edition ‘Thiswork isnot meant tobe aprimerin Egyptian history, but some broad understanding of itis useful when dealing with immortal characters who are prod ‘ucts ofthis time. The following is at best a thumbnail sketch, but it stands as a useful starting point. ANCIENT EGYPT Egyptian history dates back over 5,000 years, a5, villages slowly became part of two kingdoms. The northem region, centered on the Nile Delta, became known as Lower Egype; the southern region became Upper Eaypr. Around 3100B.C., King Meniesof Uppet Egypeconquered Lower Egypt thereby unitingthetwo kingdoms. Menes established the first dynasty, and founded Memphis (near modern-day Cairo) ascaptal PHARAONICEGIFT The period following Menes, known as Phara- onic Egypt, is divided into four periods. © The Early Period — This period includes Dynasties I and II, Hallmarks include the develop- ‘ment of irigation and hieroglyphic writing, *# The Old Kingdom — This period begins with Dynasty Ill, in 2650 B.C. Hallmarks include the building of pyramids and the movement of the capital to Thebes. Priests and government officials fought for power, and authority of kings weakened. ‘The Middle Kingdom —Founded in 1991 BC. when a vizier of southern Egype seized power and ‘moved the capital to Irjawy (near Memphis). This was atime of strong kings; Egypt was wealthy, and the arts flourished. Thiskingglom ended in 1786 B.C. and was followed by a period of weak kings. Asian invaders the Hiyksos, usurped control fora century, and introduced horse-drawn chariots and improved weapons. # TheNew Kinglom—Beginningin 1554BC. this peri marks Egype’s mean a a work power. Native gyptiansove the HyksosoutofEgyptand restored Thebes asthe capital Duringthe 400sBC, underKing Thutmose IL Egypt reached its 2enith, Campuigns into Acia brought ‘Sjria and Palestine under Exyrian control, while reesab- {ishing Egyp’shold over Nubia and Kish. Amenbotep IV, in 1367 BC, instituted religious monotheism, renamed himselfAKhenarcn (orlkhraton) andmovedthecapitalto ‘Aketaten (north of Thebes). His radial religious change esctboie, den meesssesiisso (HAPTER ONE SEBATET eS gE ell eel sAnd so he withdrew from Khem’s leadership, an disappeared from its public eye altogether. But Set, the nanipulator, was wise, and he remained within Egy relying upon his follower who would lead the fle lowed puppet chieftain, Set pullin and allies to slowly corrupt those state. Puppet chieftain fol strings of each one slowly coiled around his hat it would one night be his. The great Serp knowing Set remained free from harassmentby the members ofthe ‘newborn Osirian League, forhisrole often went undiscovered. The puppeteers therknowing the other's true master. When Horus orhisallies learned of Set toobecame the stuff ofleg ently backed opposing chieftains, nei involvement, battles would ensue, and these nd, But Setslowly gained the upper hand, for his were the ways of shadows. For centuries this transpired: Horus slowly built network of supporters and allies, while Set slowly built up his army of pawns and puppets. Corruption runs deep, and Set was the master corrupter; his toxin coursed through the lifeblood pt. Horus did much, it is true, to inculcate allegiances arate groups which might otherwise have had no consort, using enmity of Setasacommon bond. However, that which has been so easily described was in truth a long and arduousprocess, and took Horus centuriesto establish. Finally, after much toil and effort, Horus’ body had wasted a he left this earth to replenish hsb ain, and a for another age THESHEMSU-HERU ‘When Horus’ eyes opened again, much had change Egypt had been united again, chieftain, Menes by name red him of Although Horus usp fully reunited the lished find noevidencefor this. But Menessucces Upper and Lower King lls to Horus, who considers his father, Osiris, to an umbra hhave been the true founder ofthe first dynasty. But Horus was, keen enough to realize that history is relative at best, and am immortal would be wise to accept this. rumbled much of the Ositian League ha during Horus’ slumber; the werefolk hissed and growled at each other over petty disputes instead of concentrating thelr cfforts at common enemies. Osiris’ bloodlinehad beendriven, ined, hidden in Egype’s buconly asa handful of from Egyptby Set,andonlyafew ren wilderness. The Cult of Isis survive weak sorcerers, led by one aging priestess who barely recalled the Spell of Life Horus gathered those few who recalled the Osirian f building ares reakdown: He Le Set. But he had learned much from this knew that many times throughou from this world, in order to replenish his vital energies, and ss an ‘WORLD OF DARKNESS. MUNMT Pe Te ON OV TV VN OV SV EV a Se SY VOY OY OY Oveduring these times his league would crumble. immortals were necessary, to continue his work, to strike against Set in his absence, and to rep could not be. Others must receive the Great Rites Horus setout to find thecream of Egyptian society: those who were the best wartios, leaders and thinkers of the ‘current age, those who weremost worthy to receive his gifs Heslowly brought them intothe Osirian League ashis mortal agents finally, he offered to three of them the gift of immor- tality, and each accepted. Thus were born the Shemsu-hera, the Followers of Horus With their added strength and leadership, the Osirian League flourished once more, and they acted as his generals in Egypt, even traveling to other lands that they might learn aklitional waystocombatSet. Manystrange thingsdidtheysee, and these they reported to Horus. Each general, in turn, had to dle briefly, thar he might be Reborn. But never was there a period in which the Osiian League was utterly bereft of ea Few successes were gained, although the Osirian League did stabilize somewhat — however stable any such league ‘could be, considering the contrary natures of those involved. The early mumn patient, but ‘counseled them in the waysof prudence, Prompting a conflict t00800n, he warned, could ruin all that had been planned;and the few physical conflicts orchestrated by his generals proved thar Set and his minions were not easily bested. Forhalfa millennium did things thus transpire, until the ‘Age of the Pyramids. Egypt, still unified, was growing; deep cancer ravened, and few esent him where he beneath its surface, though, Set ‘could see it but Horus. Sets minions crawled everywhere, and on the nation’s borders lurked other vampires, who coveted his land’snatural resources. Internal conflictsamong theskinchangers brought division to the Osirian League; the Mokolé and Bubasti were fewer, some even having turned to the enemy; and some of their kin even suspected the Bubasti altogether of having been seduced by Set. The corrupting reach of Apophis was far indeed. Ac ast, at the ungings of his generals, Horus decided that there should be even more immortals to carry the weight of his Jyhad. And so he instructed the Cult of Isis to search for other worthy candidates. The process was slow and deliberate; over the next thousand years, under two dozen men and women entered the ranks of immortality. But each was a valuable addition toour cause, and itis from this group that | waschosen. THE MORE THINGS CHANGE... We watched our society change, and grow, as parents right watch a child mature. We saw our capital change to Thebes and then to Irjawy, and then back to Thebes. Therole of pharaoh changed and grew, and we hoped that with each new pharaoh Maae would be restored. We lamented at the series of weak kings who slowly led ourpeople into ruinas petty nobles and priest fought for glory, and our blo boiled when the Hyksos, manipulated by Set, led a wave f attackers into ‘our homeland and controlled it. But this wasa brief epise, no more than a hundred years (indeed, I myself was dead duringgmest oft); we cultivated mortalswho would eventually drive ou the Hyksos, and we rejoiced when our people claimed their homeland back frorn the foreign invaders. Bynow there weresome three dozen of anditgrewharder forthe Cultoflsisto care fr our bodies in death accordingly, we engineered the construction of lfhewn toms, havens which ‘would protect our hodies from the brood of Apophis while we visited Duat. Thus was created the Place of Truth, or the Valley cof Kings: Our havens were constructed simultaneously with the tombs of mortal pharaohs. For many centuis these havens servedasplacesofrefue for ourking che eklestevenretiringthere to isolated heritages, where they pursued their own arcane interests ree fom the prying eyes of moral. We watched a nation rise and fll in an almost regular eycle, as regular as the flooding of the Nile. Unforunately, noc all pharaohs conformed to the ideal ofthe Chosen of Ra, and they jroved tobe weak lender: But weleamedto let human history take its course, intervening only when we knew fora fact that Seite inyolverment wasa threat. We were ever remind ofthe yd THEISIIMAELITES Juseas an els lf sno promise of perfect memory, neither ita guarantee of rol commit- ‘ment, Weall began with genuine commitment to “Hons cause, bur forsome of sit was buta pain fancy — worth a century ortwo, then on to other hing. fanything immortality leadstoennniand stagnation is one of our greatest enemies. Regard- les, hough, none truly abarconed our crusade. Exceptforlshmae Hchadibeen one of Hons 3 carliest converts, but afer five centuries of bate, he tired —and he doubted the veracityof Hons! word. Atoneofourgatheringsyhe had words with ‘ur father, and said many unkind things to im. For his treason, he was banished, and told to wander the desertas Set had so done. Ishmael left fe3) our company and was never seen again, though ‘reports of his travel surfaced on occasion. He was not alone; indeed, others began to question the validity of our cause, pehaps in- sped by Ishmael’ doubts. A few quarteled with Horus, and they too were banished, Others sim. ply leftourfellowship, knowing that exile would be thee fre; ehey followed Ishmael in his wan- derings, and they were called the Ishmaelites, afer the frst oftheir kind. _ =And so we persevered, occasionally adding to our ranks. Many times Set red to infiltrate the ranks ofthe Cul of lis at first he attempted to destroy it, but as more and more Reborn were created, he soon desired to possess the Rite of Rebirth, fhathe thomighthave immortal inionsonpar wth Horus’ growing army. He had more than a few successes; his followersilisrupted a growing number of Rites many potential allies, their spirits and bodies permanently sundered without the Great Rite to draw them together again. and we Ipst Set’s rivalry with Horus was by now millennia old, and while both had strengthened their forces — Set with his Followers, Horus with the Osirian League and the mum- TAPE eT ‘The Great Rite — also called the Rite of Re- Horus would have his followers believe thar the Rite was carefully controlled throughout its history, and used on a select few, but history shows otherwise. DRAFTEES OR VOLUNTEERS? Inthe earliest days ofthe Shemsu-hers, Horus himself and the high priest ofthe Cult of Isis chose recipients worthy of immortality, basing their deci- sion on perceived moral virtue and conviction — that the earliest mummies thus chosen were always the upper class of Egyptian society is, no doubt, ‘mere coincidence. As centuries passed, Horus became consider- ably less involved in the selection of new mummies; sometimes other Shemsu-heru acted in his stead, and other times his mother's cult acted indepen- dently. And through time, the selection of new mummies became consicerably more varied, accord- ing to the judgment ofthe acting high priest. Itis no surprise that older mummies sometimes treat younger ‘mummies not simply as children, but Canaille, Some écipients accepted theirimmoreality and selves tobe killed while still in their prime, that they, might sooner transition to immortality. Others, though, particularly laerin the cule’ history, simply had immortality thrust upon them: The Great Rite was performed over the dead bodies of warriors or priests who knew nothing ofthe Shemsu-heru. These were plucked from their rest to live on ina crusade not of their choosing. mies — neither had a significant gain. Likewise, each had dabbled in Egyptian politics: Set constantly attempting to conquer the nation, through foreign forces if necessary, and Horus constantly seeking to liberate his homeland from Set’s despotism while alsoiengaging in His own private war of vengeance. But with each locked against the other in private conflict, neither was prepared for the oncoming force of Alexander the Great, and soon another power entirely had taken control of Egypt There was litle either could do. Set, of course, tumed £0 corrupting the government of the Ptolemies. Honus, weakened by decades of strife, passed into the Underworld once more The Great Rite could actually be performed ‘over anyone who had just died, provided the body was still warm. Some magics were devised just to keep dead bodies warm so that the Great Rite could still be performed, Not every attempt at creating mummies suc- ceeded. Sometimes the recipient simply remained dead; it is believed that these few had traveled beyond the reach of the Great Rite. THESECRET WRITINGS OF CABIRUS ‘The Great Rite had originally been entrusted to the high priests ofthe Cult of lis from the cult’s very foundation. Through tight control, Horus hoped to safeguard the secrets of immortality, that no one unworthy of the gift would receive it. But secrets have @ way of becoming known, Some time after the sixth century B.C,, Reborn became known in Greece, calling themselves the Cabiri—afteran Egyptian mummy named Cabicus, who claimed to have knowledge of the Great Rite of the Cult of Isis. In fact, Cabirus claimed to have been taught it by none other than Thoth himself — claim which most Shemsu-heru scom. A Euro- pean legacy grew from the Secret Writings of Cabirus, which resurfaced every few centuries in time to create another Reborn. Horus himself found the last known copy of the Secret Writings in the L5¢h century, and destroyed it. The Great Rite has never knowingly been re- corded in full — and yet some esoteric scholars claim to have seen fragments of this Great Rite. A number of the Shemsu-heru, acting on Horus’ com- mand, actively eek these fragments, thac they might be destroyed.