The Hand of Set is a Stygian and Cimmerian PvP-oriented guild in the MMORPG game, Age of Conan (AoC). The guild is based on the premise of a cult following the dark serpent god Set. It believes that it has received a mission from Father Set himself to spread his divine teachings to those outside of Stygia. Author Robert E. Howard (creator of Conan) originally created the world in which the game will be based, a psudo-earth in which he took cultures during the height of their barbarism and lumped them all together, regardless of their chronological placement. In regards to The Hand, Set is the primary god of Stygia which Howard derived from Egypt. The name comes from Styx, a river of the underworld in Greek mythology. Thus HoS has an Egyptian-like feel, also a tribute to the desert environment which pervades in Stygia. Age of Conan will offer a variety of optional gameplay elements; PvP, PvE, Roleplaying, Town Building and Questing. The Hand plans to embrace all of these elements.

[edit] Hand of Set Dogma

The three commands issued by Father Set to Nkosi were Prepare, Sacrifice and Dominion. These three charges form the core of the cult's dogma, related to both the physical and spiritual world. How the cult interprets these three commands, in context with the series of dreams received by Nkosi, our Prophetess, are as follows.

[edit] Prepare

Yet, in the midst of this struggle, the serpent met her gaze and a voice rang within her slumbering mind. “Prepare”.

Prior to receiving the Charge, Nkosi (like most Stygians) paid mostly lip service to Set. Her focus was her craft as a necromancer and her thirst for knowledge and power centered thereon. Set's dreams redirected her focus, transforming her from selfish image to devote follower. While she has never called herself a prophet, others have. Prepare, the first command issued by Set, was therefore interpreted in her mind as an order to prepare herself spiritually as well as make preparations in the physical to carry out the will and future commands of her god.

The Hand of Set shall follow Father Set's command to prepare in the following ways:

--> Prepare your soul. Make it a pleasing vessel in which to carry out the Father's will.

--> Prepare your house. Better a thousand enemies without than one enemy within,

--> Prepare your resolve. The path Set sets us upon is not easy. Nothing worthwhile is.

--> Prepare your finances. Gold offered often paves the way when spilled blood cannot.

--> Prepare your weapons. The enemies of Set are many and resourceful.

[edit] Sacrifice

Yet, in the midst of this struggle, the serpent met her gaze and a voice rang within her slumbering mind. Sacrifice”.

Each and every thing gives something of itself to another, be it in life or in death. The ox gives it labor to the farmer. The lion gives its flesh to the hyena upon its death. The mother gives her blood to her child. The sun gives it's light to the darkness. Thus it is that all things sacrifice. What sets the children of Set apart is our willingness to give more than is required. Set's command to Sacrifice does not mean that our lives or our possessions have no value and may therefore be thrown away without thought. Instead, the deeper meaning is that what we possess is of great value and therefore its usage, its sacrifice in the service of Set is honorable, cherished and necessary.

In following the Father's command to sacrifice, the Hand of Set brings forth these offerings:

--> Offer your time. The hourglass turns only by the Father's hand.

--> Offer your skills. The cult shall only be as strong as its weakest member.

--> Offer your wisdom. Only the foolish man learns nothing from the fool.

--> Offer your blood. Pain and injury are but trials to endure in service to the Father.

--> Offer your blade. This path shall be covered in the blood of our foes.

[edit] Dominion

Still, the battle did continue, the hawk beset upon at all sides but still filled with strength from within. Yet, in the midst of this struggle, the serpent met her gaze and a voice rang within her slumbering mind.“Dominion”.

Every land that calls a god other than Set their patron is an affront to His will. Only by laying claim, dominion, upon the world shall the Father's will be done and his divine wisdom spread to all. Each village. Each town and city. Each barony and providence. Each region and country must be brought to the yoke for it is only in service that a man may be free.

The command of Dominion shall be completed by the Hand by ruling these things:

--> Rule your self. Your greatest enemy is thyself.

--> Rule your tongue. Once departed, an arrow and a secret fly where they may.

--> Rule your home. How can one rule another's house if their own is in chaos.

--> Rule your soul. Easier paths do not always lead to your desired destination.

--> Rule your lands. A foothold upon a land for the Father shall become his abode.

[edit] Joining Hand of Set

In order to join The Hand of Set, an applicant must fulfill these three requirements:

1. Your character must be of the Stygian or Cimmerian race. No exceptions. None. If you choose Cimmerian, you are limited to the Guardian class or Dark Templar class.

2. The only priest class we allow are Tempest of Set. No others. No exceptions. None.

3. You, as the human player sitting at your computer reading this, must realize and accept this guild is dark, evil, and embraces concepts within the game that are abominable in the real world. These include slavery, murder, bigotry, demonology and necromancy (to name a few). The guild will also contain its fair share of erotic overtones and blatant sexual expression. To apply to The Hand is to understand and accept this.

The process is simple. So long as you meet the above criteria then all you have to do is contact us and post an application at our forums. Having done that, you will receive a reply in a timely manner to setup a ventrilo interview.

Be warned. This will be a PVP guild full of evil players with many friends in the role-playing community. Betray us at your own peril.