PLOT || The Setspawn

INTRODUCTION TO SETSPAWN

In DEITIES, Setspawn are a physical manifestation of Set’s control over chaos energy, that appear in his likeness — a diminutive form of it, but a likeness nonetheless. They serve as his agents and messengers, and assist Set in gathering and returning information to him. Few details are known regarding how and why the Setspawn were first created, but the following notes will share more information about how they behave.

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PURPOSE OF SETSPAWN

Setspawn primarily serve as an extension of Set’s awareness. Due to Set’s power at the time of his reign, both politically and with magic, he created and tasked Setspawn to help keep himself informed of what occurred within his kingdom. Setspawn were often used in addition to — and sometimes in lieu of — other agents and allies that were a part of Set’s rule, and as another method for him to eavesdrop.

Despite their innate connection to Set, Setspawn are not linked “in real time” to his consciousness. The Spawn maintain their own autonomy to wander around and gather information of interest, and often interact with their environment and cause any chaos as they see fit (see Design Notes and Characteristics & Behavior below). Once a Spawn returns to Set, he can access the information they’ve gathered through contact, and review what they’ve experienced, from their perspective — as if he had been there himself at the time.

Put another way: if a Setspawn happens to hear, see, or otherwise perceive a piece of key information, it can relay them as memories when it returns directly back to Set.

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DESIGN NOTES

Setspawn appear to resemble diminutive Sha animals, though they bear no direct relation to the latter. Setspawn are mouse-like in appearance and in size, with disproportionately large ears, forearms, and eyes. The majority of Setspawn share a similar shade of red as Set’s animal form, but there are a few that are other variants of colors — such as other shades of red, and very rarely as black or white. It is not known whether there is meaning behind these variations.

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CHARACTERISTICS & BEHAVIOR

While it may not be accurate to say that each of the Setspawn have separate natures or personalities, they do have a “character” of sorts, which can be affected by their given situations and experiences.

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When Setspawn are given instructions by Set, they carry their own autonomy and are usually quite focused on their task. But Setspawn have their curious and trouble-making tendencies if they are distracted or sidetracked; they rarely pass up an opportunity to get into things, troll around, or cause some mischief — if they can get away with it unscathed.

Setspawn are also capable of learning from their environment and experiencing simple emotions, and they may mimic behaviors for their own amusement. They are highly expressive, and while they cannot actually talk, they can chatter and make gestures to convey meanings — something which Set, but not necessarily everyone, can understand clearly. Setspawn also seem to be prone to fussing or throwing mini-tantrums if something doesn’t exactly go their way.

Eating and sleeping are “optional but optimal” for Setspawn. Neither food or sleep are vital for Setspawn to live, and they will not die if they go without either; the chaos energy that created them is enough to sustain their form. But Setspawn can get very sluggish without food or sleep, and thus less effective at their tasks. To help maintain their energy, they prefer to eat what they can find, and nap when they can, and they greatly enjoy both.

RELATIONSHIP WITH SET

Because Setspawn are a manifestation of Set’s magic, Set views them as his own creations, and one of his remaining connections to chaos energy during his exile. It should be noted, however, that Set views his Setspawn as neither pets nor as kids, but treats them as his numerous, personal familiars.

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Set won’t hesitate to delegate different tasks to his Setspawn, and he may mildly torment the Spawn for his own amusement, or out of his personal frustration, but he is neither completely neglectful nor cruel with them. He overall tolerates their presence, even on his person, and gets enjoyment from their antics and when they cause trouble for others, or mimic his actions.

The Setspawn, meanwhile, collectively seem willing to listen to Set’s instructions and will follow the tasks he gives them. Occasionally they may put up a small fuss if the request is unfavorable (or if they want to be difficult), but it’s fleeting and doesn’t amount to true resistance. They also seem aware of how Set ticks emotionally, and while they will knowingly be cautious around him when he’s in a foul mood, they’re eager to report back to him when they come across information he might like.

SETSPAWN LIMITATIONS & RISKS

Setspawn are normally quite hardy in spite of their size, able to function for a long time and at long distances away from Set. Their small size also aids them, allowing them to enter small areas and to go unnoticed most of the time. However, they still remain fairly vulnerable to other beings and deities.

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Since the time of Set’s reign, many residents in Duat have become aware of what Setspawn are, and most are not very fond or tolerant of them, considering them as pests. While the mechanism for how Setspawn “work” isn’t common knowledge, there’s a wide understanding that wherever a Spawn appears, Set himself may somehow learn of what may have occurred at the scene. Mortal humans residing in the overworld of Egypt are also able to perceive Setspawn — and though few may recognize what they are, many often mistake them for rodents and vermin, and may react accordingly.

Thus, despite their natural curiosity, it seems instinctual for Setspawn to avoid being discovered or caught by those who would threaten to harm them. Furthermore, all the purposes and benefits for Set to use Setspawn are under the condition that the Setspawn survive their trip, as Setspawn that are “killed” are unable to return any information they had gathered.

Additionally, during Set’s reign, the Setspawn were more numerous, helping to monitor events around Duat and relay any key info or concerns to Set. But after the results of The Contendings, only a handful of Setspawn remain, for reasons partially linked to Set’s sentencing and exile (see notes on The Sentencing of Set and The Chaos Seal).

INDEX || SETTING & PLOT NOTES