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Description: The Ra Syndicate is a relatively recent merging of several minor technological development companies, supposedly due to their mutual assent that they were too small to make an impression on the market on their own. The Syndicate can be subdivided into four Sectors by the technology they create: Set, Imhotep, Horus, and Thoth. Within each Sector are several subsectors, and these will be described in detail with their corresponding Sector. The symbol of the Ra Syndicate is a black Eye of Horus (or wadjet) on a white-winged yellow sun-disc.

Set: The Defensive Technologies Sector of the Ra Syndicate. Here armor, shielding, and various protective measures are researched and tested by those who work here. They often work in conjunction with Horus to test their respective technologies against each other. The Sector's symbol is a gray kite shield with what is known as a sa emblazoned on it in black. A subdivision of this Sector is Selket, whose actions are closely guarded by the Sector's security division. It is rumored that there are strange and arcane things occuring in Selket...but none have been confirmed. Selket's symbol is a white round shield with a red scorpion emblazed on it. Another subdivision of Seth is Isis, which is also a subdivision of Imhotep. The Set branch of Isis is devoted to the production of serums, antivenoms, antitoxins, preventative medicines, and the like. The symbol of Isis is a red equilateral cross with a blue Knot of Isis superimposed over it.

Imhotep: The Medical Technologies Sector of the Ra Syndicate. Here curative medicines, healing aids, dietary supplements, and various other forms of healing are researched and tested here. The Sector's symbol is a white caduceus. A subdivision of this Sector is Anubis, whose activities are shrouded in secrecy. There are rumors of highly advanced medicinal breakthroughs originating in Anubis, though none of these can be verified. Anubis's symbol is a black jackal's head superimposed over a silver ankh. Another subdivision of Imhotep is Isis, which is also a subdivision of Set. The Imhotep branch of Isis is also rarely seen by the public, but rumors of magic experimentation abound. The symbol of Isis is a red equilateral cross with a blue Knot of Isis superimposed over it.

Horus: The Offensive Technologies Sector of the Ra Syndicate. Here weapons of all kinds and functions are created, modified, and tested. They often work in conjunction with Seth to test their respective technologies against each other. The sector's symbol is a green hawk's head superimposed over a black sword. A subdivision of this Sector is Geb, whose activities are focused mainly on developing ground-based weapons, vehicles, and emplacements. Geb's symbol is a brown mountain with white snow at the peak superimposed over an orange four-pointed star. Another subdivision of Horus is Nut, whose activities are focused mainly on developing air-based weapons, vehicles, and emplacements. Nut's symbol is a yellow five-pointed star superimposed over a blue square.

Thoth: The Intelligence/Espionage Technologies Sector of the Ra Syndicate. Here monitoring devices, infiltration mechanisms, and other "tools of the trade" are manufactured and tested. Often Set and Horus work together in field tests of Thoth's technology to provide a more realistic testing environ. This Sector's symbol is a white rectangle representing a sheet of paper at a 45-degree angle with a black pen perpendicular to it. A subdivision of Thoth is Seshat, whose activities are said to revolve around keeping tabs on important governmental figures and up-and-coming technicians. It is said that these are its activities, but no one knows for sure. Seshat's symbol is a green seven-pointed star. Another subdivision of Thoth is Neith, whose activities skew towards war-time information gathering technology. What kinds are hard to tell, as all developments are closely guarded secrets. Neith's symbol is a bundle of arrows with red fletching.

Location: Their complex is located equidistantly from Lament and Durem, and is equidistant from Durem and Gambino Island as well. The buildings of the Ra Syndicate complex are basically concrete boxes with darkened windows, wider than they are tall. The only identifying features of the buildings are the symbols indicating their Sector and occasionally their subsector. Several large hanger-like buildings seem to mark out a large field to the north of the main complex, and to the south of the main complex several more hangar-like buildings stand in a loose cluster. The perimeter of the complex is fenced off by high fences which seem to be extremely flimsy for such a technologically advanced organization. One can only assume that there are more efficient ways of defense against intruders that have yet to be revealed. The only entrance is on the east side of the complex, and it is housed in the Public Relations center of the Syndicate.

People: There is a Board of Directors pooled from the best of each of the minor companies and a Board of Sectors comprised of the head of each Sector and subsector, and at the head of them both is the chairman simply known as Amon. Little is known about him, save that he is a cunning businessman and a ruthless foe. (More information will be posted in the Character List at a later date). Amon is the power behind the Ra Syndicate, and he has apparently earned this right, as most employees speak of him with an almost awed tone. The employees of the Ra Syndicate have no uniform code, so they can be found wearing anything from jeans and a ragged t-shirt to a three-piece suit. However, each employee wears something that bears the symbol of their Sector or subsector, and this is most oftentimes out of pride for their contributions to the company as a whole.

Climate: Temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. The spring has a greater rainfall than the average for the area, which makes the surrounding lands fertile.

Flora: The Ra Syndicate complex is located on the plains, but there is a nearby forest, and they sit very near the foothills of a mountain range to the northwest. There are trees, flatland shrubs, prarie grasses, and all are extremely healthy, as the ground around the complex is extremely fertile.

Fauna: There are few animals found near the complex, but those that can be found are average woodland creatures (deer, foxes, rabbits, coyotes, bears, wolves, squirrels, birds, insects, etc.). It is rumored that the forest is home to a colony of lycanthropes, but none have investigated this rumor.

Resources: Because of their fertile surroundings, an Agricultural subdivision (Hapi) that farms the surrounding fields was developed, and their crops are used to feed the workers there, while the surplus is sold to help cover the costs of materials. They also own much of the surrounding land, and have wealthy tenants who rent prime pieces of real estate for recreation and retirement homes. These are usually located on the outer edge of the Ra Syndicate's lands.

Myths/Lore: There are rumors associated with the Ra Syndicate, but hardly anything mythological or lore-related...

Sector Head Trey, at that very moment, was nervous as nervous could be. Normally he appeared slightly nervous; now he looked as though he was going to collapse into panic-attack induced convulsions.

Trey: "Mr. Ra, coming here, and the leak was here, oh GOD!"

He clenches at his hair and yanks as though he is trying to tear a sizeable chunk out.

Trey: "I need to find out exactly what happened before he gets here!"

With that thought echoing through his brain, Imhotep Head Trey began his inquiry, first with the guards at the front door...

Guard: "Sir, I thought they were new. I pointed out the directions to your offices, but then they asked about their assignment, so I told them to look for you. They wandered off that way."

...then staff members who had seen the stranger and assumed that they were a new employee as well.

Worker: "Yeah. They asked me about where the top-secret department was. I asked them about the passcode...then they gave me this blank look and said they forgot them. I told them that it'd be okay, you just had to knock before going in so you wouldn't disturb someone. Then I showed them where to go...God, I'm sorry Trey."

The further he followed the trail, the less he liked where it led.

Employee: "They asked me about that door there. I told 'em, 'If that's your assignment, no one's gonna stop you.' So in they go, and not five minutes later they come out pale as a sheet an' almost runnin' out. I didn't even realize they were an intruder, sir. I'm so sorry."

Trey's eyes follow the employee's pointing finger...and then his heart almost stops in his chest. Emblazoned on the door is a black jackal's head over a silver ankh. Though he already looked as though he was going to begin seizuring, now it looked as though he was going through minor seizures as a nervous tick seized control of his right eyelid.

Trey: "I...think I need...a stiff drink."
Employee: "You and me both."
Trey: "I've got...some brandy...in my office...for...special occasions."
Employee: "Sir, if this isn't special, I don't know what is."

The two of them almost stagger off to Trey's office as the jackal's head on the door seems to maintain an ominous watch on the hallway...

In the subterranean bowels of the Imhotep building, it is too dark to see...and there seems to be white noise that covers all sounds in the darkness...but there is one brilliant point of light in the darkness, one oasis of sound amidst the desert of white noise. And in this brilliant light sits a man. His long hair hangs in front of his face as he is bent over a desk, concealing both his eyes and his face from further scrutiny. Then he looks up as though seized by some inspiration and stares off into space. An observer would note three things: the first is that he is unnaturally pale even when the effect of lighting is taken into consideration, as though he had never seen the sun. The second is that his left eye has a tattoo (or what appears to be a tattoo) of the Eye of Horus around it, with his own eye and eyebrow serving as those pieces of the wadjet. The third is that his eyes do not seem to have any emotion or life to them. They stare out of his head like orbs of glass, and yet it is obvious that there is intelligence within that stare. Then the man returns to what he was doing, ignoring the white noise and the darkness around him as he props up a hardcover book on the desk before him and flips a page.

Scientist: "And he's content to just sit there and read?"

Behind a reinforced one-way mirror in the depths of the darkness, a woman on the project and a fellow Anubis member watch as the man continues to read, oblivious to anything else that might be happening.

Researcher: "Once or twice he's asked for a sandwich and a glass of water. And when he first came in here, he asked if we could turn off the white noise."
Scientist: "...well?"
Researcher: "You know why we can't do that."

They both lapse into silence as they return to watching the man. He sits so still that he seems to be a statue, and the only signs of life that he exhibits are the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the slight movements of his eyes, and the occasional flip of a page.

Scientist: "And he hasn't asked any other questions?"
Researcher: "No. He hasn't answered any either."

A beep in the booth makes both of them jump, and the researcher reaches for an intercom button in front of her that is flashing.

Researcher: "Yes?"
Trey: "Vanessa?"
Researcher: "Yes. What is it, Trey?"
Trey: "The hard copies of your mentor's files were rifled through earlier today, and I haven't been able to inform him yet. Could you tell him personally?"
Vanessa: "Sure, boss...how badly was security compromised?"
Trey: "That was all, fortunately."

The crisp click of a microphone shutting off echoes through the enclosed space. Then another beep sounds, and this time only the visitor jumps as Vanessa reaches for another flashing button and presses it.

???: "Excuse me, Ms. Vanessa, but I have finished this book. May I have another, if it is no trouble?"
Vanessa: "We didn't think you'd finish the book so quickly, so we don't have another on reserve for you. It'll take a while, but we can get you another."
???: "That is all right. There are some parts of this book that I wish to investigate further, as I believe there are hidden meanings within them."
Vanessa: "Why do you think that?"
???: "...I do not know why I think such a thing, Ms. Vanessa. I just do."
Vanessa: "Well, it won't be long, Osiris. We'll have a book for you soon."
Osiris: "Thank you, Ms. Vanessa."

Vanessa releases the button and gives her guest a look.

Vanessa: "You've seen his work now. Are you convinced?"
Scientist: "I must agree that it is amazing...but what about the--"
Vanessa: "Please...don't remind me."
Scientist: "Well, we'd better get 'Osiris' that book."

They both stand to leave, and meanwhile Osiris flips the book's pages back to the beginning slowly, letting them run across his thumbs and stopping once he reaches the very beginning.

Osiris: "I hope that there is a deeper meaning hidden in this book I have not yet discovered...otherwise I will be very bored."

Osiris puts the book back down on the desk and returns to his reading and his obliviousness towards anything else...

It had been several months since the takeover by Deity Inc., and the Syndicate had managed to remain mostly intact within its infrastructure. Some departments were cut, some were melded into other parts of Deity, but most survived their inspections and continued to pursue their regular objectives. The Board of Directors was one of the pieces that most of the employees were glad to see merged with the rest of Deity, and the retaining of the Board of Sectors was greeted with relief. And now, the last of the inspections was taking place...soon everything would settle back into its normal rhythm...

-Imhotep Building, Basement-

The three Deity Inc. technicians had gone over the wirings several times, and had verified a lack of shortages, fuse breaks, or any other of various electrical phenomenon that would halt the functioning of the basement lights...and still they couldn't figure out why the only working light sources were the ones inside the small booth at the end of the staircase and at the desk of the gaunt figure who sat with a small pile of books, always reading.

Jonas: "Hey guys!"

The other two technicians looked up from their ends of the small booth as their companion called out.

Greg: "What'd you find, Jonas?"
Sid: "It better not be some weird button that doesn't do anything..."

The two techs languidly walk over to see what Jonas has discovered.

Jonas: "It's a slot for a keycard...don't know how we missed that before."
Sid: "You think our cards can override the security measures?"
Greg: "Deity owns Ra, so I'm guessing yeah."

With a casual flick of his wrist, Greg flips his card into the slot, then withdraws it. A brief flicker on a screen shows the words "Access Acknowledged" before the phosphorent letters fade into darkness.

Sid: "...that was easy."
Jonas: "Let's try the switch again."

Sid reaches for the switch labeled "Main Lights" and flips it to the "On" position. The lights flicker slowly to life, taking time due to neglect...and the sight they reveal stuns all three of the technicians. Throughout the basement, cages of iron bars stand...and in these cages are figures more gaunt and unhealthy than the figure at the desk, who has stopped reading and covered his eyes to shield them from this new light. At least the one at the desk looks alive.

Greg: "My God! What are those things?!"

Then the small white-noise producing speakers fail, their power cut by the power draw of the overhead lights. The sounds of gnashing of teeth, gibbering howls, and the moist smacking of flesh against iron as the things throw themselves against the bars of their cages, attempting to become free. The pale figure at the desk has dropped his hand and looks around with an almost detached expression...one that quickly shifts into anguish and fear. With a cry (whether of fear or agony, it is difficult to tell), the figure at the desk attempts to dash towards the now-revealed booth, and stops abruptly at the edge of the raised platform that sits in the midst of the caged...zombies is the only proper term for them.

???: "Let me out!"
Jonas: "Holy hell!"
Sid: "...well, this is more interesting than the last inspection."
Greg: "What're we gonna do about the guy who wants out?"

Sid shrugs, ignoring the frail figure as it beats helplessly at the edge of an invisible boundary that keeps him trapped.

Sid: "He's down here for a reason."
Jonas: "Should we leave the lights on...?"
Greg: "No! It seems to rile those things up."

As they leave, Greg flips the main light switch off, but not before giving the trapped reader a sorrowful look.

Jonas: "Whaddya think that was all about?"
Sid: "Beats the hell outta me..."

Not without relief, the three technicians continue up the stairs to deliver their judgement of the situation...



The lights all fell, save the one illuminating Osiris's desk. The white noise failed to return, however, and it was in this light that Osiris fearfully sat and listened to the noises of the creatures around him.

Osiris: So that is why they kept the odd sounds on...to drown out the monsters that surround me!

Every thought he had was towards escape. Anything to get away from the horrendous noises and the frightful things near him. He could see their limbs occasionally flail into the pool of light he huddled in, the decayed flesh reeking of the sweet scent of death.

Osiris: "I have to get out of here!"

He shouts this thought aloud to the darkness and the din of the surrounding creatures, who gibber in reply. Frustration and anger build in him as he tries to leave the platform, repelled from every angle by either strange invisible walls or iron cages of walking corpses.

Osiris: "Let me pass!"

Though he does not realize it, Osiris shouts this in another language, one older than the Germanic tongue he had been speaking. He thrust his hand at the invisible wall before him as he shouted, not knowing why he did so. After a few seconds of comparative stillness, Osiris turns away from the edge of the platform...then returns and kicks at the field of force that keeps him there. His foot sails through the air where the wall was, causing him to lose his balance and end up on his back with a surprised expression on his face. Somehow, it had disappeared.

Osiris: Now is no time to sit and wonder. I must leave this place!

He turns and collects his only belongings other than the clothes on his back, the books that had been his companions for as long as he could remember, and lightly steps off the raised edge of the platform towards where he knows there is a door into the small booth...