Introduction

Investigation of natural phenomena and confrontation with the 'mysterious' mattered deeply to the ancient egyptians, even if there was not always an explanation and if the result was occasionally incomprehensible and contradictory. Consequently, metaphysical myths of creation and magickal formulae directed against the forces of chaos - manifest in the threat of the underworld snake Apophis - signify that the ancient Egyptian quest for ultimate knowledge. Egyptian Myths, George Hart
The Land of Horus is an epic chronicle for Mage, detailing the quest of a hermetic cabal to complete an ancient ritual and open a new era. It takes place in Egypt, both ancient and modern, dealing with the many-layered conflicts of the Ascension War and the lure of antique mysteries.

The Story

The cabal, the Armorers of Orion, was formed to investigate and explore the mysteries of the Pattern, an ancient ritual of cosmic power that was almost completed by the mage-priests Old Kingdom. As the chronicle unfolds, the mages learn more about it and begin attempt to complete it; if they can succeed they will bring about a profound change in the world and possibly fulfil some of their personal destinies.

But there are many dangers on the path. The Ascension War is heating up in Egypt as fundamentalism clashes with the Technocracy, secret societies manipulate events behind the scenes and a shadowy group of Nephandi seek to turn the Nile valley red with blood. On a higher level, the ancient gods are awakening as the mages begin to look into mysteries left alone for millennia; some will oppose them, some will support them. Finally, there is the ever-present danger of hubris and personal ambition.

The chronicle is divided into three parts. Part I, Osiris, deals with the formation and arrival of the cabal in Egypt, setting up a base of operation, meeting some of the Awakened inhabitants of Cairo and learning about the pyramids. Part II, Isis, revolves around their attempts to complete the Pattern and to survive in the heating Ascension War. Part III, Horus, deals with the final attempt to complete the Pattern and change the world.

Theme

The theme is struggle and the quest for balance in the face of chaos and opposition. Egypt is brimming with conflicts: between Islamic and Western values, between different traditions and the Technocracy, between Set and Horus, between past and present. How can these conflicts be resolved? By one side winning and vanquishing the other? By compromise? Or by changing the rules of the game?

The cabal is seeking to fathom an ancient mystery and to complete it despite the raging Ascension War, millennia of secrecy and dangerous pitfalls. On all sides forces, both material and spiritual, are trying to push things in their direction; only by balancing fire with water, air with earth and light by dark can the mages prevent failure and bring about the great transformation they seek.

Mood

Epic/hermetic. As the Millennium draws close, ancient visions and schemes begin to unfold, seeking to bring about a great change -- or to prevent it. Powers on all planes from the physical to the divine are becoming involved, covertly influencing events. Everything is secretly symbolic, hiding secrets and hints if one can read it. Omens and mysteries hint at greater patterns, and the simpleminded will be fooled by appearances into destruction.

Ancient mysteries, secrets hiding secrets. Everybody is struggling to find and solve the Enigma of Egypt, the key to Ascension. This is where the Earth was first formed, this was were the gods trod the land, this was were the spirit world and material world was first sundered. If one can find the primeval mound and use its power, the cosmos can be remade - or unmade.

Egypt and its history weighs heavily even on mages. It may not be possible to change Egypt, but Egypt changes you.

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