The Sons of Sekhmet By: Cerebus Sands of Stygia The first featured army is a "Do It Yourself" space marine chapter called the Sons of Sekhmet, created by Cerebus. This army is a perfect example of how you can develop a hook (In this case an Egyptian theme) and build a cohesive and characterful army. ***This material is the property of Cerebus and is reprinted with his permission.*** Background The Space Marines of Stygia have a far reaching and deep history, rooted within the traditions of their history. Unlike the orthodox priesthoods usually found within the Western society of early terra, the role of the Sons is vastly different within the society as a whole. The role of the Sons is a everyday job. For, as the pharaoh is seen as a the hand of Amun himself, the Sons are seen as stand-in's for the pharaoh; as it is the greater job of the Sons to keep Stygian society in good order. The mystical attributes of the Sons take on a secondary role, when one considers the heightened role religion plays within Stygian society, as well as in the populations of all imperial worlds. Not only is religion a way to attain the ethereal and basic needs of the Stygians, but it also serves as a mechanism to order society, to create a hierarchy, and to preserve the culture for all future generations. As such, the role of the Sons is both functional and mystical on both levels. All Sons are generally chosen at an early age by the first company, or attain their entry by means of the gladitor trials. The daily life of the Sons depended on their standing within the Chapter. The Companies of the Sons Chapter are rotated from fleet and planetary status. The rotation system work like this. Due to the size of the Sons chapter half of each company, roughly 75 marines are stationed aboard fleets which patrol the local sector while the other half of each company help keep the stygian systems planet under order and away from chaotic corruption. This rotation system happens ever 100 years and has a direct connection to the stringent purity rites of the Sons. Regardless of what status the Son is, there are numerous taboos and tradition's a Son had to or could not partake of. Of these taboos and traditions, a Son can't eat fish (a food thought to be ascribed to peasant life), can't wear wool (as nearly all animal products were unclean), and is common for Sons to bathe three or four times a daily in "sacred" purificatory pools. Also for the "Ptah" tending priests, The "Ptah" priests seal the Neter-Khertet in the evening, as well as the outer temple fortress Doors. The hierarchy of the Sons consists of a milieu of offices and duties. At the top of the hierarchy of the Sons companies is the high-priest, also known as the sem-priest, and as "master chaplin/captain". The high-priests are very wise in years, and old. Not only do they serve as political advisors to the pharaoh, but they are also political leaders for the diffrent planets in system and make up the Ennead as well. The high-priest are in charge of over-seeing ceremonies as well as advising the pharaoh. Maintaining this position, the high-priest was often times chosen by the pharaoh for acts uncommon in battle. Below the high-priests are the master priests of the Udjat, the Ptah, and the Scribes. The scribes are highly prized by both the pharaoh and the priesthood. The scribes are in charge of writing and keeping and recording the funerary rites (specifically within The Book of The Dead) and keeping records vital to the bureaucracy of Stygia. The scribes are considered to hold the highest of honors in any Stygian court or temple next to the Pharaoh and Amun. Gallery For more great information on the Sons of Sekhmet visit the Sands of Stygia