Up to the Index Page... Imhotep was often characterised in inscriptions as 'the image and likeness of Thoth' - and also as the 'successor to Thoth' after the deity had ascended to heaven. Graham Hancock, The Sign and the Seal
Symbol: A (step) pyramid, the primordial mound
God: Imhotep
Animal: Eagle
Tarot Card: The mage
Thing: A roll of papyrus
Imhotep began his life as a mortal, but ascended far beyond that state - literally. He was the vizier of king Zozer, skilled in magick, medicine, administration and architecture. It is said that he invented Egyptian architecture and irrigation in the first place and according to the Order of Hermes he was the first mage ever to learn to harness the flow of Quintessence through buildings and monuments. He was responsible for the creation of the step pyramid of Zozer at Saqquara, the first pyramid to focus the ley- lines into an artificial node and also the first pyramid of the Pattern.
Instead of dying he ascended to the plane of the gods to continue his studies. He became worshipped as a god of wisdom, healing and medicine, and many made pilgrimage to his temple near Saqquara. Through the dynasties he grew in power and learning, but also grew more and more remote from the mortals as he became the first truly hermetic Oracle. Still, his cult continued long into the classic era when he for once intervened: living in mythic time he saw the coming time of trouble, and during a period of declining worship he hid away the temple with its treasures of wisdom and healing in the Umbra. Most likely it still remains there, a realm inhabited by the loyal priests of Imhotep. Many hermetic mages (and sleeper archaeologists) have sought it, but the way remains hidden although it most likely starts at Saqquara.
Finally, sometime around the beginning of the common era Imhotep Ascended and vanished beyond the ken of mortals or gods. However, this does not mean he is gone. Since he actually lived (lives?) beyond linear time, he can appear in any time when it is needed for his grand schemes. While the post-Ascension Imhotep is transcendent, the "mere" Oracle can manifest to make his Will clear. Usually this occurs in the divine realms since they are closest to his time and plane of existence, but he has manifested physically very rarely.
Imhotep sees the Pattern and its completion like an adult sees an old and loved toy that he has long since outgrown; completing the Pattern is just a minor step on his quest, but he likes it. That doesn't mean he will necessarily give Oracular help to the characters - from his perspective they are just candidates for the cabal that will complete the Pattern someday.
Personality: Imhotep doesn't manifest for nothing; he has better things to do than chat to mortals or mere Master mages. To catch his attention an event needs to have profound consequences or involve major powers, significant even on a timescale of millennia. When he manifests he might observe the rules of politeness or remain silent and observing for a while, but then he will in no uncertain words reveal his Will and depart. He is somewhat obliged by the rules of the Egyptian Court, and will come if called by one of the major gods (like Thoth, Isis, Osiris, Horus or Ra) observing the protocol but not much else; he has moved beyond the sphere of gods already.
Manifestation: Imhotep usually manifests as a golden eagle, watching events with keen intelligence and concentration. When agitated or forced to reveal his true powers the eagle soar into the air radiating a devastating brilliance surrounded by multiple halos of fire and power, gradually turning into a pillar of light.