wow....
Reading this page makes me realize just how much schools are not teaching anymore. Mythology (in particualar, Greek/Roman mythology) used to be part of my standard english learning from 5th-8th grade.
But in any case.... mythology aside, Statesman may very well be the incarnate (although I always prefered the Hindi term "avatar") of Zeus, that does not necessarily mean that Recluse has to belong to the same Pantheon. (which is a collection of gods, based on world region) Recluse, based on his spider design may be the Incarnate of the African spider god, Anansai (I think that is how it is spelled....).
Anansai (or Anansi) was a "trickster" god who granted wishes, but always with a terrible price (first-born children, etc...). Again, like most ancient gods, Anansai was not "evil" per say, but one must also consider the person who is the incarnate. It could be that Recluse was an evil man who sought out the Incarnate power (or, however it is that one becomes an Incarnate), and is thus using thee powers for evil.
