The rise of the Custos Crypta began 700 BCE, at the height of the Kushite Empire when the Pharaoh Neferkare Shabaka’s authority was never challenged.
Shabaka was considered to be blessed by the ancient Egyptian Goddess: Khepera. And in Khepera’s name, the people were ruled. From Nubia to the Nile Delta, a daily blood sacrifice was provided as a tribute: tribute and service of the Custos Crypta.
Custos Crypta are a sentient insectoid species that act as both guardian and custodian of Shabaka and his following. Yet the politics of humankind spilt into Shabaka’s grand plan, resulting in his overthrowing murder at the hands of his nephew, Taharqa. The existing Custos Crypta were entombed alongside their Pharaoh in the pyramid at el-Kurru, there to remain for the rest of eternity… Or so they thought.
The Crypt Guardian was the last of its kind when Shabaka was overthrown. Presumed dead, the Guardian entered into a state of cryptobiosis and its desiccated body was interred alongside the slain Pharaoh. When the pyramid at el-Kurru was explored by George Reisner and his team in 1919, the Guardian was taken as a curio back to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts.
It was not until one late night, that Sara Heriot (a researcher), in the midst of research accidentally spilt her glass of water onto the Guardian’s inert form. Although at first glance, it seemed as if no harm was done; the next morning the Guardian had appeared to have vanished. Now, returning to enact the will of Khepera to make sure her servants are triumphant in the Shadow War.
This crafty Crypt Guardian has the ability to influence humankind by converting them as servants mentally. Sara Heriot and her colleague Victoria Taylor were unwillingly brought under the control of the Crypt Guardian on its resurrection. They have been manipulated to dedicate the sole following to the will of Khepera. Any ideas or thoughts otherwise within their vessel is to be stripped down, to stop any hindrance that might be caused to jeopardise the Custos Crypta and their plan.
Crypt Grubs are the larval form of the Custos Crypta and the most numerous of the creatures to be encountered. Usually, they are tasked with low-grade and inferior tasks but when fed a very specific blend of necessary proteins and secretions - they are able to evolve into their final form. This final form is not done on a whim and needs to be calculated, to ensure the perfect strategy to fight within the Shadow War.
The Crypt Sham has an uncanny resemblance to a human when in a resting state. Their skills allow them when in low light or slightly illuminated by solitary street lamps, they are able to observe a target for hours without arousing suspicion. This Crypt Sham is crucial for infiltration and plays a pivotal role in the stealthier aspects of the Custos Crypta’s final goal.
Restore the natural order and balance by manifesting the power of the Mythos with the Custos Crypta Faction Starter Set - available from Wayland Games and your FLGS. Find your closest store with our store locator today.
