Crypt of Tef-Amen
Located in the eastern half of the Senu Desert, the Crypt of Tef-Amen is a rock-hewn tomb that was carved into the side of a large hill. The crypt remained mostly intact for 2,200 years until the large stone sealing its entrance collapsed after two millennia of windborne erosion. Thus, in the year 115 post Refugium, the crypt would be rediscovered by a group of adventurers traveling to the trading post of Akbyset.
Purpose / Function
The crypt was constructed over 2,000 years ago to house the remains of Tef-Amen, a high priest of a plague cult devoted to the worship of the dark god Reshpu. Entombed with the mummified remains of Tef-Amen, were several attendants who willingly sacrificed their lives to be immured within the walls of the tomb. Additionally, the several chambers of the crypt housed votive offerings and treasures, intended to maintain the soul of Tef-Amen in his promised afterlife.
Architecture
The architectural layout of the crypt is quite simple, consisting of a long, central corridor that runs approximately 70 feet from the entrance of the tomb to the large set of double-doors sealing the burial chamber of Tef-Amen. Three chambers line each side of the corridor, for a total of seven chambers in all. Along the floor and walls of the crypt are inscriptions in Khemian hieroglyphics. The large sandstone door that had sealed the crypt's entrance was decorated with still vivid murals painted with ultramarine and realgar.
Defenses
Intended to provide Tef-Amen a place of eternal rest, the crypt had several defensive measures to protect it from grave robbers. The crypt's entrance was sealed off by a large stone door that stood intact for 2,200 years until it was damaged in a violent sandstorm. Likewise, as the stalwarts of La Compagina Septentrionale learned after entering the crypt in early 115 PR, the entrance to the sepulcher of Tef-Amen was guarded by a large spiked iron trap that was intended to fall from the ceiling on the unwary if they stepped on a certain pressure plate in front of the doors to the burial chamber.
In concert with the mundane defenses, the Cult of Reshpu performed various necromantic rituals upon their fellow zealots who elected to serve their plague god and his priest as undead sentinels standing guard over the sarcophagus and treasures of Tef-Amen.
1020 AR
