Guardian of the Black Pyramid

History

In the age of experimentation that was Atenkhet's early golem creations, a series of enormous, semi-autonomous weapon platforms called the Great Guardians were made. These titanic walkers, stylized after humanoid, insectoid, and animalistic themes, represented pinnacles of craftswomanship, engineering, and magical mistressly of their respective eras. None, however, are as famous or well-known as the Guardian assigned to protect the Black Pyramid .   Framed after the scuttling scorpions of the sands, the vague face of a mertakan avatar sits at the front, between two enormous pincers. The black stone that constitutes its body is framed by the resplendent sun-gold woven through it, enshrined by plates and plates of mana-steel armor. An enormous, white-sand crystalline tail hangs over it, a beautifully refractive thing shining light and rainbows when in the sun. Various hieroglyphic writings and religious icons adorn it, from bells to ankhs and more. Combined with its titanic size easily dwarfing most buildings, it is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.   Built at the command of a pharaoh, the Guardian of the Black Pyramid exists to protect the very heart of Atenkhet since ages long past. It has rarely seen direct battle, as often its overwhelming presence is simply not needed. Indeed, it could be said its existence alone is enough to deter anyone from attacking Atenkhet--or at least, the capital it resides in. More often than not, it sits at the primary entrance of the Black Pyramid, nesting and watching everyone who comes and leaves.   A dedicated core of the greatest engineers and mana-smiths are assigned its caretaking, insuring it is always up-to-standard and ready. Some can say its always equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, armor, and arcane secrets, but it is hard to say how much of that is truth. The propaganda floating around the Black Pyramid's Guardian is intense and opaque, further cementing the mystical atmosphere around it.