Iteru (pronounced Ih-tare-oo) was a sphinx that lived in the desert surrounding Khapesh. Ancient legends, dating back to the early Second Dynastic Period, tell of Iteru's wisdom and beneficial guidance of the Khapeshan monarchs. Seeking to ensure future rulers would continue to have a source of insight with a long perspective on time, she created the first living monolith - a faithful servant of Khapesh imbued with the power of stone.
Iteru chose Raherka, the vizier of Saqqara, to be the archetypal living monolith. Together they crafted the guidelines and requirements that would direct the living monoliths of the future, and sought out others to join their order as well. Named the Stoics, in their vision members of this organization were to be both guards and trusted advisors of the Khapeshan kings and queens, able to impart lessons learned in the past to each successive ruler. Though referred to originally as only the Stoics, after Iteru eventually died her name was added to their moniker in memory of her role in their creation.
Iteru's mausoleum is located in the city of Saqqara. Though the city has long since left Khapeshan control, many Stoics continue to make regular pilgrimages to visit the tomb. The mausoleum rivals those of some past Khapeshan monarchs in size and grandeur, and some in the city have taken to treating Iteru as almost a minor divinity, albeit one who is deceased.