Buy me a coffeeEshu (Elegua, Esu Elegba), Yoruba Trickster God
“Eshu, the cunning trickster and master of crossroads, weaves chaos and opportunity, testing heroes with riddles, mischief, and divine secrets.”
- Pantheon: Yoruba Mythology
- Deity Title: Eshu
- Deity Symbol: A mischievous grin
- Home Plane: The Crossroads
- Deity Level: Greater Deity
- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
- Aliases: Legba, Exu, Eleggua
- Superior: Olodumare (Supreme Deity in Yoruba mythology)
- Traditional Allies: Ogun, Oshun, Oya
- Traditional Foes: Shango, Yemoja, Orunmila
- Divine Artifact: The Talking Drum of Fate
- Servants: The Arara
- Servitor Creatures: Ijapa (the tortoise)
- Sacred Animal: The Monkey
- Manifestations: As a whirlwind, a mischievous child, a wise elder, and a cunning trickster
- Signs of Favor: Sudden and unexpected changes in fortune, uncanny coincidences, and laughter in the wind
- Worshipers: Tricksters, travelers, adventurers, and those seeking guidance through life’s uncertainties
- Cleric Alignments: Chaotic Neutral, Chaotic Good, True Neutral
- Specialty Priests: Eshu’s Jestmasters
- Holy Days: The Festival of Pranks (celebrated on the first full moon of the year)
- Portfolio: Trickery, unpredictability, change, adaptability, guidance through chaos
- Domains: Trickery, Chaos, Travel, Luck, Knowledge
- Favored Weapon: Iron Staff
- Favored Class: Bard
- Favored Race: Gnomes (due to their mischievous nature)
- Duties of the Priesthood: To embrace chaos, inspire adaptability, and impart wisdom through unpredictable means; to celebrate the capricious nature of existence
- Major Cult/Temple Sites: Crossroads altars, dense forests, and bustling marketplaces
- Benefits: Divine guidance in times of uncertainty, the ability to invoke unpredictable blessings, and an uncanny knack for avoiding traps and hazards.
Eshu, in his physical form, is an enigmatic and captivating figure. Standing at an average height, his lean and sinewy frame is adorned with vibrant and intricate patterns of tribal tattoos that seem to writhe and dance across his obsidian skin like serpents caught in eternal play. His eyes, as dark and deep as the abyss, shimmer with an ever-present mischievous glint, revealing the boundless wit that resides within him. A curtain of tightly coiled, ebony hair frames his angular face, often falling playfully over his expressive brows.
Eshu’s visage is a canvas of contrasts; his lips, full and inviting, curl into a perpetual smile that hints at both warmth and cunning. His sharp, pointed nose betrays a keen sense of curiosity, always eager to explore the unknown. Adorned in a patchwork of vibrant and earthy fabrics, his attire seems to change with every twist of fate, mirroring his ever-shifting disposition.
As a deity, Eshu is a master of duality, embodying both chaos and order, creation and destruction. He is the messenger between the realms, a cunning trickster who revels in challenging the status quo and upending conventions. Eshu’s purpose is to maintain the delicate balance of the cosmos, ensuring that chaos and order coexist harmoniously.
Eshu’s actions are driven by a desire to teach valuable lessons, often through playful pranks and tests of character. He hopes to guide mortals towards self-discovery and enlightenment, reminding them that life’s greatest mysteries are unraveled through the journey, not the destination. In his own enigmatic way, Eshu seeks to encourage humility, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the ever-changing dance of fate.
Eshu 5e 2024
Eshu, Pathfinder 1E
Eshu, Yoruba Trickster God
Medium Celestial (Deity), Chaotic Neutral
Armor Class: 30 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 680 (32d20 + 320)
Speed: 60 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 (+9) | 30 (+10) | 30 (+10) | 28 (+9) | 28 (+9) | 30 (+10) |
Saving Throws: Dex +18, Con +18, Wis +17, Cha +20
Skills: Arcana +18, Deception +19, Insight +18, Persuasion +20
Senses: Truesight 120 ft., Passive Perception 19
Languages: Celestial, Common, Yoruba, Abyssal
Challenge: 38 (265,000 XP)
Divine Traits
- Absolute Immunity: Eshu is immune to all conditions and cannot be banished or imprisoned. He can perceive all events within 1 mile of any manifestation.
- Magic Resistance: Advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.
- Damage Immunity: Immune to all damage from attacks dealing less than 100 points.
Innate Spellcasting (Expanded)
Eshu’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 28, +20 to hit with spell attacks). He can cast the following spells innately, without material components:
At Will (Utility / Trickery / Mischief):
- Alter Self, Disguise Self, Detect Magic, Invisibility, Pass without Trace, Polymorph, Mirror Image, Silent Image, Misty Step, Mage Hand
3/day each (Powerful Control / Chaos Spells):
- Charm Person, Dimension Door, Dominate Person, Geas, Plane Shift, Confusion, Hold Monster, Greater Invisibility, Dispel Magic
1/day (Epic or Legendary-Only Spells):
- Time Stop, Reverse Gravity, Weird, Foresight, Mass Polymorph, Teleport
Actions
Multiattack. Eshu makes three attacks: one with his Staff of Trickery, one with his Shortsword, and one with his Trickster’s Tail.
Staff of Trickery. Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d8 + 9) bludgeoning + 21 (6d6) psychic damage. Target must succeed on a DC 28 Wisdom save or be frightened for 1 minute.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d6 + 9) piercing + 16 (4d8) poison damage.
Trickster’s Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10 + 9) slashing. Target must succeed on a DC 28 Dex save or be grappled (escape DC 28). Grappled creatures are restrained.
Divine Mischief (Recharge 5–6). One creature within 60 ft. must succeed on a DC 28 Wisdom save or be polymorphed into a harmless creature of Eshu’s choice for 1 minute. The target may repeat the save at the end of each of its turns.
Legendary Actions
Eshu can take 3 legendary actions, only one at a time, at the end of another creature’s turn. He regains spent actions at the start of his turn:
- Move. Move up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Divine Trickery (2 Actions). Cast Mirror Image.
- Mischief Strike (2 Actions). Make one Trickster’s Tail attack.
Lair Actions (Initiative Count 20)
- Create a 60-ft radius illusory mirror maze. Creatures must succeed on a DC 28 Intelligence save or be confused for 1 minute. Save repeats at end of each turn.
Regional Effects
While Eshu is present:
- Local animals behave erratically.
- Mirrors and reflective surfaces reveal glimpses of alternate realities or future events.
- Spells manipulating time or probability are more potent.
Equipment
- Staff of Trickery: Melee weapon; functions as a Rod of Absorption with 20 charges. Can cast spells as if using a 9th-level slot.
- Shortsword: Poisoned melee weapon.
- Trickster’s Tail: Melee weapon as described above.
Combat Role
Eshu toys with opponents, using spells to confuse and weaken foes before engaging in melee. High Dexterity and Constitution allow him to evade damage, while polymorphing enemies into harmless forms is a signature tactic.
Roleplaying Tips
Mischievous and unpredictable, Eshu revels in chaos. He enjoys pranks, changes allegiances on a whim, and tests mortals’ cunning. Worshipers seek guidance in deception and trickery but must beware his capricious nature.
Lore
Eshu, a core deity of Yoruba mythology, embodies both blessing and chaos. He appears in many forms to challenge mortals, influencing fate, marketplaces, crossroads, and the paths of destiny. His cunning, cleverness, and unpredictability are legendary.
Eshu, Yoruba Trickster God
Greater Deity (Medium), Chaotic Neutral
Divine Rank: 20 | CR: 38 | XP: 2,560,000
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral | Size: Medium
Type: Celestial
Defense
| AC | Touch | Flat-Footed |
|---|---|---|
| 65 (+10 Dex, +30 natural, +5 deflection, +10 divine) | 35 | 55 |
HP: 680 (32d20 + 320) | Fort: +32 | Ref: +38 | Will: +36
DR: 30/— | Immune: All ability damage, ability drain, energy drain, death effects, fatigue, exhaustion, mind-affecting effects, paralysis, poison, petrification, sleep, critical hits, nonlethal damage, all conditions except impossible ones
SR: 42 | Resistances: All damage under 100 per hit
Speed: 60 ft., fly 120 ft. (good)
Truesight: 120 ft.
Offense
| Melee | Attack Bonus | Damage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff of Trickery | +45/+40/+35 | 2d8+18 bludgeoning + 6d6 psychic | DC 38 Will to be frightened 1 min |
| Shortsword | +45/+40/+35 | 2d6+18 piercing + 4d8 poison | — |
| Trickster’s Tail | +45/+40/+35 | 2d10+18 slashing | 10 ft., DC 38 Grapple, target restrained |
Special Attacks: Divine Mischief (polymorph, DC 38 Will), Legendary Actions (Move, Trickery, Mischief Strike), Lair Actions
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 20; caster level 20)
At Will: Alter Self, Disguise Self, Detect Magic, Invisibility, Pass without Trace, Polymorph, Mirror Image, Silent Image, Misty Step, Mage Hand
3/day: Charm Person, Dimension Door, Dominate Person, Geas, Plane Shift, Confusion, Hold Monster, Greater Invisibility, Dispel Magic
1/day: Time Stop, Reverse Gravity, Weird, Foresight, Mass Polymorph, Teleport
Save DC: 38
Statistics
Str 28, Dex 30, Con 30, Int 28, Wis 28, Cha 30
Base Attack/Grapple: +38/+46
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Focus (Staff), Greater Weapon Focus, Cleave, Improved Critical (Shortsword), Combat Expertise, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Quicken Spell-Like Ability (Mirror Image), Epic Spell-Like Ability (Time Stop, Reverse Gravity)
Skills: Bluff +47, Diplomacy +47, Sense Motive +43, Knowledge (Arcana) +45, Knowledge (Planes) +45, Stealth +48
Languages: Celestial, Common, Yoruba, Abyssal
SQ: Divine traits, omnipresent perception within 1 mile of any manifestation, magic resistance
Special Abilities
Divine Traits (Su): Cannot be banished, imprisoned, or affected by conditions. Perceives all within 1 mile of any manifestation.
Magic Resistance (Ex): +8 vs. spells and spell-like effects
Divine Mischief (Su): Targets one creature within 60 ft.; DC 38 Will save or polymorphed into a harmless form for 1 minute. Repeat saves at the end of each turn.
Trickster’s Tail (Ex): Grapples on hit (DC 38), restrains target.
Legendary Actions (Su): Eshu can take 3 actions per round, one at a time at the end of another creature’s turn, regained at start of his turn: Move 60 ft. without provoking attacks, Divine Trickery (2 actions) cast Mirror Image, Mischief Strike (2 actions) attack with Trickster’s Tail.
Lair Actions: On initiative 20, may create a 60-ft radius mirror maze; creatures must succeed DC 38 Intelligence or be confused for 1 minute.
Regional Effects: Animals behave erratically, mirrors reflect alternate realities, probability/time-manipulating spells are stronger.
Combat Role
Eshu confuses and manipulates enemies with his vast array of spell-like abilities, then strikes with his melee weapons. He uses polymorph and illusions to weaken foes before engaging in direct combat, relying on superior Dex and Con to evade damage. Lair and legendary actions allow him to control the battlefield, turning chaotic opportunities to his advantage.
Equipment
Staff of Trickery: Functions as Rod of Absorption (20 charges, 9th-level spell equivalent)
Shortsword: Poisoned
Trickster’s Tail: Melee appendage
Roleplaying Tips
Mischievous and unpredictable, Eshu revels in chaos. Worshipers seek guidance in deception and trickery but must beware his capricious sense of humor. He enjoys testing mortals and deities alike, often manipulating events to teach lessons or sow chaos.
Lore
Eshu is a core deity in Yoruba mythology, embodying both blessing and chaos. He influences fate, marketplaces, and crossroads, appearing in many forms to test mortals and gods alike. His cunning and unpredictability make him both revered and feared, a deity who brings opportunity and mischief wherever he manifests.
Currently in the World
In the heart of the Yoruba mythology, amidst the vibrant tapestry of West Africa’s spiritual landscape, Eshu strides like a capricious whirlwind. As old as time itself, he has always been, and always will be, an enigmatic force of nature. Eshu, the ever-cunning trickster, orchestrates the intricate dance of destiny with every sly smile and playful twist of fate.
Eshu’s journey through the eons is a kaleidoscope of mischief and wisdom. From the earliest days when the world was young, he watched as the gods shaped the cosmos. He reveled in the chaos of creation, savoring every moment as the universe unfurled before his eyes. Eshu’s laughter echoed through the cosmos as the celestial bodies took their places in the vast cosmic ballet.
As civilizations rose and fell, he remained a silent observer, weaving his influence into the lives of mortals. He whispered riddles into the ears of kings, challenging their wisdom and tempering their pride. He danced through the hearts of lovers, sparking both passion and heartbreak in equal measure. Eshu was the eternal wanderer, leaving his mark on every corner of the world.
Throughout history, Eshu’s motivations remained as elusive as his ever-changing appearance. He was a guardian of balance, ensuring that neither order nor chaos gained the upper hand. When empires crumbled under the weight of their own decadence, Eshu reveled in their downfall, teaching the world the dangers of hubris. Yet, he also guided humble heroes on their quests, imparting the wisdom of adaptability and resilience.
As the world hurtled towards the 15th century, Eshu’s presence remained constant, though his methods evolved with the changing times. He watched with a knowing smile as explorers from distant lands set sail, forever altering the course of history. Eshu reveled in the clash of cultures and the exchange of ideas, recognizing that the world was entering a new era of transformation.
Eshu’s goals, if one could truly decipher them, were as multifaceted as the facets of a diamond. He sought to remind mortals that life’s journey was just as important as its destination, that wisdom was born from both triumph and tribulation. Through his capricious actions, he hoped to awaken a sense of humility and adaptability, for he knew that these qualities would be essential in the ever-changing world that lay ahead.
And so, Eshu, the eternal trickster, continued to dance through time, his laughter echoing through the ages. Whether he was a harbinger of chaos or a guide to enlightenment, one thing remained certain: the world would forever be entwined with his mischievous spirit, and his legacy would endure as long as the cosmos itself.
In Myth
Eshu, also known as Esu or Elegba, is a complex and enigmatic figure in Yoruba mythology, which originates from the Yoruba people of West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Benin. He is one of the Orishas, the deities of the Yoruba pantheon, and plays a crucial role in the cosmology and daily life of the Yoruba people.
Eshu is often regarded as the messenger between the human world and the world of the Orishas, as well as the guardian of the crossroads. In Yoruba belief, the crossroads represent a point of decision, transition, and transformation, and Eshu is the one who oversees these critical moments in people’s lives.
Key aspects of Eshu in traditional myth include:
- Trickster Deity: Eshu is a quintessential trickster figure. He possesses a mischievous and unpredictable nature, often playing pranks and jokes on both humans and other Orishas. These tricks can range from harmless pranks to more significant and disruptive actions.
- Messenger of the Gods: Eshu serves as a vital intermediary between the human world and the divine realm. He carries messages, offerings, and sacrifices from mortals to the Orishas and conveys the divine guidance and responses back to the people. As the communicator, he ensures that the rituals and offerings reach their intended recipients.
- Guardian of Crossroads: Eshu is closely associated with crossroads, which are considered sacred spaces in Yoruba culture. At these crossroads, people leave offerings and perform rituals to seek Eshu’s assistance, guidance, and blessings. He is believed to control the paths people take in life, both physically and spiritually.
- Dual Nature: Eshu embodies duality and contradictions. He can be both a benevolent and malevolent force, depending on how he is approached and appeased. While he may cause chaos and confusion, he can also provide protection and aid when properly respected and honored.
- Symbolism: Eshu is often depicted as a small, childlike figure, which is a testament to his playful and unpredictable nature. He may carry a staff or walking stick, which symbolizes his role as the guardian of crossroads.
- Offerings and Rituals: Devotees of Eshu offer various gifts, including palm oil, kola nuts, alcoholic beverages, and small toys. These offerings are made to appease him and seek his favor. Rituals involving chanting, drumming, and dancing are also common in Eshu worship.
Eshu’s presence in Yoruba mythology serves as a reminder of the complexity of human existence, the need for adaptability in the face of change, and the importance of acknowledging the dualities present in life. He embodies the idea that every choice, whether at a crossroads or in daily life, has consequences, and one must navigate these decisions with care and respect for the unpredictable nature of the world.