Buy me a coffeeApshai, God of Insects
Apshai is a minor deity revered to as a god of insects
- Pantheon: Pharaonic Pantheon
- Deity Title: Apshai, God of Insects
- Deity Symbol: A black beetle with glittering eyes and powerful wings.
- Home Plane: The plane of insects, a realm of buzzing hives and swarms of bugs.
- Deity Level: Lesser Deity
- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
- Aliases: None
- Superior: None
- Traditional Allies: Other deities associated with nature and the natural world, such as Isis and Osiris.
- Traditional Foes: Deities associated with chaos and destruction, such as Set and Apep.
- Divine Artifact: The Scarab of Apshai, a magical beetle-shaped amulet that allows the wearer to communicate with insects.
- Servants: Scarabaeus, a race of intelligent, insect-like beings that serve Apshai as messengers and scouts.
- Servitor Creatures: All insects, but particularly beetles and bees.
- Sacred Animal: The scarab beetle.
- Manifestations: Apshai manifests as a swarm of insects, a giant beetle, or as a human with the head of a beetle.
- Signs of Favor: Swarms of bees or other insects gathering around a person or place, the sudden appearance of a scarab beetle, or an increase in insect populations.
- Worshipers: Farmers, beekeepers, and anyone who relies on insects for their livelihoods.
- Cleric Alignments: Neutral or Chaotic Neutral
- Specialty Priests: The Scarabaeus, who are able to communicate with insects and use them to carry out tasks.
- Holy Days: The Feast of the Scarab, which takes place on the summer solstice.
- Portfolio: Insects, agriculture, balance in nature.
- Domains: Nature, Earth, Plant,
- Favored Weapon: The quarterstaff
- Favored Class: Druid
- Favored Race: Humans
- Duties of the Priesthood: To tend to the needs of insects, ensure that farmers and beekeepers treat them with respect, and maintain the balance of nature.
- Major Cult/Temple Sites: The Temple of Apshai in Memphis, and the Shrine of the Scarab in Thebes.
- Benefits: Worshipers of Apshai gain the ability to communicate with insects, and can call upon swarms of insects to aid them in battle or carry out tasks. They also gain a greater understanding of the balance of nature and can use this knowledge to protect the natural world.
In ancient Egypt, Apshai was revered as a god of insects, seen as a protector and preserver of the insect kingdom. The deity was often depicted as a beetle, with shiny black carapace and glittering eyes that seemed to follow one’s every move. Its powerful wings hummed with a sound like a hundred buzzing bees, and its sharp mandibles gleamed in the sunlight.
As a deity, Apshai was known for its mischievous nature, playing pranks and tricks on mortals who disrespected insects or disrupted the natural order. Some believed that Apshai could take on the form of any insect it chose, from a tiny ant to a massive swarm of locusts that could devastate crops and cause famine.
Despite its unpredictable nature, Apshai was an important figure in Egyptian mythology, seen as a powerful force for good. The deity’s influence could be felt throughout the land, as farmers sought to appease it with offerings of honey and fruit, and children told stories of its exploits to each other late at night.
Apshai, the ancient Egyptian god of insects, is depicted as a shiny black beetle with glittering eyes and powerful wings that hum with a sound like a hundred buzzing bees. Its sharp mandibles gleam in the sunlight, and its form is ever-changing, allowing it to take on the shape of any insect it chooses.
As the centuries passed, Apshai’s influence began to wane, as other gods rose to prominence and the people of Egypt turned their attention to new concerns. But even in the modern day, some still revere Apshai as a powerful force for good, a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the importance of respecting all living things, no matter how small.
Apshai, God of Insects
Divine Rank: Lesser Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Portfolio: Insects, Poison, Hunting
Armor Class: 30
Hit Points: 600 (40d20+200)
Speed: 50 ft., climb 50 ft., fly 120 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 (+10) | 28 (+9) | 30 (+10) | 20 (+5) | 25 (+7) | 25 (+7) |
Skills: Perception +18, Stealth +17
Senses: Truesight 120 ft., darkvision 120 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.
Languages: Broken Egyptian, all telepathy 120 ft.
Damage Resistances: Poison, Psychic
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed, Poisoned Saving Throws: DEX +17, CON +19, WIS +18
Divine Awareness: Apshai is aware of all events related to insects, poison, and hunting within 5 miles of their location. Divine Aura: Apshai’s divine aura grants all allies within 30 ft. advantage on attack rolls against insect creatures, and all enemies within the same range have disadvantage on saving throws against poison.
Divine Realm: Apshai’s realm is a massive farm filled with swarms of insects and dangerous predators. The landscape is constantly shifting and changing, as if alive and breathing.
Mandibles: Melee Weapon Attack: +25 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 50 (5d10+10) piercing damage.
Pincers: Melee Weapon Attack: +25 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 45 (5d8+10) bludgeoning damage and the target must make a DC 25 Strength saving throw or be grappled.
Sting: Melee Weapon Attack: +25 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 40 (4d10+10) piercing damage and the target must make a DC 25 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Apshai can take 3 legendary actions per round, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Apshai regains spent legendary actions at the start of their turn.
- Mandible Attack: Apshai makes one mandible attack.
- Poison Burst: Apshai releases a cloud of poisonous gas in a 30 ft. radius around them. All creatures in the area must make a DC 25 Constitution saving throw or take 50 (10d10) poison damage. Summon Insects: Apshai summons a swarm of insects to attack their enemies. The swarm appears in an unoccupied space within 60 ft. of Apshai and attacks the nearest creature.
SPELLS
Apshai has access to all spells in the domains of Nature, Earth, Plant,
DIVINE ARTIFACT
The Scarab of Apshai
LAIR ACTIONS
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Apshai can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:
- Swarm of Insects: Apshai summons a swarm of insects to fill a 20 ft. radius sphere within 120 ft. of them. The swarm lasts for 1 minute or until Apshai dismisses it as a bonus action. Any creature that enters the area or starts its turn there must make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or take 20 (4d10) piercing damage and be poisoned for 1 minute.
- Acid Spray: Apshai sprays a line of acid in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (5d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
- Insect Plague: Apshai causes a swarm of biting insects to fill a 20-foot-radius sphere within 60 feet. Each creature in the area must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Creatures that fail their save are also poisoned for 1 minute.
- Web Trap: Apshai conjures a sticky web trap in a 20 ft. radius sphere within 120 ft. of them. The trap lasts for 1 minute or until Apshai dismisses it as a bonus action. Any creature that enters the area or starts its turn there must succeed on a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw or be restrained by the web.
REGIONAL EFFECTS
The region within 1 mile of Apshai’s lair is filled with swarms of biting insects, making it difficult to move through without protection. Any creature that moves through the area takes 2d6 piercing damage per 10 feet traveled. In addition, all insect creatures in the area have advantage on attack rolls.
Within 5 miles of Apshai’s lair, plant life is twisted and gnarled, as if struggling to survive under the influence of Apshai’s chaotic energies. Any creature that spends more than 1 hour in the area must make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 hour.
- Insect Swarm: Insects of all kinds swarm around the area, making it difficult to see or move without being affected by them. All creatures in the area have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight, as well as on Dexterity checks and attacks that rely on movement.
- Hive Mind: Insects in the area become more coordinated and aggressive, attacking any creature that does not have the protection of Apshai. Any non-insect creature that enters the area must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 20) or be targeted by insect attacks for the duration of their stay in the area.
- Insect Infestation: Insects of all kinds begin to infest the area, burrowing into buildings and other structures, as well as into the bodies of living creatures. Any creature that remains in the area for more than 1 hour must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 20) or become infested with insects. Infested creatures take 1d10 piercing damage per minute until the insects are removed, either by magic or by a successful Wisdom (Animal Handling) check (DC 20).
Apshai, God of Insects
Apshai is the deity of insects, revered by the Scarabaeus and other insect-like creatures. The god is often depicted as a giant scarab beetle with gleaming iridescent wings and glowing eyes that seem to see all. Apshai is said to be the patron of all insect life, from the tiniest ant to the mightiest dragonfly, and his influence can be felt in the behavior and habits of all insects.
Followers of Apshai believe that the god provides protection and guidance to those who revere him, and they often wear amulets or other symbols of the deity to ward off harm and attract good fortune. The Scarabaeus in particular serve Apshai as messengers and scouts, using their innate understanding of insect behavior to communicate with other creatures and gather information.
Despite being a deity of insects, Apshai is not always benevolent towards humans and other non-insectoid races. Some legends depict the god as punishing those who harm insects or interfere with their natural behavior, while others suggest that Apshai is simply indifferent to the struggles of mortal beings. Regardless, the Scarabaeus and other insectoid creatures continue to revere Apshai and seek his favor, believing that he holds the key to their ultimate survival and success in a world dominated by larger and more powerful creatures.
Originally Posted by Tebryn14 of the Wizards Community forums.
| Apshai | |
| druid 25/Barbarian 5/Vermin Lord 10 | |
| Medium-Size outsider (Extraplanar) | |
| Divine Rank | 4 |
| Hit Dice | 20d8+200 (outsider) plus 25d8+250 (druid) plus 5d12+50 (barbarian) plus 10d6+100 (vermin lord) (1080 hp) |
| Initiative | +15 (+11 Dexterity, +4 Improved Initiative) |
| Speed | 110 ft., fly 210 (average), burrow 70 ft. Climb 40 ft. |
| AC | 52 (+11 Dexterity, +4 divine, +21 natural, +6 deflection) touch 30, flat-footed 39 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +40/+56 |
| Attack | Mandible +56 melee, and 2 pincers +54 melee, and sting +54 melee; or spell +52 melee touch or +55 ranged touch. |
| Damage | Mandible 2d6+12+poison; pincer 2d6+4; sting 1d6+12+poison; or by spell. |
| Face/Reach | 5 ft by 5 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Domain powers, salient divine abilities, spell-like abilities, poison, blood drain, rage 2/day (+4 Constitution, +4 Strength, +2 Will, -2 AC, +120 hp, lasts 15 rounds). |
| Special Qualities | Divine immunities, DR 15/epic, fire resistance 9, understand, speak, and read all languages and speak directly to all beings within 4 miles, remote communication 4 miles, godly realm, greater teleport at will, SR 36, divine aura (40 ft., DC 20), Nature Sense, wild empathy +31 (works on insects too), woodland stride, trackless step, resist nature’s lure, wild shape (Fine-Collosal, Animal, magical beast, plant, vermin 6/day; small-huge elemental 3/day), venom immunity, thousand faces, chitin +4, blood drain, Spider Hand, Spider Legs, swarm armor (50 pts/day), hivemind, fast movement, uncanny dodge, trap sense +1. |
| Saves | Fort +46, Ref +47, Will +51 |
| Abilities | Strength 26, Dexterity 32, Constitution 30, Intelligence 24, Wisdom 40, Charisma 22 |
| Skills | Balance +30, Bluff +20, Climb +52, Concentration +64, Diplomacy +20, Escape Artist +30, Hide +55, Intimidate +63, Jump +50, Knowledge (Arcana) +31, Knowledge (religion) +26, Knowledge (history) +21, Knowledge (nature) +68, Knowledge (planes) +26, Listen +86, Move Silently +45, Search +31, Spellcraft +61, Spot +75, Survival +76, Swim +42, Tumble +25. |
| Feats | Alertness, Blind-Fight, Blinding Speed, Brew Potion, Combat Casting, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Empower Spell, Enlarge Spell, Extend Spell, Heighten Spell, Improved Initiative, Maximize Spell, Mobility, Multiattack, Power Attack, Quicken Spell, Silent Spell, Still Spell, Vermin Friend, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (mandible), Weapon Focus (pincer). |
| Divine Immunities | Ability damage, ability drain, acid, cold, death effects, disease, disintegration, electricity, energy drain, mind-affecting effects, Paralysis, poison, sleep, stunning, transmutation. |
| Salient Divine Abilities | Alter Size, Control Creatures (vermin), Divine Druid, Mind of the Beast, Speak with Creatures (vermin). |
| Domain Powers | Cast animal friendship 1/day; smite 4/day (+4 attack, +4 damage); rebuke plants 9/day. |
| Spell-like Abilities | Apshai uses these abilities as a 14th level caster, which he uses as a 15th level caster. The save DCs are 20+ spell level. calm animals, hold animal, dominate animal, repel vermin, commune with nature, Antilife Shell, Animal Shapes, creeping doom, Shapechange, inflict light wounds, shatter, inflict critical wounds, Circle of Doom, Harm, disintegrate, Earthquake, Implosion, entangle, barkskin, plant growth, control plants, wall of thorns, repel wood, Changestaff, command plants, Shambler. |
| Poison (Ex) | Mandible-2 points Strength; Fort save DC=30. Stinger- 1d6 Dexterity; DC=20 |
Druid Spells/day 6/9/9/9/8/8/7/7/6/6; base DC=25+spell level, caster level 31st.
- 0-Level Druid Spells (Orisons) Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Know Direction, Read Magic, Resistance, Spirit of the Season,
- 1st-Level Druid Spells Bless Growth, Blight Growth, Detect Animals or Plants , Droughts/Famines Embrace, Endure Elements, Jump , Longstrider, Magic Fang, Weighing the Balance,
- 2nd-Level Druid Spells Barkskin , Bleak Harvest, Bountiful Harvest, Delay Poison , Fog Cloud, Gust of Wind , Soften Earth and Stone, Spider Climb, Summon Swarm,
- 3rd-Level Druid Spells Diminish Plants, Feral Spirit, Magic Fang, Greater, Neutralize Poison, Plant Growth, Poison, Quench, Sleet Storm, Speak with Plants,
- 4th-Level Druid Spells Antiplant Shell , Blight, Command Plants , Dispel Magic, Famine, Giant Vermin, Repel Vermin , Spike Stones,
- 5th-Level Druid Spells Animal Growth , Awaken, Bitter Vintage, Commune with Nature, Insect Plague, Make Fertile, Sacrifice, Mortal , Wall of Thorns,
- 6th-Level Druid Spells Dispel Magic, Greater, Find the Path , Itchweed, Move Earth,Repel Wood , Transport via Plants, Wall of Roses,
- 7th-Level Druid Spells Animate Plants , Control Weather , Creeping Doom, Red Tide, Scrying, Greater, True Seeing, Wind Walk,
- 8th-Level Druid Spells Animal Shapes , Control Plants, Earthquake, Equalization , Eye of the Storm , Whirlwind,
- 9th-Level Druid Spells Antipathy, Foresight , Regenerate, Shambler , Storm of Vengeance, Sympathy,
Other Divine Powers
As a demipower, Apshai treats a 1 on an attack roll or saving throw normally and not as an automatic failure. He is immortal
Senses: Apshai can see, hear, touch, and smell at a distance of 4 mile. As a standard action, he can perceive anything within 4 miles of his worshipers, holy sites, objects, or any location where one of his titles or name was spoken in the last hour. He can extend his senses to up to 2 locations at once. He can block the sensing power of deities of his rank or lower at up to two remote locations at once for 1 hour.
Portfolio sense: Apshai is aware of the actions of any hivemind of insects, as long as it includes at least 1000 creatures. He is similarly aware of any infestation affecting at least 1000 homes or farms.
Automatic actions: Apshai can use Knowledge (nature) or Survival as a free action as long as the DC is 15 or lower.
Create Magic Items: Apshai can create magical items involving insects as long as the market price does not exceed 4,500.
Divine Artifact
The Scarab of Apshai
Description: The Scarab of Apshai is a magical amulet in the shape of a beetle, with intricate hieroglyphs inscribed on its surface. It is made of a shimmering green metal, and glows faintly in the presence of insects.
Abilities:
- Insect Communication: When worn, the Scarab of Apshai allows the wearer to communicate with any nearby insects. This ability is limited to basic commands and simple communication, such as requesting the insects to follow, swarm or attack.
- Insect Summoning: The wearer can summon a swarm of insects to their location, which can be used for various purposes, including scouting, distracting enemies, or even attacking them.
- Insect Control: The Scarab of Apshai grants the wearer the ability to control the behavior of insects in their vicinity. This can be used to stop insects from attacking, or to make them attack a specific target.
- Insect Empathy: The Scarab of Apshai allows the wearer to feel and understand the emotions of insects, which can be useful in detecting danger or hidden threats.
History: The Scarab of Apshai is a divine artifact that has been passed down through generations of Apshai’s worshippers. It is said to have been created by Apshai himself, as a gift to his most devout followers. The Scarab has been used for various purposes throughout history, including in battles against invading armies, in agriculture to control pests, and in medicine to cure diseases.
Limitations: The Scarab of Apshai is limited in its abilities by the intelligence and communication abilities of insects. It cannot be used to communicate with or control sentient creatures, and its range is limited to a few hundred feet. The Scarab also requires a certain level of attunement, and can only be used by those who are devout followers of Apshai.
Note: The Scarab of Apshai is an artifact with powerful abilities and should be used with caution in game play to maintain balance and fun gameplay for players.
Currently
In the 1450s, Apshai, the god of insects, still maintains a powerful presence in the land of Egypt. Its worshippers continue to offer up honey and fruit in hopes of appeasing the deity and keeping its mischievous nature at bay.
But Apshai’s attention has also turned to the wider world beyond Egypt. As trade routes expand and travelers from distant lands bring with them new insects and animals, Apshai sees an opportunity to spread its influence further. The god has taken on the form of a swarm of bees, spreading across the land and seeking out new insects to add to its kingdom.
But Apshai’s ambitions are not solely focused on amassing more followers. The god also seeks to maintain the balance of nature, ensuring that no one species becomes too dominant and upsetting the delicate ecosystem that sustains all life. It seeks to remind mortals of the importance of respecting all living things, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
As the world changes around it, Apshai remains a constant force for good, a reminder of the importance of balance and harmony in all things. Its followers continue to offer up gifts and prayers, seeking its protection and guidance in a world that can be unpredictable and dangerous. And Apshai, in turn, watches over them, ensuring that the insects of the world are treated with the respect they deserve.
Scarabaeus
Medium humanoid (scarabaeus), neutral
Armor Class: 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 65 (10d8 + 20)
Speed: 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) |
Skills: Perception +4, Stealth +5
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages: Scarabaeus
Challenge Rating: 3 (700 XP)
Innate Spellcasting. The scarabaeus can cast the following spells innately, without requiring any components:
- At will: insect plague
- 1/day each: spider climb, web
Actions
Multiattack. The scarabaeus makes two attacks with its mandibles.
- Mandibles. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) slashing damage.
- Sting. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
- Sneak Attack (1/turn). The scarabaeus deals an extra 7 (2d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 ft. of an ally of the scarabaeus that isn’t incapacitated and the scarabaeus doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.
- Evasion. If the scarabaeus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the scarabaeus instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails.
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the scarabaeus can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:
- Swarm of Insects. The scarabaeus summons a swarm of insects that appears in an unoccupied space within 60 feet of it. The swarm lasts for 1 minute or until the scarabaeus dismisses it as a bonus action. The swarm attacks any creatures that it shares a space with, dealing 10 (3d6) piercing damage on a hit.
- Web Shot. The scarabaeus fires a web from its abdomen at a point it can see within 60 feet of it. Each creature within a 20-foot radius centered on that point must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or be restrained by webbing. The effect lasts for 1 minute or until the creature breaks free.
Legendary Actions
The scarabaeus can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The scarabaeus regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
- Mandible Attack. The scarabaeus makes one mandible attack.
- Sting. The scarabaeus makes one sting attack.
- Insect Call (Costs 2 Actions). The scarabaeus emits a high-pitched call that summons 1d6 swarms of insects to a point it can see within 60 feet of it. The swarms appear on the scarabaeus’s next turn and obey its commands.
Physical Description:
Scarabaeus are humanoid insects, standing at about 5 to 6 feet tall. Their bodies are covered in a hard exoskeleton, and their heads are reminiscent of those of scarab beetles, with large mandibles and antennae. They have four arms, two of which end in sharp pincers, and two insect-like legs. Despite their insectoid appearance, scarabaeus are intelligent and have a language of their own. They often wear clothing made from natural fibers, such as woven grasses or leaves, and adorn themselves with jewelry made from beetle shells and other natural materials.