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Wepwawet (opener of the ways)

“Unleash the Howling God of the Desert – Wepwawet, the Opener of the Way!”

Wepwawet (opener of the ways)
Midjourney
  • Pantheon: Egyptian Pantheon
  • Deity Title: Wepwawet, Opener of the Way
  • Deity Symbol: A stylized jackal or a jackal head with a flail
  • Home Plane: Duat, the Egyptian Underworld
  • Deity Level: Intermediate Deity
  • Alignment: Lawful Neutral
  • Aliases: Upuaut, Ophois
  • Superior: None
  • Traditional Allies: Ra, Osiris, Anubis, Bastet
  • Traditional Foes: Set, Apep (Apophis)
  • Divine Artifact: The Scepter of Transition, The Amulet of Guiding Light
  • Servants: Jackal Guardians
  • Servitor Creatures: Lesser Jackal Spirits
  • Sacred Animal: Jackal
  • Manifestations: Shadowy jackal apparitions, opening of spiritual pathways, guiding light in times of darkness
  • Signs of Favor: Illuminated jackal footprints, auspicious encounters in desolate places
  • Worshipers: Soldiers, travelers, adventurers, guardians, those seeking guidance in transitions
  • Cleric Alignments: Lawful Neutral, Neutral Good, Lawful Good
  • Specialty Priests: Pathfinders of Wepwawet, Wayward Guardians
  • Holy Days: The Festival of the Opened Ways (celebrated during the opening of tombs or journeys)
  • Portfolio: Death, Transition, War, Protection, Guidance
  • Domains: Death, War, Travel, Protection, Knowledge
  • Favored Weapon: Flail
  • Favored Class: Cleric
  • Favored Race: Humans, Jackal-kin
  • Duties of the Priesthood: Safeguarding the souls of the departed, guiding travelers through perilous lands, upholding balance and order
  • Major Cult/Temple Sites: Temples in Egyptian cities, especially in places with strong military presence or significant tomb openings
  • Benefits: Divine guidance in the afterlife, protection during travels, access to divine transitions and gateways

Physical Description of Wepwawet: In the vast expanse of the Egyptian desert, a majestic deity roams freely, embodying the untamed spirit of the wild. He stands tall, a striking figure covered in gleaming golden fur, exuding an aura of strength and prowess. His canine form is that of a lean and muscular jackal, with eyes that glisten like stars in the night sky, reflecting the mysteries of the cosmos. A single, imposing feathered headdress rests atop his head, a symbol of his divine status and connection to the heavens.

Persona and Unique Characteristics: Wepwawet, known as the “Opener of the Way,” embodies the essence of the desert’s untamed wilderness. He moves with grace and swiftness, his powerful limbs carrying him effortlessly through the shifting sands. His keen senses detect the faintest of sounds and scents, making him an unparalleled hunter and guardian of both the living and the deceased. In his eyes, there’s an air of wisdom, forged by millennia of observing the ebb and flow of life and death in the desert.

Bio: In ancient Egyptian mythology, Wepwawet holds a significant role as a god of war, guidance, and the afterlife. He is often depicted as the opener of the paths for the deceased, guiding them through the treacherous journey to the realm of the dead. As a war deity, he leads armies into battle, ensuring victory and clearing the way for triumph. The Egyptian pharaohs sought his blessings before embarking on military campaigns, seeking his guidance in the unforgiving desert terrain.

His purpose as the Opener of the Way is to facilitate transitions and create paths in both the physical and spiritual realms. His unique position as a god of war and the afterlife showcases the dual nature of his powers, allowing him to protect, guide, and empower those who follow his path.

As a deity, he embodies the spirit of the untamed and the conqueror, but he also carries the weight of the protector and guide. He seeks to maintain the balance between life and death, guiding souls to their eternal rest and offering protection to the living. In his heart, Wepwawet hopes to instill courage and determination in those who face challenges, as they traverse the sands of life or the perilous journey to the afterlife.

Wepwawet’s enigmatic persona and his pivotal role in Egyptian mythology make him a deity revered by many, earning respect and admiration from both mortals and gods alike. His presence remains an ever-watchful guardian in the vastness of the Egyptian desert, forever guiding the way for those in need.


  • Wepwawet 5e
  • Wepwawet, Pathfinder

Large Celestial (Deity), Chaotic Neutral


Armor Class 25 (natural armor)
Hit Points 850 (40d20 + 400)
Speed 50 ft., fly 60 ft.


STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
30 (+10)28 (+9)30 (+10)26 (+8)30 (+10)28 (+9)

Saving Throws Str +20, Dex +19, Con +20, Int +18, Wis +20, Cha +19
Skills Perception +20, Religion +18
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, poisoned
Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 30
Languages all, telepathy 120 ft.
Challenge 35 (225,000 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +10
Mythic Trait (1/Day). When Wepwawet is reduced to 0 hit points, he doesn’t die or fall unconscious. Instead, he regains 400 hit points and assumes his Jackal Avatar form. While in this form, he radiates overwhelming divine energy (see below).


Divine Traits

Divine Aura. Wepwawet exudes a divine aura within 30 feet. Allies in this aura have advantage on saving throws against being frightened and gain a +4 bonus to attack and damage rolls.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Wepwawet fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Resistance. Wepwawet has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Magic Weapons. Wepwawet’s weapon attacks are magical.


Spellcasting

Wepwawet is a 20th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 28, +20 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following spells prepared:

  • At will: thaumaturgy, detect magic, guidance, sacred flame
  • 3/day each: banishment, flame strike, guardian of faith, spirit shroud, guiding bolt (as 9th level)
  • 1/day each: maze, plane shift, true resurrection, divine word

Actions

Multiattack. Wepwawet makes three attacks: two with his Jackal Bite and one with his Divine Flail.

Jackal Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +20 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 40 (4d10 + 10) piercing damage.

Divine Flail (Artifact Weapon). Melee Weapon Attack: +20 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target.
Hit: 50 (5d10 + 10) bludgeoning damage. On a critical hit, the target must succeed on a DC 25 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Divine Roar (Recharge 5–6). Wepwawet unleashes a terrifying roar in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 26 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. Undead and fiends make this saving throw with disadvantage.


Bonus Actions

Jackal Avatar (1/Long Rest). Wepwawet transforms into his divine jackal form for 1 minute. While in this form:

  • He is immune to all nonmagical damage.
  • His speed increases by 20 ft.
  • He emits a 30-foot aura of fear. Enemies that start their turn in the aura must succeed on a DC 26 Wisdom save or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

Legendary Actions

Wepwawet can take 3 legendary actions, 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. He regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

  • Jackal Leap. Wepwawet moves up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
  • Divine Protection. One ally within 30 feet gains resistance to all damage until the start of Wepwawet’s next turn.
  • Divine Strike. Wepwawet makes one attack with his Jackal Bite or Divine Flail.
  • Divine Healing (Costs 2 Actions). Wepwawet or one ally within 30 feet regains 40 hit points.

Lair Actions (3/day)

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Wepwawet can use one of the following effects:

  • Summon Anubian Warriors. Wepwawet summons 1d4 + 2 Anubian Warriors (use gnoll pack lord stat block).
  • Divine Knowledge. Wepwawet shares sacred insight with one ally, granting advantage on the next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw it makes within 1 minute.
  • Howl of the Duat. Each enemy within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 26 Wisdom saving throw or be deafened and frightened until the end of their next turn.

Regional Effects

The region within 10 miles of Wepwawet’s lair is altered by his divine presence:

  • Evil creatures within this area feel an overwhelming sense of dread.
  • Jackals and other canines become unusually intelligent and protective of sacred sites.
  • Dead bodies left unburied attract spectral jackals who usher their souls toward judgment.

Wepwawet’s presence in the world is a testament to his role as a guardian and guide of souls. His divine artifacts, powerful abilities, and legendary actions make him a formidable force, and his connection to the Anubian warriors ensures that he is never alone in his battles. Whether aiding adventurers or challenging them, Wepwawet’s actions always align with his divine purpose of protecting and guiding those on their journey through life and beyond.

Wepwawet

CR 35
XP 12,800,000
Male greater deity of war and passage
N Large outsider (chaotic, extraplanar, good, mythic)


Init +17; Senses truesight 120 ft., darkvision 120 ft.; Perception +45


Aura divine aura (30 ft., +4 to attack/damage rolls, +4 vs. fear, see below)


DEFENSE

AC 50, touch 26, flat-footed 39 (+12 armor, +9 Dex, +12 natural, +7 deflection)
hp 1,100 (40d10+800); fast healing 20, regeneration 20 (epic & mythic only)
Fort +35, Ref +30, Will +34
Defensive Abilities divine grace, mythic resilience; DR 20/epic and lawful; Immune acid, cold, death effects, electricity, fire, mind-affecting effects, necrotic, poison; SR 46
Weaknesses none


OFFENSE

Speed 60 ft., fly 90 ft. (perfect)
Melee Wepwawet’s Flail +48/+43/+38/+33 (5d10+20 plus prone on crit, ×2) and bite +46 (4d10+10)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 15 ft. (flail), 10 ft. (bite)
Special Attacks divine roar (60-ft. cone, DC 36), mythic power (10/day, surge +1d12), Jackal Avatar (1/day), channel energy (10d6, DC 30, 10/day, positive energy), divine strike, divine flail

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 35th; concentration +44)
At will—detect magic, greater teleport (self + 50 lbs.), flame strike (DC 27), dimension door, dispel magic
3/day—*plane shift (DC 28), true seeing, divine favor (mythic), wrathful gaze (as wrathful mantle)
1/day—true resurrection, miracle, divine word, maze (DC 29)

Spells Prepared (CL 20th; concentration +30)
9th—miracle, gate, mass heal
8th—greater planar ally, moment of prescience, shield of law
7th—resurrection, dictum, fire storm
6th—blade barrier, heal, heroes’ feast
5th—flame strike, true seeing, righteous might
4th—divine power, death ward, freedom of movement
3rd—daylight, magic circle vs evil, prayer
2nd—bull’s strength, aid, resist energy
1st—divine favor, protection from evil, bless


STATISTICS

Str 38, Dex 28, Con 38, Int 26, Wis 34, Cha 30
Base Atk +40; CMB +54; CMD 76
Feats Power Attack, Cleave, Great Cleave, Critical Focus, Improved Critical (flail), Toughness, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus (flail), Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Quicken Spell-Like Ability (plane shift)
Skills Perception +45, Knowledge (religion) +40, Knowledge (planes) +38, Spellcraft +40, Sense Motive +42, Fly +37
Languages all; telepathy 120 ft.


ECOLOGY

Environment any (celestial planes or major planar nexus)
Organization unique
Treasure triple (includes Wepwawet’s Flail, Wepwawet’s Ankh, Wepwawet’s Armor, Amulet of Passage)


SPECIAL ABILITIES

Divine Aura (Su): Allies within 30 feet of Wepwawet gain a +4 bonus on attack and damage rolls and saving throws against fear effects. Evil creatures within this aura take a –2 penalty on attack rolls.

Jackal Avatar (Su): Once per day as a swift action, Wepwawet transforms into a towering jackal-headed avatar for 1 minute. He gains immunity to nonmagical damage, blindsight 60 ft., and his Divine Roar recharges on a 4–6. His aura causes enemies to become frightened (DC 34) at the start of their turns.

Divine Roar (Su): Wepwawet releases a thundering roar in a 60-foot cone. Creatures must succeed on a DC 36 Will save or become frightened for 1 minute. Fiends and undead take a –4 penalty on this save.

Mythic Resilience (Ex): Once per day, when reduced to 0 hp, Wepwawet instead heals to half maximum hit points and enters Jackal Avatar form if not already active.

Wepwawet’s Flail (Artifact Weapon): +5 holy, keen, disrupting flail. On a critical hit, the target must succeed at a DC 36 Fortitude save or be knocked prone and stunned for 1 round.

Wepwawet’s Armor (Artifact): +5 heavy fortification celestial full plate. Grants immunity to necrotic, poison, and resistance 30 to all nonmagical damage.

Ankh of Wepwawet (Artifact): Worn around the neck, this divine relic grants constant death ward, +4 sacred bonus on Cha checks vs. undead, and a +2 bonus on all saving throws.

Amulet of Passage (Artifact): Once per day, the wearer may cast plane shift without material components. When used by Wepwawet, it opens a golden gateway shaped like a jackal’s maw.


LAIR ACTIONS

On initiative count 20 (losing ties), Wepwawet can use one of the following abilities:

  • Summon Anubian Warriors (Sp): Summons 1d4+2 advanced gnoll pack lords with celestial template. Lasts for 3 rounds or until slain.
  • Divine Insight (Su): One ally gains advantage on all rolls until the end of their next turn (treat as moment of prescience).
  • Howl of the Duat (Su): Creatures within 60 ft. must succeed on a DC 34 Will save or become confused for 1 round and frightened for 1 additional round.

REGIONAL EFFECTS

The area within 10 miles of Wepwawet’s shrine or presence is affected by divine power:

  • Evil creatures are uneasy and take –2 penalty to saves vs. fear and compulsion.
  • All jackals and canine creatures gain celestial template and become unusually loyal guardians.
  • The dead cannot rise as undead unless the effect is from a deity.

Currently in the World

Wolf Canine Predator Mammal  - ArtTower / Pixabay, Wepwawet
ArtTower / Pixabay

Amidst the sands of ancient Egypt, a deity stirs, born from the primeval forces that shaped the world. Wepwawet, the Opener of the Way, emerges from the chaotic realm of creation, his golden fur shining under the sun’s eternal gaze. With every step, the shifting sands beneath him seem to part, as if paying homage to the god’s divine presence.

In the early days of the Egyptian pantheon, Wepwawet roams the untamed wilderness, a majestic jackal, swift and cunning. He traverses the dunes, guiding the souls of the deceased to their final resting place, protecting them from the malevolent spirits lurking in the darkness. As a god of war, his howls resonate across the desert, inspiring courage in warriors and ensuring victory on the battlefield. The pharaohs, crowned with the Double Crown, call upon him for guidance and strength, for his blessing in their military endeavors.

As the eons pass, Wepwawet’s domain extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing the transition from life to death and the opening of spiritual pathways. He becomes a bridge between worlds, a guardian of souls, and a beacon of hope for those in need of direction.

In the present day of the 1450s, the world has changed, and civilizations have risen and fallen. But Wepwawet’s presence remains steadfast. He observes from the shadows, adapting to the new age, his divine powers undiminished. The sands of time have not eroded his resolve, and he continues to open paths for those who seek guidance and protection.

In this era of exploration and discovery, Wepwawet is an enigmatic figure, subtly influencing events for the greater good. His goals transcend mortal understanding, as he seeks to maintain balance in a world increasingly driven by ambition and greed. His desires lie in protecting the innocent and guiding the lost, ensuring that souls find their rightful place in the afterlife.

Despite his strength, Wepwawet is not without weaknesses. He is bound by the laws of balance, unable to intervene in every conflict or shape every destiny. He must navigate the complex web of relationships among the gods, respecting the boundaries set by the divine order.

As the Opener of the Way, Wepwawet is associated with divine artifacts and magic items that aid him in his quest. Among them, the Scepter of Transition allows him to open mystical gateways, and the Amulet of Guiding Light grants visions to the worthy. His servants, the loyal Jackal Guardians, patrol the boundaries of his domain, protecting against malevolent forces that threaten the balance.

In the ever-changing tapestry of the world, Wepwawet stands as a timeless figure, embodying the duality of life and death, war and peace. He remains an elusive deity, a guardian and guide, a symbol of hope and determination in a world that continues to seek its path.

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