Wepwawet (opener of the ways)

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

• 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, Jackal God of War

Large Celestial, Chaotic Neutral

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

Strength	Dexterity	Constitution	Intelligence	Wisdom	Charisma
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)

Divine Aura. He exudes an aura of divine power that extends to a range of 30 feet. All allies within this aura have advantage on saving throws against being frightened and gain a bonus of +4 to attack and damage rolls.

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

Jackal Avatar. As a bonus action, Wepwawet can assume his true form, transforming into a Jackal Avatar. In this form, he gains immunity to nonmagical damage and all his attack rolls are considered magical. This transformation lasts for 1 minute, and Wepwawet can use it once per long rest.

Actions Multiattack. He 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. Melee Weapon Attack: +20 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 50 (5d10 + 10) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 25 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

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

Lair Actions (3/day). On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Wepwawet takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

• Summon Anubian Warriors. Wepwawet summons 1d4+2 Anubian Warriors to aid him in battle. These warriors have the same stats as a gnoll pack lord.
• Divine Knowledge. Wepwawet shares his divine knowledge with one ally, granting them advantage on their next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.

Legendary Actions (3/day). Wepwawet 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. Wepwawet regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

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

Divine Artifacts Wepwawet’s Flail. A powerful divine flail, forged by celestial beings. This magical weapon has a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls. When attuned to this flail, the wielder gains proficiency in Wisdom saving throws. Additionally, on a critical hit, the target must succeed on a DC 25 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Wepwawet’s Ankh. A sacred amulet worn around the neck, granting the wearer advantage on saving throws against being frightened and advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks made to deal with undead creatures.

Wepwawet’s Armor. This celestial plate armor provides the wearer with a +3 bonus to AC and grants immunity to necrotic and poison damage. The wearer also gains resistance to nonmagical damage.

Wepwawet’s Amulet of Passage. An ancient amulet that allows the bearer to open mystical gateways to other planes. Once per long rest, the bearer can cast the plane shift spell without the need for a spell slot or components.

Regional Effects

• Whenever Wepwawet uses his Divine Roar, the sound echoes throughout the region, creating a sense of unease among evil creatures.
• Jackals and other canines are drawn to areas where Wepwawet’s divine presence is strong, often acting as guardians or guides for those who honor him.

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.

Currently in the World

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.