Buy me a coffeeSha Wùjìng (Sandy),”the Tranquil Pilgrim”
“From Demon to Disciple: Sha Wujing’s Epic Transformation in Journey to the West!”
- Alias: Sha-hesang, The Curtain-Lifting General, Golden-bodied Arhat (at the end of the story)
- Gender: Male
- Race: Formerly a Heavenly General, transformed into a humanoid demon, later an Arhat
- Occupation: General in Heaven (formerly), Demon in the Liusha River (formerly), Disciple of Sanzang, Arhat (at the end of the story)
- Religion: Buddhism
- Allies: Xuanzang, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, White Dragon Horse, The deities
- Enemies: Demons
- Abode/Base of operations: Varies throughout the journey, typically traveling with Tang Sanzang and company
- Nationality: Chinese
- Languages: Chinese, various languages encountered during the journey
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- Affiliation(s): Tang Sanzang’s pilgrimage
- Significant others: None
Sha Wujing, a character renowned from the classic tale “Journey to the West,” emerges as a multifaceted individual shaped by his intriguing past. Once a formidable general in Heaven, his fall from grace stems from a seemingly unfortunate event involving a cherished vase. This unintentional act led to his transformation into a man-eating demon in the treacherous Liusha River. Yet, despite his demonic appearance and appetite for humans, Sha Wujing harbors an innate kindness and loyalty within him.
His journey takes a remarkable turn when he encounters the Bodhisattva Guanyin’s guidance, leading him to await the arrival of the Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang. Misunderstandings abound as he is initially mistaken for an adversary and engaged in battle by Sanzang’s other disciples, Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie. However, this conflict is swiftly resolved, paving the way for Sha Wujing’s transition into Sanzang’s third and devoted disciple.
Throughout their odyssey, Sha Wujing, characterized by his polite demeanor and logical thinking, consistently stands as the voice of reason within the group. He demonstrates exceptional bravery, defending his master against malevolent forces alongside his companions. His ultimate aspiration is clear: to safeguard Tang Sanzang on their arduous journey to the West, despite the challenges and adversaries they face. The transformation from a demon to a devoted disciple underscores the enduring theme of redemption and self-discovery in his character’s narrative.
Sha Wujing
Medium humanoid (celestial), lawful good
Armor Class 17 (natural armor) Hit Points 150 (20d8 + 60) Speed 30 ft., swim 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) |
Skills Insight +7, Perception +7 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17 Languages Celestial, Common, Aquan Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
Innate Spellcasting. Sha Wujing’s spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 15). He can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
- At will: detect evil and good
- 3/day each: bless, cure wounds, water walk
- 1/day: control water, plane shift (to the Celestial Plane)
Amphibious. Sha Wujing can breathe underwater and on land.
Celestial Resistance. Sha Wujing has resistance to radiant damage.
Swim Master. Sha Wujing can move through water without impediment and gains a swim speed of 40 feet.
Magic Staff (Recharge 6). Sha Wujing wields a magic staff with various abilities. He can use one of the following staff abilities:
- Healing Touch. Sha Wujing can touch a creature and heal it for 2d8 + 3 hit points.
- Staff Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8
Multiattack. Sha Wujing makes two melee attacks: one with his staff and one unarmed strike.
Staff of Transformation. Sha Wujing can use his staff to transform into different forms. He can cast polymorph on himself, turning into a creature with a CR equal to his level (10). He can’t choose to transform into creatures with a flying speed.
Water Jet (Recharge 5-6). He unleashes a powerful jet of water in a 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) bludgeoning damage and being pushed back 10 feet on a failed save or half as much damage and no pushback on a successful one.
Legendary Actions (3/round). Sha Wujing 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. Sha Wujing regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Healing Touch. Sha Wujing uses his Healing Touch staff ability.
- Whirlpool (Costs 2 Actions). Sha Wujing creates a vortex of water in a 20-foot radius centered on a point he can see within 60 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw or take 21 (4d8) bludgeoning damage and be restrained. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of its turn, ending the effect on a success. The whirlpool lasts for 1 minute or until Sha Wujing uses this action again to end it.
- Wave Strike (Costs 2 Actions). Sha Wujing makes a melee weapon attack with his staff. On a hit, the target takes an extra 2d8 bludgeoning damage and must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pushed back 10 feet and knocked prone.
Actions
Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Blessed Protection (Recharge 6). Sha Wujing can bless himself or an ally within 30 feet. The target gains a +2 bonus to AC, saving throws, and resistance to all damage for 1 minute.
Reactions
Deflect Attack. When Sha Wujing is hit by a ranged weapon attack, he can use his reaction to deflect the missile with his staff. The attack is negated, and the missile harmlessly falls to the ground.
Legendary Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Sha Wujing takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects; he can’t use the same effect two rounds in a row:
- Sha Wujing calls forth a tidal wave in a 30-foot radius centered on a point he can see within 120 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone and pushed 30 feet away from the center.
- Sha Wujing causes the area around him to become submerged in water, creating difficult terrain for creatures other than himself. The water remains for 1 minute or until Sha Wujing uses this lair action again to end it.
- Sha Wujing reshapes water, creating a 10-foot tall, 10-foot wide, and 60-foot long wall of water at a point he can see within 120 feet. The wall lasts for 1 minute or until Sha Wujing uses this lair action again to reshape it.
Equipment. Sha Wujing carries a magical staff named “Zhangyaobaozhang,” which is a versatile weapon that can change size at will and has a solid gold core, as well as a Buddhist pilgrim’s robe.
Currently in the World
Sha Wujing stands tall and sturdy, draped in a simple yet elegant Buddhist pilgrim’s robe, its deep saffron hue gently swaying as he moves. His once-fiery red hair has transformed into a calm black, contrasting with the placid expression on his face. Around his neck, a necklace made of nine skulls, a reminder of his darker days as a man-eating demon.
In his hands, he tightly grips a substantial wooden staff, a relic from his time in heaven. The staff, named “Zhangyaobaozhang,” reflects a certain grace in its design, with intricate engravings and a solid gold core. It seems to resonate with his quiet strength.
Currently, Sha Wujing is diligently carrying the group’s heavy luggage, displaying unwavering loyalty to his master, Tang Sanzang. The serene landscape around him shifts as they continue their journey westward, with towering mountains and lush forests providing a backdrop to their path.
His mood remains composed and resolute, a testament to his unshakable dedication to the pilgrimage and his determination to protect his companions against any adversities they might encounter on their quest.