Zhu Bajie, Pigsy
“From Gluttony to Greatness: The Unforgettable Zhu Bajie, Pigsy of Journey to the West!”
- Alias: Zhu Bajie, Pigsy
- Gender: Male
- Race: Celestial Being (formerly), Pig Demon
- Occupation: Former Celestial Marshal, Traveling Companion
- Religion: Generally follows Buddhist teachings
- Allies: Tang Sanzang (Master), Sun Wukong, Sha Wujing
- Enemies: Demons, Evil Spirits
- Abode/Base of Operations: Varies as he travels with Tang Sanzang’s pilgrimage
- Nationality: Chinese
- Languages: Chinese (Mandarin)
- Alignment: Chaotic Good
- Affiliation(s): Disciples of Tang Sanzang, Celestial Court (formerly)
- Significant others: None mentioned in the original folklore
Zhu Bajie, famously known as Pigsy from the epic Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” is a complex character driven by his desires and aspirations. With a mix of humor and pathos, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
As a former celestial marshal banished to Earth for his misbehavior, he seeks to regain his heavenly status. Despite his crude manners and insatiable appetite, he possesses a kind heart and an innate sense of loyalty. Joining the pilgrimage of the monk Tang Sanzang, he becomes a key member of the team, offering both comic relief and unexpected bravery.
Zhu Bajie’s motivations stem from a longing to return to his heavenly abode, seeking forgiveness and redemption for his past transgressions. Along the journey, he learns valuable lessons in humility, selflessness, and control over his earthly desires. Though often distracted by earthly pleasures and indulgences, his ultimate goal is to become a better person and ascend back to the celestial realm.
With his boar-like appearance, his physical presence reflects his inner struggles. Despite his outward flaws, he possesses immense strength and combat skills. He wields a formidable weapon, the nine-toothed rake, which he skillfully employs in battle.
Throughout their arduous journey, Zhu Bajie’s character arc unfolds, revealing layers of growth, self-realization, and transformation. As he confronts his own weaknesses, he becomes a source of inspiration for others, teaching the importance of resilience, acceptance, and the pursuit of personal redemption.
In the end, Zhu Bajie’s story is one of redemption, as he seeks to overcome his past mistakes and find his place in both the mortal and celestial realms. His journey resonates with audiences as a reminder that even flawed individuals can find redemption and make meaningful contributions to the world.
Zhu Bajie
Medium celestial, chaotic good
Armor Class 17 (natural armor) Hit Points 136 (16d8 + 64) Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 (+5) | 12 (+1) | 18 (+4) | 10 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) |
Saving Throws Str +9, Con +8, Wis +6 Skills Perception +6, Athletics +9, Insight +6 Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16 Languages Common, Celestial Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Divine Nature. Zhu Bajie’s creature type is considered both celestial and humanoid.
Eternal Swine. Zhu Bajie’s transformation into a pig-like form grants him the following traits:
- Improved Darkvision. He can see in darkness as if it were dim light within a range of 60 feet.
- Tusks. Zhu Bajie’s tusks are natural melee weapons, which he can use to make unarmed strikes. On a hit, the target takes 1d6+5 piercing damage.
- Aquatic Adaptation. He can breathe underwater and has a swimming speed of 30 feet.
Actions
- Multiattack. He makes two halberd attacks.
- Halberd. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (1d10 + 5) slashing damage.
- Oink of Command (Recharge 5-6). Zhu Bajie lets out a powerful oink that can be heard up to 300 feet away. Each celestial ally within 60 feet of Zhu Bajie that can hear him gains advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw before the end of their next turn.
- Swine Squeal. He emits a deafening squeal. Each creature within 30 feet of him must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be deafened until the end of their next turn.
Reactions
- Uncanny Reflexes. When Zhu Bajie is hit by an attack, he can use his reaction to gain a +4 bonus to AC against that attack.
Legendary Actions He 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. Zhu Bajie regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Halberd Attack. He makes one halberd attack.
- Heavenly Intervention. He casts the cure wounds spell on himself or a celestial ally within 60 feet, restoring 2d8 + 4 hit points.
- Demonic Transformation. He embraces his inner demons, gaining advantage on his next attack roll or saving throw before the end of his next turn.
Equipment
- Halberd
- Leather armor
- Pouch of celestial herbs
- Traveler’s clothes
Description Zhu Bajie, also known as Pigsy, is a celestial warrior with a unique blend of pig and human characteristics. His stout and muscular body is covered in short bristly hair, and he possesses a pair of large tusks that protrude from his mouth. Despite his pig-like appearance, he carries himself with dignity and confidence.
Currently, he is on a quest to atone for his past misdeeds and seek enlightenment. He travels alongside a group of righteous heroes, aiding them in their mission to protect the innocent and uphold justice. His surroundings vary depending on the current stage of their adventure, but he can often be found in ancient temples, mystical forests, or bustling cities, always vigilant and ready for any challenge that comes their way.
In the midst of their journey, he exudes a mix of determination and mischief. Though he has a tendency to indulge in his gluttonous desires, he is fiercely loyal to his companions and fights valiantly against evil. Zhu Bajie’s mood fluctuates between moments of contemplation and bursts of boisterous laughter, bringing both wisdom and humor to the group.
Plot Hooks
- The Gourmet’s Delight: Zhu Bajie’s insatiable appetite and love for food lead the party to a renowned culinary festival, where he insists on sampling every dish, uncovering a secret ingredient with magical properties. As the party indulges in the festivities, His enthusiasm for gastronomic delights becomes infectious, drawing the attention of renowned chefs and food enthusiasts from far and wide.
- The Hidden Monastery: A rumor spreads throughout the land of an ancient monastery hidden deep within the treacherous mountains. It is said that this monastery holds the key to unlocking Zhu Bajie’s true potential and transforming him back into a human. The party embarks on a perilous journey, braving dangerous terrain and battling mystical guardians, all in pursuit of the hidden sanctuary.
- Pigsy’s Prank: Zhu Bajie’s mischievous nature gets the better of him when he disguises himself as a noble’s prized pig during a lavish banquet. The party finds themselves entangled in a web of mistaken identities, comedic mishaps, and high-stakes intrigue. They must help Zhu Bajie maintain his disguise while navigating the social intricacies of the aristocratic world.
- Guardian of the Sacred Boar: While traveling through a rural village, the party encounters a terrified community plagued by a monstrous boar that ravages their crops. To their surprise, Zhu Bajie recognizes the creature as an old friend and seeks to restore its peaceful nature. The party joins forces with Zhu Bajie to confront the boar and uncover the true source of its aggression.
- The Celestial Feast: Zhu Bajie extends a rare invitation to the party, inviting them to an extravagant celestial feast held in the divine realm. As they step into this otherworldly realm, the party finds themselves immersed in a grand spectacle of heavenly delights. They must navigate intricate etiquette, deal with the whims of eccentric celestial beings, and prove their worth to secure Zhu Bajie’s place among the celestial elite.
- The Swine’s Wisdom: In a moment of tranquility and reflection, Zhu Bajie imparts ancient wisdom and teachings of balance and self-control to a troubled party member. Through stories and parables, he shares insights gained from his own journey of personal growth, helping the party member find inner peace and clarity amidst their challenges.
- The Path of Compassion: Zhu Bajie encounters a group of bandits who have fallen on hard times, resorting to theft and violence to survive. Instead of engaging in battle, he offers them a chance at redemption. He shares stories of his own past mistakes and guides them toward a life of righteousness and compassion. The party becomes embroiled in a moral dilemma as they navigate the complexities of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances.
- The Forbidden Recipe: Zhu Bajie stumbles upon a forbidden recipe that holds immense power and potential consequences. As word spreads about this mysterious recipe, various factions vie for its possession, each with their own agenda. Zhu Bajie must decide whether to protect the recipe from falling into the wrong hands or use its extraordinary properties to bring prosperity to a struggling community. The party becomes entangled in a dangerous game of intrigue and must make difficult choices that will shape the fate of the recipe and those involved.
- Swine Racing Spectacle: Zhu Bajie challenges the party to a thrilling swine racing competition, showcasing his incredible speed and agility. The race takes them through treacherous terrains, obstacle courses, and unexpected twists and turns. The party must utilize their skills and wit to navigate the challenging race while overcoming rival racers, natural obstacles, and even Zhu Bajie’s own mischievous tricks.
- The Lost Shrine: Legends speak of a forgotten shrine dedicated to Zhu Bajie, hidden in a remote and mystical forest. The party embarks on a perilous journey, facing enchanted creatures, perplexing riddles, and ancient traps as they seek to uncover the shrine’s location and unlock its ancient secrets. Along the way, they learn about his history, his exploits, and the significance of the shrine in his tale.
Currently in the World
Zhu Bajie, also known as Pigsy, is a stout and plump creature resembling a pig-human hybrid. He has a round face with a snub nose, small eyes, and a wide mouth. His body is covered in coarse pig-like hair, and he possesses a curly pig’s tail. He typically dresses in tattered monk robes, reflecting his past as a celestial being.
Currently, he is traveling alongside his master, Tang Sanzang, on a sacred pilgrimage. They find themselves in a lush forest, surrounded by tall trees and the gentle sounds of nature.His mood is jovial, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He enjoys indulging in earthly pleasures, often seen with a contented smile on his face, savoring a delicious meal or engaging in lighthearted banter with his companions. Despite his appearance and occasional playful nature, Zhu Bajie is a skilled warrior and remains dedicated to protecting Tang Sanzang on their perilous journey.