Wabu
Major Aspect of Chaos
A laughing trickster and storyteller, teaching lessons of adaptability through playful chaos.
Wabu is a capricious deity, a shapeshifter whose form is as fluid as the tales he spins. He often appears as a seemingly harmless creature – a sly fox, a chattering monkey, or even a wizened old traveler – a personal joke. He is known for his unpredictable nature, his love of riddles, and his penchant for playing pranks. While these pranks are not inherently malicious, but rather designed to teach valuable lessons, they can be cruel (depending on who you'd ask).
Rites
The Rite of Passage: This was a coming of age ceremony that involved a trail of physical, mental, and spiritual fortitude, composed of tricks, obsticals, twists and danger, designed to test a youth's wit and adaptability before accepting them to adult society. While there is no shame in failing the trail, only those who pass it earn the respect of their elders and gain standing for future positions of import within the tribe.
The Rite of Wit: When faced with a difficult task or dilemma, it is common to honor Wabu by performing acts of bravery or foolery, while asking Wabu for guidance.
Celebrations
The Lost Sun: Held at random, this festival begins spontaneously among MnSobek societies (though it may have been adopted elsewhere). At the witching hour, when the night is darkest, a prank or practical joke is made against one of the most honored members of the community, and from that point, for three days and nights, the community embarks on a festival of pranks, jests, and tricks against each other. This is considered a time for creating bonds, alleviating stress, and in some cases, culling those too "soft" to handle it.
The True Story: During the festival, a feast is held where stories are told of the unbelievable historical achievements of the community and its people.
Effigy: A totem made of at least three turning parts, depicting many faces, a dual mask, half smiling, half frowning, a storyteller's staff adorned with ribbons, feathers, and trinkets.
Domains: Humor (Often dark), Resourcefulness, Challenge, Heroism.
Legends: By one of the legends, Suriel once had four suns until Wabu stole the fourth and hid it. Another tale speaks of a time when a furious Graous caught Wabu and wished to punish him, only to have Wabu weave tales that ended with Graous feuding with Talikat - The Foundation.
Goals: To test and challenge mortal, to trick and amuse, to preserve and share stories.
Draws Strength From: Stories (mostly of bravery), laughing at the face of danger, quick wit, pranks, irreverence.
Rivels: Aspects of Order and Death
Originating Culture: The MnSobek, Ronayu, Jelani.