Beast and Myth
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Anubis

EgyptianDeityDeathGuardianJackal

Lore

Anubis is a Deity of the necropolis and embalming rites: a jackal-headed guardian whose presence arrives like a shadow at the lip of a tomb. Smell: dry natron, warm resinous myrrh and the faint papery aroma of unrolled papyrus. Sound: a hush that gathers—linen sliding, a low, bell-like resonance, and the distant, rhythmic pad of paws on stone. Temperature: cool and arid, the air around him feeling like a desert night sealed behind thick walls, tighter and drier than the open air.
Origin: Ancient Egyptian • Ancient Egypt (Memphis tradition)
Classification: Deity

Field Notes

Observations
  • A sudden, respectful silence among scavengers and the metallic note of incense burners; faint jackal paw-prints in dust that lead straight to a burial entrance.
Encounter Advice
  • taboo: Do not disturb a burial, remove funerary amulets, or mock rites. Desecration of tombs or exposing the dead to the sun invites his scrutiny and wrath.
  • reverence: Show respect at tombs: leave a simple offering, recite the name of the deceased, keep the place clean, and speak of the dead with restraint. In ritual, present incense or an ankh and perform gestures of solemnity rather than demand.
  • offering: Resin incense (myrrh), a cloth lightly anointed in oil or natron-scented linen, simple libations (water or beer), and an ankh or small funerary token.

Abilities

  • Scale of the Heart
    Weighs a mortal's heart against the feather of Ma'at and can bind or banish a soul instantly based on the balance.
  • Natron Ward (Embalmer's Mastery)
    Imbues natron, resin and linen with ritual preservation that anchors a soul to the Duat or prevents undeath and decay.
  • Path of the Duat
    Creates a sanctioned corridor through the Duat that permits or denies passage to the dead and can reroute wandering spirits.

Weaknesses

  • Denial of Natron
    When embalming materials—specifically natron and resin—are withheld or destroyed, his power to bind and judge a soul is severely weakened.
  • Tampered Scales
    If the scales of judgment are physically altered, corrupted or stolen, his verdicts can be nullified or compelled to misjudge.
  • Burning the Book of the Dead
    The deliberate destruction of funerary spells and papyri (e.g., portions of the Book of the Dead) fractures his ritual authority over specific souls.