Benaiah

Benaiah began his career as one of David’s “Mighty Warriors,” an elite fighting force of ancient Israel analogous to a modern day special forces unit. Among the Mighty Warriors, Benaiah had distinction as one of the best fighters and most prolific assassins in their ranks. Although he was not bloodthirsty or cruel, Benaiah had a methodical and dispassionate approach to combat. He did not take joy in the deaths of his enemies, but he was also entirely prepared to do what was necessary for the greater good.

Benaiah’s proficiency as a combatant earned him a position as head bodyguard when David ascended to the throne. Later in life, Benaiah continued to serve the throne of Israel under King Solomon. According some legends, Benaiah even succeeded in defeating and capturing the demon Ashmedai, and then compelling him into revealing the location of the Shamir on behalf of King Solomon during the construction of the Temple.

Even after death, Benaiah has continued his sworn oath to serve the throne of Jerusalem. When Benaiah heard that Jerusalem would be conquered by the Antichrist for a time before the creation of the New Jerusalem at the end of time, he chose to remain behind as an Elder as his soul could not be at peace until the last enemies of Jerusalem have been defeated.

Roleplaying Benaiah. Benaiah has silent and efficient mannerisms that are well-suited to a man of his trade. He rarely engages in conversation with his adventuring party, and spends his down time cleaning and preparing his weapons. Everything from his dark eyes to his posture convey the resolve of someone prepared to do whatever is necessary at a moment’s notice.

Prerequisite

Benaiah is not available to be recruited until his services have been offered to the player characters in Chapter 6.

Benaiah

Medium Humanoid, Lawful Neutral

Armor Class: 16 (leather armor)

Hit Points: 152 (16d10+64)

Speed: 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
15 (+2)	18 (+4)	18 (+4)	11 (+0)	14 (+2)	8 (-1)

Saving Throws: Str +7, Dex +9

Skills: Athletics +7, Stealth +9, Survival +7

Senses: passive perception 12

Languages: Common, Hebrew

Challenge: 10 (5,900 XP) Proficiency: +5

Features

Assassinate: During his first turn, Benaiah has advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn. Any hit Benaiah scores against a Surprised creature is a critical hit.

Evasion: If Benaiah is subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, he instead takes no damage on a successful saving throw, and only half damage on a failure.

Indomitable (1/Day): Benaiah can reroll a failed saving throw. He must finish a Long Rest before using this feature again.

Sneak Attack: Once per turn, Benaiah deals an extra 14 (4d6) damage when he hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 feet of an ally and Benaiah does not have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Actions

Multiattack: Benaiah makes two attacks with his Longbow or Shortsword.

Longbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Shortsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Azrael's Guide to the Apocalypse, printed page 232.