Benkei “The Monk of the Mountain”

Benkei is a towering figure, standing at over six feet tall with broad shoulders and a muscular build. He has a shaven head, a strong jawline, and piercing dark eyes. His skin is tanned and weathered from years spent outdoors, and he bears numerous scars from battles fought in defense of others. He wears the traditional robes of a warrior monk, with a dark brown robe over a lighter colored undergarment, and carries a massive war club with him at all times.

• Alias – The Monk of the Mountain
• Gender – Male
• Race – Human
• Occupation – Warrior Monk
• Religion – Buddhism
• Allies – Other monks, samurai who share his beliefs
• Enemies – Corrupt officials, bandits, and other criminals who prey on the innocent
• Abode/Base of operations – A small temple on a remote mountaintop in Japan
• Nationality – Japanese
• Languages – Japanese
• Alignment – Lawful Good
• Affiliation(s) – The order of warrior monks he belongs to, the people of Japan
• Significant others – None. Benkei has chosen a life of celibacy to fully devote himself to his mission.

Benkei is a legendary figure in Japanese folklore, known for his immense strength, unwavering loyalty, and fearless determination. He is often depicted as a towering warrior, with a shaven head and a muscular physique, who wields a massive war club with ease.

Born in the 12th century in a small village in Japan, he was raised by his mother after his father died in battle. From a young age, he displayed an extraordinary talent for martial arts and quickly rose through the ranks of his local dojo.

Despite his impressive skills, he was not content with simply being a skilled fighter. He wanted to use his abilities to make a difference in the world and to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. This desire led him to become a warrior monk, dedicating his life to serving the people of Japan.

Benkei soon became known as a fierce protector of the weak and vulnerable. He would often venture into dangerous areas to protect villagers from bandits and other criminals. His reputation for bravery and strength grew with each passing day, and he became a legend in his own time.

But despite his many victories, he remained humble and focused on his goal of serving others. He never sought personal glory or wealth, and was content to live a simple life in service of his beliefs.

Throughout his life, Benkei faced many challenges and adversaries, but he never wavered in his dedication to his ideals. He remained a steadfast defender of the people of Japan until his dying day, inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps and to use their own talents for the greater good. Even now, centuries after his death, Benkei remains a symbol of strength, courage, and selflessness.

Benkei, the Monk of the Mountain

Medium humanoid (human), lawful good

Armor Class: 18 (unarmored defense)

Hit Points: 184 (16d8 + 96)

Speed: 40 ft.

STR 22 (+6) DEX 16 (+3) CON 22 (+6) INT 10 (+0) WIS 20 (+5) CHA 8 (-1)

Saving Throws: Str +12, Con +12, Wis +11

Skills: Athletics +12, Insight +11, Perception +11

Senses: passive Perception 21

Languages: Japanese

Challenge Rating: 13 (10,000 XP)

Actions

War Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 26 (4d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Stunning Strike (3/day). When Benkei hits another creature with a melee weapon attack, he can spend 1 ki point to attempt a stunning strike. The target must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of Benkei’s next turn.

Flurry of Blows (2/day). He can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.

Patient Defense (1/day). He can spend 1 ki point to take the Dodge action as a bonus action on his turn.

Deflect Missiles. Benkei can use his reaction to deflect or catch a missile when he is hit by a ranged weapon attack. When he does so, the damage he takes from the attack is reduced by 1d10 + 12.

Step of the Wind. Benkei can spend 1 ki point to take the Disengage or Dash action as a bonus action on his turn, and his jump distance is doubled for the turn.

Equipment

Benkei carries only what he needs to survive in the wilderness and fulfill his mission:

• War club
• Monk’s robes
• Waterskin
• Travel rations
• Bedroll

Abilities

Unarmored Defense. While not wearing any armor or wielding a shield, Benkei’s AC equals 10 + his Dexterity modifier + his Wisdom modifier.

Martial Arts. He’s unarmed strikes deal 1d8 damage, and he can use Dexterity or Strength for his attack and damage rolls. He can make an unarmed strike as a bonus action after attacking with a weapon.

Ki. Benkei has 16 ki points, which he can spend to use various abilities such as Flurry of Blows or Stunning Strike. He regains all spent ki points at the end of a short or long rest.

Evasion. If he is subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, he instead takes no damage if he succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if he fails.

Stillness of Mind. Benkei can use his action to end one effect on himself that is causing him to be charmed or frightened.

Purity of Body. Benkei is immune to disease and poison.

Diamond Soul. Benkei’s proficiency bonus is doubled for any Wisdom saving throw he makes, and he can spend 1 ki point to reroll a failed saving throw.

Lair Actions

Benkei’s temple on the mountain is his lair, and he has the ability to use the following lair actions:

1. Quaking Earth. He can cause the ground to shake, forcing all creatures within 60 feet to make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone.
2. Wall of Wind. Benkei can create a wall of strong winds that extends out from him in a 60-foot radius. The wind slows the movement of all creatures except for Benkei, who can move through it with ease.
3. Fist of Fury. Benkei can unleash a devastating flurry of blows, making three unarmed strikes against a single target within 10 feet. Each hit deals 1d8 + 6 bludgeoning damage.

Legendary Actions

Benkei can take 3 legendary actions per round, 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. Benkei regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

1. Unarmed Strike. Benkei makes an unarmed strike against a target within reach.
2. Ki-Empowered Strike. Benkei spends 2 ki points to make an unarmed strike that deals an extra 2d10 force damage.
3. Deflect Missiles. Benkei can use his Deflect Missiles ability without using his reaction.
4. Stunning Strike. He spends 2 ki points to attempt a Stunning Strike against a target within reach, forcing them to make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of Benkei’s next turn.