Itinerant Baptist

"John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt."
Mark 1:4

Mysterious and Wild. The enigmatic and eccentric preachers known as "baptists" were possibly related to the Essene faction in the region of Judea. Some saw these mysterious wanderers as simply lunatics who have spent too much time in the desert, while others saw the baptists as the last remnant of the age of Prophets who heralded the coming of the Messiah. The most famous of these itinerant Baptists was named John, and his ministry has been recorded in the Bible.

Baptism of Water. Baptists encouraged many people to submerge themselves in water as a sign of their repentance in a ritual called "baptism." This baptism was an outward sign of the person's turning away from sin and commitment to improve themselves. It is important to note the distinction between this baptism and the modern Christian ritual of the same name. The baptism performed by the itinerant baptists is simply a symbolic turning away from sin that all people are called to do.

Condemnation of Corruption. Their simple way of life living in the wilderness beyond God's creation in the desert causes baptists to become confused by the norms of society, especially as it relates to politics. Baptists never hesitate to speak out against political corruption when they see it, but this brash approach often earns them powerful enemies.

In particular, John the Baptist has a prolific ability to make enemies, and there are several politicians in the cities of Damascus and Jerusalem that would love to see his severed head on a platter.

Quirk. I don't mince words and I always say what I mean. If people get offended that's their problem.

Bond. I whole-heartedly believe in my cousin, Jesus of Nazareth. I would die for him.

Ideal. It doesn't matter who you are or what mistakes you've made; everyone can have a fresh start.

Flaw. I never think before I speak. I am bad at keeping secrets, and sometimes my mouth gets me into trouble.

Medium Humanoid, Chaotic Good

Armor Class 10

Hit Points 150

Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	10 (+0)	14 (+2)	10 (+0)	18 (+4)	18 (+4)

Saving Throws Con +5, Wis +7, Cha +7

Skills Nature +3, Persuasion +7, Religion +3, Survival +7

Languages Common, Aramaic

Senses Passive Perception 10

Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Features

Baptism in the Jordan. If a repentant and willing creature desires it, the baptist can perform a baptism ritual. The baptism takes 10 minutes to perform, and at the conclusion of the ritual, a baptized creature gains benefits depending on the body of water use the in ritual (see the chart on page 40). These effects are permanent.

Wade in the Water. When the Baptist casts a spell that uses water to cause damage or negative effects, it can choose up to 4 creatures who automatically succeed on their saving throws against the spell. The chosen creatures also take no damage from the spell.

Spellcasting. The Baptist is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit). It has the following spells prepared.

At will: Druidcraft, Guidance

1st level (4 slots): Cure Wounds (1d8 + 4 HP), Rain

2nd level (3 slots): Animal Messenger, Zone of Truth (Wis 15)

3rd level (3 slots): Torrent of Water (Str 15) (2d10 Bludgeoning), Deluge (Dex 15) (5d8 Bludgeoning)

4th level (1 slot): Bind With Water (Str 15), Control Water

Actions

Condemn Corruption (1/Day). The Baptist points at a creature it can see within range. If that creature's alignment is Evil, all attack rolls made against it have advantage until the start of the Baptist's next turn.

Conjure Elemental (1/Day). The Baptist calls forth a Water Elemental from a water source of any size within 30 feet. The Elemental rolls its own initiative, and obeys all commands given to it telepathically by The Baptist. It remains for 1 hour, or until reduced to 0 hit points.

Prepare the Way. The Baptist foretells the coming of the Messiah, giving itself advantage on its next Persuasion check.

Bible5e custom monster. Its specific traits supplement the current rules. See Using Bible5e Monsters.