Bane, the Black Lord

Basic Information

• Name: Bane (pronounced "BAYN")
• Domains: Tyranny, Fear, Hatred
• Alignment: Lawful Evil
• Symbol: A black gauntlet, often depicted as a clenched fist

Bane is the god of tyranny, fear, and hatred in the Forgotten Realms, embodying the ruthless pursuit of power and control. He is a deity of order through domination, revered by those who seek to impose their will on others. As a Lawful Evil deity, Bane values structure, discipline, and the subjugation of the weak.

History and Mythology

Bane’s rise to godhood is a tale of ambition and conquest. Originally a mortal adventurer, Bane, along with his companions Myrkul and Bhaal, embarked on a quest to achieve divinity during the Time of Troubles (1358 DR). Together known as the Dead Three, they succeeded in slaying several gods and claiming their divine portfolios.

• Ascension to Godhood: Bane seized the portfolio of tyranny, becoming the god of fear and domination. His ascent marked the beginning of his campaign to subjugate the mortal and divine realms alike.
• The Zhentarim: Bane’s most infamous followers, the Zhentarim, are a powerful organization that seeks to spread his influence through conquest, trade, and espionage.
• Death and Resurrection: During the Time of Troubles, Bane was slain by the god Torm but was later resurrected by his son, Iyachtu Xvim, who briefly held his portfolio before Bane reclaimed it.

Bane’s myths often depict him as a merciless conqueror, crushing his enemies and rewarding loyalty with power. He is frequently at odds with gods of justice and freedom, such as Tyr and Lathander.

Worshipers and Church Structure

Bane’s followers are those who crave power and control, often at the expense of others. His church is highly organized, reflecting his lawful nature and emphasis on discipline.

• Followers: Tyrants, conquerors, warlords, and those who seek to dominate through fear and oppression.
• Clergy: The church of Bane is rigidly hierarchical:
• High Imperceptor: The supreme leader, overseeing all of Bane’s faithful.
• Dreadmasters: Regional leaders who enforce Bane’s will and coordinate large-scale operations.
• Black Gauntlets: Local priests and enforcers who maintain order and spread fear in Bane’s name.
• Worship Practices:
• Rituals involve oaths of loyalty, displays of strength, and sacrifices to demonstrate submission to Bane’s will.
• The Feast of the Black Gauntlet is a grim celebration where followers reaffirm their allegiance through acts of dominance and conquest.

Bane’s church thrives in regions where power is centralized and fear is a tool of governance, such as the Moonsea and the Sword Coast’s more lawless frontiers.

Divine Realms and Sacred Locations

• Divine Realm: The Black Bastion, located in the plane of Acheron, is Bane’s domain—a fortress of iron and stone where the god plots his conquests and trains his legions of followers.
• Sacred Locations:
• The Black Altar in Zhentil Keep: A massive temple where Bane’s most devoted followers gather to plan their campaigns.
• The Fortress of the Black Hand in the Moonsea: A stronghold where Bane’s clergy train warriors and enforcers.
• The Temple of the Iron Fist in Mulmaster: A center of Bane’s worship, where his priests exert influence over the city’s politics.

These locations are often heavily fortified, serving as both places of worship and military outposts.

Gameplay Mechanics

Bane’s influence in gameplay is tied to domination, fear, and control, making him a popular choice for characters who embrace tyranny and power.

• Cleric Domains: War, Order, Trickery
• Favored Weapon: Morningstar or gauntlet
• Divine Boons: Clerics of Bane can channel divinity to invoke Tyrant’s Command (forcing enemies to obey commands) or Aura of Fear (instilling terror in foes). They may also gain access to spells like Dominate Person or Fear.
• Artifacts: Legendary items such as the Gauntlet of Bane (which grants the power to crush enemies) or The Black Crown (a symbol of absolute authority).

Campaign Hooks

• Conquest and Subjugation: Players might be tasked with stopping a Bane-worshiping warlord from conquering a peaceful region.
• Infiltration of the Zhentarim: Adventurers could be sent to disrupt the Zhentarim’s operations on the Sword Coast, uncovering their plans for domination.
• Battles Against Tyranny: Quests to free enslaved populations or overthrow despotic rulers who draw power from Bane.

Summary

Bane is the embodiment of tyranny and fear in the Forgotten Realms, a god who values power above all else. His influence is felt in every act of oppression and conquest, from the shadowed halls of Zhentil Keep to the battlefields of the Moonsea. For players and Dungeon Masters, Bane offers rich opportunities to explore themes of domination, control, and the struggle for freedom.