Bane

Lore & Background

Faerûn is home to a large pantheon of deities, subdivided into divine categories empowered by their followers. Bane is explicitly identified among the list of Greater deities, standing alongside figures such as Lord Ao, Asmodeus, Chauntea, and Mystra. The source describes these gods as covering a range of ethical beliefs and portfolios of interests, though it does not specify what those specific interests are for Bane beyond his inclusion in this high-ranking group. These deities are worshipped by the followers of the region, forming a major difference between Faerûn and Earth. The text highlights that the world has seen kingdoms rise and fall, with these gods remaining constant presences in a land rich in history and scarred by conflict.

In Their Own Story

The text focuses on the general structure of the Forgotten Realms setting, describing the continent's geography, technology, and the broad categorization of its inhabitants. It mentions that Faerûn has witnessed centuries of war and the rise and fall of kingdoms, but it does not attribute specific battles or turning points to Bane. Consequently, there are no recorded moments in this source material where he acts as an antagonist, ascends to divinity, or interacts with other characters like Cyric or Torm.

Reader's Guide

For those exploring the Forgotten Realms setting, Bane is categorized strictly as a Greater deity within the Faerûnian pantheon. This classification places him in the highest tier of divine beings alongside Akadi, Kossuth, and Lolth. The source does not provide specific advice on how to worship him, his followers' organizations, or the mechanics of his magic, noting only that divine magic is empowered by a deity. He is part of an eclectic land where different cultures persist, and while evil organizations like the Cult of the Dragon exist, the text does not link them directly to Bane in this specific excerpt. His presence serves as one data point in a world filled with varying degrees of civilization and barbarism.

Did You Know?

• Bane is listed explicitly as a Greater deity in the Faerûnian pantheon.
• Faerûn's deities are comparable to those of the ancient Greek pantheon in terms of covering various ethical beliefs.
• The source lists Bane alongside other Greater deities such as Lord Ao, Asmodeus, and Mystra.
• Divine magic in Faerûn is empowered by a deity, distinguishing it from arcane magic which uses the Weave.