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Bane, God of War and Conquest - The Strife Emperor (LE)

Jan 27, 2025, 12 min read

Bane, God of War and Conquest: The Strife Emperor (LE)

“Take what you desire, for it is yours to claim. Be strong, be ruthless, and let none stand in your way. In the crucible of conflict, true power is forged. None shall defy you for the only one above you is The Strife Emperor.” - Bane’s Teachings

Culture Names

CultureNameTitlePronounsGroup
Alonian (Tallman) GenericBaneThe Strife EmperorHe/HimThe Defiant Gods
Asteni (Tallman) ItalianBelliumThe Warlord of ChaosHe/TheyGli Dei Sfidanti (The challenging gods)
Dal (Tallman) HispanicGuerraThe Emperor of ConflictHe/HimLos Desafiantes (The challengers)
Duir (Dwarven) GermanKriegs-furstThe Iron FistHe/HimDie Gegner (The opposers)
Dwelmer (Dwarven) NordicRagnorThe Winter LegionHe/TheyVanróg Gudar (Deifying gods)
Eldar (Elven) ElvenSauronThe Dark SovereignHe/HimVaiar (Tyrants)
Eldarin (Elven) JapaneseHachimanThe Blood Red ShogunHe/HimAkugami (Evil deities)
Mularir (Tallman) GreekAresThe Bloodshed GodHe/TheyThymo theoí (Wrath gods)
Yotunn (Dwarven) GiantBranharThe Volcanic OverlordHe/HimGegn Guir (The Gods against)

Extra Titles

The God of War: Bane, Lord of Battle The Champion of Conquerors: Bane, God of Triumph The Iron Fist: Bane, God of Subjugation The Annihilator: Bane, God of Total Victory

Commandments

  • Fear is your ally. Conquer your fear, and inspire it in your foes.
  • Disorder and rebellion are to be punished severely.
  • To kill is life’s greatest pleasure, and perfecting the art of slaughter is life’s greatest pursuit.

Portfolio

  1. War: Bane embodies the relentless pursuit of conflict and the art of warfare, reveling in the chaos and destruction of battle.
  2. Captivity: He is the god of subjugation and dominance, advocating for the control of weaker beings.
  3. Subjugation: Bane thrives on the subjugation of weaker foes, enforcing dominance and control over conquered lands and peoples.
  4. Annihilation: He is the harbinger of destruction and annihilation, advocating for the complete eradication of enemies and obstacles.
  5. Battle: Bane encourages and blesses those who seek glory and power through martial prowess and decisive combat.
  6. Strife: He stokes the flames of discord and conflict, sowing seeds of distrust and betrayal among allies and enemies alike.
  7. Warlords: Bane is revered by warlords and military strategists, guiding them with tactical brilliance and ruthless determination.
  8. Conquest: His followers aspire to expand their territories and influence, driven by a hunger for conquest and supremacy.
  9. Fear: Bane instills fear in the hearts of his enemies, using intimidation and terror as tools to assert his dominance.
  10. Armies: He commands vast armies of warriors and soldiers, leading them to victory in the name of conquest.

Alignment

Lawful Evil

Symbols

1

An armored fist holding Shackles

2

Claw with three talons pointing down

Avatars

Alonian (Tallman) Generic

A dark reflection of the honorable warrior, the Strife Emperor is often depicted as a brutish man clad in jagged black armor. Heads dangle from his belt and unblinking, piercing yellow eyes peer through the shadow that obscures his helmeted face. His followers usually depict him as belonging to their own species, out of a sense of superiority.

1

Cleric Domains

Domains
Forge
Order
War

Religious Practices

Followers of Bane, the Strife Emperor, engage in elaborate religious practices and rituals to honor their deity. Here are some of the key religious practices performed by Bane’s devoted followers:

  1. Blood Offering Ceremonies:
    • Followers regularly engage in rituals where they offer the blood of defeated enemies to Bane. The act symbolizes the triumph of chaos and conquest over order.
  2. Warrior’s Oath of Submission:
    • Before heading into battle, devotees of Bane recite a solemn oath pledging absolute loyalty and submission to the Strife Emperor. This oath reinforces the belief in the glory of conquest and the pursuit of power. This is the oath: “In the shadows of conquest, I bind my soul, Blood-soaked pledges, the Strife Emperor’s toll. Fear, my ally, in chaos I delight, Under Bane’s gaze, I conquer the night. Disorder’s wrath, rebellion’s demise, In the Iron Fist’s grip, dominance lies. To kill is pleasure, life’s dark pursuit, In Bane’s name, power absolute.”
  3. Shackles of Dominance Rite:
    • A significant ritual involves leaving captives bound with shackles through extended periods of time. This ritual signifies the subjugation of the weak by the strong, echoing Bane’s teachings of dominance and control.
  4. Clawed Meditation:
    • Followers engage in meditative practices, adopting a clawed hand gesture reminiscent of Bane’s symbol. This meditation is believed to channel the god’s power, instilling ruthlessness and ferocity in the participants.
  5. Triumphant Processions:
    • Victorious warriors organize processions to celebrate their conquests. These events involve parading through conquered territories, displaying symbols of the Iron Fist and showcasing the spoils of war.
  6. Curse of Strife Remembrance:
    • Periodic ceremonies are conducted to remember the Curse of Strife, emphasizing the perpetual conflict embedded in the goblinoid species. This serves as a reminder of the necessity of chaos and conflict in the world.
  7. Nightly Battle Hymns:
    • At nightfall, worshippers gather to sing martial hymns and chants praising Bane. These hymns recount the tales of the Strife Emperor’s conquests and inspire the faithful to continue their relentless pursuit of power.
  8. Conquest Festivals:
    • Festivals are held in honor of Bane, featuring real battles between captives, competitions, and displays of martial prowess. These events serve as opportunities for followers to prove their strength and dedication to the Strife Emperor.

Cultural Norms

Here are some cultural norms observed in various Bane-worshiping societies within the realm of Aeloria

  1. Hierarchy of Strength:
    • In societies influenced by Bane, physical strength and martial prowess often determine one’s social status. Those who excel in combat are revered, and positions of leadership are typically held by the most formidable warriors.
  2. Blood Tithes to the Strife Emperor:
    • It’s a common cultural norm for Bane-worshipping societies to offer regular blood tithes to their god. This can involve sacrifices of defeated foes or symbolic offerings to appease Bane’s appetite for conquest.
  3. Ritual Combat for Leadership:
    • Leadership positions are often contested through ritual combat. Individuals seeking to rise in rank or challenge existing leaders engage in combat trials, proving their worthiness in the eyes of the Strife Emperor.
  4. Shackles as Symbols of Authority:
    • The use of shackles and flails as symbols of authority is widespread in Bane-influenced cultures. Leaders and warriors display these shackles as badges of honor, signifying their prowess in subjugation and dominance.
  5. Individualistic Pursuit of Power
    • Influenced by Bane’s teachings, societies emphasize the individual’s pursuit of power and dominance. Members are driven to excel on a personal level, with the belief that individual strength is the pinnacle of might.
  6. Goblinoid Inferiority Beliefs:
    • In regions where Bane is revered as the creator of goblinoids, cultural norms often emphasize the inferiority of goblinoid species. This can result in hierarchical structures where goblinoids are positioned at the lower end of the social order, reinforcing a sense of subservience and acknowledging their role as pawns in the battles of Bane.
  7. Warrior’s Code of Conduct:
    • Bane-worshipping cultures often adhere to a strict warrior’s code that dictates honorable conduct in battle. This code may include rules for the treatment of defeated enemies, the use of certain weapons, and adherence to specific battle strategies.
  8. Anniversary Celebrations of Conquests:
    • Communities celebrate the anniversaries of significant conquests and victories, organizing grand festivals and events. These celebrations serve as reminders of the triumph of chaos and the glory bestowed upon those who follow the Strife Emperor.

Political Structures

Where the worship of Bane, the Strife Emperor, holds sway, distinctive political structures have emerged in various societies that align with the principles and themes of the deity. Here are some political structures associated with cultures that worship Bane:

  1. Warlord Dominions:
    • Many Bane-influenced regions are characterized by a feudal system led by powerful warlords. These warlords, often skilled warriors and devout followers of Bane, govern territories through strength and martial prowess. The hierarchy is determined by the success in conquest and loyalty to the Strife Emperor.
  2. Conquest Councils:
    • Some societies have a ruling council composed of the most formidable warriors and strategists. Known as Conquest Councils, these assemblies make decisions based on military prowess and adherence to Bane’s teachings. The council members often engage in ritual combat to prove their worth.
  3. Hierarchy of Subjugation:
    • Political structures in Bane-worshipping societies may revolve around a strict hierarchy based on the concept of subjugation. Leaders ascend based on their ability to subjugate and control, with the highest authority being the one who best embodies the principles of the Iron Fist.
  4. Triumvirate Leadership:
    • In certain regions, a triumvirate leadership model may be established, with three leaders representing different aspects of Bane’s teachings: war, conquest, and dominance. This political structure aims to balance the diverse facets of the Strife Emperor’s influence.
  5. Clan-based Confederacies:
    • Goblinoid-centric regions may have political structures built around clan-based confederacies. Each goblinoid clan has a strict species-based hierarchy led by a chieftain or warlord who pledges allegiance to a higher ruling authority, creating a network of interconnected power structures.
  6. Feudal Oligarchies:
    • Feudal systems dominated by oligarchies may emerge in Bane-worshipping societies. Wealth and military prowess play crucial roles in determining who holds positions of power within these oligarchies, reinforcing the values of conquest and dominance.
  7. Shackled Territories:
    • Political boundaries and administrative divisions may be organized around territories marked by the Strife Emperor’s symbol – the shackles. Each territory is ruled by a lord or governor who enforces Bane’s commandments and contributes to the god’s insatiable appetite for chaos.
  8. Military Theocracies:
    • Some regions develop military theocracies where the priesthood of Bane holds significant political influence. The highest-ranking priests may have direct control over military forces, intertwining religious devotion with the governance of the realm.

Elemental Affinities

Elements
fire
metal
corruption
necromancy
darkness
shadow
mind

Home Plane

Infinite Battlefield of Acheron

Champions

Holidays

Holidays

Blessings

A follower of Bane can gain favor with their deity by showing strength, ruthlessness, subjulgating their enemies. As they embody the principles of war and conquest, Bane may bestow the following blessings upon them:

Any spell-like abilities granted by these blessings use the character’s spellcasting ability, if the character does not have a spellcasting ability, they can use their highest ability score.

  1. Bane’s Might:

    • The follower is granted part of Bane’s strength, enhancing their combat prowess. The follower gains an increase of +2 to their Strength score and deals an additional 1d6 damage on successful melee attacks.

  2. Iron Will of Bane:

    • The follower recieves the mental fortitude of Bane. The follower gains advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed.

  3. Conqueror’s Resilience:

    • The follower can ask Bane’s to grand them his resilience for a limited period of time. Once per long rest, the follower can gain resistance to all damage for 1 minute.

  4. Ruthless Precision:

    • Bane grants the follower the ability to strike with deadly precision. Once per long rest, when the follower makes an attack roll, they can choose to consider the roll as a natural 20.

  5. Shackles of Dominance:

    • Bane bestows the follower with the power to subjugate their foes. Once per long rest, the follower can cast the spell “Hold Person” without expending a spell slot, strength or charisma is the spellcasting ability for this spell.

  6. Warlord’s Command:

    • Bane empowers the follower with the ability to command their allies in battle. Once per long rest, the follower can use a bonus action to grant an ally within 30 feet advantage on their next attack roll.

  7. Dark Blessing:

    • The follower’s weapon becomes infused with Bane’s dark energy. Once per long rest, the follower can deal an additional 1d12 necrotic damage on any successful melee attack for 1 minute.

  8. Warlord’s Wrath:

    • Bane’s wrath flows through the follower. Once per long rest, as an action, the follower can unleash Bane’s wrath in a 15-foot radius sphere centered on themselves. All creatures within the area must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 8 + the follower’s proficiency bonus + their Charisma/Strenght modifier) or take 4d10 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.

Curses

Bane’s followers can invoke their deity’s wrath upon their enemies by cursing them with afflictions that reflect the deity’s domains. As the followers gain favor with Bane, they may gain access to the following curses to unleash upon their foes:

The follower must cast Bestow Curse to invoke their available curses:

  1. Bane’s Mark:

    • The follower can mark an enemy with Bane’s symbol, causing them to suffer disadvantage on attack rolls against the follower and allies for the duration of the curse and recieve an additional 1d6 fire damage when they are hit by an attack.

  2. Chain of Torment:

    • Once Per day, the follower can curse an enemy with spectral chains, reducing their movement speed by half and causing them to take 1d6 necrotic damage at the start of each of their turns.

  3. Shadows of Dread:

    • The follower can envelop an enemy in shadows, causing them to be frightened unless they succeed on a Wisdom saving throw at the start of each of their turns. They must roll the saving throw each turn until the curse ends otherwise the effect will return.

  4. Bane’s Retribution:

    • Whenever the cursed enemy deals damage to a creature other than the follower, they suffer an equal amount of psychic damage as a backlash.

  5. Eyes of Bane:

    • The follower curses the enemy with paranoia, causing them to be unable to benefit from advantage and suffer disadvantage on saving throws for the duration of the curse.

  6. Iron Grip of Conquest:

    • The follower curses the enemy with immobility, causing them to be knocked prone and be restrained for the duration of the curse.

  7. Dark Whispers:

    • The follower can curse an enemy with dark whispers, causing them to hear voices that drive them to madness. The cursed enemy must make a Wisdom saving throw at the start of each of their turns or take 1d6 psychic damage and be unable to take reactions or bonus actions until the start of their next turn.

  8. Curse of Strife:

    • The follower curses the enemy with constant conflict, causing them to attack the nearest creature to them, other than the follower, at the start of each of their turns.

Myths

The Creation of Goblinoids

The Creation of Goblinoids

Bane, The Strife Emperor was displeased with the how the world was turning out, he saw the world’s potential, it’s strenght and raw power were raw and untamed as raging oportunities to be seized. So Bane walked through all of Aeloria searching for the perfect creatures to be his soldiers to start his conquest, but to his displeasure, he found none, no being seemed to be able to match his expectations. So he kept searching and from his shadow created by the sun, the goblinoids were born to be the perfect soldiers. They were at first reflections of Bane’s own nature, bloodshot eyes, dark armored skin, and a thirst for power. They followed Bane with loyalty, and he taught them the ways of war and conquest. But just like their creator, they were also cunning and deceitful, and they soon began to plot against their master, seeking to claim the power of the strife emperor for themselves. But Bane was always one step ahead, before they could strike, he seized their souls with his iron fist, and flaid their intelect and will, their bodies became twisted like their minds, and they were cast into the world as the goblinoids we know today. As a final reminder of their betrayal, Bane cursed them to never be able to claim the power they so desired, and to always fight among themselves, never able to unite under a single banner for long. Such curse became known as the curse of strife.

Link to original

Battle against The Stormlord

Transclude of The-Great-War-(GW)#the-battle-between-bane-god-of-war-and-conquest---the-strife-emperor-le-bane-and-kord-god-of-strength-and-storms---the-stormlord-cn-kord

Footnotes

  1. Critical Role Wiki ↩ ↩2

  2. Forgotten Realms Wiki ↩

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