Post/Author/DateTime	Post
lord_cyric 03-30-07, 10:00 PM	Can any one tell me when Bane came back? I've went thru many different FR Novels, etc but did not see when Bane came back. I saw that Bane, emerged from Xvim. So how did he get some of his old portifilo back. Shouldn't he have the portifilo that Xvim had? And on a different topic, does anyone know why the author of the book Blackstaff did what he did. After reading that book, I stopped buy Forgotten Relms books and all other Wizard products for the the rest of 2006.
GothicDan 03-30-07, 10:06 PM	Bane's rebirth hasn't been detailed, and WotC has said they aren't going to do it. Stephen Schend wrote Blackstaff. He is also perhaps the most well-read and experienced authors of FR supplements after Ed Greenwood himself and Eric Boyd. Schend long ago picked up a personal interest in Khelben, and has pretty much steered him and planned his fate through much of FR's history in latter 2E and now 3E. Khelben was always one of my favorite characters, and Stephen Schend is perhaps my favorite FR designer, and I love the way that he took Khelben. A good death is perhaps just as important as a whole lifetime. EDIT: Apologies. I forgot that some people don't like spoilers. :)
Old Sage 03-30-07, 10:13 PM	There are no novels detailing Bane's return, and it's been asked for repeatedly. WotC keeps telling Ed, and others, no. The FRCS and F&P references are the only sources we have on this. They gave us small notes saying that on this one particular night (Midwinter night of 1372 DR), all worshippers of Iyachtu Xvim had a dream where they saw him split apart and Bane emerge from within. So Bane came back, at the cost of one who was in my opinion a better evil deity. As for how Bane returned... my "current" theory:- "Let's assume that Bane'e Return wasn't planned, and when Xvim had gathered enough of Bane's power and essence, it reached a critical mass and overwhelmed him. I can see Bane, after such an event, being a little different from what he was previously -- perhaps even existing as a merged being between both himself and what was left of Xvim. His symbols and colour change to more closely match Xvim. That would also indicate more of a merge -- which, in my opinion, points to the theory I listed. Xvim's (ascended) symbol looked more like his dad's -- only with the hand sitting with the thumb facing the left, rather than the right like Bane's. And Xvim's symbols have always had eyes -- old and ascended. Bane's new symbol has still got the black fist (facing the same way as his old symbol) and squeezing green rays. Xvim's symbols always had a green component to them -- in the form of those eyes on his symbols. Perhaps the green rays in the new Bane symbol could reflect Xvim's past existence with Bane -- maybe illustrating how Xvim was later replaced (or rather subsumed) by a resurrected Bane by the fact that his black fist is closing in on the green rays (that represent Xvim). And we must not forget that Bane's old symbol had the black hand on a red field -- so Bane 2.0 is using Xvim's colors. The green mainly... though, as I said above, Bane's Hand is still the same in the new symbol as it was in the old -- just clutching rather than flat. Bane 2.0 is utilising Xvim's green. If the "planned" explanation is used, then Bane should have kept his old colours of red and black. The fact that he's using black and green suggests that some of Xvim remains... And that's another interesting thing: how much of a tyrant could Bane be if he couldn't even totally subsume his own son? The more I think about this and the lore we do have, the more I tend to think that Bane's return was as much a surprise to him as it was to anyone else. Though... Bane's Hand is squeezing the green rays -- and if we look at that from the "Bane-eventually-subsumes-Xvim" stand point, that image itself could suggest Bane is perhaps closing in around Xvim's remnants, or rather, slowly squeezing it out of existence (or rather again, completely consuming it). It could be, if we assume Bane's Return was in fact an opportunity rather than something properly planned on Bane's behalf, that Bane's current image is transitory. Once Bane's completely consumes what remains of Xvim into his being... Bane's older symbol (or a new and reinvigorated symbol) may become apparent. Bane's resurrection then, will be properly complete. It could also be that Bane's hand is clutching an object that is shining forth, despite his desire to contain it... Xvim perhaps. Sure, it's not appropriate for a god of tyranny, but it is an alternate interpretation. The aspect shining forth could represent also Freedom. Bane's squeezing or crushing it could suggest how tyranny is usually equated with the end of freedom. If that's the case... then it's highly appropriate."
Old Sage 03-30-07, 10:16 PM	I would suggest that 'Blackstaff Spoilers' be added to the title of this particular thread. Stephen Schend wrote Blackstaff. He is also perhaps the most well-read and experienced authors of FR supplements after Ed Greenwood himself and Eric Boyd. Schend long ago picked up a personal interest in Khelben, and has pretty much steered him and planned his fate through much of FR's history in latter 2E and now 3E. Khelben was always one of my favorite characters, and Stephen Schend is perhaps my favorite FR designer, and I love the way that he took Khelben. A good death is perhaps just as important as a whole lifetime.Steven Schend has discussed a little about his thoughts processes involving the writing of Blackstaff and the demise of Khelben in his replies over at Candlekeep. They provide an intriguing read.
Dr_Tough 03-30-07, 11:51 PM	I'm not sure Bane would appreciate you giving away his secrets to "lord_cyric". >_>
Lord Karsus 03-31-07, 12:26 AM	And on a different topic, does anyone know why the author of the book Blackstaff did what he did. After reading that book, I stopped buy Forgotten Relms books and all other Wizard products for the the rest of 2006. -He guided Khelben to his fate. What's wrong with that? He's been working towards it for his entire life, so it was unavoidable, was it not? I'm not sure Bane would appreciate you giving away his secrets to "lord_cyric". >_> -Very observant. :)
Renvale999 03-31-07, 12:30 AM	I hope Khelben rots in h*ll...but I've made that point before...:D
Lord Karsus 03-31-07, 12:33 AM	I hope Khelben rots in h*ll...but I've made that point before...:D -Nice, real nice. Well, he's already in Arvandor, so :pbbbtt:!
Renvale999 03-31-07, 12:36 AM	-Nice, real nice. Well, he's already in Arvandor, so :pbbbtt:! Okay seriously stop following me, I haven't posted in forever and as soon as I do you post...okay seriously now I'm scared :hides:
Old Sage 03-31-07, 12:42 AM	I hope Khelben rots in h*ll...but I've made that point before...:DDo I dare ask why?
Renvale999 03-31-07, 12:50 AM	Do I dare ask why? He just bothers me, for me he acts like the harpers and then the moonstars were his own little personal plaything. Alot of his actions, handing Fzoul an artifact, making back alley treaties with the Zhents...I just think he acted more Lawful Evil then Lawful Neutral, but that's just me.
Old Sage 03-31-07, 02:01 AM	You do understand however, that Khelben did have [what he knew to be very important] reasons for making deals with Fzoul, and in creating the Moonstars? They were reasons he considered important enough to fulfill his plans, regardless of exactly how his actions, ultimately, would be perceived by others... Yes?
BadCatMan 03-31-07, 03:10 AM	I imagine there was a resurgence of support for Bane in the Xvimlar clergy, enough to bring him back (on the human side of the equation, if not the deific). Bane might not have been entirely dead during this period: the temple of Bane in Mourktar, the Black Lord's Cloak, was still faithful to him and still had power, although it was suggested that Cyric (some madness in the Imperceptor) or Xvim (they changed their colours to green and black) was supporting it. [Faiths & Avatars, 1369 DR?] Interestingly, Bane's own sentient vampiric cloak, for which the temple was named, seems to have disappeared between then and 1373, because the temple is now called the Black Lord's Altar, and the cloak hasn't been mentioned. [Dragons of Faerun] I imagine the people of Mourktar are very afraid to check their wardrobes... And Bane is said to be wearing a cloak in Faiths & Pantheons.
Renvale999 03-31-07, 09:10 AM	You do understand however, that Khelben did have [what he knew to be very important] reasons for making deals with Fzoul, and in creating the Moonstars? They were reasons he considered important enough to fulfill his plans, regardless of exactly how his actions, ultimately, would be perceived by others... Yes? I understand, and I know I'm over dramatic(just ask Lord Karsus) about Khelben, but for me I just think he had this whole, "My plans are more important than anything else" and to me that is arrogance and I hate arrogant people, whether real or fictional, whether good or evil or neutral. But I'm starting to forigive him and I'm gonna pick up the Blackstaff novel today and see if that changes my mind at all. But for now I hope he rots in h*ll, but we'll see how I feel in a month lol.
Lord Karsus 03-31-07, 05:49 PM	Okay seriously stop following me, I haven't posted in forever and as soon as I do you post...okay seriously now I'm scared :hides: -I have eyes and ears everywhere...I'm like a Cloak of Eyes, but with ears as well. ;) But I'm starting to forigive him and I'm gonna pick up the Blackstaff novel today and see if that changes my mind at all. -Good, good. Forgiveness is the first step towards...Well, whatever it is, it's good! :)
Old Sage 03-31-07, 08:14 PM	I understand, and I know I'm over dramatic(just ask Lord Karsus) about Khelben, but for me I just think he had this whole, "My plans are more important than anything else" and to me that is arrogance and I hate arrogant people, whether real or fictional, whether good or evil or neutral.You'll find that reading Blackstaff will likely make you realise why Khelben has been 'perceived by others' as adopting such an attitude in the past. You'll also see why it's never been a clear-cut moral battle for the Blackstaff when making these deals. There's always more to his decisions and thought processes than him simply seeing his "plans as more important than anything else." It's part of what has made Khelben such a special character in the Realmslore.
Lord Karsus 03-31-07, 09:09 PM	You'll find that reading Blackstaff will likely make you realise why Khelben has been 'perceived by others' as adopting such an attitude in the past. You'll also see why it's never been a clear-cut moral battle for the Blackstaff when making these deals. There's always more to his decisions and thought processes than him simply seeing his "plans as more important than anything else." It's part of what has made Khelben such a special character in the Realmslore. -Before reading Blackstaff, I was more or less indifferent towards the Blackstaff. If anything, I, too, thought he was a kind of ass, due to his behavior in Elaine Cunningham's Swords and Songs novels. But, after reading Blackstaff, I had a true respect for the guy, and he jumped from low on my list of favorite characters to one of my Top Five. Of all the Chosen, Khelben definitley is the most...Human (Heh, even though he is a little more than just human).
The_Shaman 04-01-07, 08:54 AM	-I have eyes and ears everywhere...I'm like a Cloak of Eyes, but with ears as well. ;) Bicker not in the affairs of the Karsi, for great is the power of their threadomancy :) . Well, I prefer El myself (from what I know from the sourcebooks, I avoid setting novels as much as possible) but the Blackstaff is a worthwhile character. I love that speech of his in the beginning of Magic of Faerun. Fear your elders, child :) . I don't know how he passed, but is it possible that he be resurrected? Epic characters are often hard to put down...
Burningspear 04-01-07, 08:07 PM	I still have the feeling Blackstaff and his cronies (the 7 sisters and el etc.) are just inbred hillbillies. (no insult to any real hillbillies though) :plotting:, but thats just my feeling, and it has been deeply discussed:banghead: :tie: :bump: :duel:
Lord Karsus 04-02-07, 10:09 AM	I don't know how he passed, but is it possible that he be resurrected? Epic characters are often hard to put down... -Now you are thinking in game (D&D) terms. Think about it for a moment- after living a life filled with hardship and conflict, you die, and are able to enter the afterlife, a nirvana. Would you want to leave? Arvandor (in Khelben's case) is the ultimate goal, and he finally got there.
Renvale999 04-02-07, 01:27 PM	-Now you are thinking in game (D&D) terms. Think about it for a moment- after living a life filled with hardship and conflict, you die, and are able to enter the afterlife, a nirvana. Would you want to leave? Arvandor (in Khelben's case) is the ultimate goal, and he finally got there. Arvandor is far from Nirvana, I don't know where people get this whole idea that the afterlife is bliss..it's not, not by a long shot (read the Manual of the Planes, personally, I'll take mortal existance over death any day of the week) All you've done is become a warrior on a different stage of existence. That battle between good and evil doesn't suddenly stop once you get to heaven(whatever heaven you go too) I doubt Lloth stopped trying to invade Arvandor once she got cast down, it may not say anywhere but I guarentee you she tried again. I doubt demons and devils haven't tried their hand at as well. The after life is not nirvana, you're simply on a grander stage in the eternal battle between good and evil.
GothicDan 04-02-07, 02:30 PM	What you do in the afterlife doesn't describe how you feel about it. The closer one is to one's patron deity, typically, the more blissful it is. This is especially true for those of Tel'Quessir blood.
Lord Karsus 04-02-07, 04:00 PM	Arvandor is far from Nirvana, I don't know where people get this whole idea that the afterlife is bliss..it's not, not by a long shot... -But, it is. Take a look at Captain Starbrow's comments on Arvandor during the Last Mythal Trilogy. He doesn't really remember images, but he remembers sensations- happiness, joy, and so on. (read the Manual of the Planes, personally, I'll take mortal existance over death any day of the week) All you've done is become a warrior on a different stage of existence. That battle between good and evil doesn't suddenly stop once you get to heaven(whatever heaven you go too) -It depends on the type of petitioner you become. Yes, there are some Elven petitioners who become Reverend Ones, who stay vigilant in the afterlife, protecting Arvandor and the denizens of the plane. Not every Elven soul does this, though. Do you think ol' Grandma Elf is up to this challenge? I doubt Lloth stopped trying to invade Arvandor once she got cast down, it may not say anywhere but I guarentee you she tried again. I doubt demons and devils haven't tried their hand at as well. The after life is not nirvana, you're simply on a grander stage in the eternal battle between good and evil. -Well, of late, Lolth has been concerned with her own affairs, what, with her Silence, and now her war with Eilistraee and Vhaeraun.
Burningspear 04-02-07, 04:27 PM	and now her war with Eilistraee and Vhaeraun. did she openly start hunting them or something? :tie:, just curious
Lord Karsus 04-02-07, 04:36 PM	did she openly start hunting them or something? :tie:, just curious -Who, Lolth? Lolth has always had a "kill all the infidels" policy. The events that I alluded to before have just caused Lolth and Eilistraee to butt heads in a more direct manner.
Renvale999 04-02-07, 06:14 PM	-Who, Lolth? Lolth has always had a "kill all the infidels" policy. The events that I alluded to before have just caused Lolth and Eilistraee to butt heads in a more direct manner. Lolth is becoming very popular in FR, I wonder why wizards is pushing her so much??
Burningspear 04-02-07, 06:46 PM	Lolth is becoming very popular in FR, I wonder why wizards is pushing her so much?? Indeed, to the annoyance of those (incl. me) who like more "underground gods", or god's who i think are less cardboard :plotting:
Lord Karsus 04-02-07, 07:06 PM	Lolth is becoming very popular in FR, I wonder why wizards is pushing her so much?? -Lolth has always been a popular deity, it's not just now, with her being the deity of the Drow and all.
Renvale999 04-02-07, 07:20 PM	-Lolth has always been a popular deity, it's not just now, with her being the deity of the Drow and all. Yeah but the whole war of the spider queen and then Lady pentinent and then Expedition to the Demonweb Pits and then Drow of Underdark, you guys don't see a pattern here??
Lord Karsus 04-02-07, 07:23 PM	Yeah but the whole war of the spider queen and then Lady pentinent and then Expedition to the Demonweb Pits and then Drow of Underdark, you guys don't see a pattern here?? :: Uses his special Karsus magic ;) :: -It's always been the trend, though. How many 2e products, and how many novels feature Lolth and/or Drow?
Zevox 04-02-07, 07:24 PM	Yeah but the whole war of the spider queen and then Lady pentinent and then Expedition to the Demonweb Pits and then Drow of Underdark, you guys don't see a pattern here?? This is news to you? I'm surprised. Drow are popular. They have been for a good long time. Therefore, stories and adventures involving them sell well. Therefore, those get made in high quantities. Thats the way things work with companies looking to make money like Wizards. Zevox
Burningspear 04-02-07, 07:54 PM	I imagine there was a resurgence of support for Bane in the Xvimlar clergy, enough to bring him back (on the human side of the equation, if not the deific). Bane might not have been entirely dead during this period: the temple of Bane in Mourktar, the Black Lord's Cloak, was still faithful to him and still had power, although it was suggested that Cyric (some madness in the Imperceptor) or Xvim (they changed their colours to green and black) was supporting it. [Faiths & Avatars, 1369 DR?] Interestingly, Bane's own sentient vampiric cloak, for which the temple was named, seems to have disappeared between then and 1373, because the temple is now called the Black Lord's Altar, and the cloak hasn't been mentioned. [Dragons of Faerun] I imagine the people of Mourktar are very afraid to check their wardrobes... And Bane is said to be wearing a cloak in Faiths & Pantheons. Might it be that the cloak enabled his lord to come back from the "Dead" and it was this artifacts "responsibility" to do so in the unlikely event of his "masters" death? :plotting"... On a different note, what is known of Mourktar?, Are the Banites still in control or what?, i vaguely remember it being a big port city with its fleet harassing any travel near and around the Treskel area? Where can i find more info about this area and the city? and about the "border" with Unther and the city Messemprar?.
BadCatMan 04-02-07, 08:51 PM	Mourktar is detailed in Old Empires, the Banites under Bane's entry in Faiths & Avatars, and there's a bit in Power Of Faerun related to the war, which is reprinted and slightly elaborated on in Dragons Of Faerun. From my write-up for my Chessenta game: http://www.rpol.net/display.cgi?gi=18453&gn=RoA+5:+Adventures&threadnum=48&date=1167712726 The most significant bits I invented were the results of the Tournament and the details of the coup. I extrapolated these from the favourite contenders described in OE, (Nebusedar was strongest, Helyos the next most powerful, Sorn was an assassin, I joined the dots), but followed what is known pretty closely. Small City Allegiance: Alasklerbanbastos Traditional Allies: Thay Traditional Enemies: Mordulkin, Sahaugin The city of Mourktar is a free city-state of the edge of the flat, sandy plains of Threskel. It is a small but aggressive trading city, full of merchants and mercenaries. Once it was relatively quiet, despite its many cults and temples to harsh gods, but recent coups have seen it become a militant would-be conqueror. The Regent of Mourktar is Kabbarath Telthaug, who is also Dread Imperceptor of the Banite temple The Black Lord’s Altar. He ruled the city with absolute authority and an iron fist, until Alasklerbanbastos seized Threskel. Now he rules in concert with a trio of blue dragons that act as advisors and emissaries (and, some say, minders) from the Great Bone Wyrm. They ferry him about the city and surrounding territories, and all over the realm. Mourktar has only a very small permanent army who usually operate as city guards during peace time, though it drafts a larger force from the city’s population and the surrounding region when required. This can be bolstered by many high-ranking Banite priests and lesser clergy, known as Templars. The whole army is well-equipped with quality gear, minor magic items and weapons sold to them at cut-rate prices by the Red Wizards of Thay. The armies are harshly disciplined and well-practiced in slaughter: frequently they have been force-marched west in mock campaigns against Chessentan cities, only to pull back when the exercises are over. They don’t have much of a navy, instead using fireball-hurling wizards to guard their ports against pirates and raiders. Aerial support is received in the form of dragons on loan from Alasklerbanbastos. Mourktar insists that it is independent of Chessenta (having revolted from Unther separately a century earlier than the others), but the other cities claim that they are a part of Chessenta. Since the other Chessentan cities are generally too far away to threaten it, Mourktar ignores them and is for all intents and purposes an independent city. The citizens of Mourktar are frankly embarrassed to be considered Chessentan, and have a much more Untheric culture, with only a few Chessentan additions. For much of its history the city has kept well away from the political troubles of Chessenta, with only Mordulkin being treated as a rival for trade and influence in Threskel, and only regular attacks by sahaugin to worry about. But with the recent seizure of power by the Banites, they have found themselves turned into a militaristic conquering state. The Banite Templars have recently marched to the defence of Messemprar in Unther against the Mulhorandi, where they have had some success. However their entrance into Unther’s civil war risks provoking an economic rift between Mourktar’s merchants and their trading partners in Mulhorand, which the merchants don’t want. Due to the Banites’ links to Thay, Mourktar has also found itself partnered with the Red Wizards. Mourktar has also long been the base of a cell of the Cult of the Dragon. Mourktar is primarily a trading city, with a large port facility capable of handling most of Threskel’s exports. They receive goods from the farmers and herdsmen of Threskel and the mining communities of the Riders To The Sky Mountains, then export across the Inner Sea. Merchant and trade guilds are small and not nearly as influential as in other cities, but they are many and command some authority. The city is also a base for many mercenary companies. Although the city rarely sought to engage in foreign wars before the take-over, both the merchants and mercenaries usually seek to make a profit from them. There are two major temples in Mourktar, each of which has dominated the city’s history and politics. One is the Amphitheatre of the First Thunder, the temple of Hoar (known elsewhere in Chessenta as Assuran) in Mourktar. It is in fact a large open arena where numerous gladiatorial combats take place between accusers and accused, instead of the more common court trials held elsewhere in the Realms (though the revised Code of Enlil legal system is usually applicable where cases don’t go to the arena). It is believed that Hoar intervenes directly in each bout, ensuring that fitting justice is always enacted. The actual temple is located in the bowels of the arena, and is run by a priesthood known as the Hand of Hoar. They held many positions of power in the city until the Banites seized powered and shunted them out. The other is The Black Lord’s Altar, the temple of Bane in Mourktar, and the largest of its kind in all Faerūn, bigger even than its counterparts in Zhentil Keep and Mulmaster. It doubles as the city’s palace, its centre of government and its treasury. The temple used to be known as the Black Lord’s Cloak for its only relic, an animated black cloak once worn by Bane himself that became a sentient monster that enveloped people from time to time and sucked them dry of all blood. The Cloak has since gone missing under mysterious circumstances, and the people of Mourktar are always very careful to check their linen cupboards and wardrobes. In 823 DR, Mourktar seceded from Unther, a whole century before the rest of Chessenta. From then until 1365, the noble House that led the revolt ruled the city in an unbroken line. For much of its history, Mourktar was relatively peaceful, quiet and interested only in trade, until its last ruler, King Theris, neared the end of his reign. In 1358 DR, King Theris announced that he was dying, and without an heir. On the instructions of his god Hoar, he decided to hold a grand tournament of athletic and intellectual skills to choose the most worthy successor. Some believed that the idea of the tournament was insane, fearing that they could be stuck with a totally inept ruler, or end up as a puppet state of Unther, Chessenta or even Thay. Others supported the idea, believing that they could either put up with the successor or have him replaced later. The King’s Tournament, as it was known, was held in the traditional place, the Fields of Pryollus at the foot of Mount Thulbane. It was open to both human and half-elven men and women, though women were forbidden to compete in boxing and wrestling (due to the strict no-dress code), and thus laboured under a handicap. Magical aids were forbidden and cheating contestants disqualified. The events were wrestling, discus-throwing, running, chess, boxing, swimming, jumping, riding, archery and chariot-racing. The two most successful contestants were then to meet in the Final Duel, a brutal fight to the death where the loser’s body was to burned and placed in an anti-magic field so that he could never be resurrected. Theris believed that the crown should be worth the ultimate risk, and that anyone who wanted it must be willing to accept that risk. Despite this, many would-be kings and queens from around the Old Empires clamoured to the Tournament all seeking either power or to add the city to their own nations, and with the high stakes, cheating was rife. The favourites were: Theriheb, a Mulhorandi paladin; Nebusedar, the divinely blessed champion of Gilgeam and of Unther’s own games; Sorn, a Thayan trader; and Helyos, the infamous Chessentan mercenary captain. But the Tournament ended in disaster. Following a series of intense and brutal events, the Final Duel was an epic battle between Helyos and Nebusedar that lasted all day. At sundown, when free hits were to be made, Nebusedar finally got the better of Helyos and sorely wounded him. Helyos was taken away to be executed later, while Nebusedar was crowned as the new king. But accusations abounded about Gilgeam’s divine blessing, which could not be countered by the Tournament organisers, and how this had given the Untherite an unfair advantage. Mourktar was in an uproar. Then the Time of Troubles came. No one knows quite what happened next, and accounts vary as much as the conspiracy theories, but the end result was that Theris finally died of old age and Nebusedar was assassinated. In the chaos that followed, Helyos was rescued to become a replacement king (and later escaped), and the Banites had staged a coup. With the lack of divine power, Hoar busy elsewhere and the loss of Theris, the most prominent member of their faith, the priests of Hoar were ejected from most positions of power by the Banites. Kabarrath Telthaug declared himself Regent of Mourktar, and became tyrant of the city. The death of Bane in the Time of Troubles shortly afterwards weakened the Banites, though they were maintained by some other god. When Bane returned in 1372, the Mourktar Banites felt a resurgence of power and ambition. In 1365 when Alasklerbanbastos launched his invasion of Threskel, his lieutenant Jaxanaedegor flew over Mourktar and declared himself Viceroy of Threskel. He demanded that tribute be paid to the Great Bone Wyrm, and threatened that the human kings would be replaced if they did not. Kabbarath and the Banites paid little heed to these claims, until Jaxanaedegor returned with several dracoliches and attacked and destroyed several major trade caravans. Kabbarath grudging accepted a trio of blue dragons loyal to Alasklerbanbastos as his advisors and co-rulers. He also sends regular caravans laden with tribute to appease the Great Bone Wyrm. Early in 1374 DR, Banite Templars of the Black Lord’s Altar marched into Messemprar in Unther to bolster the city’s defences and aid the besieged people against the invading armies of Mulhorand. Early successes by the Banites were attributed to a massive influx of magical items and weaponry sold to them at cut-rate prices by the Red Wizards of Thay, and aerial support from Alasklerbanbastos’ dragons. This however provoked an economic rift between Mourktar’s merchants and Mulhorand.
Old Sage 04-02-07, 08:58 PM	As of Faiths & Avatars, the Black Lord's Cloak/Altar in Mourktar had never fully converted to the worship of either Cyric nor Xvim. Eric tells us that the Banites there would've likely taken the 'Servant of the Fallen' feat from LEoF to maintain some measure of divine power from the 'then' dead Bane. And Imperceptor Kabbarath [and the Banites] still maintains firm control of the city. Though, I suspect that their bastion in Mourktar is unlikely to preserve its independence if Messemprar falls, so I would imagine they have an strong incentive to hold back the Mulhorandi advance for as long as they can. For currents events surrounding the Banite Church in Mourktar... see the Untheric Crusade section in the 'Warfare in Faerūn' sidebar of Power of Faerūn. For sources on Mourktar... see Old Empires and Pirates of the Fallen Stars. There's a few tidbits in Gold & Glory as well. And Bane's entry in Faiths & Avatars. For more on the surrounding environs... see both Unapproachable East and Dragons of Faerūn [particularly Chap. 3 'Tyranny of the Dragon Queen'].
Burningspear 04-02-07, 09:20 PM	Many thanks, BadCatMan and Old Sage :plotting:
Wenin 04-03-07, 04:37 AM	The whole Bane|Fzoul|Xvim|Cyric|Zhentarim business has been confusing to me, since the alligences changed among the three gods, and among the players so often in such a short period of time. I'm preparing a campaign which the players will be of the Zhentarim/Zhentilar variety, and I'm needing to come up with a whole timeline of events. As for the gods.... Bane dies during Time of Trouble Xvim is Captured under Zhentil Keep during the Time of Troubles Cyric rises to god status at the end of the Time of Troubles ======= Cyric is granting the spells to the Banites. Xvim somehow escapes captivity Fzoul begins to worship Cyric, reluctantly ======= Cyric's trial business, and he looses many followers.... where do they go exactly, to Xvim? Fzoul is in cahoots with Xvim (Mask and Oghma as well...), and begins to worship Xvim?? He becomes a choosen of Xvim as well, right? ======= 1372 Bane returns, xvim gets spanked/dies Fzoul now worships Bane, I guess.....? Who was granting Banites spell after Cyric's trial? Did he still have the Tyranny portfolio, I forget. Could someone help me along my deconfusion? =)
Lady_Mhaor 04-03-07, 07:14 PM	I might be wrong but. . Bane dies during Time of Trouble (Ayup) Xvim is Captured under Zhentil Keep during the Time of Troubles (uh-huh) Cyric rises to god status at the end of the Time of Troubles (And all is well) ======= Cyric is granting the spells to the Banites. (sure) Xvim somehow escapes captivity (Something about about it being destroyed) Fzoul begins to worship Cyric, reluctantly (He did? Traitor) ======= Cyric's trial business, and he looses many followers.... where do they go exactly, to Xvim? (well he was the baneson) Fzoul is in cahoots with Xvim (Mask and Oghma as well...), and begins to worship Xvim?? (also some rumor he was betraying Xvim to bring the bane back) He becomes a choosen of Xvim as well, right? (Yes) ======= 1372 Bane returns, xvim gets spanked/dies Fzoul now worships Bane, I guess.....? (Chosen of Bane) Who was granting Banites spell after Cyric's trial? (Xvim or Cyric whoever they whorshipped) Did he still have the Tyranny portfolio, I forget. (I always under the impression Xvim gain the portfolio of strife inheriting it from his dear dad)