Banesmark
The Banesmark is a magical symbol created by the god Bane during his ascencion to godhood in the 9th century CR, which allowed the god to launch the world-threatening Century of Strife.
Following Bane's defeat, the Hand of Mana was formed to purge the Banesmark from the collective memory of the world to prevent its use the future, while Bane himself was hamstrung from directly revealing it to his followers by other gods.
The Banesmark's rediscovery by the aboleth S'gothgah in 1492 was the catalyst for the 1496 Banesmark Crisis, which nearly saw the creation of an Avatar of Bane within the body of a kraken. However, S'gothgah's plan was uncovered and stopped by the Heroes of Saltmarsh, and the Banesmark once again was hidden from the world.
Due to the actions of the Heroes of Saltmarsh, the Banesmark is sometimes written off as a parasite from the Shadowfell which causes irrational behavior, which helps to nullify the disruptive effect of Banesmarked people without revealing its true nature.
Effect
The Banesmark, when placed on someone, allows another to dominate their thoughts and actions while preserving their original character and sense of self. Once controlled, a creature with a Banesmark will obey the verbal and spoken commands of the one controlling them, and can rely any information they hear or see back to their master.
While it is unknown precisely how the Banesmark worked during the Century of Strife, during the Banesmark Crisis, S'gothgah the aboleth needed to put a Banesmark on himself to make use of its ability, potentially exposing himself to being controlled by another, though the secrecy surrounding the Banesmark and S'gothgah's own mental fortitude prevented that from happening.
Side/Secondary Effects
One removed, individuals that had a Banesmarked are often groggy, with only vague and hazy memories of their time spent under its effects, with the difficulty of recollection increasing based on how much their actions were being manipulated.
Additionally, individuals with an incomplete Banesmark cannot be fully controlled, but can have their minds read by the master of the Banesmark. In turn, an individual with an incomplete Banesmark can recieve mental impressions from the master, though too much attention given to these impressions can draw the master's notice.
Manifestation
In all instances of use, the Banesmark looks like a black spiral with a multitude of smaller spirals branching off of the side.
It cane be placed anywhere on the body to be effective, so long as the entire symbol is placed on the body. It can also be broken up and remain effective, such as being placed over the lips of a humanoid.
Discovery
The Banesmark was created in the 9th century CR by Bane himself, who, upon elevation to godhood, started a campaign in Faerun to dominate the Prime Material Plane by enslaving the minds of mortals. Following Bane's defeat, knowledge of the Banesmark was lost due to the actions of the Hand of Mana.
For centuries afterwards, various Cults of Bane would attempt to discern the source of their master's great power during the century following his ascension, but none were successful.
From 1490 to 1492, one such cult leader named Ordurn worked with the aboleth S'gothgah to unravel this mystery on the Isle of the Abbey in the Sea of Swords, rediscovering the Banesmark on New Years' Day in 1492.
by Wizards of the Coast
Related Deity/Higher Power
Related Organizations
Related School
Enchantment
Effect Duration
Until removed
Applied Restriction
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Hand of Mana, knowledge of the Banesmark is heavily restricted, and suppressing information about it remains one of their members' highest duties.
by Ashley
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