| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Tio |
Posted - 28 Aug 2006 : 14:45:44
As a nemesis I want to have a Banite Priest counteracting the actions of my characters.
I have this campaign set in the Vast. With orcs and goblins close by, and to not give away Bane involvement, I'd like to have the Banite Priest influence some Orc and Goblin tribes to create havoc for my characters.
My question: would this be logical and believable?
Also, any other advice regarding this behind the scenes action would be helpful.
Background info: the characters are on a mission for their mentor wizard who was injured by the Bane - Torm clash during the ToT. Temple of Torm is aiding the quest to restore the injury of the wizard. Banites would like to see the wizard kept cripple. |
| 19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Asgetrion |
Posted - 01 Sep 2006 : 16:46:07
quote:
Originally posted by Tio
So Hobgoblins and Goblins?
Orcs and half-orcs are also very common servants of the Zhentarim and Banite priests. There also were/are many orcish companies serving in the armies of Zhentil Keep. |
| Kazzaroth |
Posted - 31 Aug 2006 : 22:43:42
Present orcs are CE by alingment. But I recall in somewhere in East there was large companies of orc units trained specifically follow orders Zhentian officer and were actually quite effective tactical shock troops to counter tuigan horde.
I think orcs can be used as pawns by the banenite, he needs simply keep goblin troops away from orc ones :P. Also kobolds are LE but they mostly focus on themselves nor are intrested to do any conflicts whit surface folks if they are not gnomes and mostly work in slave schelude and intensity in their communities as miners.
So my suggestion wouold go to orc/half-orc shock troop raiders (who have been turned worship Bane instead Gruumsh mostly) whit along hobgoblin leaded goblins in other end. |
| Kalin Agrivar |
Posted - 31 Aug 2006 : 14:59:17
Since it is The Vast which was once Vastar (sp?) the Orc kingdom...I would think that orcs would be the best...maybe with some ogre shock warriors...it would be easy to manipulate the orcs with the "regain your old kingdom" approach
I can't remember the "offical" alignment of the average orc but in 2E it was LE... |
| Chosen of Bane |
Posted - 31 Aug 2006 : 13:44:54
quote:
Originally posted by Tio
So Hobgoblins and Goblins?
I think if you want the group of humanoids to be duped by the banites and not know that they're being manipulated than go with Orcs or Goblins.
If you want a group of humanoids that knows they are working for the Banite and think it is to their gain than I would use Hobgoblins. You an always throw some goblins in as Hobgoblins underlings, but I would avoid mixing Orcs with any of the two types of Goblins. |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 31 Aug 2006 : 11:20:14
Its a little up to you and the way you want to play out the scenario. If its just the banites using the goblinoids as cannon fodder any of them will do; if they want long time influence I would go for hobgoblins and goblins, although strong hobgoblin lieutenants should be able to organise any goblinoids into a dangerous force with the help of the banites. Goblin guerrillas, organised hobgoblin companies, orcish mass attacks and kobolt traps for the lairs and banite headquarters; all goblinoids have their speciality. If the goblins work with bugbear they will also be more inclined to place sneaky ambushes, beware though, as the bugbears are not easily governed by anybody. |
| Tio |
Posted - 31 Aug 2006 : 09:56:33
So Hobgoblins and Goblins? |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 31 Aug 2006 : 08:43:00
Hobgoblins are the most organised and Banite-like to begin with, but they are not as easily manipulated as goblins. Orcs are rather unruly and Kobolts are both unruly and sneaky; the priests will need to keep an eye on them. A combination with hobgoblins acting as lieutenants could work nicely. |
| Tio |
Posted - 31 Aug 2006 : 08:28:37
Thanks for all the thoughts guys.
With Tantras being Tormite Heaven, I'd say the Banite would try to remain behind the scenes a bit. He would probably have a base in Calaunt or something.
I'm going to drop hints, and little glances of him in the distance to the heroes. He'll probably be my end-boss.
PS, which monsters would be best: Goblins, Orcs, Hobgoblins, Kobolds, or a combination (and if so, which)? |
| Kalin Agrivar |
Posted - 30 Aug 2006 : 20:48:06
quote:
Originally posted by Kaladorm
I didn't mean to suggest that it was a doctrine to be followed, but it is a characteristic seen in many banite priests (flaunting power is not quite the right word, but displaying their power to cow others is more correct)
Thats OK, I agree with you...but I think that the "best" servants of Bane are the "behind the scene" priests...as if things fall apart they don't take the blame and can move on to another scheme...unlike the "open" tyrant...when the scheme falls they usually to (by the hero or by fellow clergy punishing him/her for the failure)
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Bane
True, except for Strife...which now belongs to Cyric.
ahh, sorry, forgot  |
| Chosen of Bane |
Posted - 30 Aug 2006 : 19:54:44
quote:
Originally posted by kalin agrivar
and supporting the hobgoblins would (in the long run) promote hate, strife, fear and tyranny in the Realms..all that would strengthen Bane...and bring more favour for that priest
True, except for Strife...which now belongs to Cyric. |
| Kaladorm |
Posted - 30 Aug 2006 : 17:19:06
quote:
Originally posted by kalin agrivar
quote:
Originally posted by Kaladorm
What can suggest is a minor detail only, but it is unlikely in my mind that a Banite priest would remain 'hidden' of his own will for an extended period of time. Intimidating the 'lesser' creatures for personal gain is fine, but the priests also believe that their power and authority should be shown off as much as possible as a means of cowing others
I kind of disagree with that...
that (basic) philosophy is one of the two that split the Bane faith in the Moonsea..the other being to promote tyranny in others is to strengthen Bane...thus becoming the "power behind the throne". That is why Fezoul (sp?  ) joined with Manshoon to begin with...
so the two main paths in the Bane faith (was?) to eithor becoem a tyrant or support a tyrant...
I didn't mean to suggest that it was a doctrine to be followed, but it is a characteristic seen in many banite priests (flaunting power is not quite the right word, but displaying their power to cow others is more correct) |
| Jorkens |
Posted - 30 Aug 2006 : 17:11:13
This is also as I understand it, one of the points of argument between the orthodox banites of the high Imperceptor (sorry if misspelled) and Fzouls banites. The Imperceptors faction claim all power to Bane and his representative the High Imperceptor; Fzouls banites claim the right to support tyranny in all forms and increase their powers along with these tyrants. |
| Kalin Agrivar |
Posted - 30 Aug 2006 : 17:11:10
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
It would if doing so brought more power to the priest. Say he supported the hobgobby while attacking a town. Once the town was conquered, the priest could install himself as the ruler. Or he could support the hobgobby from the background, get the townspeople thoroughly frightened and wanting someone to help them, and then he comes in as the conquering hero who drives away evil, then takes power for himself.
and supporting the hobgoblins would (in the long run) promote hate, strife, fear and tyranny in the Realms..all that would strengthen Bane...and bring more favour for that priest
|
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 30 Aug 2006 : 17:05:28
It would if doing so brought more power to the priest. Say he supported the hobgobby while attacking a town. Once the town was conquered, the priest could install himself as the ruler. Or he could support the hobgobby from the background, get the townspeople thoroughly frightened and wanting someone to help them, and then he comes in as the conquering hero who drives away evil, then takes power for himself. |
| Kazzaroth |
Posted - 30 Aug 2006 : 16:22:48
So a banite priests supporting a tyrranical hobgoblin warlord whit orc allies while serving banenite purpose? |
| Kalin Agrivar |
Posted - 30 Aug 2006 : 13:54:44
quote:
Originally posted by Kaladorm
What can suggest is a minor detail only, but it is unlikely in my mind that a Banite priest would remain 'hidden' of his own will for an extended period of time. Intimidating the 'lesser' creatures for personal gain is fine, but the priests also believe that their power and authority should be shown off as much as possible as a means of cowing others
I kind of disagree with that...
that (basic) philosophy is one of the two that split the Bane faith in the Moonsea..the other being to promote tyranny in others is to strengthen Bane...thus becoming the "power behind the throne". That is why Fezoul (sp? ) joined with Manshoon to begin with...
so the two main paths in the Bane faith (was?) to eithor becoem a tyrant or support a tyrant... |
| Kaladorm |
Posted - 30 Aug 2006 : 13:28:55
I'd like to echo the thoughts of others it does seem very appropriate.
What can suggest is a minor detail only, but it is unlikely in my mind that a Banite priest would remain 'hidden' of his own will for an extended period of time. Intimidating the 'lesser' creatures for personal gain is fine, but the priests also believe that their power and authority should be shown off as much as possible as a means of cowing others |
| Kalin Agrivar |
Posted - 28 Aug 2006 : 15:04:01
quote:
Originally posted by Tio
My question: would this be logical and believable?
Also, any other advice regarding this behind the scenes action would be helpful.
I agree, it is totally logical...usually orcs and goblinoids respect power and strength above all and they are usually not as reverent to their own deities...
maybe there is a Banite with the ability to chaqnge shape or use illusion s to appear as an orc...and when your players reveal to the orcs a human priest has been manipulating them the orcs turn of the Banites and help the PCs? I love plot twists from the left field   |
| Chosen of Bane |
Posted - 28 Aug 2006 : 14:51:23
This would absolutely be believable and appropriate behavior for a Banite. The Zhentarim is known for hiring orcs and other local monsters and equipping them with weapons to disrupt local towns.
The Dreadmaster, a Prestige class for Banite priests only, requires the cleric to have intimidation focus, which shows the Banites common use of intimidation to bully others into doing their bidding.
Definitely appropriate tactics for a priest of Bane. |
