Bane Watchers

Type: Ancient Order
Alignment: Guardians Against Corruption
Base: Citadel on island in central lake (Odessia)
Founded: After the First War (Ancient Era)
Current Status: Greatly diminished, scattered small bands

Current Status (Session 26)

Leadership Structure

Organization Notes

Co'narr's Status (Session 26):

• Recovered from injuries (Session 25)
• Has kitten companion (won't leave, hisses at others - magical cake effect)
• Green sprite manifestation when drinking (Stage 3 Bane corruption)
• Warned Elvva: "You're further along than I thought"
• Urged party to visit Citadel quickly

Decentralized Command:

• Each regional leader operates independently
• Coordinate when needed
• Three known regional leaders + Citadel leader
• Unknown total membership

Current Crisis:

• Elvva Beltavar reached advanced corruption (sprite manifestation)
• Urgent need for Citadel intervention
• Party must balance Marshals duties with Bane hunting
• Cannot openly discuss membership

Co'narr's Mystical Connection (Session 28):

• Repeatedly visits shared dream temple (temple of mirrors)
• Can navigate dream realm freely (unlike party members who became trapped)
• Gets stuck in temple repeatedly but can enter/exit at will
• Talks to "Steve" (boulder entity in dream cave) - does both voices himself
• Has been to mirror room before but never progressed past puzzle
• Connection suggests deeper mystical abilities beyond standard Bane Watcher training
• Unknown if this is unique to Co'narr or available to advanced Bane Watchers

Co'narr's Dream Temple Abilities Expanded (Session 30):

• Steve confirmed as independent entity (appeared when Co'narr not physically present in dream)
• Steve provided genuine helpful advice about forgiveness riddle to Elik'r
• Only Elik'r can see/hear Steve (others saw him shouting at blank wall)
• Suggests Steve is separate mystical entity or unique connection, not Co'narr doing voices
• Co'narr's previous claim of never progressing past mirror room contradicted by Steve's knowledge ("run after first key")
• Inconsistency suggests either Co'narr lying or Steve has independent knowledge source

Bane Watcher Citadel

Location (Confirmed Session 26)

Geography:

• Center of Odessia kingdom
• Large lake with mountainous island in center
• Mountain range on island
• Citadel built on island's mountains
• Isolated, defensible position

Access:

• Unknown (by boat? Teleportation? Other?)
• Party has not visited yet
• Location known to Co'narr

Purpose & Capabilities

Headquarters Functions:

• Organization's main base
• Home to Citadel leader
• Training facility for advanced Bane abilities
• Repository of Bane knowledge
• Safe location for rituals/training

Advanced Training (Co'narr Cannot Provide):

• Master Bane Sense abilities (focus, clarity)
• Remove dormant Bane commands (possibly)
• Treat advanced corruption (Elvva's urgent need)
• Prevent overflow/takeover
• Access to ancient Bane knowledge

Urgency (Session 26):

• Elvva's corruption reached Stage 3 (sprite manifestation)
• Co'narr warned: "Further along than I thought"
• Can overflow and take over host
• Can shorten lifespan
• Training needed immediately
• Party must decide: Citadel first or Rally North first

Bane Corruption Stages

Progressive Corruption (Observed Sessions 23-26)

Stage 1: Green Glow

• Green spectral glow appears on offensive spells
• Visible to all observers
• Can enhance damage (positive effect)
• First warning sign of Bane influence
• Party members affected: Multiple

Stage 2: Psychological Curse (NEW - Session 30)

• Elik'r's curse triggers during combat when causing friendly fire
• Hears own voice: "Ah, it's my fault again!" with severe headache
• 3 psychic damage consistently
• Triggered specifically when harming Elvva (person he failed to save Session 22)
• Demonstrates Bane corruption can manifest as targeted psychological warfare
• Active combat threat requiring Citadel intervention
• Observed: Elik'r Stormswallow (triggered Session 30 combat)

Stage 2-3: Temporary Petrification (renumber from Stage 2)

• Trauma flashback + Bane influence triggers freezing
• Character frozen in place, completely unaware
• Self-resolving with Wisdom saves
• Duration: Minutes observed
• May recur under similar conditions
• Observed: Elvva Beltavar (Session 25, recovered)

Stage 3: Sprite Manifestation (Session 26)

• Green sprite appears, zooms around head, dissipates
• Visible to others
• Indicates advanced corruption
• Warning level - approaching dangerous threshold
• Current Stage: Elvva Beltavar, Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian

Stage 4: Overflow/Takeover

• Bane can overflow and take complete control of host
• Can shorten host's lifespan significantly
• Point of no return (presumed)
• Requires Citadel intervention to prevent
• Not yet observed in party

Sprite Manifestation Details (Session 26)

Elvva's Manifestation:

• Appeared during Bane test (drinking from Co'narr's tankard)
• Green sprite zoomed around her head
• Dissipated quickly
• Similar to fairy/Tinkerbell appearance
• Whiskey burn sensation when drinking

Co'narr's Manifestation:

• Drank from same tankard after party
• Green sprite appeared
• This sprite shaky/drunk-looking
• Mini Co'narr sprite with tankard on shoulder
• Shows his advanced corruption level

Significance:

• Visible external sign of internal corruption
• "You're further along than I thought" (Co'narr to Elvva)
• Stage before overflow/takeover
• Urgent intervention needed

Corruption Risks

Can Overflow and Take Over Host:

• Complete loss of control
• Bane controls body/mind
• Possibly irreversible
• Unknown if host survives

Can Shorten Lifespan:

• Progressive drain on life force
• Unknown how much reduction
• Varies by individual
• Advanced stages more dangerous

Sprites Are Normal Manifestation:

• Not unusual for Bane Watchers
• Expected at advanced stages
• Co'narr has one (drunk sprite)
• Indicates significant corruption level

Supernatural Dream Phenomena (Sessions 28-30)

Shared Dream Vision - The Depths (Session 30):

• All five party members trapped in progressive trial system (labyrinth with dragon chambers)
• Physical bodies remained asleep in separate locations (Stormhold Keep for 4, Belendar for Elvva)
• Required collecting gems from dragon statue chambers (offerings: coins, tears, blood, items)
• Progressive challenges: mirrors (truth), silence (faith), elements (courage), maze (perseverance), riddle (forgiveness)
• Khorrak the Horned Dread awakened - two-phase boss battle (resurrection mechanic)
• Dragon's final test: "What cannot be obtained through strength but requires shedding something precious?"
• Answer: Forgiveness (demonstrated genuinely, not just stated)
• Elvva's sincere forgiveness of Elik'r solved puzzle, dragon shed tear forming unique gem
• Vision ended when forgiveness demonstrated - all woke in respective locations

Persistent Consequence:

• Dragon's Tear gem remained in Elvva's possession (only item from vision that persisted)
• Appears alive inside with moving/shifting light
• All other gems, items, and Odonia's glowing orb disappeared upon waking
• Suggests Dragon's Tear has special properties or significance beyond dream realm

Lady Odonia's Transformation:

• Crushed under debris during Khorrak battle (Annie absent due to illness)
• Khorrak's green ooze remains seeped under rock to her body
• Body whisped away in green smoke when party lifted debris
• Gained Warg ability from corrupted creature transformation
• Connection to Bane unclear (corrupted minotaur ooze vs natural Bane manifestation)
• Transformation triggered by prolonged exposure to defeated corrupted entity

Steve's Independent Nature Confirmed:

• Appeared to Elik'r in central chamber when Co'narr not physically present
• Provided genuine helpful advice about riddle (suggested "growth" could be answer)
• Referenced Tessell's unconventional grapple humorously
• Only Elik'r heard conversation (party saw him shouting at wall)
• Confirms Steve is separate entity or unique mystical connection, not Co'narr ventriloquism

Shared Dream Vision - Temple of Mirrors:

• All four party members (excluding Elvva) experienced identical simultaneous vision
• Temple on mountainside ledge, endless chasm, Hall of Mirrors with distorted reflections
• Ethereal voice: "The key to your freedom lies in the truth of who you are"
• Puzzle required finding "true reflection" mirrors (showing reality vs desired futures)
• Party trapped until puzzle solved, physical bodies remained asleep at Stormhold Keep

Co'narr's Dream Temple Access:

• Visits temple repeatedly, can enter/exit voluntarily (party became trapped)
• Knows layout and puzzle mechanics
• Converses with "Steve" (boulder in dream cave, does both voices)
• Suggests advanced abilities beyond standard Bane Watcher training

Purpose & Mission

Primary Goal

Hunt The Bane - world-ending evil incarnate, pure corruption

Methods

• Eternal vigilance for Bane's return
• Bane Sense ability to detect presence
• Track corruption and manifestations
• Eliminate threats before they spread
• Protect world from ultimate evil

Philosophy

• Truth is paramount - self-knowledge prevents corruption
• Eternal vigilance - Bane can return at any time
• Sacrifice for greater good - protecting world from evil
• Self-awareness - those who know themselves resist corruption

Current Operations (Session 26)

• Track Bane's movements (released when horn blown)
• Investigate strong presence in Belendar
• Determine who/what is corrupted
• Coordinate between regional leaders
• Urgent: Get Elvva to Citadel (advanced corruption)

The Bane - What They Hunt

Nature

• Evil itself incarnate (not dragon/demon/god)
• Pure corruption, feeds on chaos and destruction
• Has many names across races and time
• "The Bane" is umbrella term used by Bane Watchers
• Corrupts everything it touches

History

• Corrupted entire dwarven race in First Age
• War between corrupted dwarves and elves
• Dragon gods fought and imprisoned it
• One dragon god killed in final battle
• Released when horn blown (party involved)

Current Threat

• Free and at large, location unknown
• Strong presence detected in Belendar
• Seen in underground dwarven roads
• World-ending threat if not stopped

New Manifestations (Sessions 23-26)

• Green glow on spells (progressive corruption)
• Temporary petrification (trauma-triggered)
• Sprite manifestation (advanced stage)
• Post-resurrection power transformations
• Dormant mental commands
• Can overflow and take over host
• Can shorten lifespan

See: The Bane for full details, Lore and Worldbuilding for First Age history

Initiation Ritual - Dragon Blood

The Ritual Substance

• Dragon blood from the dragon god killed in First War
• Thick, dark brownish-red liquid
• Mixed with unknown substances
• Served warm from small keg
• Tastes "like shit" (per Co'narr)

Ritual Process

1. Candidate offered membership (must trust them)
2. Drink the dragon blood mixture
3. Constitution saving throw required
4. Failure: Take damage (5+ observed), extended unconsciousness, possible death
5. Success: Still unconscious 4-20 hours
6. During unconsciousness: shared prophetic vision
7. Wake with permanent Bane Sense ability

Risks

• High chance of death
• Even survivors suffer damage
• Extended unconsciousness
• No way to reverse once consumed

Rewards

• Permanent Bane Sense ability
• Shared prophetic vision (reveals hidden truths)
• Official Bane Watcher membership
• Access to organization's knowledge and resources

See: Campaign Mechanics for party's ritual results (Session 18)

Bane Sense Ability

Nature

• Permanent passive ability
• Always active, cannot be turned off
• Allows sensing Bane's presence anywhere
• No known range limit

Current Stage (Party)

• Overwhelming sensory overload
• "Jumbled voices and information"
• Like hearing all prayers at once
• Cannot discern specific locations or details
• Causes intense headache initially

Development

Ability improves with time, training, and experience

Eventually May Allow:

• Pinpointing specific locations
• Distinguishing types of corruption
• Sensing Bane-corrupted individuals
• Range and clarity improvements
• Full capabilities unknown

Citadel Training:

• Advanced techniques Co'narr cannot teach
• Focus and clarity methods
• Learn to use effectively
• Master the ability

Known Detections

• Strong Bane presence in Belendar (all members sense)
• Co'narr detected Bane in underground dwarven roads
• Presence varies in intensity by location

Shared Prophetic Visions

Nature

• Side effect of dragon blood ritual
• All participants experience identical dream
• Occurs during unconscious period (4-20 hours)
• Cannot control what is seen
• Don't initially realize it's shared (must compare notes)

Content

• Mix of past events and prophecies
• Reveals hidden truths and connections
• Shows relevant threats and mysteries
• Provides information needed to fight Bane
• Some historical, some potentially future

Party's Visions

Session 18 Vision:

• Purple dragonborn calling for Elik'r
• Elvva's backstory (father's death)
• Gnome army watching party (through River's eyes)
• Small figure petrifying pursuing ship (Avicia)
• Various mysteries and connections

Session 28 Vision:

• Hall of mirrors with distorted reflections
• Golden mirror prophecy: "The key to your freedom lies in the truth of who you are"
• Truth-based trials

Known Members

Regional Leaders

Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian (Odessia)

• 7'8" Goliath Barbarian
• Regional leader for Odessia
• Recovered Session 25
• Has kitten companion (magical cake effect)
• Green sprite manifestation (Stage 3 corruption)
• Mentor to Riders of the Storm

Unnamed Colleague (Immortal Draconic Empire)

• Southern region
• Investigating Bane presence in Empire
• No other details known

Unnamed Colleague (Nolunia)

• Northern region
• Investigating Bane presence in confederation
• No other details known

Unnamed Leader (Bane Watcher Citadel)

• Headquarters leader
• Can provide advanced training
• Unknown capabilities

Riders of the Storm (Initiated Session 18)

Dual Mission:

• Publicly serve as Marshals of the North
• Secretly hunt The Bane
• Cannot openly discuss Bane Watcher membership
• Balancing conflicting priorities

Other Members

Tavern Barman (Secret Hideout, Belendar)

• Operates safehouse
• Knows Co'narr
• Loyal contact in city
• Opened trapdoor for party evacuation

Unknown Members:

• Organization greatly diminished
• Likely scattered across Eros continent
• Possibly members in other lands
• Total membership unknown

Safe Houses & Support Network

Secret Tavern (Belendar)

• Underground safehouse accessed via trapdoor
• Operated by unnamed barman (knows Co'narr)
• Two-story: tavern floor with balcony, underground basement
• Large distillery barrels, pantry, supplies
• Multiple entry points

History:

• Session 22: Refuge after ambush and mansion fire
• Session 23: Elvva's resurrection ritual site
• Session 24: Successfully defended against siege
• Current: Compromised location (enemies aware) but operational

Network Implications

• Hidden safehouses across regions
• Trusted contacts provide shelter
• More sophisticated than publicly known
• Vital given lack of official support
• Proven defensive capability

Training Methods

Core Principles

• Truth-based challenges and puzzles
• Self-awareness prevents corruption
• Face personal truths in trials
• Spirit guides appear (like Steve the rock)

Training Types

• Shared dream trials (hall of mirrors)
• Learning to focus Bane Sense ability
• Understanding Bane's nature and history
• Combat training against corrupted enemies
• Advanced training at Citadel (Co'narr cannot provide)

Recruitment

• Only offered to those Co'narr trusts completely
• Candidates must prove themselves worthy
• Cannot be coerced - must accept willingly
• High risk of death during initiation

History & Decline

Founding

• Established after dragon gods imprisoned The Bane
• Original mission: constant vigilance for return
• Used fallen dragon god's blood for Bane Sense
• Once honoured and well-resourced

Decline Over Centuries

• The Bane never returned (until recently)
• People forgot the threat
• Dismissed Bane Watchers as paranoid zealots
• Organization dwindled
• Funding and recruits disappeared
• Now reduced to few scattered bands

Current Status

• Three known regional leaders + Citadel
• Lacking resources and official support
• Operating largely in secret
• Public doesn't believe threat is real
• Were right all along - Bane now released

Strategic Concerns

Organizational Challenges

Resource Limitations:

• Greatly diminished from peak
• Lacking ancient knowledge
• Only known regional leaders: 3 + Citadel
• No official support or funding
• Operating in secret

Public Perception:

• Most don't believe in The Bane
• Seen as paranoid zealots
• Dismissed as eccentric
• Cannot openly recruit
• Lack credibility

Knowledge Gaps:

• Bane Sense currently unfocused (party)
• Don't know full extent of Bane's powers
• Unknown how to defeat permanently
• Lost ancient techniques
• Citadel holds remaining knowledge

Current Mission Challenges

Party's Dual Mission:

• Public: Marshals of the North (rally nobles)
• Secret: Hunt The Bane (world threat)
• Cannot openly discuss Bane Watcher status
• Time conflict (Citadel vs Rally North vs Secure East)
• Elvva's corruption critical (URGENT)

Tactical Limitations:

• Bane Sense unfocused (overwhelming)
• Limited training (need Citadel)
• Dormant commands in members (ToooAh, Odonia, Patriarch)
• Psychological vulnerabilities (curses, trauma)
• Advanced corruption (Elvva - Stage 3)

Unknown Factors:

• How many total Bane Watchers exist worldwide?
• What is organization's full structure?
• What other tools/abilities available?
• How was Bane defeated last time?
• Can corruption be reversed at Citadel?
• What happens if overflow/takeover occurs?

Elik'r's Curse Active in Combat:

• Triggered Session 30 during friendly fire on Elvva (3 psychic damage, severe headache)
• Demonstrates curse poses active threat during missions, not just psychological burden
• Citadel visit now CRITICAL URGENT (curse + Elvva's corruption + dormant commands)
• Combat effectiveness compromised when near Elvva (primary target of curse trigger)

Related Information

Related Quests:

• Quests - Active#Visit Bane Watcher Citadel (URGENT - Elvva's corruption)
• Quests - Active#The Bane (hunt ultimate evil)
• Quests - Mysteries#Purple Dragonborn (connected to ancient war)

Related NPCs:

• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian (regional leader, mentor)
• The Bane (ancient evil they hunt)
• Riders of the Storm (newly initiated members)
• Elvva Beltavar (Stage 3 corruption - URGENT)
• Patriarch Siegfried Wildner (dormant command, power increase)

Related Locations:

• Bane Watcher Citadel (headquarters, URGENT destination)
• The Underground Roads (dwarven highways, Bane presence)
• Belendar (strong Bane presence detected)
• Secret Tavern Hideout (safehouse, compromised)

Related Organizations:

• Riders of the Storm (all members initiated)
• Eagle Faction (party serves publicly)

Last Updated: Session 26
Current Priority: Get Elvva to Citadel (Stage 3 corruption, overflow risk)
Organization Status: Diminished but active, three regional leaders coordinating