Bane’s right hand in encased in a major artifact of legendary power, a black iron gauntlet known as the Black Hand of Bane. He has invested a portion of his power in the gauntlet, giving its wielder sway over the forces of fear and tyranny. Bane always knows the location of the gauntlet and the identity and alignment of its wielder, even if the wearer is protected from magical scrying. Only epic level magic or the will of another god could overcome this.
The Black Hand of Bane is a +5 lawful mighty cleaving unholy gauntlet (as stated in Faiths and Pantheons), but has other powers that can only be accessed by a cleric of Bane in good standing with his god and of high ranking in the Church of Bane. When in the hands of Bane himself, powers of FAR greater strength are unleashed, but the powers below are those that can be activated by the mortal servants of bane.
The powers contained within the gauntlet (for the use of Bane’s mortal followers) are:
While wearing the Black Hand of Bane, the wielder is given the Vampire template, with the exception that s/he cannot create spawn or other vampires. (this is here only because of the flavor I gave Bane in my campaign). The creature ceases to be a vampire and loses all benefits of the template 24 hours after removing the gauntlet.
At will (as a standard action) the wielder can target an opponent with either Cause Fear or Command spell as a 20th level cleric (wielder must choose the type before the target rolls the save)
3 times per day the wielder can target an opponent with either Fear or Suggestion, caster level 20th.
Once per day the wielder can either target 4 opponents with Dominate Monster (CL 20th) or the special ability Absolute Terror (see below)
Absolute Terror: All opponents within 100 feet must save on a DC 20 will save or become panicked for 2d6 rounds. A creature that makes the save is frightened for 2d6 rounds. Each successive 2d6 rounds reduces the “fear level” by one (panicked>frightened>shaken>normal). This ability does not affect undead or worshippers of Bane. It is a mind affecting fear effect.
Once per week the wielder can cast Commune as a 20th level cleric.
Once per year the Black Hand of Bane can petition Bane to send forth his Tyrant aspect or his Fear aspect (essentially, avatars with powers over tyranny or fear respectively; in my campaign each deity is made up of an aspect of each of topic in his/her portfolio). Bane looks poorly on those who petition for his presence frivolously, so wielders of the gauntlet are loathe to do so for fear Bane will kill them. The Aspect sent does NOT serve the caller, but it hears out the caller’s petition and decides whether to leave immediately or remain manifested for up to one month.
Later tonight or perhaps tomorrow I will post The Angel Tome, the good artifact being used to counter the Black Hand of Bane.
Tell me what you think of this!
