Bane

Bane is a deity belonging to the Imperial Pantheon. As the God of Order, he represents the embodiment of absolute authority and discipline. Known for his unwavering pursuit of perfect order, Bane is characterised by his controlled demeanour and uncompromising nature. His vision encompasses a universe ruled by a flawless divine order, where chaos and unpredictability are eradicated. As a deity, Bane is revered by those who value structure and fear the uncertainties brought forth by freedom and spontaneity.
In the eternal game of the divines, Bane is locked in an eternal conflict with Crucifex, the God of Chaos and Insanity. This struggle represents the fundamental balance between order and chaos that influences the mortal realms. However, unlike others who might seek equilibrium, Bane's intentions are far from harmonious. He aspires to overwhelm and subjugate all aspects of creation under his orderly paradigm, viewing any form of chaos as a blight upon existence. This relentless ambition not only shapes his interactions with other deities but also dictates the faith of his followers, who are often driven by a zealous dedication to impose order on a chaotic world.
== Symbology ==
Bane's primary symbol is an iron fist clenched around a set of unbreakable chains, epitomising his grip over order and control. Additionally, a black tower rising against a blood-red sky serves as a reminder of his unyielding authority and the fortress-like nature of his divine realm. Followers often bear the image of a balanced scale trapped in a cage, symbolising the containment and regulation of chaos under his rule. These motifs are prevalent in temples dedicated to Bane, where they reinforce his doctrine of absolute order and discipline.
=== Personality ===
Bane's personality is marked by his calculated, cold demeanour and an unyielding commitment to order. He is not swayed by emotions or personal connections, viewing them as potential disruptions to the perfect order he seeks to establish. His interactions are defined by a strict adherence to rules and a lack of compromise, which often makes him appear distant and authoritarian to both followers and fellow deities. Despite his rigidity, Bane possesses a keen strategic mind, always planning several steps ahead in his quest to subdue chaos. His disposition, while severe, is consistently driven by a rational pursuit of a perfectly ordered multiverse.
Bane's relationships with the other god of the Imperial Pantheon are largely contentious due to his dogmatic pursuit of order, which often clashes with the diverse agendas of his divine peers. Many deities view him as overly rigid and authoritarian, causing friction and resistance against his attempts to impose his will. For his part, Bane regards most other gods as either obstacles to be overcome or potential tools to be utilised in achieving his vision of perfect order. His strategic mind allows him to maintain necessary alliances, but these are typically pragmatic and devoid of genuine camaraderie or trust.
=== Bane's Realm, Citadel of Order ===
Bane's realm, known as the Citadel of Order, is a manifestation of his ultimate vision for a perfectly ordered universe. It is a vast, imposing fortress that stretches endlessly, constructed of dark, unyielding stone and iron that reflect his stern personality. The landscape is meticulously organised, with symmetrical structures and perfectly straight pathways that leave no room for deviation. The skies above are perpetually grey, casting a sombre light that emphasises the realm’s severe nature. The Citadel is devoid of natural chaos found in other divine realms, such as unpredictable weather or undisciplined wildlife, showcasing an environment where every element is controlled and predictability reigns supreme.
For mortals, a visit to the Citadel of Order is an overwhelming experience, often described as both awe-inspiring and profoundly unsettling. The oppressive order of the realm can feel suffocating, as spontaneous actions and free expression are stifled by the pervasive need for control. Mortals find themselves compelled to adhere strictly to the rules set forth by Bane, with even minor deviations leading to immediate and severe consequences. Despite this, those devoted to the ideals of structure and discipline may find a sense of peace in the unrelenting order, appreciating the absence of chaos and the predictability that governs every aspect of the Citadel.
== Cult and Worship ==
Bane is worshipped by those in the Empire who value order and discipline above all else. His followers typically include lawmakers, judges, and rulers, as well as those who believe that a strict adherence to order is necessary for the survival and prosperity of society. They admire Bane for his unwavering commitment to control and predictability, seeing him as a bulwark against the chaos that threatens to engulf their world. Worship of Bane is often pragmatic; his adherents believe that by enforcing order and structure, they can prevent the devastation and unpredictability that accompany chaotic forces. This leads to rituals and practices that are precise and regimented, with little room for personal interpretation or deviation from established norms.
The main religious organisation devoted to the God of Order is the Cult of Bane, a structured and hierarchical group that mirrors the god’s ideals of order and discipline. The cult operates much like a strict monastic order, with members expected to adhere to rigorous codes of conduct and ritualistic practices. These include daily recitations, communal gatherings at dawn and dusk, and the enforcement of order within their communities. The cult’s influence is often felt in legal and political spheres, where they lobby for laws and policies that reflect Bane’s principles. The Cult of Bane is viewed with a mixture of respect and fear, as their commitment to order can sometimes lead to harsh judgements and inflexible stances that allow little compassion or leniency.
== Trivia ==
* Bane is designed to be the most rigid and literal embodiment of order, with little room for compromise. As Bane was fleshed out, I noticed that he sounded more and more like Batman, so I lent into it. Even is name, Bane, is inspired somewhat by a Batman villain of the same name.