Baphomet (Dungeons & Dragons)

In-universe
subject = a
described_object = a fictional game character
category =

D&D Deity
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caption=
name=Baphomet
title=Prince of Beasts, Demon Lord of Minotaurs
home=Abyss
power=Demon lord
alignment=Chaotic Evil
portfolio=Minotaurs, Beasts, Vengeance
domains=
alias=
super=None

In the "Dungeons & Dragons" fantasy roleplaying game, Baphomet is a demon lord who rules a layer of the Abyss called the Endless Maze. He is the Prince of Beasts and the Demon Lord of Minotaurs.

Description

Baphomet has the appearance of a 12' tall humanoid with a bull's head, a bovine tail, and broad, stubby hands and feet. His body is covered with coarse black hair. His horns curve downward and outward. He wields a giant bardiche. Baphomet can spit out gouts of unholy water.

Relationships

Baphomet hates Yeenoghu, and the two are bitter enemies. The two have been warring against each other for as long as they themselves could remember, and both have forgotten the origin of their feud. Baphomet's other enemies include the Demon Queen of Harpies Ardat.

Baphomet has an unknown relationship with Pale Night, who shares his layer.

Realm

Baphomet's realm of the "Endless Maze" (in Gary Gygax's Gord novels, Baphomet's realm is called "Shubgottia") is the 600th layer of the Abyss, supposedly infinite in size. Here, Baphomet dwells in his palace, the Lyktion, and spend his time creating various new demonic breeds in his infamous Tower of Science. Some of his more successful creations are the goristroi, the bulezaus, the ghours, and more recently, the feral ankashars.

History

It is suggested that Baphomet started his existence as a mortal creature; although it is unclear whether he was a beast that lived as a man or a man who lived as a beast. It is also suggested that he was cursed by the gods for daring to treat them like cattle, and thus banished to the Abyss. In any case, Baphomet reveled in his power, seeing the curse more as a blessing.

4th edition

Baphomet is one of the few demon lords mentioned in the 4th edition "Monster Manual".

Cult of Baphomet

According to "Monster Mythology", Baphomet is increasingly attracting a following amongst minotaurs. He seeks to use them to further his schemes, notably to gain the upper hand in his battles against Yeenoghu. A multitude of other twisted creatures revere Baphomet as well, some becoming his thralls, and if they pleased their bestial patron, they would be granted rulership of a portion of the Endless Maze. Those who displeases Baphomet are eaten, of course.

Minions and related creatures

Baphomet has a multitude of minotaur, ogre and giant followers and minions. He is also served by ghour demons, a race of demons resembling burly, hairless minotaurs which command troops of these mortal minions.

Creative Origins

The character Baphomet was inspired by the enigmatic figure of "Baphomet", allegedly worshipped in secret by the Knights Templar. The appearance of Baphomet as he is in Dungeons and Dragons is derived from fanciful depictions created by occultist Eliphas Lévi, although historical evidence leans against any such depiction actually being worshipped by the Templars (the actual accusation claims they worshipped a severed head and called it "Baphomet").

References

*Gygax, Gary. "The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth" (TSR, 1982).
**Gygax, Gary. "Monster Manual II" (TSR, 1983).

*Jacobs, James. "The Demonomicon of Iggwilv: Baphomet." "Dragon" #341 (Paizo Publishing, 2006).

*Jacobs, James, Erik Mona, and Ed Stark. "" (Wizards of the Coast, 2006).

*Sargent, Carl. "Monster Mythology" (TSR, 1992).

*Winninger, Ray. "Giantcraft" (TSR, 1995).