Bane
Noun.
1a: obsolete: Killer, Slayer b: Poison c: Death, Destruction d: Woe.
2: A source of harm or ruin: Curse.
[Origin: Middle English, from Old English bana; akin to Old High German bano death.]
(Before 12th Century.)
3: Bane
Transitive verb baned; baning: obsolete: to kill especially with poison. (1578)
“People” – Geralt turned his head – “like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they seem less monstrous themselves. When they get blind-drunk, cheat, steal, beat their wives, starve an old woman, when they kill a trapped fox with an axe or riddle the last existing unicorn with arrows, they like to think that the Bane entering cottages at daybreak is more monstrous than they are. They feel better then. They find it easier to live.” – The Last Wish, Andrzej Sapkowski.
I take it you are not cussing me for recommending the book?
Trees Got Legs.
Charly, absolutely not! Finished up Baptism of Fire the other day, on Tower of Swallows now. Looking forward to the standalone book next year. Many thanks for the recommend. :D
Mmmm, how did that comment end up here? Computer updates are the bane of my existence.
4: Bane.
Magic weapon special ability. Aura: moderate conjuration. Caster level: 8th.
A bane weapon excels against certain foes. Against a designated foe, the weapon’s enhancement bonus is +2 better than its actual bonus. It also deals an extra 2d6 points of damage against such foes.
Construction requirements: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, summon monster I, Cost: +1 bonus.
That is how I understand the word.
Callinectes:
Ummm…that’s nice.
Lofty, excellent usage!