Baphomet

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.

Publication history
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").

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition (1977-1988)
Baphomet first appears in module Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth (1982), and then appears in the first edition Monster Manual II (1983), under the demon entry.

Baphomet makes another appearance in the module The Throne of Bloodstone (1988).

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition (1989-1999)
Baphomet was detailed as a deity in the book Monster Mythology (1992), including details about his priesthood.

Baphomet's role among the giant dieties of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting is described in detail in Giantcraft (1995).

His role in the cosmology of the Planescape campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground (1996).

Dungeons & Dragons 3.0 edition (2000-2002)
Baphomet appeared, again as a demon lord, in the Book of Vile Darkness (2002).

Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 edition (2003-2007)
Baphomet is fully detailed in Dragon, in issue #341 (March 2006) in the "Demonomicon of Iggwilv" feature.

Baphomet was featured in the Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss (2006).

Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition (2008-)
Baphomet is one of the few demon lords mentioned in the 4th edition Monster Manual (2008).

Baphomet is fully detailed in the online version of Dragon, in issue #369 (November 2008) in the "Demonomicon of Iggwilv" feature.

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.

Dogma
Baphomet is the embodiment of savagery, an insidious force that worms its way into the heart of his followers to deceive them into embracing brutality.

Worshippers
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. 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 displease Baphomet are eaten.

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.

Almost a thousand years ago, Yeenoghu and Baphomet orchestrated an invasion of Western Oerik on the world of Oerth, opening vast portals in the forest of Ravilla. Armies of demons, gnolls, and minotaurs poured into the forests, burning them and slaughtering wood elves by the thousands. An army of elves, allied with Bahamut and his dragons, managed to defeat the demonic alliance after a long war. The portals were sealed shut and cities were built to guard them. Yeenoghu and Baphomet became enemies, each blaming the other for their defeat.

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.

Additional reading

 * Pramas, Chris. "The Empire of Ravilla." Dragon #285. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.
 * Pramas, Chris. "The Gnolls of Naresh." Dragon #289. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.