Tyranthraxus

Tyranthraxus, also called the Possessing Spirit and the Flamed One, is a malign entity who steals control over the bodies of others to further its wicked goals. He is said to have been one of the Seven Lost Gods forced long ago to bow before Bane.

Description
Tyranthraxus takes the body of whoever he is possessing, avoiding changing its appearance too much in order to avoid suspicion. He is cruel, ruthless, and intelligent. His game statistics are generally the same as whoever he is possessing, but at will he can cause his stolen body to erupt in a fiery aura. He can read all thoughts within his line of sight and accurately mimic the voice, gestures, and posture of the one whose body he is inhabiting. If not in a body, he seems to be able to sustain himself within any magical liquid; it is not known how long he could last outside such a medium.

Tyranthraxus wishes to rule over all the Realms.

It has been suggested that the being commonly known as Tyranthraxus is actually a disguise created by Maram of the Long Spear in order to throw off those who research his powers.

Relationships
Tyranthraxus's enemies include Shal Desanea, Ren o' the Blade, and Tarl Desanea. He is the most powerful member of the New Alliance.

History
The oldest legends of Tyranthraxus are those of the ogres (once known as the beast-men) of Thar.

Long ago, it is said that Tyranthraxus was a powerful general, leading "the Riders out of the Waste." In this form he conquered the ancient kingdoms of Barze, Horreb, and Vane. While temporarily bodiless, he was imprisoned by one Baron Schodt in a vial of shining water, and sank beneath the depths of Lake Longreach.

At some point, Bane (and likely his comrades Bhaal and Myrkul) apparently encountered Tyranthraxus during their quest for immortality and forced the Flamed One into servitude.

Circa 1240 DR, agents of Tyranthraxus convinced the bronze dragon Srossar to bathe in the Pool of Radiance, convincing him it would grant him greater wisdom and understanding of the multiverse. Instead, it allowed Tyranthraxus to possess his body. Combining his own powers with the immense powers of his host, Tyranthraxus raised an army of orcs, hobgoblins, and similar creatures and stormed into Phlan. For 50 years, however, the barrier formed by the Moonsea and the forces of Zhentil Keep kept him from expanding any further. Then he was caught by surprise when Phlan began to be recolonized by humans.

In 1340 DR, Tyranthraxus's rule over Phlan was challenged by the adventurers Shal Desanea, Ren o' the Blade, and Tarl Desanea. When it looked like he would be destroyed, Tyranthraxus entered a different body and dove into the Pool, using its magic to teleport away. Since then, the Possessing Spirit has settled in Myth Drannor. He may also be seeking out more of Phalse's duplicates of Alias.