Baneguards are skeletons, usually but not always human, which are animated by clerical spells to serve as guardian creatures. The create baneguard spell was originally researched by priests of Bane (of the Forgotten Realms setting), but in the years since the demise of that deity, the secret of the spell has been spread such that many other evil (and not-so-evil) deities allow their priests to use it.

Usually found as guardians, baneguards are identical in appearance to normal skeletons, but have additional deadly powers which they reveal in combat.

Combat: All baneguards are silent but intelligent, evil servants, capable of independent, reasoned, malevolent behavior. They can blink (as the 3rd-level wizard spell) once per turn. This effect must be continuous – it lasts up to four rounds and cannot be stopped and then resumed; once ended, a full turn must pass before the baneguard can blink again. Baneguards can also cast one magic missile spell every three rounds. Each spell creates two missiles that inflict 1d4+1 points of damage each. They streak forth from the baneguard’s bony fingertips (or any extremiys if the fingers are missing) and can be directed at seperate targets up to 60 feet away.

Baneguards can use all normal weapons or strike with a hand for 1d6 points of damage. Most are armed with swords or maces. Baneguards can employ all magical items that do not require verbal commands or living flesh or organs (e.g., ointments and potions).

Baneguards suffer damage from edged weapons, fire, spells, and holy water as normal skeletons do. They may break off combat if their orders permit. Baneguards are turned as wights.

Habitat/Society: Since baneguards are created, they have no society. They go where and do as they are commanded. They are used primarily by evil priests, but neutral-aligned priests (particularly those who venerate gods of death) with a ready supply of skeletal remains use baneguards as well.

Ecology: Baneguards eat nothing and do not contribute to the ecosystem in any way. As manufactured creatures, they have no natural habitat. As guardian creatures, they are found wherever they have been placed by their creators.

Direguards

Some baneguards wear black, shadowy armor that is semitransparent so their bones show through, and red flames burn in their eye sockets. These direguards are AC 6, can see invisible objects and creatures, and are turned as wraiths. The create direguard spell is as the create baneguard, but is a 7th-level spell and has a casting time of one round. Direguards have an XP value of 1,200 each.