Bane, Lord of Darkness

Bane, Lord of Darkness was released in 2022 as part of the Magic: The Gathering expansion Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate. The set was designed to integrate the lore and characters of Dungeons & Dragons into the Commander format, providing a tabletop experience that reflected the high-stakes political maneuvering of the Forgotten Realms setting. As a legendary creature, Bane was crafted to represent the dark deity of tyranny, rewarding players for manipulating the game state through card draw and graveyard interaction.

The card illustration was created by artist Igor Kieryluk, who focused on capturing the cold, calculating menace of the deity through a dark, imposing aesthetic. His design emphasizes the character's command over his followers and his status as a patron of fear and ambition. Upon release, the card was well-received by players who enjoy controlling the pace of the game, particularly those drawn to Orzhov-colored decks that balance resource management with thematic villainy.