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The Council of Four, whose individual members were referred to as the Dukes in the mid–14th and 15th century DR,[2][3][1] was the governing body of the city of Baldur's Gate consisting of four powerful individuals elected for life. The council was part of the Lords' Alliance, which included Waterdeep, Neverwinter, and Silverymoon, among others.[4]

Ambition has a price in Baldur's Gate, and it is paid to the Council.
— Anonymous.[5]

Organisation[]

In the 15th century, Baldur's Gate was governed by the Council of Four, which consisted of dukes who decided on law and policy. One of the dukes, the Grand Duke, had the power to break deadlocks in the Council. Below them was the Parliament of Peers, which discussed future actions and made recommendations to the dukes on all matters.[1]

One of the dukes is traditionally the highest ranking officer of the Flaming Fist.[1]

History[]

The history of the council dates back to the earliest days of Baldur's Gate and the conflict between the rich farmers of the walled city and the sea-captains of the harbor who refused to pay for entering the gate that had been financed by their colleague Balduran. The captains overthrew the farmers and the four eldest among them were installed as rulers, jokingly calling themselves "dukes".[6]

In the mid–15th century DR,[7] Grand Duke Valarken tried to seize power using lycanthrope mercenaries, but failed. After that, surviving Duke Dillard Portyr dissolved the council, which was replaced by the Baldurian Parliament for some time.[8]

Members[]

1357 DR[4]

(all known as Grand Dukes and Duchesses)

1479 DR[9]
1492 DR[3]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

Adventures
Referenced only
Murder in Baldur's GateBaldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
Card Games
Magic: The Gathering (CLB)

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 45. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 76. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Adam Lee, et al. (September 2019). Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus. Edited by Michele Carter, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 161. ISBN 978-0-7869-6687-5.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “Cyclopedia of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 27. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.
  5. Magic: The Gathering (June 2022). CLB symbol CLB #271 "Council of Four", illus. Justine Cruz. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 77. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  7. Ed Greenwood, Matt Sernett, Steve Winter (August 20, 2013). “Murder in Baldur's Gate”. In Dawn J. Geluso ed. Murder in Baldur's Gate (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 3–4. ISBN 0-7869-6463-4.
  8. Rob Heinsoo, Logan Bonner, Robert J. Schwalb (September 2008). Forgotten Realms Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 82–83. ISBN 978-0-7869-4929-8.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Ed Greenwood, Matt Sernett, Steve Winter (August 20, 2013). “Campaign Guide”. In Dawn J. Geluso ed. Murder in Baldur's Gate (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 35–37. ISBN 0-7869-6463-4.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Larian Studios (October 2020). Designed by Swen Vincke, et al. Baldur's Gate III. Larian Studios.
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