Baldur's Gate (city)


 * For the Baldur's Gate cRPG's, see Baldur's Gate series

Baldur's Gate is a fictional city in the world of Forgotten Realms, a Dungeons and Dragons campaign setting. It is a coastal city on the north bank of the river Chiontar, to the south of Waterdeep and to the north of Amn. It is located along the well-travelled Coast Way road.

General
This wealthy port metropolis, with over 42,000 inhabitants (although that almost doubles in the summer months), is an important merchant city on the Sword Coast. Its strong Watch and the presence of the powerful Flaming Fist mercenary company keep the city generally peaceful and safe.

The city's unique shape, curved around its harbor, gives the city the poetic appearance of a crescent moon. The docks and shipping facilities are among the most efficient in the land, a testament to the importance of shipping to the city. A large open marketplace, called The Wide, dominates the northeast portion of the walled city, and other large structures include The High Hall, seat of the city government, the High House of Wonders, a large temple to Gond, and the Seatower of Balduraan, a small fortress in the center of the harbor.

To keep vermin from spreading too much into the city proper, cats are bred and encouraged to roam the city.

History
The city takes its name from the great seafaring hero Balduraan. Long ago, Balduraan sailed to the fabled Anchorome and returned with great wealth which was used to build the wall around what became Baldur's Gate. He left the city again, presumably to return to Anchorome, but never returned.

At the time, the growing town was controlled by local farmers who mercilessly taxed incoming shipments. This infuriated ship captains, who believed that since the harbor wasn't walled in, its traffic should not be taxed, and they eventually overthrew the farmers. The four eldest captains ruled the cuty together, and jokingly called themselves "dukes," which stuck.

Government
Baldur's Gate is ruled by four grand dukes, the Council of Four. The current rulers include Duke Eltan, leader of the Flaming Fist, Belt, a powerful warrior and divine spellcaster, Liia Jannath, a mage, and Entar Silvershield, the richest man in Baldur's Gate, but also a strong warrior in his own right. The Council is part of the Lord's Alliance, which includes Waterdeep and Silverymoon, among others.

Baldur's Gate contains a very effective Thieves Guild, as well as a powerful and honest Merchant's League. Additionally, the Knights of the Shield and the Knights of the Unicorn are both active in the city.

Places of interest

 * Taverns
 * The Blushing Mermaid
 * Elfsong Tavern
 * Splurging Sturgeon
 * Inns
 * The Helm and Cloak
 * Three Old Kegs
 * The Blade and Stars
 * Temples
 * The Hall of Wonders (temple of Gond)
 * The Water-Queen's House (temple of Umberlee)
 * The Lady's Hall (temple of Tymora)

Novels and Modules

 * Forgotten Realms Adventures
 * Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast