Baldur’s Gate is a major city on the Sword Coast in the Forgotten Realms, serving as a key power with significant interests in Chult.
Role in the Adventure
Baldur’s Gate is the adventure’s default starting location, though any large settlement can substitute. The city is home to wealthy merchants and nobles who have grown rich from treasures flowing out of Chult, making them “jealous” of Port Nyanzaru’s thriving trade operations.
Political and Military Presence in Chult
The Flaming Fist
Baldur’s Gate projects its power in Chult through the Flaming Fist, a mercenary company headquartered in and fiercely loyal to the city. The Flaming Fist maintains Fort Beluarian as a permanent stronghold and staging point for patrols that “pacify” territory and claim lost treasures.
The garrison answers directly to Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard of Baldur’s Gate, who commands the Flaming Fist and is a key figure in the Lords’ Alliance. Ravengard prioritizes Baldur’s Gate’s interests above alliance concerns.
Territorial Claims
Baldur’s Gate claims everything east of the Mistcliff and north of Kitcher’s Inlet. Now that the ruins of Mezro have been plundered clean, the city is attempting to extend its claim south to Refuge Bay. The Flaming Fist enforces these claims by requiring explorers to purchase “charters of exploration” (50 gp) that grant permission to explore and plunder—but half of all proceeds and discoveries must be turned over to the Flaming Fist.
Baldur’s Gate also desires to plunder Omu (believed to lie south of Lake Luo but east of the Peaks of Flame), and the abandoned coastal village of Shilku, which requires establishing a new fort on the southwestern coast.
Chultan Diaspora
Some Chultans migrated northward and established outposts in Baldur’s Gate, along with other distant cities such as Athkatla, Calimport, Memnon, and Zazesspur.
Cultural Symbolism
At Fort Beluarian, a wooden statue of Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard stands in the central courtyard, symbolizing the city’s authority over the region. The flag of Baldur’s Gate flies over the fort, and ships bearing this ensign receive special treatment—even from pirates operating in the region.
Economic Interests
Baldur’s Gate’s nobles and merchants pressure Fort Beluarian’s commander to expand exploration and excavation operations throughout Chult. Important guests from the city occasionally visit Fort Beluarian and are housed in special quarters. Wealthy patrons in Baldur’s Gate also deal with pirates and smugglers to acquire rare treasures and magic items from the region.
Connection to Other Factions
As a member of the Lords’ Alliance, Baldur’s Gate’s interests sometimes align with other alliance cities like Waterdeep and Neverwinter, though Ravengard places his city’s priorities first. The city competes with non-alliance powers such as Calimshan, Amn, and Tethyr for control over Chult’s resources.