![[UlderRavengardPic.png]] # Ulder Ravengard _Human Grand Duke | [[Flaming Fist]] | [[Avernus]]_ ## Summary Grand Duke of [[Baldur's Gate]] and Supreme Marshal of the [[Flaming Fist]]. Rose from poverty through pure merit. Came to [[Elturel]] on a diplomatic mission—and was trapped when the city fell into [[Avernus]]. Currently holding the [[High Hall]] with [[Ravengard's Peacekeepers]], besieged by devils in the crypts. [[Baldur's Gate]] doesn't know if he's dead or alive. %% ## At a Glance Imposing Black man in his fifties with a shaved head and intense, calculating gaze. Polished plate armor with ceremonial elements befitting his dual role. Weathered features, numerous small scars from years of frontline combat. Projects absolute confidence earned through merit, not politics. Disciplined military mind. No patience for flowery language or political double-talk. Evaluates people quickly, makes snap judgments. Puts [[Baldur's Gate]]'s stability above all else. Lacks diplomatic tact but compensates with genuine sincerity. ## Personality Soldier first, politician by necessity. Refused to relinquish [[Flaming Fist]] command when elevated to Grand Duke—making him the most powerful figure in [[Baldur's Gate]]. Cares nothing for popularity. Resistant to scandal and corruption, though regularly outmaneuvered politically by savvier operators like [[Thalamra Vanthampur]]. ## Quote _"I didn't come here to trade pleasantries. Our cities have real problems that need real solutions. Let's get to work."_ ## Background **The Rise:** Born to a blacksmith in [[Baldur's Gate]]'s [[Lower City]]. Enlisted in the [[Flaming Fist]], rose through pure merit. Became Marshal, then Grand Duke on a platform backed by idealistic commoners and enemies of the established dukes. **The Trap:** [[Thalamra Vanthampur]] orchestrated his presence in [[Elturel]] for the diplomatic summit—knowing the city would fall. When it did, [[Ulder Ravengard|Ravengard]] rallied his men, cut through a [[Hell Knights]] ambush, and gathered surviving knights who hadn't transformed. **In Avernus:** Secured the [[High Hall]] after a meteor strike destroyed a third of the fortress. Stretched his forces too thin. When devils assaulted, he retreated to the crypts with his council: [[Pherria Jynks]], [[Wöbaer Triest]], [[Lor Ryken]], and [[Hilde Kaas]]. Waiting for peacekeepers to return in force. **What He Knows:** High Knights became [[Hell Knights]] when the [[Companion]] transformed. Elturian knights who die become devils; his men don't. Suspects a Zarielite fifth column but doesn't know the full truth of the [[Creed Resolute]]. ## Stats **Ulder Ravengard** (Descent into Avernus) or **Knight** (MM 347). Pragmatic tactician who leads from the front. %%