![[UlderRavengardPathfinder-v2.webp]] # 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]]. [[Baldur's Gate]] does not know if he is dead or alive. %% ## Now Holding the [[Elturel|High Hall]] with [[Ravengard's Peacekeepers]], besieged by devils in the crypts and waiting for peacekeepers to return in force. ## Appearance Imposing Black man in his fifties with a shaved head and an intense, calculating gaze. Polished plate armor with ceremonial elements; weathered features marked by numerous small scars from years of frontline combat. ## Personality Soldier first, politician by necessity. A disciplined military mind with no patience for flowery language or political double-talk. Evaluates people quickly and makes snap judgments. Puts [[Baldur's Gate]]'s stability above all else, and lacks diplomatic tact but compensates with sincerity. Refused to relinquish [[Flaming Fist]] command when elevated to Grand Duke, making him the most powerful figure in the city. Regularly outmaneuvered 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."_ ## Connections **[[Thalamra Vanthampur]]** — orchestrated his presence in Elturel; his political rival. **[[Pherria Jynks]]** — council member sheltering with him in the crypts. **[[Wöbaer Triest]]** — council member sheltering with him in the crypts. **[[Lor Ryken]]** — council member sheltering with him in the crypts. **[[Hilde Kaas]]** — council member sheltering with him in the crypts. ## Background **The Rise:** Born to a blacksmith in [[Baldur's Gate]]'s [[Lower City]]. Enlisted in the [[Flaming Fist]], rose through merit to 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 [[Elturel|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]]. **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 **Base:** Ulder Ravengard (Descent into Avernus) or Knight (MM p.347). Pragmatic tactician who leads from the front. %%