In the vibrant and treacherous city of Baldur's Gate, where power and intrigue dance hand in hand, the location of the Duke's office has caused quite a stir among curious adventurers. One might expect the seat of power to be nestled in the opulent Upper City, where the nobles and wealthy reside, but to the surprise of many, the Duke's office is situated in the bustling Lower City, right at the entrance.
Now, you might be wondering why such an unconventional choice was made. Fear not, dear reader, for there is a fascinating lore reason behind it all. The headquarters of the Ducal Council, which governs Baldur's Gate, is actually housed within the majestic High Hall of the Upper City. This grand establishment serves as the epicenter of council business, and it is presumed that the other dukes conduct their affairs from this prestigious location.
But what of Duke Ravengard, the valiant marshal of the Flaming Fist? His primary duty lies in the protection of the city, and as such, his office is strategically located within the formidable Wyrm's Rock keep. While it remains unclear where exactly he spends most of his time, it is safe to assume that he operates more frequently from the keep, considering his pivotal role in leading the Flaming Fist.
Ah, but the plot thickens, my friends! One of the dukes, the enigmatic Stelmane, used to have her estate in the Upper City. However, for reasons shrouded in mystery (which, of course, we happen to know), she has taken to operating out of the lively Elfsong Tavern in the Lower City. It seems that even the dukes themselves are not confined to a single location, adding an intriguing layer to the tapestry of Baldur's Gate's political landscape.
But hold on, for there is yet another fascinating layer to this intricate web of lore. Wyll's enthralling quest in Baldur's Gate 3 unveils the true reason behind the Duke's office being situated in the Lower City. It turns out that Wyrm's Rock, where the office is located, is built above the resting place of an ancient bronze dragon. This magnificent creature forged a pact with the legendary Balduran to safeguard the city, and it would have been impractical, to say the least, to ask the dragon to relocate simply for the sake of a more conventional city layout.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the Flaming Fist, under Duke Ravengard's unwavering command, is strictly prohibited from operating within the Upper City. This restriction could explain why their headquarters find their home within the vibrant Lower City. As for Gortash, the enigmatic figure preparing the Fist for war, perhaps there is a deeper symbolism at play, hinting at the intricate power dynamics and rivalries within the city.
In conclusion, while it may initially strike you as peculiar that the Duke's office is situated in the Lower City, a closer examination of Baldur's Gate's rich lore reveals a multitude of reasons behind this choice. From the grandeur of the High Hall to the dragon's ancient pact and the Flaming Fist's restricted access, each element adds depth and intrigue to the city's political landscape. So, dear adventurer, embrace the unexpected and venture forth into the heart of Baldur's Gate, where secrets and surprises await at every turn.
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