Baldur's Gate

Baldur's Gate, also called simply the Gate, is the largest metropolis and city-state on the Sword Coast, within the greater Western Heartlands. It is a crowded city of commerce and opportunity, perhaps the most prosperous and influential merchant city on the western coast of Faerûn.

Despite its long-standing presence as a neutral power, the leaders of Baldur's Gate are members of the Lords' Alliance of powers in the west. The strong peace-keeping force known as the Watch, along with the presence of the powerful Flaming Fists mercenary company, keep the city generally peaceful and safe.

This inherent sense of security allows the Gate to keep a tolerant and welcoming attitude towards outsiders, whether they were wealthy merchants, poor refugees or, as it historically attracted, less-scrupulous individuals such as pirates and smugglers.

Government

Since its famous tax revolt, Baldur's Gate is ruled by four Grand Dukes, whose membership composed the Council of Four. They were elected by the citizens to serve for life or until they wished to retire. The Council serve as a member of the Lords' Alliance, which includes Waterdeep and Silverymoon, among other nation-states.

After an attempted coup by former Grand Duke Valarken, Baldur's Gate's government underwent a major restructure and the newly-created Baldurian parliament elected the Dukes. For a time the city was ruled by Grand Duke Portyr at the behest of parliament.

This changed again however, sometime before 1479 DR, as the Council of Four was reinstated. They are still aided by the Parliament of Peers, who continue to serve as their electors as well as a legislative body. These 50 or so influential Baldurians meet to discuss city matters and make recommendations to the council.