The Flaming Fist

The red and gold symbol of the Flaming Fist mercenary company has become emblematic of Baldur’s Gate. The Council of Four funds the Flaming Fist, supporting it as the city’s army. Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard is now its undisputed leader. The Flaming Fist largely patrols the Lower City, though it holds nominal authority over the Outer City as well. The company has enough to do maintaining order within the city walls without straying too far from its gates, though the Fist has been known to hire independent agents when its ranks are spread thin. Thousands of soldiers currently serve in the Flaming Fist: in Baldur’s Gate proper, at the fortress of Wyrm’s Rock on the Chionthar River, and at remote outposts such as Fort Beluarian in Chult. The Flaming Fist offers employment and a sense of belonging to any who can lift a sword and follow orders. Native Baldurians, immigrants, former criminals, and retired adventurers can all be found within the company’s ranks.

Structure

The Flaming Fist is organized into six hierarchical ranks. In descending order of authority, they are:

Marshal - the Fist's general
Blaze - an equivalent rank to major
Flame - an officer rank similar to lieutenant
Manip - a Flaming Fist sergeant
Gauntlet - a rank comparable to a corporal
Fist - the rank given to new soldiers similar to private

History

The Flaming Fist Mercenary Company, as it was then called, was founded in the 1330s DR. Its founder, the formidable fighter and future Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate, Eltan was fascinated by the explorer Balduran.