Baldur's Gate

Baldur's Gate, also called "the Gate" by its locals is a prosperous merchant city located on the western coast of Faerun. Though it has maintained a strong neutrality throughout its history it has since grown increasingly meddlesome in regional affairs. Even going so far as to wage war with neighboring Elturel over the wealth which flows through the Chionthar River. This act of aggression would further isolate Baldur's Gate from the other City-States of the Sword Coast, leading to an increase in malevolent entities and factions within its politics. The city is ruled by the The Council of Four, Grand Dukes elected by the city's parliament. A powerful and influencial mercenary company, known as the Flaming Fists, protect the city's interests both in and outside of its walls.

Culture

Baldurians take great pride in their city's vast diversity. Since its inception, it was founded as a place where anyone could call home or start a new life. Despite its dense population, the city has long prided itself over its remarkably clean streets and relative safety under the protection of the Flaming Fist and the City Watch. However, over the past century, this reputation has been in slow decline. Religious freedom is a mainstay within the people's of Baldur's Gate. The city itself is home to temples and shrines of nearly every known deity, no matter how widespread their worship may be. This tolerance has even spread to the worship of traditionally "evil" deities. Though the worship of gods such of Malice, Bane, Myrkul, and Shar aren't openly accepted, they are at least tolerated. Despite the open acceptance of most deities, a trio of deities simply reffered to as "the Three" are predominately worshipped amongst native Baldurians. These deities are Umberlee, Tymora, and Gond.