Council of Four

The Council of Four, whose individual members were referred to as the Grand Dukes in the mid–14 century DR, was the governing body of the city of Baldur's Gate consisting of four powerful individuals elected for life. The council was part of the Lords' Alliance, which included Waterdeep, Neverwinter, and Silverymoon, among others.

History
The history of the council dates back to the earliest days of Baldur's Gate and the conflict between the rich farmers of the walled city and the sea-captains of the harbor who refused to pay for entering the gate that had been financed by their colleague Balduran. The captains overthrew the farmers and the four eldest among them were installed as rulers, jokingly calling themselves "dukes".

In the mid–15 century DR, Grand Duke Valarken tried to seize power using lycanthrope mercenaries, but failed. After that, surviving Duke Dillard Portyr dissolved the council, which was replaced by the Baldurian Parliament for some time.

Members
(all known as Grand Dukes and Duchesses)
 * 1357 DR :
 * Belt, a powerful warrior and famed adventurer;
 * Eltan, the founder of the Baldurian Flaming Fist;
 * Liia Jannath, a skilled mage; and
 * Entar Silvershield, the richest citizen of the city.


 * 1479 DR :
 * Grand Duke Abdel Adrian, the famed adventurer and celebrated hero of the city;
 * Torlin Silvershield, the wealthy and powerful cleric of Gond;
 * Dillard Portyr, an elder businessman who was rather easily influenced; and
 * Belynne Stelmane, a formidable politician who was possessed by a mind flayer.


 * 1492 DR :
 * Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard, a career officer within the Flaming Fist;
 * Thalamra Vanthampur, a cunning patriar who built her family's wealth and lifted herself out of poverty;
 * Dillard Portyr; and
 * Belynne Stelmane.