Is Duke Ravengard in the Iron Throne? A Baldur’s Gate 3 Rescue Guide
Yes, Duke Ulder Ravengard can be found imprisoned within the Iron Throne in Baldur’s Gate 3. This underwater prison, accessible after progressing through the quest “Avenge the Drowned” and typically triggered in Act 3, holds not only the Duke but also numerous Gondian slaves. His rescue is a time-sensitive and complex mission, influenced heavily by your choices with Mizora, Wyll’s pact, and your overall party strategy.
Navigating the Treacherous Iron Throne
The Iron Throne is far from a safe haven. The prison is rigged to explode, granting you a limited number of turns to rescue the Duke and any other prisoners before it collapses. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors involved in his rescue:
Locating the Duke
Duke Ravengard is held in the eastern section of the Iron Throne, specifically in the central cell. You can find him either by visually searching the prison layout or by utilizing the Scrying Eye device located on the western side of the ship to pinpoint his exact location. Opening his cell requires interacting with the lever situated next to the door. Remember, every second counts!
The Mizora Dilemma
The devil Mizora plays a crucial role in this quest. After a proclamation scene (likely triggered by rescuing Counsellor Florrick), she presents Wyll with a difficult choice: information and assistance in rescuing his father in exchange for the renewal of his demonic pact.
- Accepting Mizora’s Deal: This guarantees her help in locating and potentially extracting the Duke. However, it binds Wyll’s soul to her, a decision with significant consequences for his personal questline.
- Rejecting Mizora’s Deal: This allows Wyll to break free from his pact, but Mizora warns that Duke Ravengard will likely perish. Despite her warning, it is possible to rescue the Duke without her explicit aid.
Saving Ravengard Without Mizora’s Assistance
It’s entirely possible to rescue Duke Ravengard even if you turn down Mizora’s offer. The alternative route involves:
- Locating the Flymm Dock Warehouse in the Lower City.
- Discovering a hidden basement door in the warehouse’s northwest corner.
- Using the submersible to reach the Iron Throne.
This allows you to bypass Mizora’s direct involvement, maintaining Wyll’s freedom while attempting to save his father.
The Rescue Mission: Strategy is Key
Once inside the Iron Throne, time is of the essence. The prison’s imminent destruction demands a coordinated rescue effort. Consider these tactics:
- Prioritize Mobility: Use spells like Haste, Misty Step, or items like Potions of Speed to quickly reach the Duke and other prisoners.
- Divide and Conquer: Split your party to maximize rescue efficiency. Send one or two characters directly to the Duke while others focus on freeing the Gondians.
- Control Duke Ravengard: Once you free him, you gain control of his movements. Utilize his actions to move him toward the submersible and safety.
- Heal and Protect: Ensure the Duke and other vulnerable prisoners are healed and protected from any remaining enemies within the prison.
Consequences of Failure
Failing to rescue Duke Ravengard within the allocated time frame results in his death. This significantly impacts Wyll’s storyline and may alter the political landscape of Baldur’s Gate. Furthermore, any Gondians left behind will also perish, a heavy price to pay for a failed rescue attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Duke Ravengard and the Iron Throne
Here are some common questions surrounding Duke Ravengard and the Iron Throne in Baldur’s Gate 3:
1. Can Duke Ravengard die permanently in the Iron Throne?
Yes. If you fail to rescue him before the Iron Throne collapses, he will die permanently. There’s no bringing him back if he drowns within the prison. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for understanding the complexities within games.
2. What happens if I rescue Duke Ravengard before speaking to Mizora?
Reaching the Iron Throne before resolving Wyll’s contract with Mizora actually results in Duke Ravengard’s death. This is a crucial point: ignoring Mizora entirely is more detrimental than rejecting her offer.
3. Can Mizora kill Duke Ravengard even after he’s rescued?
Yes. If Wyll breaks his pact with Mizora after rescuing Duke Ravengard, she may appear and summon Combustion Belly Spiderlings to assassinate him upon exiting his cell. Be prepared to defend him!
4. How many turns do I have to save Duke Ravengard?
On Balanced difficulty, you have approximately six turns to rescue Duke Ravengard and escape the Iron Throne before it collapses.
5. Where exactly is Duke Ravengard located within the Iron Throne?
He’s in the center cell on the eastern side of the prison.
6. Can I revive Duke Ravengard if he dies in the Iron Throne?
No. If Duke Ravengard dies within the Iron Throne due to the explosion, he cannot be revived using conventional methods like Revivify or Resurrection.
7. Does rescuing Duke Ravengard guarantee a positive outcome with Wyll?
Not necessarily. While saving his father is a significant step, Wyll’s ultimate fate depends on whether he accepts or rejects Mizora’s pact.
8. Is it possible to save all the prisoners in the Iron Throne?
Yes, with careful planning, efficient use of abilities and items, and a bit of luck, it’s entirely possible to rescue both Duke Ravengard and all the Gondian slaves.
9. What is the significance of the Iron Throne itself in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Iron Throne serves as a symbol of corruption and oppression in Baldur’s Gate 3. Its underwater location and imminent destruction reflect the decaying state of the city’s power structures.
10. What happens if Astarion drinks my blood before entering the Iron Throne?
Allowing Astarion to drink your blood grants him the Happy buff (+1 to all checks), which can be useful during the rescue mission. However, you’ll suffer a Bloodless debuff (-1 to all checks) until your next long rest. Weigh the pros and cons carefully.
11. Does Duke Ravengard become an ally after being rescued?
Yes. If he survives the rescue and you speak with him at your camp, he will become an ally in the final battle against the Absolute. He’ll also share a valuable secret.
12. What triggers Duke Ravengard’s death specifically?
Several factors can lead to his death: reaching the Iron Throne before speaking to Mizora, failing to rescue him within the time limit, or Wyll breaking his pact with Mizora after the rescue.
13. Is there a moral consequence to prioritizing Duke Ravengard over the Gondians?
Yes, there can be roleplaying consequences. Prioritizing the Duke over the Gondians may lead to disapproval from certain companions who value all lives equally.
14. Can the difficulty level affect the Iron Throne encounter?
Yes, the difficulty level can impact the number of turns you have to escape the Iron Throne. A lower difficulty may grant you more time.
15. Where does Duke Ravengard go after being rescued from the Iron Throne?
After being rescued and speaking with him, Duke Ravengard heads to the party’s camp. You’ll need to have a conversation with him there to progress his storyline and secure his alliance.
Rescuing Duke Ravengard from the Iron Throne is one of the most challenging and rewarding quests in Baldur’s Gate 3. With careful planning, strategic execution, and a little luck, you can save the Duke, secure Wyll’s freedom (or bind him further), and influence the fate of Baldur’s Gate. The choices you make within this underwater prison will have far-reaching consequences, shaping the narrative and impacting the final outcome of the game. For more insightful discussions on gaming and learning, consider visiting the Games Learning Society.