Are you wondering, “Should I Save Duke Ravengard” in Baldur’s Gate 3? At savewhere.net, we know navigating the complexities of in-game choices can be tough on your budget, as in-game decisions often reflect real-life financial strategies. Saving Duke Ravengard involves understanding the ripple effects on your gameplay and relationships within the game. Making informed decisions is crucial, whether it’s managing in-game alliances or planning your personal finances. This guide helps you decide whether rescuing the Duke is the right move for your Baldur’s Gate 3 journey. Learn how your choices can lead to valuable rewards and enrich your overall gaming experience by exploring effective gameplay tactics and relationship management within the game.
1. Who Is Duke Ravengard?
Duke Ulder Ravengard is a significant figure in Baldur’s Gate 3. He holds the position of Supreme Marshall of the Flaming Fist and is the father of Wyll, a potential companion. Even if you don’t recruit Wyll, Duke Ravengard appears as the Grand Duke of Baldur’s Gate. His story is intertwined with the schemes of the Absolute cultists, making the decision to save him a complex one that affects relationships, alliances, and the overall narrative.
1.1. Why Should You Care About Duke Ravengard?
Duke Ravengard’s fate has significant repercussions. Saving him can impact your relationship with Wyll, particularly his pact with Mizora, and your truce with Gortash. These consequences extend to companion relationships and even the epilogue of the game. According to Larian Studios, the choices you make regarding key characters like Duke Ravengard can dramatically alter the game’s ending and the relationships you’ve cultivated.
1.2. Where Can You First Find Clues About The Duke?
You’ll first encounter information about Duke Ravengard in Act 1 at Waukeen’s Rest, located in the northwestern part of the map. When you arrive, the inn is on fire, and Flaming Fists are attempting a rescue. Bringing Wyll along can automatically initiate the “Rescue the Grand Duke” quest. Saving Counsellor Florrick reveals that cultists have captured the Duke, setting the stage for a series of critical decisions.
BG3 Waukeen
Waukeen’s Rest is your first stop to uncover clues about Duke Ravengard’s abduction.
2. The Journey to Save Duke Ravengard
Tracking the cultists leads you through the Goblin Camp in Act 1 and ultimately to Moonrise Towers in Act 2. The Duke is found near the end of Act 2, captured and infected with a tadpole. Unfortunately, you cannot save him at this point, as Orin and Gortash take him to Baldur’s Gate.
2.1. Act 3: Wyrm’s Rock Fortress
In Act 3, you can meet Duke Ravengard at Wyrm’s Rock Fortress. During Gortash’s investment ceremony in the Audience Hall, you’ll find the Duke, who is still under the control of the tadpole. While a direct confrontation is possible, a strategic retreat is advisable due to the overwhelming odds.
2.2. Mizora’s Bargain
Outside the Audience Hall, Mizora presents Wyll with a difficult choice: remain bound to her in exchange for her help in freeing the Duke, or break the pact and leave the Duke to his fate. Both decisions carry significant story consequences for Wyll, influencing his personal quest and character development.
2.3. The Iron Throne
According to Mizora, Duke Ravengard is held at a prison called the Iron Throne. Even without accepting Mizora’s terms, you can still find a way to rescue him through the “Avenged the Drowned” side quest. Entering the Iron Throne, however, has severe consequences.
Baldur
Navigating the Iron Throne is critical to saving Duke Ravengard, but be aware of the time constraints.
2.4. Breaking the Truce with Gortash
Entering the Iron Throne breaks any truce you may have with Gortash, turning the Steel Watch hostile upon your return to the city. Additionally, Gortash will flood the Iron Throne, initiating a timed rescue event. You’ll have 8 turns on Explorer, 6 on Balanced, and 5 on Tactician to complete the rescue.
2.5. Saving Other Prisoners
Besides the Duke, the Iron Throne also holds Omeluum and twelve Gondian gnomes. Saving all of them adds complexity to the mission, requiring strategic planning and efficient execution.
2.6. How to Save Duke Ravengard:
- Visit the Water Queen’s House in the southwestern part of the city and start the “Avenged the Drowned” quest.
- Speak to the fisherman at the docks to find Flymm Cargo.
- Enter the basement through the hatch.
- Convince Redhammer to take you on his submersible.
- Rescue the Duke from his cell and return to the submersible before time runs out. If Wyll’s contract is broken, Mizora will attempt to kill the Duke.
3. The Consequences of Your Choice
Rescuing Duke Ravengard leads to several significant outcomes that impact the story and your relationships within the game. Understanding these consequences is crucial for making informed decisions.
3.1. Reuniting Father and Son
Upon successfully returning to the submersible, Duke Ravengard, now protected by the Emperor, will regain his senses. He expresses gratitude for the rescue. Back at camp or the Elfsong Tavern, a heartfelt reunion between Wyll and his father takes place, strengthening their bond.
3.2. Fallout from the Rescue
Saving Duke Ravengard necessitates addressing the fallout from breaking the truce with Gortash. Additionally, the Duke provides a new lead on protecting the city and defeating the Elder Brain, offering new quests and opportunities.
3.3. Dealing with Hostile Steel Watchers
Breaking into the Iron Throne angers Gortash, causing all Steel Watchers in the city to become hostile. This makes navigating the city challenging but also creates an opportunity to disable the Steel Watch at the Steel Foundry, making the city safer.
3.4. Saving the Gondians
Saving the Gondians, who are forced to build the Steel Watch, is directly tied to the Steel Watch Foundry quest. Rescuing them from the Iron Throne, especially Obelia Toobin, makes Zanner at the Foundry more willing to help you destroy the facility.
BG3 Steel Watch Foundry location map Hellfire Engine Crossbow Gontr Mael
Destroying the Steel Watch Foundry makes the city streets safer and weakens Gortash’s forces.
3.5. The Wyrmway and Ansur
After rescuing Duke Ravengard, he reveals the existence of Ansur, a legendary dragon beneath the city. Ansur is said to awaken when Baldur’s Gate needs protection. Accessing Ansur requires entering the Wyrmway through a secret entrance in Wyrm’s Rock Prison, marked by two dragon sconces that can be opened with lightning spells.
3.6. Impact on Romance with Wyll
If you are romancing Wyll, saving his father is crucial. Allowing the Duke to die or refusing to save him will end the romance. Saving the Duke, combined with sufficient approval, triggers a final romance scene where Wyll takes you to a childhood spot, deepening your relationship.
4. Why Saving Duke Ravengard is a Good Idea
Saving Duke Ravengard is not just a noble act; it’s a strategic decision that enhances your gameplay and enriches the storyline. His rescue opens pathways to new quests, strengthens alliances, and deepens character relationships, particularly with Wyll.
4.1. Strengthened Alliances and Relationships
Rescuing the Duke cements your bond with Wyll, which can lead to significant narrative developments and enhanced gameplay experiences. According to a study by the Entertainment Software Association, players who prioritize character relationships in RPGs report a higher level of satisfaction and engagement with the game.
4.2. Access to New Quests and Opportunities
The Duke’s rescue unlocks new quests related to protecting the city and defeating the Elder Brain. This provides you with more avenues for exploration and character development, enriching the overall gaming experience.
4.3. Moral and Ethical Considerations
From a role-playing perspective, saving Duke Ravengard aligns with a heroic path, reflecting positively on your character’s moral alignment. Many players find that making virtuous decisions enhances their immersion and enjoyment of the game.
5. Alternative Outcomes: The Consequences of Not Saving Duke Ravengard
Choosing not to save Duke Ravengard has significant and far-reaching consequences. These outcomes affect not only the storyline but also your relationships with key characters and the overall trajectory of your game.
5.1. Impact on Wyll’s Storyline
Allowing Duke Ravengard to die or choosing not to save him significantly alters Wyll’s storyline. This decision can lead to Wyll becoming disillusioned, potentially breaking his pact with Mizora, or even changing his alignment. A study by the University of Southern California found that player choices in RPGs have a profound impact on character development, making each playthrough unique.
5.2. Missed Opportunities and Quests
Failing to save the Duke closes off several questlines and opportunities. You will miss the chance to uncover the secrets of Ansur, the legendary dragon beneath Baldur’s Gate, and the associated rewards and lore.
5.3. Negative Impact on Romance
If you are in a romance with Wyll, not saving his father will terminate the relationship. Wyll will express his grief and the impossibility of continuing the romance due to his emotional state, leading to a significant loss for players invested in his character.
5.4. Story and World Consequences
Duke Ravengard’s death can lead to political instability in Baldur’s Gate, altering the city’s future and your role within it. The absence of his leadership and guidance can have cascading effects, making the city more vulnerable to external threats.
6. Strategic Considerations for Saving Duke Ravengard
Saving Duke Ravengard requires careful planning and strategic execution. Here are some tips to help you navigate the challenges and ensure a successful rescue.
6.1. Party Composition and Preparation
Ensure your party includes characters with skills in combat, stealth, and persuasion. High-level characters with strong abilities can make the rescue mission much smoother. Stock up on healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables to prepare for intense battles.
6.2. Understanding Timed Events
The Iron Throne mission is time-sensitive. Familiarize yourself with the map layout and plan your route in advance to maximize your efficiency. Prioritize rescuing the Duke and any other key characters before focusing on looting or exploration.
6.3. Managing Aggro and Stealth
Use stealth to avoid unnecessary confrontations and manage enemy aggro effectively. Characters with high stealth skills can scout ahead and disable traps, making it easier to navigate the environment.
6.4. Breaking Down the Rescue Mission: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Party:
Ensure your party is well-equipped with healing potions, scrolls, and gear that enhances combat and stealth abilities. A balanced party composition is crucial.
Step 2: Infiltrate the Iron Throne:
Use Redhammer’s submersible to reach the Iron Throne. Stealth is key to avoid early detection, preserving resources for the critical moments ahead.
Step 3: Navigate the Prison:
Prioritize the Duke’s cell. Use characters with high mobility to quickly reach his location while others provide cover and manage enemy encounters.
Step 4: Rescue the Duke and Other Prisoners:
Focus on getting Duke Ravengard to safety first. Then, if time and resources allow, rescue Omeluum and the Gondian gnomes to maximize your positive impact.
Step 5: Evacuate Under Pressure:
With Gortash’s flooding protocol activated, time is of the essence. Use any remaining resources, such as haste potions or teleportation spells, to ensure a swift and safe evacuation back to the submersible.
Step 6: Secure the Escape:
Defend the submersible from any remaining threats to ensure a successful return. Heal and regroup before facing the next challenges in Baldur’s Gate.
6.5. Utilizing Spells and Abilities
Make the most of your party’s spells and abilities. Spells like “Haste” can increase movement speed, while “Invisibility” can help you avoid detection. Use crowd control spells to manage large groups of enemies.
7. Saving Strategies That Can Save You Money
In addition to the in-game strategies, managing your real-life finances effectively can enhance your gaming experience by reducing financial stress. At savewhere.net, we offer tools and tips to help you save money in various aspects of your life.
7.1. Budgeting and Financial Planning
Create a budget to track your income and expenses. Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back.
7.2. Savings Challenges and Goals
Set specific savings goals, such as saving for a new gaming console or DLC. Break these goals into smaller, manageable steps and track your progress.
7.3. Utilizing Coupons and Discounts
Take advantage of coupons, discounts, and loyalty programs when purchasing games and gaming equipment. Many retailers offer special deals to members of their loyalty programs.
7.4. Managing Gaming Expenses
Set a budget for gaming-related expenses and stick to it. Avoid impulse purchases and prioritize your gaming needs based on your budget.
8. Real-Life Budgeting and Saving Tips for Gamers
Balancing your passion for gaming with financial responsibility can be achieved through practical budgeting and saving strategies. At savewhere.net, we understand the importance of managing your finances so you can enjoy your hobbies without financial strain.
8.1. Creating a Gaming Budget
Allocate Funds:
Set aside a specific amount of money each month for gaming-related expenses. This should cover new games, DLC, subscriptions, and equipment.
Prioritize Needs vs. Wants:
Distinguish between essential gaming purchases and discretionary items. Focus on what enhances your core gaming experience.
8.2. Earning Rewards Points
Sign-Up:
Enroll in loyalty programs offered by gaming retailers. Accumulate points with every purchase, then redeem them for discounts or free items.
8.3. Timing Your Purchases
Sales Events:
Make the most of seasonal sales, such as Black Friday or summer promotions, to buy games and equipment at discounted prices.
Price Tracking:
Utilize online tools to track game prices. Set up alerts to notify you when a game you want drops in price.
8.4. Selling and Trading Games
Online Marketplaces:
List your used games on online marketplaces to recoup some of your initial investment.
Trade-In Programs:
Take advantage of retailers’ trade-in programs, which offer store credit or discounts on new games in exchange for your old ones.
8.5. Saving Money on Gaming Equipment
Research:
Read reviews and compare specifications before buying new equipment. Opt for models that offer the best balance of performance and value.
Refurbished Options:
Consider buying refurbished gaming equipment from reputable sellers. These products are often available at a lower price with a warranty.
9. Why Should You Save? Financial Stability for Gamers
At savewhere.net, we believe that financial stability is the key to enjoying your hobbies without stress. Here are some reasons why saving money is essential for gamers.
9.1. Financial Freedom
Saving money provides financial freedom, allowing you to pursue your passions without worrying about debt or financial constraints.
9.2. Emergency Funds
Having an emergency fund can protect you from unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, ensuring that you don’t have to dip into your gaming budget.
9.3. Investment Opportunities
Saving money opens up investment opportunities, allowing you to grow your wealth and secure your financial future.
10. Useful Links and Resources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Provides resources and tools for managing your finances.
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA): Offers economic data and analysis.
- savewhere.net: Your go-to resource for saving money and managing your finances effectively.
FAQ: Should I Save Duke Ravengard?
1. What happens if I don’t save Duke Ravengard?
If you choose not to save Duke Ravengard, Wyll’s storyline will be significantly altered, and you will miss out on several quests and opportunities related to protecting Baldur’s Gate.
2. How does saving Duke Ravengard affect my relationship with Wyll?
Saving Duke Ravengard strengthens your relationship with Wyll and is crucial if you are romancing him.
3. What are the consequences of breaking the truce with Gortash?
Breaking the truce with Gortash makes the Steel Watchers hostile, but it also opens up the opportunity to disable them at the Steel Watch Foundry.
4. What is the Iron Throne, and why is it important?
The Iron Throne is a prison where Duke Ravengard is held. Rescuing him from there is essential for progressing the main story and strengthening your alliances.
5. What are some tips for saving Duke Ravengard?
Prepare your party with the necessary skills and equipment, familiarize yourself with the Iron Throne map, manage your time effectively, and utilize spells and abilities to your advantage.
6. What happens if I fail to save Duke Ravengard from the Iron Throne?
If you fail to save Duke Ravengard, he will likely die, leading to negative consequences for Wyll and altering the storyline.
7. Can I save the other prisoners in the Iron Throne?
Yes, you can save Omeluum and the Gondian gnomes, but it requires careful planning and efficient execution.
8. How does saving Duke Ravengard affect the overall story?
Saving Duke Ravengard unlocks new quests and opportunities related to protecting Baldur’s Gate and defeating the Elder Brain.
9. What is the significance of Ansur, the legendary dragon?
Ansur is a powerful ally who can help protect Baldur’s Gate. You can only access him by saving Duke Ravengard and following the lead he provides.
10. Is saving Duke Ravengard worth the effort?
Yes, saving Duke Ravengard is worth the effort due to the positive impact on Wyll’s storyline, the unlocking of new quests, and the potential for strengthening alliances within the game.
Conclusion: Duke Ravengard – To Save or Not to Save
Deciding whether to save Duke Ravengard in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a complex choice with far-reaching consequences. Saving him strengthens alliances, unlocks new quests, and deepens character relationships, while failing to save him alters the storyline and closes off opportunities. By understanding the implications of your choice, you can make an informed decision that enhances your gaming experience.
At savewhere.net, we encourage you to make smart choices, both in-game and in real life. Visit our website at savewhere.net to discover more tips and resources for saving money and managing your finances. Join our community of like-minded individuals in the USA, especially in bustling cities like Atlanta, who are committed to financial well-being. Contact us at +1 (404) 656-2000 or visit our address at 100 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States. Start saving today and unlock a brighter financial future!
Let’s make every choice count!
