Why is Duke Ravengard Dead in the Iron Throne in Baldur’s Gate 3? – Answered

I might have rushed some moments in my second playthrough of Baldur’s Gate 3, which led to a ‘whoops!’ moment that many others seem to have stumbled upon as well. That moment is finding Duke Ravengard dead in the Iron Throne, so why does this happen, and how can you prevent it?

Why is Duke Ravengard Dead in the Iron Throne in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Duke Ravengard is put in the Iron Throne after Gortash’s coronation. The only way to save him is to free him from the Iron Throne before he’s either killed in a ruthless experiment or by Mizora. This happens for one reason.

Duke Ravengard will die in the Iron Throne if you don’t speak to Mizora in camp before you enter the submarine.

Shortly after you encounter Mizora on Wyrm’s Crossing Bridge, she’ll tell you about the coronation. Go there to see Duke Ravengard crown Gortash. Speak to Mizora again at the bridge and she’ll tell you that she has a deal for you and will meet you in camp.

You must speak to Mizora before going to the Iron Throne or she’ll kill Duke Ravengard. This is really ruthless of her, but also predictable. After all, the last thing she wants to do is give up her leash on her favorite puppy, Wyll.

But there is a silver lining, if you can call it that. Once you find Duke Ravengard’s body, he’ll have a unique piece of armor and sword you can get nowhere else. This is the Duke Ravengard’s Longsword and Emblazoned Plate of Marshal.

Both are exceptionally good pieces of equipment. The heavy armor reduces all incoming damage by 2, gives you a +2 bonus to saving throws, and grants you the Fire Shield Level 4 Evocation Spell.

The Longsword, while not extremely powerful, does grant all allies within nine meters temporary hit points equal to your Charisma Modifier. Perhaps a good weapon for a sword-wielding bard.

Wyll will, of course, be devastated to learn about his father’s death. And Ravengard won’t be able to tell you about the secret dungeon in Wyrm’s Crossing. However, you can still access that dungeon without his hints.