I have encountered a problem when attempting to leave the dark forge. After I've finished and go to leave this area it will not let me out. The Reaver door does not respond. Keep in mind that I have defeated the thralls including the one with a full blade. I have tried repeatedly to leave and it still won't let me out. I even have a walkthrough, which is vague about exiting this place. Is this a bug or is there a specific procedure to perform in order to unlock the door so that I can leave this area?

sounds like a bug

It is a bug,there are 2 ways to get solve this problem. First YOu must start the area over, as you go through you have to make sure that you do not disturb any of the birds. The birds are the glitch in the game, when they fly away and burst into green smoke.

The second way is when you get to the entrace of the temple, go in while in the spectral plance, this way the door does not close. When leaving be sure that you switch back into the spectral plane, making sure that the door stays open

im having the same glitch problem. but the solution with the birds isnt solving it. ive done the puzzle over 5 times without disrupting the dam birds but the door is still locked. i even tried opening it without the forged sword and it didnt work. and i dont understand how you can switch to the spectral realm and enter if the only way to switch back is in front of the door(hence right when you return the door will close)

helllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllp

Try goin into the spectral realm and then go back to the material realm. Reforge the dark reaver and go to the door and press action. What happens when you put the reave rin the door?