Caldwell

The Caldwell family was one of the oldest and wealthiest of the patriar families of Baldur's Gate in the late 15 century DR.

Activities
The Caldwells originally made their fortune on the the extensive orchards of apples and pears that were grown south of Baldur's Gate. In the 1400s DR, they branched out into importing raw timber and exporting cut and treated lumber, thanks to their own treatment process. This was used by the majority of builders, carpenters, coopers, shipwrights, and wheelwrights in the region. By the 1480s DR, they'd expanded into shipping upriver and bought and operated two caravels, Abelea and Sweetseed.

They were very well regarded within the city for their numerous charitable endeavors and financial investments in businesses located throughout the Lower City. They made generous donations to several temples: the High House of Wonders, the Watchful Shield, the Shrine of the Suffering, and the Church of Last Hope. By 1492 DR, they had ownership of most of the art museums in Baldur's Gate. Nevertheless, their riches were still not a patch on those of the Silvershield family.

History
For many years, the Caldwell family owed their wealth to the vast orchards that were located south of their home city. Around the, however, these were destroyed by a disease that caused the trees to rot away. Wvllyck Caldwell, then a young alchemist, worked to find a cure, but the blight had run its course and the orchards recovered, before he could ever find one.

On the way, though, Wvllyck developed a new method of treating wood that water-proofed timber more effectively than paints or polishes. Lady Abelea Caldwell saw the benefits and made good use of it, taking over the family's businesses rebuilding their fortunes.

In the, Lord Wyllyck Caldwell was considered a candidate for joining the Council of Four, but was eventually passed over in favor of Lord Ulder Ravengard.

Members

 * 15 Century:
 * Lord Wyllyck, patriarch of the family circa 1482 DR; a modest man and skilled alchemist.
 * Lady Abalea, an expert businessperson and patron of the arts.
 * Wyllyck and Abelea had multiple sons. One was happily married to Guinever Dlusker.
 * Din Caldwell, a gambler who lost the family fortune in the High Sun Games in Neverwinter in the late 1490s DR.