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{{Location
  
{{Location
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| image = Candlekeep-5e-small.jpg
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| image = [[File:Candlekeep.jpg|250px]]
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| caption =
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| caption =
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| name = Candlekeep
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| pinned map = {{infobox pushpin
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| alt spelling =
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| aliases =
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| map = [[File:Faerun.png|270px]]
  
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| type =
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| pin colour = red
  
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| region = [[Sword Coast]], [[Western Heartlands]]
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| name = Candlekeep
  
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| pin left = 53
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| size =
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| pin top = 71
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| elevation =
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}}
  
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| name = Candlekeep
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| capital =
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| aliases =
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| largest city =
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| georefs = <ref name="VGttSC-p32">{{Cite book/Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|32-33}}</ref>
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| size =
 
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| capital =
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| demonym =
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| area = [[Sword Coast]]
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| population =
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| ruler1 = [[Ulraunt]]
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| races =
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| ruleryear1 = 1372
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| languages =
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| religion = [[Oghma]], [[Milil]], [[Deneir]], [[Gond]]
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| rulertype = Keeper of the Tomes
  
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| government =
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| alignment = [[Neutral]]
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| socrefs = <ref name="VGttSC-p32" />
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| population =
 
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| races =
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| imports = Books
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| religion = [[Oghma]], [[Milil]], [[Deneir]], [[Gond]]
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| exports = Knowledge, books, [[spellbook]]s
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| imports = Books
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| currency =
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| comrefs = <ref name="VGttSC-p32" /><ref name="SCAG5e-p74-77">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|74-77}}</ref>
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| exports = Knowledge
  
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| alignment = Neutral
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| government = Meritocracy
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| rulertype = [[Keeper of Tomes]]
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| inhabitants = yes
  
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| organizations =
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| ruler =
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| head of state =
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| source = [[Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast]]
  
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| page = 32-33
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| govrefs = <ref name="VGttSC-p32" /><ref name="SCAG5e-p74-77" /><ref name="DMG5e-p18">{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition|18}}</ref>
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}}{{BG Wiki article|Candlekeep}}
  +
'''Candlekeep''' was a towered library-fortress that stood on a crag overlooking the [[Sea of Swords]]. The library was filled with books and scrolls of knowledge, considered the greatest collection of the writings in all of [[Faerûn]]. It was the home of the great seer [[Alaundo]] who foresaw the coming of the [[Bhaalspawn]],<ref name="VGSC-p32" /><ref name="FRCS3e-p226"/> over a millennium before the [[1369 DR|crisis]] of the 14{{th}} century [[DR]].<ref name="BGII,ToB">{{Cite game/Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal}}</ref>
  +
  +
Aside from the edicts dictated by the stronghold's Keepers throughout the years, Candlekeep had but one absolute rule: ''"Those who destroy knowledge, with ink, fire, or sword, are themselves destroyed"''.<ref name=VGSC-p33>{{Cite book/Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|33}}</ref><ref name="FRCS3e-p226"/>
  +
  +
The keep's sigil was a castle emblazoned over a flame.<ref name="SCAG-p75"/>
  +
  +
==Description==
  +
Candlekeep rested atop a volcanic crag on a narrow peninsula that jutted out from the side of the [[Sword Coast]]. It was nestled onto the crag just few hundred paces from the cliffside overlooking the Sea of Swords.<ref name="SCAG-p74">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|74}}</ref> The path leading to its entrance was called the [[Way of the Lion]],<ref name=VGSC-p27>{{Cite book/Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|27}}</ref> which extended from the [[Coast Way]] that ran along the Sword Coast.<ref name="FRCS3e-p226"/><ref name="FRCS3e-map">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition/Map}}</ref>
  +
  +
The outer wall of the keep rose high above the coast, dotted with several towers that ascended into the skies about the cliffside.<ref name="SCAG-p74"/> The main entrance through this was wall was by a set of grand double-gates, that were three times as tall as a [[human|man]] and forged from a strange black metal that was impervious to lightning and [[magic]]al [[divination]].<ref name="SCAG-p75"/> Within this protective perimeter was the strong, central keep that housed the [[Great Library]],<ref name="SCAG-p74"/> encircled by the Court of Air and several smaller stone buildings.<ref name="SCAG-p76"/>
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{{Fq
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| float =
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| width =
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| source = [[Aedyn Graymantle]] an excerpt from ''[[Far from the Misty Hills]]''<ref name="SCAG-p74"/>
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| text = "Those who have seen (Candlekeep from an aerial view) have said that it looks like...a cake decorated with too many candles."
 
}}
  
}}
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'''Candlekeep''' is a towered fortress library that stands on a crag, looking down upon the [[Sea of Swords]]. The library is filled with books and scrolls of knowledge, and it was the home of the great seer [[Alaundo]], who foresaw the coming of the [[Bhaalspawn]]. To gain entry to the halls of wisdom, a visitor must gift the library collection with a new tome of immense value.<ref>{{Cite book/Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|32}} - ''Some say as much as 10,000gp or even more''</ref> The shrewd gatekeepers accept tomes of no less than 1,000gp.<ref name=FRCS-p226>{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition}}</ref>
  
   
  +
===Weather===
⚫
The path to Candlekeep is called the [[Way of the Lion]].<ref name=VGttSW-p27>{{Cite book/Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|27}}</ref>
  
  +
The western facade of Candlekeep was bombarded with mist and waters from the Sea of Swords, and became iced over during the freezing winter months. Several of the towers on this side had to be abandoned for part of the year due to this hazardous accumulation of frost.<ref name="SCAG-p74"/>
  +
  +
===Entry===
  +
To gain entry to the halls of wisdom a visitor had to present the seal of a renowned [[wizard]],<ref name="VGSC-p32" /><ref name="FRCS.GToR-p89">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/A Grand Tour of the Realms|89}}</ref> as well as an "entrance-gift" to the library, a [[book|tome]] of immense value, great rarity or significant historical importance to add to their collection.<ref name="VGSC-p32" /><ref name="SCAG-p75">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|75}}</ref> While the shrewd gatekeepers typically accepted books worth no less than 1,000 [[gp]],<ref name="FRCS.GToR-p89"/><ref name="FRCS3e-p226">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition}}</ref><ref group="note">Some said as much as 10,000 [[gp]] or even more.</ref> books containing particularly insightful annotations or journals of important persons have been accepted before.<ref name="SCAG-p75"/> Visitors into the keep were known as "seekers" and referred to as "goodsir" or "goodlady" by the library's monks, if their name was unknown.<ref group="note">[[Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|VGtSC]] refers to "seekers" as a rank within the Avowed.</ref><ref name="VGSC-p33" /><ref name="SCAG-p76"/>
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The "friends of Candlekeep" were allowed entrance in to Candlekeep without offering an entrance-gift. Among these select individuals were certain [[archmage]]s, [[priest]]s of the [[deities]] [[Oghma]], [[Deneir]], [[Gond]] and [[Milil]], along with both [[Heralds (local)|local]] and [[High Heralds]] alike.<ref name="SCAG-p75"/>
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Visitors were allowed to stay within the keep for a [[tenday]], until they were asked to leave. They were asked to wait a full month before returning for another stay.<ref name="SCAG-p77"/>
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==Notable Locations==
  +
[[File:Candlekeep_interior-5e.jpg|thumb|250px|''The interior of the Great Library of Candlekeep.'']]
  +
;Catacombs:
  +
: Carved into the volcanic rock upon which sat the Great Library and surrounding keep was a series of tombs and sepulchers that served as the resting place for a number of sages of Candlekeep.<ref name="BG">{{Cite game/Baldur's Gate}}</ref> They were guarded by the [[ghost]] of the [[silver dragon]] [[Miirym]], who was bound to defend Candlekeep and the Avowed by the great [[sorcerer]] [[Torth]].<ref name="FRCS3e-p226"/>
  +
  +
;Court of Air:
  +
: While it was once decorated by a small grove and a terraced rock garden,<ref name=VGSC-p33/> the cobblestone courtyard of Candlekeep was kept rather simple and kept unadorned as of the 15{{th}} century [[DR]]. The gardens and trees were no more as the court merely housed several buildings that served the needs of the Avowed and their guests:<ref name="SCAG-p76"/>
  +
* [[Hearth|The Hearth]]: This grand eating hall, allowed seekers to mingle with one another in the 15{{th}} century. It contained shrines to Deneir, Gond and Milil.<ref name="SCAG-p76"/> Previously, the services of The Hearth were provided by the [[Candlekeep Inn]].<ref name="BG">{{Cite game/Baldur's Gate}}</ref>
  +
* House of Rest: A bunk room that provided lodging for the keep's seekers.<ref name="SCAG-p76"/>
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* [[House of the Binder]]: A temple dedicated to the Lord of Knowledge, Oghma.<ref name="SCAG-p76"/>
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: In addition to these buildings the keep housed a warehouse, several granaries, stables and an infirmary.<ref name="VGSC-p33"/>
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  +
;[[Great Library]]:
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: The great library of Candlekeep was considered to be the largest and most robust collection of scholarly writings, lore and knowledge in all of Faerûn. Conversely, its bookshelves also contained a seemingly endless amount of paltry and insignificant documents such as: recipes, inscribed song lyrics, journals of fairly unremarkable individuals and other such trivialities. <ref name="SCAG-p74"/> It housed a dozen towers, known as "necessariums", that offered seekers ample place to study and read in peace.<ref name="SCAG-p76"/>
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;Vaults:
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: The vaults deep beneath the keep were said to contain such hidden knowledge that anyone who was able to discover and wield them, would gain power that was incomparable to anything known on Toril.<ref name="SCAG-p74"/>
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  +
==Services==
  +
Seekers who gained entry into Candlekeep were allowed to stay for one [[tenday]]. During this time they could read specific books within the necessariums, but were not permitted to copy their contents. This service was specifically provided by the Avowed. Inscribing and binding a book cost anywhere from 100 to over 10,000 [[gp]] and took upwards of several weeks to complete.<ref name="SCAG-p77"/>
  +
  +
The advice of the keep's sages were offered to Seekers who asked for their wisdom for 2000 gp, double the standard rate.<ref name="FRCS.GToR-p89"/>
   
 
==History==
  
==History==
  ⚫
[[File:candlekeep2.jpg|thumb|250px|''A follower of [[Oghma]] on a [[giant eagle]], flying over Candlekeep.'']]
−
Although some sources state that Candlekeep was originally the citadel of Alaundo,<ref>{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Set/Cyclopedia of the Realms|29}}</ref> grew around his small and humble tower,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.candlekeep.com/library/articles/ck_scroll.htm |title=An Introduction to Candlekeep |accessdate=2011-05-05 |author=[[Ed Greenwood]] |year=2004 |publisher=Candlekeep |language=English}}</ref> the keep actually predates the seer by some hundred years, having been founded in c. [[-200 DR]].<ref>{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|53}}</ref>
+
Although some sources stated that Candlekeep was originally the citadel of Alaundo,<ref name="FRCS.CotR-p29">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Set/Cyclopedia of the Realms|29}}</ref> having grown around his small and humble tower,<ref name="Intro">{{cite web |url=http://www.candlekeep.com/library/articles/ck_scroll.htm |title=An Introduction to Candlekeep |accessdate=2011-05-05 |author=[[Ed Greenwood]] |year=2004 |publisher=Candlekeep |language=English}}</ref> the keep actually predated the seer by some hundred years, having been founded c. the [[-200 DR|Year of Stonerising, -200 DR]].<ref name="FRCS2e.RtR-p14">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/Running the Realms|14}}</ref><ref name="GHotR=p53">>{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|53}}</ref>
   
−
In [[75 DR]], Alaundo arrived in Candlekeep to study the writings kept there and got a reputation for his visions into the future.<ref>{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|61}}</ref> Legends say that he foresaw his own demise, and journeyed to Candlekeep to donate his records. He died [[76 DR|the year after]]. By [[82 DR]], the sages had become so impressed by the accuracy of his predictions that they assigned thirty monks to a never-ending "Chant of the Unfulfilled Prophecies".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.candlekeep.com/downloads/alaundo.zip |title=Alaundo's Prophecies |accessdate=2011-05-05 |author= [[Franc Penca]] |format= Word |publisher=Candlekeep |pages=2 |language=English}}</ref>
 +
In the [[75 DR|Year of Clinging Death, 75 DR]], Alaundo arrived in Candlekeep to study the writings kept there and got a reputation for his visions into the future.<ref name="FRCS2e.RtR-p14"/><ref name="GHotR-p61">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|61}}</ref> Following his death the keep became a sanctuary of knowledge, revering his prophecies and dedicating itself to the preservation of all available knowledge.<ref name="FRCS.GToR-p89"/>
   
  +
During the [[Iron crisis]] in the [[1368 DR|Year of the Banner, 1368 DR]], [[Sarevok Anchev]] infiltrated the Great Library during his quest for power and immortality. He filled Candlekeep's catacombs with [[doppelganger]]s that masqueraded as citizens of the fortress, along with those who were significant to his [[Gorion's Ward|sibling]] and fellow [[Bhaalspawn]], including the dead sage [[Gorion]].<ref name="BG"/>
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==The Monks of Candlekeep==
  
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The [[Avowed]] is the name the monks of Candlekeep call themselves. As of [[1372 DR]], the Avowed are ruled by the ''Keeper of the Tomes'', [[Ulraunt]], and his assistant, ''First Reader'' [[Tethtoril]].<ref>{{Cite book/Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|32}}</ref>
  
   
  +
==Inhabitants==
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The small community of monks and scholars residing in Candlekeep mainly favors [[Oghma]], the god of knowledge, as well as the deities [[Deneir]], [[Gond]], and [[Milil]].
  
  +
The monks of Candlekeep referred to themselves as the [[Avowed]], servants sworn to protect the keep and the contents of its halls.<ref name="SCAG-p76">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|76}}</ref> As of the [[1372 DR|Year of Wild Magic, 1372 DR]], the Avowed were led by the [[Keeper of the Tomes]], [[Ulraunt]], and his assistant, [[First Reader]] [[Tethtoril]]. They were served by the [[Great Readers]] and the order's other monks who held a variety of responsibilities within the keep.<ref name="VGSC-p32">{{Cite book/Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|32}}</ref><ref name="SCAG-p77"/>
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==Appearances==
  
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* Candlekeep is the starting location for the [[Gorion's Ward|protagonist]] in the [[wikipedia:Role-playing video game|CRPG]] [[Baldur's Gate (game)|Baldur's Gate]]. Likewise, it is the starting point for the [[Baldur's Gate (novel)|novel based on the game]].
  
−
* In ''[[Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad]]'', Candlekeep is besieged by followers of [[Cyric]] as they strive to obtain the [[Cyrinishad]] carried by the [[paladin]] [[Gwydion Fleetfoot]].
  
−
* In ''[[The Lost Library of Cormanthyr]]'', Candlekeep is the seat of an expedition to seek the lost library of [[Cormanthyr]] led by [[Baylee Arnvold]].
  
−
* In the [[Neverwinter Nights 2]] expansion pack, [[Mask of the Betrayer]], the developers developed a new [[Prestige class]] for players called the [[Arcane Scholar of Candlekeep]], which allowed a spellcasting character to better focus their [[metamagic]].
  
   
  +
The Gatewarden oversaw the defense of Candlekeep, assisted by four Watchers and the Keeper. While all of the martial officers were served by a dozen armed monks, only the latter stood outside the keep's walls. This Keeper of the Emerald Door, previously known as the Keeper of the Portal, served as both sentry and concierge. They assisted Seekers for their stay within the sanctuary's hallowed walls and barred entry for those not deserving.<ref name="VGSC-p33"/><ref name="SCAG-p76"/>
−
==Images==
  
  +
  +
The Chanter and the three Voices could often be found in procession throughout the Court of Air, reciting the lines of the ''[[Endless Chant]]''. The prophecies of Alaundo continually echoed through the grounds of Candlekeep.<ref name="VGSC-p32"/><ref name="SCAG-p77">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|77}}</ref>
  +
  +
==Appendix==
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===See Also===
  +
* [[Arcane Scholar of Candlekeep]]
  +
===Gallery===
 
<gallery captionalign="left">
  
<gallery captionalign="left">
  ⚫
Gorion3.png|Gorion and his Ward leave Candlekeep along the Way of the Lion
  ⚫
candlekeep artwork.jpg|Candlekeep at night
  +
Candlekeep.jpg|A map of Candlekeep and its surroundings
 
Candlekeep crest.png|Candlekeep Crest artwork by Thomas Love, inspired by Volo's Map
  
Candlekeep crest.png|Candlekeep Crest artwork by Thomas Love, inspired by Volo's Map
⚫
Gorion3.png|Gorion and Abdel Adrian leave Candlekeep along the Way of the Lion
  
⚫
candlekeep artwork.jpg|Candlekeep at night.
  
⚫
candlekeep2.jpg|A follower of Oghma on griffon back flying over Candlekeep.
 
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
−  
⚫
==References==
  
⚫
{{refs}}
  
−  
 
===Further Reading===
  
===Further Reading===
 
* {{Cite book/Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|32-33}}
  
* {{Cite book/Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast|32-33}}
−
Ed Greenwood (2014). The Herald.
 +
* {{Cite book/The Herald}}
  +
===Notes===
  +
{{Notes}}
  ⚫
===Appearances===
  +
;Adventures:
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* ''[[The Lost Library of Cormanthyr]]''
  +
* ''[[Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus]]''
   
  +
;Novels
⚫
==External Links==
  
  +
* ''[[Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad]]''
  +
  +
;Video Games
  +
* ''[[Baldur's Gate (game)|Baldur's Gate]]''
  ⚫
===External links===
  ⚫
* {{BGW}}
 
* [http://www.candlekeep.com Candlekeep] is a website for dedicated collecting, discussing, and sharing of Forgotten Realms lore.
  
* [http://www.candlekeep.com Candlekeep] is a website for dedicated collecting, discussing, and sharing of Forgotten Realms lore.
  ⚫
===References===
⚫
*{{BGW}}
  
  ⚫
{{Refs}}
   
 
[[de:Kerzenburg]]
  
[[de:Kerzenburg]]
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[[pt-br:Forte da Vela]]
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[[Category:Settlements]]
 
[[Category:Fortresses]]
  
[[Category:Fortresses]]
 
[[Category:Libraries]]
  
[[Category:Libraries]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Locations on the Way of the Lion]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Locations on the Sword Coast]]
 
[[Category:Locations in the Western Heartlands]]
  
[[Category:Locations in the Western Heartlands]]
 
[[Category:Locations in West Faerûn]]
  
[[Category:Locations in West Faerûn]]
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[[Category:Settlements]]
  
 
[[Category:Locations in Faerûn]]
  
[[Category:Locations in Faerûn]]
 
[[Category:Locations on Toril]]
  
[[Category:Locations on Toril]]
 
[[Category:Locations]]
  
[[Category:Locations]]
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[[Category:Locations on the Sword Coast]]
  
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[[Category:Locations on the Way of the Lion]]
  

Revision as of 00:32, 12 November 2019

Template:BG Wiki article Candlekeep was a towered library-fortress that stood on a crag overlooking the Sea of Swords. The library was filled with books and scrolls of knowledge, considered the greatest collection of the writings in all of Faerûn. It was the home of the great seer Alaundo who foresaw the coming of the Bhaalspawn,[4][5] over a millennium before the crisis of the 14th century DR.[6]

Aside from the edicts dictated by the stronghold's Keepers throughout the years, Candlekeep had but one absolute rule: "Those who destroy knowledge, with ink, fire, or sword, are themselves destroyed".[7][5]

The keep's sigil was a castle emblazoned over a flame.[8]

Description

Candlekeep rested atop a volcanic crag on a narrow peninsula that jutted out from the side of the Sword Coast. It was nestled onto the crag just few hundred paces from the cliffside overlooking the Sea of Swords.[9] The path leading to its entrance was called the Way of the Lion,[10] which extended from the Coast Way that ran along the Sword Coast.[5][11]

The outer wall of the keep rose high above the coast, dotted with several towers that ascended into the skies about the cliffside.[9] The main entrance through this was wall was by a set of grand double-gates, that were three times as tall as a man and forged from a strange black metal that was impervious to lightning and magical divination.[8] Within this protective perimeter was the strong, central keep that housed the Great Library,[9] encircled by the Court of Air and several smaller stone buildings.[12]

“
"Those who have seen (Candlekeep from an aerial view) have said that it looks like...a cake decorated with too many candles."
”
— Aedyn Graymantle an excerpt from Far from the Misty Hills[9]

Weather

The western facade of Candlekeep was bombarded with mist and waters from the Sea of Swords, and became iced over during the freezing winter months. Several of the towers on this side had to be abandoned for part of the year due to this hazardous accumulation of frost.[9]

Entry

To gain entry to the halls of wisdom a visitor had to present the seal of a renowned wizard,[4][13] as well as an "entrance-gift" to the library, a tome of immense value, great rarity or significant historical importance to add to their collection.[4][8] While the shrewd gatekeepers typically accepted books worth no less than 1,000 gp,[13][5][note 1] books containing particularly insightful annotations or journals of important persons have been accepted before.[8] Visitors into the keep were known as "seekers" and referred to as "goodsir" or "goodlady" by the library's monks, if their name was unknown.[note 2][7][12]

The "friends of Candlekeep" were allowed entrance in to Candlekeep without offering an entrance-gift. Among these select individuals were certain archmages, priests of the deities Oghma, Deneir, Gond and Milil, along with both local and High Heralds alike.[8]

Visitors were allowed to stay within the keep for a tenday, until they were asked to leave. They were asked to wait a full month before returning for another stay.[14]

Notable Locations

Candlekeep interior-5e

The interior of the Great Library of Candlekeep.

Catacombs
Carved into the volcanic rock upon which sat the Great Library and surrounding keep was a series of tombs and sepulchers that served as the resting place for a number of sages of Candlekeep.[15] They were guarded by the ghost of the silver dragon Miirym, who was bound to defend Candlekeep and the Avowed by the great sorcerer Torth.[5]
Court of Air
While it was once decorated by a small grove and a terraced rock garden,[7] the cobblestone courtyard of Candlekeep was kept rather simple and kept unadorned as of the 15th century DR. The gardens and trees were no more as the court merely housed several buildings that served the needs of the Avowed and their guests:[12]
  • The Hearth: This grand eating hall, allowed seekers to mingle with one another in the 15th century. It contained shrines to Deneir, Gond and Milil.[12] Previously, the services of The Hearth were provided by the Candlekeep Inn.[15]
  • House of Rest: A bunk room that provided lodging for the keep's seekers.[12]
  • House of the Binder: A temple dedicated to the Lord of Knowledge, Oghma.[12]
In addition to these buildings the keep housed a warehouse, several granaries, stables and an infirmary.[7]
Great Library
The great library of Candlekeep was considered to be the largest and most robust collection of scholarly writings, lore and knowledge in all of Faerûn. Conversely, its bookshelves also contained a seemingly endless amount of paltry and insignificant documents such as: recipes, inscribed song lyrics, journals of fairly unremarkable individuals and other such trivialities. [9] It housed a dozen towers, known as "necessariums", that offered seekers ample place to study and read in peace.[12]
Vaults
The vaults deep beneath the keep were said to contain such hidden knowledge that anyone who was able to discover and wield them, would gain power that was incomparable to anything known on Toril.[9]

Services

Seekers who gained entry into Candlekeep were allowed to stay for one tenday. During this time they could read specific books within the necessariums, but were not permitted to copy their contents. This service was specifically provided by the Avowed. Inscribing and binding a book cost anywhere from 100 to over 10,000 gp and took upwards of several weeks to complete.[14]

The advice of the keep's sages were offered to Seekers who asked for their wisdom for 2000 gp, double the standard rate.[13]

History

Candlekeep2

A follower of Oghma on a giant eagle, flying over Candlekeep.

Although some sources stated that Candlekeep was originally the citadel of Alaundo,[16] having grown around his small and humble tower,[17] the keep actually predated the seer by some hundred years, having been founded c. the Year of Stonerising, -200 DR.[18][19]

In the Year of Clinging Death, 75 DR, Alaundo arrived in Candlekeep to study the writings kept there and got a reputation for his visions into the future.[18][20] Following his death the keep became a sanctuary of knowledge, revering his prophecies and dedicating itself to the preservation of all available knowledge.[13]

During the Iron crisis in the Year of the Banner, 1368 DR, Sarevok Anchev infiltrated the Great Library during his quest for power and immortality. He filled Candlekeep's catacombs with doppelgangers that masqueraded as citizens of the fortress, along with those who were significant to his sibling and fellow Bhaalspawn, including the dead sage Gorion.[15]

Inhabitants

The monks of Candlekeep referred to themselves as the Avowed, servants sworn to protect the keep and the contents of its halls.[12] As of the Year of Wild Magic, 1372 DR, the Avowed were led by the Keeper of the Tomes, Ulraunt, and his assistant, First Reader Tethtoril. They were served by the Great Readers and the order's other monks who held a variety of responsibilities within the keep.[4][14]

The Gatewarden oversaw the defense of Candlekeep, assisted by four Watchers and the Keeper. While all of the martial officers were served by a dozen armed monks, only the latter stood outside the keep's walls. This Keeper of the Emerald Door, previously known as the Keeper of the Portal, served as both sentry and concierge. They assisted Seekers for their stay within the sanctuary's hallowed walls and barred entry for those not deserving.[7][12]

The Chanter and the three Voices could often be found in procession throughout the Court of Air, reciting the lines of the Endless Chant. The prophecies of Alaundo continually echoed through the grounds of Candlekeep.[4][14]

Appendix

See Also

Gallery

Further Reading

Notes

  1. ↑ Some said as much as 10,000 gp or even more.
  2. ↑ VGtSC refers to "seekers" as a rank within the Avowed.

Appearances

Adventures
Novels
Video Games

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Ed Greenwood (1994). Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast. (TSR, Inc), pp. 32–33. ISBN 1-5607-6940-1.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 74–77. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  3. ↑ Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins, James Wyatt (2014). Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 18. ISBN 978-0786965622.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Ed Greenwood (1994). Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast. (TSR, Inc), p. 32. ISBN 1-5607-6940-1.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  6. ↑ BioWare (June 2001). Designed by Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. Black Isle Studios.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Ed Greenwood (1994). Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast. (TSR, Inc), p. 33. ISBN 1-5607-6940-1.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 75. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 74. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  10. ↑ Ed Greenwood (1994). Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast. (TSR, Inc), p. 27. ISBN 1-5607-6940-1.
  11. ↑ Map included in Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 76. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Ed Greenwood, Julia Martin, Jeff Grubb (1993). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised), A Grand Tour of the Realms. (TSR, Inc), p. 89. ISBN 1-5607-6617-4.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 77. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 BioWare (December 1998). Designed by James Ohlen. Baldur's Gate. Black Isle Studios.
  16. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “Cyclopedia of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 29. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.
  17. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2004). An Introduction to Candlekeep (in English). Candlekeep. Retrieved on 2011-05-05.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Ed Greenwood, Julia Martin, Jeff Grubb (1993). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised), Running the Realms. (TSR, Inc), p. 14. ISBN 1-5607-6617-4.
  19. ↑ >Brian R. James, Ed Greenwood (September 2007). The Grand History of the Realms. Edited by Kim Mohan, Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 53. ISBN 978-0-7869-4731-7.
  20. ↑ Brian R. James, Ed Greenwood (September 2007). The Grand History of the Realms. Edited by Kim Mohan, Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 61. ISBN 978-0-7869-4731-7.
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