Type: Fortress Monastery & Library
Region: Sword Coast, Western Heartlands
Population: ~1,000 permanent residents and scholars
Government: The Avowed
Primary Races: Humans, elves, dwarves, halflings, gnomes
Exports: Knowledge, research, magical scholarship, copied manuscripts
Imports: Books, scrolls, maps, historical records, magical texts
Known For: The Great Library, scholarship, magical research, restricted knowledge
Candlekeep stands upon a rocky promontory overlooking the Sea of Swords, its towering walls protecting the greatest collection of books and written knowledge in Faerûn.
Unlike most cities, Candlekeep’s wealth is not measured in gold, land, or armies.
Its true treasure is information.
For centuries, scholars, mages, priests, historians, and adventurers have journeyed to Candlekeep seeking answers hidden within its vast collection of books, scrolls, maps, journals, and magical records.
The library’s holdings are considered so valuable that access requires visitors to donate a book not already contained within the collection.
Candlekeep lies south of Baldur’s Gate along the Sword Coast, overlooking the Sea of Swords.
Massive stone walls surround the complex, protecting its priceless collection from raiders, wars, thieves, and the passage of time.
The location was deliberately chosen to be:
While not a commercial center, its position allows scholars and travelers from across Faerûn to reach it relatively easily.
At the heart of Candlekeep lies the Great Library, one of the largest repositories of knowledge in the known world.
Its collections include:
Many texts exist nowhere else in Faerûn.
Some works are considered so dangerous that access is heavily restricted or forbidden entirely.
Unlike traditional settlements, Candlekeep produces few physical goods.
Its economy revolves almost entirely around knowledge.
Visitors seeking entry must provide:
As a result, Candlekeep acts as a constant gathering point for information flowing from every corner of the world.
Scholars frequently exchange information regarding:
For merchants, access to accurate information can often prove more valuable than a caravan full of goods.
Though little physical trade leaves Candlekeep, information originating within its walls influences commerce throughout Faerûn.
The keep is maintained by an order known as the Avowed.
These scholars, scribes, librarians, monks, and caretakers dedicate their lives to preserving and expanding Candlekeep’s collection.
The Avowed are responsible for:
Their neutrality and dedication have earned Candlekeep widespread respect across Faerûn.
Life within Candlekeep revolves around study, research, preservation, and learning.
Residents value:
Conversations often concern history, magic, philosophy, theology, geography, or politics rather than commerce or warfare.
Even so, Candlekeep attracts an astonishing variety of visitors due to the sheer value of the information contained within its walls.
Given the value of its collection, Candlekeep maintains extensive protections.
These include:
Many dangerous texts remain sealed away from general access.
The keep’s defenders understand that some knowledge can be as dangerous as any weapon.
Though not a major commercial center, Candlekeep exerts enormous influence on trade throughout the Sword Coast.
Merchants frequently consult its records regarding:
Information gathered within Candlekeep often shapes decisions worth thousands of gold pieces.
A merchant armed with accurate knowledge frequently outperforms one carrying a larger cargo.