Candlekeep is a location that is often associated with knowledge, learning, and the pursuit of wisdom. It is a massive library fortress that is located along the Sword Coast.
The library is home to thousands of books, scrolls, and other written works, many of which are rare, ancient, or magical in nature. The collection is tended to by a group of monks known as the Keepers of the Tomes, who are responsible for maintaining the library and adding to its collection.
Candlekeep is surrounded by a massive wall and a moat, making it nearly impregnable to attack. Visitors to Candlekeep must undergo a rigorous screening process before being allowed inside, and even then, they are closely monitored and restricted to certain areas of the library.
The keepers are known to be exceptionally skilled in the areas of history, arcane lore, and religion, making Candlekeep a valuable resource for uncovering the secrets of the world.
History
The history of Candlekeep is a long and storied one. It was originally built over a thousand years ago as a fortress to protect the nearby city of Baldur's Gate from attacks by pirates and other seafaring raiders.
Over time, the fortress was expanded and converted into a library, becoming a center of learning and knowledge in the region. The library grew in size and importance, attracting scholars, wizards, and adventurers from all over the world.
Throughout the centuries, Candlekeep has faced many challenges, including attacks by monsters, political intrigue, and magical threats. However, it has always remained a bastion of knowledge and wisdom, with the Keepers of the Tomes maintaining their strict standards for admission and access to the library's resources.
In more recent times, Candlekeep has played a role in many key events, such as the Time of Troubles, the Spellplague, and the return of the goddess Mystra.
Geography
Candlekeep is a fortress library located on the southern coast of the Sea of Swords, in the western part of the continent of Faerun. It is situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, with a long causeway leading to its main entrance.
The fortress is surrounded by a deep moat filled with water from the nearby Winding Water River, which provides an additional layer of defense against attackers. The walls of the fortress are made of gray stone and are several feet thick, with crenellations and towers providing vantage points for archers and other defenders.
Within the walls of Candlekeep, there are several courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The main library is housed in a large central tower, which contains multiple levels of shelves filled with books, scrolls, and other written works. The tower is connected to several smaller buildings, including living quarters for the Keepers of the Tomes, guest quarters for visitors, and storage areas for the library's collection.
Beyond the walls of Candlekeep, the surrounding region is a mix of rocky coastlines, rolling hills, and farmland. To the north lies the city of Baldur's Gate, while to the south and east lie the nations of Amn and Tethyr, respectively. The region is known for its frequent pirate raids and other dangers, making Candlekeep a valuable and well-protected center of knowledge and learning in the area.
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