Avowed

The Avowed

The Avowed are a group of non-denominational, cloistered monks who tend to and protect the great library-fortress of Candlekeep. They come from all walks of life - from clerics of the deities who personify the search for knowledge to wizards and even some warrior-monks. These monks are united in their scholarly pursuits and their duty to preserve the collected knowledge and lore of the Realms, in all its forms.

Activities

First and foremost, the Avowed protect the wisdom and information held within the Great Library. While many external threats are present - in the form of thieves or those who seek to destroy knowledge - the Avowed spend much of their time working against the effects of mold, deterioration, and natural decay. So as not to lose any knowledge due to oversight, they often purchase or other otherwise attain books by other means.
The monks of Candlekeep periodically sponsor excursions to hunt down long-lost items of lore. While its order of monks are not spectacularly wealthy, they often trade in knowledge when eliciting the service of others. When required to call upon adventurers, they often entice them with maps of treasure-filled ruins, documents that detaile the creation of magical items, or scrolls containing the specifications of certain rare spells.

Services

The keep's scribes offer copying and book-binding services to the seekers that come to visit its hallowed halls. A single non-magical tome typically costs upwards of 100 gp, whereas spellbooks cost anywhere from 25 - 150 gp per spell included - a feat that often fetches thousands of gold pieces or more.
Once a year, the Avowed publish a small book pertaining to a single subject, a brief compilation of other writings regarding its subject matter. These books are stamped with the sigil of the keep and attributed solely to the monastic order. While copies are sold in Candlekeep, and other major cities, for anywhere between 50 - 100 gp, they grow in value and are often resold for significantly more.

Members

Most of the monks are quite familiar with the art, though few of them are spellcasters. Among their ranks are a small number clerics of the deities of knowledge (such as Oghma) and a handful of wizards. Throughout the order's existence, even a few paladins and warrior-monks have gained entry into its ranks, though this is quite uncommon.

Admittance

Before they take their oath and join the ranks of the Avowed, a prospective member undergoes rigorous testing and questioning. This is done to ensure they are not deceitful or will otherwise endanger the keep and its wealth of highly valued knowledge.

Organization

The order of monks is structured into a fairly regimented hierarchy:

• The Keeper of the Tomes - The ultimate executive authority within Candlekeep. Their word are law - every declaration is written down for posterity, to be followed by Keepers in the years to come
• First Reader - A First Reader takes on the responsibility of maintaining the scholarly integrity of the keep, along with expanding its resources and accumulated knowledge
• Great Reader - Eight Great Readers compose the council that oversees all the activities of Candlekeep and its library
• Master Reader - The Master Readers are the dedicated sages and elder monks who oversee the work of the scribes and train the acolytes in their continuing education
• Scribes of the Avowed - Scribes are responsible for maintaining the archives of Candlekeep. They write compilations for those who seek information within the library
• Acolytes of the Avowed - Acolytes perform general labor, cleaning duties, and other regular chores that are required in such a large keep. They can be seen roaming the halls in their black robes

Guardianship of the keep is entrusted to a certain group of monks:

• The Gatewarden - The Gatewarden oversees security of the keep and the Great Library
• Watchers - Four Watchers each lead a group of one dozen armed monks. They wear plain brown robes
• The Keeper of the Emerald Door - Previously known as the Keeper of the Portal, the Keeper of the Emerald Door welcomes visitors into the keep and stands sentry at the great Emerald Door

Other roles include: 

• The Guide is responsible for training acolytes
• The Chanter continually leads the recitation and procession of the Endless Chant, which lays out the prophecies of the great seer Alaundo. They are accompanied by three monks known as the Voice of the North, East and South

Type

Educational, Library