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Candlekeep

The protagonist's childhood home. A citadel of learning that stands on a volcanic crag overlooking the sea — a many-towered fortress, once the home of the famous seer Alaundo, that preserves his predictions along with all the written records and learning of the Realms that can be assembled.

Visiting Candlekeep

Candlekeep is no tourist resort, but there is a store, a temple, and a fair inn here. The price for most travellers to enter the Keep proper is a book. Those wishing to examine any writing in the Keep's library must gift Candlekeep with a new tome of no less than 10,000 gp in value.

The monks of Candlekeep, who claim to be non-denominational and call themselves the Avowed, also purchase certain books brought to them and even commission agents in great secrecy to procure writings they desire. Those who wish to browse the library must normally be sponsored by a known mage of power — so many books given to Candlekeep are minor spellbooks.

"This applies to you as well, even though you called the keep home for many years. The monks make few exceptions, and only their true membership is exempt from the entrance fee. It is apparently Gorion's influence alone that allowed you free access. Such strict enforcement of a rule is simply not to my tastes." — Volo

Hierarchy

  • Keeper of the Tomes — supreme authority. Currently Ulraunt, a proud and haughty minor mage.
  • First Reader — second in authority, traditionally the most learned sage of the monastery. Currently Tethtoril — often mistaken by visitors for the Keeper because of his intelligent, regal, and sensitive demeanour.
  • Up to eight Great Readers assist the Keeper and First Reader.
  • The Chanter leads the endless chant of Alaundo's prophecies, spelled in this duty by four assistants — the Voices of the North, South, West, and East.
  • The Guide teaches acolytes.
  • The Gatewarden deals with visitors, the security and supplies of the community, and the clergy. Beneath him: five underofficers (four Watchers plus the Keeper of the Portal), each with a force of armed monks.
  • Scribes copy works or compile books to sell — the chief source of income for the community.
  • Seekers are the lowest monks: they research and fetch and carry.

Layout

The central, highest fortress of the Keep is surrounded by a terraced rock garden of many trees. There are rumours of vast dungeons beneath the keep, dating from ancient times when they were used as burial chambers for the wisest scribes.

Except in rare cases, no visitor can remain in Candlekeep for more than ten days at a time, or enter the monastery less than a month after leaving it.

The one absolute rule

"Those who destroy knowledge, with ink, fire, or sword, are themselves destroyed."

In Candlekeep, books are more valuable than people.

Source: bgee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_1_ee_sword_coast_survival_guide.pdf — "Candlekeep".