(D&D 5E) Candlekeep Mysteries

227 Pages·2021·151.38 MB·English

by  Chris Perkins

CAffDLEKEEP MYSTERIES.
CREDITS
Project Lead: Christopher Perkins D&D TABLETOP TEAM
Art Director: Kate Irwin
Writing: Graeme Barber, Bill Benham, Kelly Lynne D'Angelo, Executive Producer: Ray Winninger
Alison Huang, Mark Hulmes, Jennifer Kretchmer, Daniel Kwan, Principal Designers: Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins
Adam Lee, Ari Levitch, Chris Lindsay, Sarah Madsen, Design Manager: Steve Scott
Christopher Perkins, Michael Polkinghorn, Taymoor Rehman, Design Department: Dan Dillon, Adam Lee, Ari Levitch,
Hannah Rose, Derek Ruiz, Kienna Shaw, Brandes Stoddard, Ben Petrisor, F. Wesley Schneider, James Wyatt
Amy Vorpahl, Toni Winslow-Brill Art Team Manager: Richard Whitters
Rules Development: Jeremy Crawford, Dan Dillon, Ben Petrisor, Art Department: Trystan Falcone, Kate Irwin, Emi Kuioka,
Taymoor Rehman Shawn Wood, Trish Yochum
Editing: Michele Carter, Scott Fitzgerald Gray, Kim Mohan, Senior Producer: Dan Tovar
Christopher Perkins, Hannah Rose Producers: Bill Benham, Robert Hawkey, Lea Heleotis
Lead Graphic Designer: Trish Yochum Director of Product Management: Liz Schuh
Graphic Designer: Trystan Falcone Product Managers: Natalie Egan, Chris Lindsay, Hilary Ross
Cover Illustrators: Clint Cearley, Si men Meyer
Interior Illustrators: Mark Behm, Zoltan Boros, Filip Burburan, MARKETING
Christopher Burdett, Sidharth Chaturvedi, Nikki Dawes, Wayne
Director of Global Brand Marketing: Brian Perry
England, Caroline Gariba, Sam Keiser, Julian Kok, Katerina Ladon,
Global Brand Manager: Shelly Mazzanoble
Andrew Mar, Irina Nordsol, Robin Olausson, Claudio Pozas, April
Senior Marketing Communications Manager: Greg Tito
Prime, Domenico Sellaro, Ernanda Souza, Brian Valeza, Tyler
Community Manager: Brandy Camel
Walpole, Zuzanna Wuzyk, Kieran Yanner
Cartographers: Tim Hartin, Dyson Logos, Sean Macdonald,
Special thanks to our hundreds of playtesters!
Mike Schley
Project Engineer: Cynda Callaway
Imaging Technician: Kevin Yee
Prepress Specialist: Jefferson Dunlap
ON THE COVER ON THE ALT-COVER
Clint Cearley gives us a glimpse of two adventurers trying to Si men Meyer's cover incorporates the symbol of Candle keep and
solve one of Candlekeep's great mysteries, unaware of the danger various creatures into its design, creating what looks like a book
looming behind them. one might find in the library's vaults.
CE
UK
620C927800000l EN Disclaimer: This book has been compiled by the Avowed ofCandlekeep, in accordance
with the wishes of the late Alaundo the Seer, whose prophecies foreshadow all events of
ISBN: 978-0-7869-6722-3 CA consequence in the Forgotten Realms. Alaundo warned that anyone who unravels all the
First Printing: March 2021 mysteries of this tome will be hunted down by the Time Dragons of Chronepsis, tossed
into the gaping maw of Dendar the Night Serpent, and cast into the Vortex of Ineffable
Damnation. Ha ha. What a sense of humor, that Alaundo!
987654321
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, the dragon ampersand, Player's Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master's Guide, all other Wizards of the Coast product
names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. All characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards of the
Coast. The materials described in this statement are protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America and around the world under international intellectual prop
erty treaties. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the materials contained herein or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of
the Coast.
Printed in the USA. ©2020 Wizards of the Coast LLC, PO Box 707, Renton, WA 98057-0707, USA. Manufactured by: Hasbro SA, Rue Emile-Boechat 31, 2800 Delemont, CH.
Reoresented bv: Hasbro. DP. Entree 2,40. 1101 EE Amsterdam. NL. Hasbro lJK Ltd .. PO Box 43 Newoort. NP19 4YH. UK.
CONTENTS
New creature stat blocks are marked with an asterisk.
A Book of Books ......................................... 4 The Price of Beauty ................................. 75 Finding Quill ............................................ 156
Using the Adventures ................................. 4 Beginning the Adventure ......................... 75 Arrant Quill* ............................................. 156
Temple of the Restful Lily ........................ 76 The Party ................................................... 157
Candlekeep .................................................. 6
Naiad* ........................................................... 84 Aftermath .................................................. 158
Entering Candlekeep .................................. 6
Conclusion ................................................... 90
Defenses and Decorum .............................. 7 The Book oflnner Alchemy ................ 159
The Avowed ................................................... 8 Book of Cylinders .................................... 91 Finding the Book ..................................... 159
Sages and Master Sages. ........................... 8 Beginning the Adventure ......................... 91 Order of the Immortal Lotus ................ 161
Sage* ........................................................... 9 Northward Ho! ........................................... 92 Into the Cloakwood ................................. 162
Master Sage* ............................................. 9 Helping the Grippli .................................... 93 Temple of the Immortal Lotus .............. 163
Candlekeep Locations .............................. 10 Aftermath .................................................... 98 Steel Crane* .............................................. 164
Miirym* ........................................................ 16 Grippli* ......................................................... 99 Immortal Lotus Adept* .......................... 165
TheJoyof Sarah ofYellowcrest Manor ............... 100 Jade Tigress*············································· 166
Bak Mei* .................................................... 168
Extradimensional Spaces ................. 17 Beginning the Adventure ....................... 100
Aftermath .................................................. 169
Finding the Book ....................................... 17 Grieving Ghost ......................................... 102
Opening the Portal... ................................. 18 Secrets in Waterdeep ............................. 103 The Canopic Being ................................ 170
Fistandia's Mansion .................................. 18 Greenfast ................................................... 106 Beginning the Adventure ....................... 170
Swarm of Animated Books* ................... 19 Temple of the Burnt Tongue Cult... ...... 108 Player Handout: Xemru's Note ............. 171
Broom of Animated Attack* .................... 20 Conclusion ................................................. 113 Mission to Tashluta ................................. 172
Animated Chained Library* .................... 24 Valin's Tomb .............................................. 174
Lore of Lurue ........................................... 114
Conclusion ................................................... 25 Finding the Book ..................................... 114 Canopic Golem* ....................................... 179
Mazfroth's Mighty Digressions ........... 26 Lore Comes to Life .................................. 115 Conclusion ................................................. 182
Finding the Book ....................................... 26 Into the Wood ........................................... 116 The Scrivener's Tale ............................. 184
What's Going On?. ..................................... 27 Peril at the Pool ....................................... 122 Beginning the Adventure ....................... 184
Gingwatzim* ............................................... 27 Conclusion ................................................. 123 The Scrivener's Mark ............................. 185
Monstrous Books ...................................... 28 Corrupted Avatar of Lurue* .................. 123 A Mysterious Dream ............................... 186
Journey to Baldur's Gate .......................... 29 A Troubled Journey ................................. 187
Kandlekeep Dekonstruktion ............. 124
The Wide ..................................................... 29 Baldur's Gate ............................................ 188
Beginning the Adventure ....................... 124
Blackgate ..................................................... 31 Haven of the Red Quill.. ......................... 190
Earthquake! .............................................. 125
Amberdune Hideout ................................. 31 Conclusion ................................................. 196
The Barn Door ......................................... 126
Conclusion ................................................... 34 Nintra Siotta, Princess of
Under the Barn Door. ............................. 130
the Shadow Glass ................................ 196
Book of the Raven .................................... 35 Conclusion ................................................. 134
Nintra Siotta• ............................................ 197
Finding the Book ....................................... 35 New Monsters. .......................................... 135
Map of Mystery ........................................... 37 Skitterwidget* ....................................... 136 Alkazaar's Appendix ............................ 198
Chalet Brantifax ......................................... 37 Kiddywidget* ......................................... 136 Adventure Overview ............................... 198
Shadow Crossing ...................................... 46 Zikran's Zephyrean Tome ................... 137 Finding the Books ................................... 198
Wereraven* .................................................. 4 7 Finding the Book ..................................... 137 Adventure Background .......................... 199
Arriving in Anauroch ............................. 200
A Deep and Creeping Darkness .......... 48 Gazre-Azam's Predicament .................. 137
Travel in Anauroch .................................. 202
Finding the Book ...................................... .48 Zikran's Laboratory ................................ 138
Arrival at Haruun .................................... 203
Maerin .......................................................... 49 The Cloud Peaks ..................................... 140
Travel to the Necropolis ......................... 205
Vermeillon ................................................... 51 Cloud Giant Keep .................................... 143
Necropolis of Azumar. ........................... 206
Fate of Vermeillon ..................................... 59 Conclusion ................................................. 146
Storm Giant Skeleton* .......................... 208
Meenlock* .................................................... 60 Cloud Giant Ghost* ................................. 146
What Happens Next? .............................. 211
Shemshime's Bedtime Rhyme ............ 61 The Curious Tale of
Chwinga• ................................................... 212
Adventure Overview ................................. 61 Wisteria Vale ........................................ 147
Xanthoria .................................................. 213
Player Handout: Finding the Book ..................................... 147
Shemshime's Rhyme ............................ 62 The Cure .................................................... 148 Beginning the Adventure ....................... 213
Finding the Book ....................................... 62 Adventure Summary .............................. 148 The Lykortha Expanse ........................... 215
Cellar Inhabitants ...................................... 63 Into the Demiplane .................................. 148 Xanthoria's Defeat ................................... 222
Events ........................................................... 65 Wisteria Vale ............................................. 149 Lichen Lich* ··············································223
Shemshime•. ............................................... 69 Constructed Commoner* ....................... 149 Contributor Bios .................................... 224
The Firefly Cellar ...................................... 70 Exploring the Manor. .............................. 152
ANDLEKEEP MYSTERIES IS AN ANTHOLOGY RUNNING THE ADVENTURES
of adventures written by members of
To run these adventures, you need the fifth edition
the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS community.
core rulebooks (Player's Handbook, Dungeon Mas
Each adventure begins with a book that
ter's Guide, and Monster Manual).
the characters find in Candlekeep, an enormous
library located on the Sword Coast in the Forgotten
Realms setting. Text that appears in a box like this is meant to be
If you're not running a Forgotten Realms cam read aloud or paraphrased for the players when their
paign, you can adapt the adventures in this book for
characters first arrive at a location or under a specific
other settings, substituting any large library similar
circumstance, as described in the text.
to Candlekeep. Examples from other published
D&D settings include the following:
The Monster Manual contains stat blocks for most
• On the world of Exandria, the Soltryce Academy
of the creatures encountered in these adventures.
in Rexxentrum (a large city on the continent of
When a creature's name appears in bold type, that's
Wildemount) or the Cobalt Reserve in Westruun
a visual cue pointing you to its stat block as a way
(a small city on the continent of Tal'dorei)
of saying, "Hey, DM, get this creature's stat block
• On the world of Eberron, the Library of Korran
ready. You'll need it." If a stat block is new, the ad
berg in the nation of Zilargo, the University of
venture's text tells you where to find it.
Wynarn's library in the nation of Aundair, or Mor
Spells and equipment mentioned in the adven
grave University's library in the city of Sharn
tures are described in the Player's Handbook. Magic
• On the world of Oerth, the Great Library in the
items are described in the Dungeon Master's Guide
Free City of Greyhawk
unless an adventure's text directs you elsewhere.
USING THE ADVENTURES
BE A SENSITIVE DUNGEON MASTER
The Candlekeep Mysteries table summarizes the Before running an adventure with a new group of
adventures in this anthology. Each adventure is de players, have a candid out-of-game conversation
signed for four to six characters of a particular level, with them about hard and soft limits on what topics
but you can adjust it for larger or smaller groups can be broached in-game. Your players might have
as well as for characters of higher or lower level by phobias and triggers you aren't aware of. Any topic
swapping one monster or trap for another, changing or theme that makes a player feel unsafe should be
the number of foes in an encounter, and adjusting avoided. If a topic or theme makes one or more play
DCs to make important tasks easier or harder for ers nervous but they give you consent to include it
the characters to accomplish. in-game, incorporate it with care. Be ready to move
Each adventure in this anthology embraces one of away from such topics and themes quickly if a prob
the following narrative conceits: lem crops up. It's okay for characters to feel stressed
and anxious, but your players should be relaxed and
• The characters discover a book in the library that
having fun.
contains a mystery. Getting to the bottom of this
mystery requires embarking on an adventure.
TENDAYS AND DALERECKONINC
• The characters come to Candlekeep on a quest for
In the Forgotten Realms setting, a week is ten days
information, perhaps to solve a crisis elsewhere
long and is referred to as a tenday. There are three ten
in the world. During their research, they uncover
days in a month and twelve months in a year. For more
a book and the mystery it contains, which leads to information on the calendar of the Forgotten Realms,
adventure. see "The Calendar of Harptos" sidebar in the Dungeon
Master's Guide.
These short adventures work best with players
Dalereckoning (DR) is the most common reckoning
who like mysteries and discovering their secrets. of years in the Realms. The adventures in Candlekeep
That said, each adventure contains opportunities for Mysteries are presumed to take place in 1492 DR, but
exploration, roleplaying, and combat, to appeal to the exact date is not important.
players of all persuasions.
A BOOK OF BOOKS
(ANDLEKEEP MYSTERIES
Adventure Level Description
The Joy of Extradimensional Spaces A book leads characters on a quest to find a missing sage.
Mazfroth's Mighty Digressions 2 A monstrous revelation sheds light on a book merchant's scam.
Book oft he Raven 3 A treasure map tucked inside a book beckons adventurers to a remote hill
top chalet occupied by a secret society that shuns visitors.
A Deep and Creeping Darkness 4 A book describing a mining disaster prompts adventurers to search for a
missing town.
Shemshime's Bedtime Rhyme 4 A catchy and contagious rhyme traces back to a sinister clockwork book.
The Price of Beauty s A book about beauty shows the way to a secluded temple where beauty is
only skin deep.
Book of Cylinders 6 Engraved cylinders contained within a book tell a gripping and portentious
tale when rolled across wet clay.
Sarah of Ye/lowcrest Manor 7 A haunted book points a ghostly finger at the perpetrators of an unsolved
mass killing in Waterdeep.
Lore of Lu rue 8 Adventurers become immersed in a storybook conflict involving Lu rue the
Unicorn Queen and Malar the Beast Lord.
Kandlekeep Dekonstruktion 9 A stolen book leads adventurers to a tower in Candlekeep that is more
than what it seems.
Zikran's Zephyrean Tome 10 A djinni trapped in a book offers a wish spell to adventurers who find a way
to release him.
The Curious Tale of Wisteria Vale 11 A book holds the key to unlocking a bard's prison.
The Book of Inner Alchemy 12 A search for the missing pages of a book puts adventurers in conflict with
the monks of the Immortal Lotus.
The Canopic Being 13 A book brings several puzzling organ transplants to light.
The Scrivener's Tale 14 A tome leaves its magical mark on the adventurers, dooming them unless
they can find a way to remove it.
Alkazaar's Appendix 15 A book chronicles an unsolved mystery about a wandering stone golem in
the desert.
Xanthoria 16 A fell grimoire helps adventurers end a fungal plague.
DISSECTING THE ADVENTURES ABOUT THE FORGOTTEN REALMS
You can dissect an adventure and use pieces of it The world of the Forgotten Realms is one of high
rather than the whole thing. Nothing in these adven fantasy, populated by elves, dwarves, halflings,
tures is too sacred to tamper with and repurpose to humans, and other folk. Steel-hearted adventurers
serve your own needs. from backcountry farmsteads and sleepy villages
Most of the locations described in this book follow tales that take them to strange, glorious,
can be used as stand-alone adventure sites. With faraway places. Good maps and clear trails can
a little effort and a few name changes, you can carry inexperienced youths with dreams of glory
transplant them into other campaign worlds, includ far across the world, but these paths are never safe.
ing your own. Traveling throughout the Realms invites the perils
Take the Lykortha Expanse, a cave network that of fell magic and deadly monsters. Farms and free
figures prominently in one of this book's adventures. holds within a day's walk of a city might fall prey
You could situate these caves in any wilderness or to monsters, and no place is safe from the sudden
Underdark setting where fungi are likely to be found wrath of a dragon.
in abundance. You can also modify the villain and Details about the history and nature of the Realms
its goals to better support an ongoing story or threat fill volumes, and much of that knowledge resides in
in your campaign. Conversely, you could remove the books and scrolls sealed in Candlekeep's vaults. For
villain, keep the map, and repopulate the Lykortha a detailed description of Candlekeep, see the next
Expanse with creatures that better suit the char section. This product also includes a foldout poster
acters' level or the particular story you want to tell. that features an illustration of the library-fortress.
Sometimes a good map is all a DM needs!
A BOOK OF BOOKS
(
ANDLEKEEP
_______
..,.,. ---- ...
,.
WRITTEN BY CHRIS LlNDSAY
~ EDITED BY MICHELE CARTER AND HANNAH ROSE
u
TANDING ATOP A ROCKY CRAG OVERLOOKING
/ the Sea of Swords, the massive citadel of
___./' Candlekeep has endured the elements for
centuries and defied the degradations of
time. Visible for miles around, Candlekeep has an
eye-catching silhouette: a high wall interspersed
with towers. This wall encloses a large space from
which more towers rise. Those who behold the edi
fice say it looks like nothing so much as a cake deco
rated with an overabundance of candles.
The entrance to Candlekeep is a double gate that
stands at the end of the Way of the Lion, the only
road that provides access to and from the outside
world. The route follows a lonely path across the
peninsula where Candlekeep stands.
BooK OF THE AvowED
Those who gain entry discover a cloistered com
munity of scholars milling around inside Candle
keep's walls, a place of enlightened conversation The enormous double gates of Candlekeep are
and friendly debate. No better place in the Realms three times the height of a human and wrought of
exists for those who have a love for or a need of black metal magically warded to foil attempts to
knowledge and who want to pursue such interests damage them. Both doors are emblazoned with the
alongside fellow seekers. sigil of Candlekeep. One of the two gates stands
Candlekeep has the largest repository of written open far enough to admit visitors during the day,
lore in Faerun, including the collected prophecies and the other is kept shut.
of an ancient sage named Alaundo the Seer. Those Bedecked in purple vestments, five Avowed
compiled divinations make up a tiny fraction of the priests of Deneir (god of writing) oversee the front
accumulated knowledge and secrets contained in gates, examining and discussing written works
the library's vast collection. presented by hopefuls trying to gain entrance. If a
Not all knowledge preserved in Candlekeep is of question arises, the Avowed send a runner to con
historical importance. The library holds thousands sult with a sage in the library. The runner eventually
upon thousands of lost recipes, old songs, collec returns bearing a missive of acceptance or denial.
tions of folklore, and journals written by folks whose Visiting scholars experienced in this procedure
time has long since passed. The abundance of these often bring a selection of possible donations to
ancillary works makes finding notable tomes an ex ensure admittance. Despite the stringent entrance
ercise in patience and perseverance. Fortunately, a requirements, the Avowed do accept rare editions
legion of scholars and sages called the Avowed look of tomes already in the collection, journals of those
after the library and remain vigilant in the care and who recount unique or insightful experiences, or the
cataloging of all the knowledge it holds. odd work that has been annotated by a prominent
scholar outside the library. Once granted admission,
ENTERING CANDLEKEEP visitors quickly discover that it's wise to assemble a
"wish list" of works that members of the senior staff
The required entrance fee for admission into Can
are interested in collecting, potentially reducing the
dlekeep is a work of writing not already collected
guesswork of readmission on future visits.
therein. Those who show up at the gates without
Those admitted to Candlekeep, referred to as
such a gift are kindly but firmly turned away.
seekers, can request the assistance of an Avowed
-
CANDLE KEEP
adjutant who acts as a guide and research assis WARDS
tant for the duration of their visit. This guide has
Numerous magical defenses protect the library.
access to all the resources of the library, with the
The most innocuous include wards to protect
exception of the vaults that contain the rarest and
the library's books from mold, weevils, and other
most dangerous works. Seekers can appeal to
threats. Other protections are more dramatic, as
higher-ranking Avowed for permission to peruse
discussed below.
these off-limits works.
Magic Restriction. Wards prevent anyone from
SECURING A GUIDE entering Candlekeep by any route other than
through the front gates. Any attempt to magically
If the adventurers require a guide, roll a d8 and
bypass these gates fails. These wards do not prevent
consult the Avowed Adjutants table to determine
creatures from using magic to exit Candlekeep.
the adjutant who is assigned to them, or choose one
Anyone who tries to fly over the wall into Candle
that you like.
keep is stopped short. Magical flight is dispelled,
and the subject floats slowly to the ground fifty
AVOWED ADJUTANTS
feet outside the gates. An intangible ward forces
d8 Description creatures that can fly naturally to either land or cir
Fembris Larlancer, an 18-year-old human scribe cumnavigate Candlekeep altogether. Ordinary birds
with a bright smile, a can-do attitude, and an ob are unaffected by this ward, and a clever wizard or
noxious need to impress others other individual can bypass the ward by assuming
the form of a Tiny bird. The Avowed don't discuss
2 Sprig Summerfoot, a 23-year-old halfling scribe
this flaw with outsiders, but anyone who can see the
with ink-stained fingers, a small bag of cookies in
gulls flying over Candlekeep can easily reach the
one pocket, and a good memory for recipes
conclusion that certain creatures are exempt from
3 Parmak, a 25-year-old human scribe who is con
this magical restriction.
stantly reading a book and occasionally walks into Fire Suppression. Flames larger than a candle
things are suppressed within the keep. (The fireplace in
4 Garlyth Graystock, a 39-year-old dwarf scribe who the Hearth, Candlekeep's tavern, is an exception.)
cuts off others in mid-sentence and always seems Thus, any spell that creates fire is wasted if it is cast
within the keep.
to know what they want or need before they do
Theft Protection. Every book, scroll, and other
5 Nax Olossis, a 22-year-old dragon born scribe
work considered part of Candlekeep's collection is
(brass dragon ancestry) who loves conversation
magically protected against theft. Any such work
6 Orrin Glass, a 67-year-old human scribe who is that is removed from the keep disappears and im
deaf in one ear, forgetful, and easily exasperated mediately returns to its proper place in the library.
7 Vooshadi Moonriver, a stoic 87-year-old moon elf This ward also has a flaw that the Avowed don't
scribe who is difficult to anger and doesn't mince discuss with outsiders. If pages from a book or parts
of a scroll are torn away, these fragments can be
words
removed from Candlekeep as long as the bulk of the
8 Irony, a 15-year-old tiefling scribe who follows
work remains in the library. Similarly, if a work is
the rules, never lies or steals, and aspires to be
split into pieces and entirely removed from Candle
Keeper of Tomes one day
keep, only the largest piece disappears and returns
to its proper place in the library.
DEFENSES AND DECORUM Shielding Mythal. From any location in Candle
keep, the Keeper of Tomes (see "The Avowed" later
Candlekeep is fortified by a fifty-foot-tall, fifteen
in this section) can activate a mythal- an excep
foot-thick, iron-reinforced stone wall with a double
tional, unbreakable magical effect- that envelops all
gate facing east. Although most of the Avowed are
of Candlekeep in a protective shield through which
humble scholars, a number of potent spellcasters
nothing but air and sound can pass.
fill critical posts. If trouble occurs, the Gatewarden
(an archmage) and up to four mages arrive to inves ORDERS OF ACCORDANCE
tigate immediately. If they can't bring the situation
All who enter Candlekeep must agree to the Orders
under control in short order, up to four additional
of Accordance, rules set forth by the senior staff to
archmages arrive to lend assistance.
prevent misconduct. Violating one or more of these
orders results in banishment from Candlekeep, and
the banished are seldom allowed to return. The
rules are simple:
No fighting. All arguments must follow the rules of THE AVOWED
cordial debate and discussion. Violent altercations
Roughly three hundred Avowed live in Candle
are not tolerated.
keep. The majority of them are low-level assistants,
No stealing. This rule applies to all objects in the
newcomers to the order, or scribes who handle the
keep, not just the library's works.
everyday work in the keep (use the commoner stat
No copying. Visitors are permitted to take notes
block to represent them).
while studying the library's works, but anyone
High-ranking members of the Avowed include the
who wants to make a full copy of a work must pay
individuals described below.
to have the manuscript created by scribes at the
House of the Binder.
KEEPER OF TOMES
No damaging, marking, or otherwise modifying
the works. This rule doesn't apply to privately The Keeper is the highest-ranking member of the
owned books, scrolls, and other documents that Avowed and the governor of Candlekeep, who se
aren't part of Candlekeep's collection. lects scholars to fill vacant leadership positions. The
Keeper's word is law, and each Keeper's edicts are
SAGES AND MASTER SAGES recorded for the edification of future Keepers.
A Keeper of Tomes chooses their own replace
Candlekeep's resident lore experts are master sages
ment. If a Keeper dies or departs before making
and sages who dedicate themselves to scholarship
that choice, the council of Great Readers votes to de
above all. Stat blocks for the master sage and the
termine who among them is elevated to the position.
sage appear on the facing page.
Tie votes are broken by the First Reader.
In 1492 DR, the Keeper of Tomes is the human
NPC GENDER AND ALIGNMENT
archmageJanussi, a devoted follower ofDeneir.
If no gender or alignment is specified for a nonplayer
character in Candlekeep, you can choose that NPC's READERS
gender identity and alignment.
The Keeper of Tomes appoints individuals to fill key
roles, as described in the sections that follow.
-
MASTER SAGE
Medium humanoid (any race)
Armor Class 10 (13 with mage armor)
Hit Points 54 (l2d8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
8 (-1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 11 (+0)
Skills Arcana +11, History +11, Insight +7, Investigation +11,
Medicine +10, Nature +11, Religion +11
SAGE
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Common plus any five languages Medium humanoid (any race)
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
Armor Class l O (13 with mage armor)
Hit Points 22 (5d8)
ACTIONS Speed 30 ft.
Shocking Grasp (Cantrip). Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit (with ad STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
vantage if the target is wearing armor made of metal), reach 5 8 (-1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 11 (+0)
ft., one creature. Hit: 13 (3d8) lightning damage, and the target
can't take reactions until the start of its next turn. Skills Arcana +8, History +8, Insight +4, Investigation +8,
Fireball (3rd-Level Spell; 3/Day). The sage creates a fiery explo Medicine +6, Nature +8, Religion +8
Senses passive Perception 12
sion centered on a point it can see within 150 feet of it. Each
Languages Common plus any four languages
creature in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on that point must
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 28 (8d6) fire dam
age on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
one. The fire spreads around corners and ignites flammable
ACTIONS
objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.
Shocking Grasp (Cantrip). Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit (with ad
Spellcasting. The sage casts one of the following spells, using
vantage if the target is wearing armor made of metal), reach 5
Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (save DC 14, +6 to hit
ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (2d8) lightning damage, and the target
with spell attacks):
can't take reactions until the start of its next turn.
At will: light, mage hand, mending, prestidigitation
Spellcasting. The sage casts one of the following spells, using
3/day each: comprehend languages, detect magic, dispel magic,
Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (save DC 14, +6 to hit
identify, levitate, locate object, Tenser's floating disk, un-
with spell attacks):
seen servant
1/day each: banishment, contact other plane, Drawmij's in At will: light, mage hand, mending
stant summons, legend lore, locate creature, planar binding, 3/day each: comprehend languages, detect magic, identify
polymorph, protection from evil and good, scrying, sending, 1/day each: dispel magic, levitate, locate object, see invisibility,
true seeing sending, tongues, unseen servant
REACTIONS REACTIONS
Shield (1st-Level Spell; 3/Day). When the sage is hit by an attack Shield (1st-Level Spell; 3/Day). When the sage is hit by an attack
or targeted by a magic missile spell, it calls forth an invisible or targeted by a magic missile spell, it calls forth an invisible
barrier of magical force that protects it. Until the start of its barrier of magical force that protects it. Until the start of its
<
next turn, the sage has a +5 bonus to AC, including against the next turn, the sage has a +5 bonus to AC, including against the
z triggering attack, and it takes no damage from magic missile. triggering attack, and it takes no damage from magic missile.
CANDLEKEEP