Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Candlekeep Mysteries-Compressed-Pages-3-27
Candlekeep Mysteries-Compressed-Pages-3-27
UK
CE
Disclaimer: This book has been compiled by the Avowed ofCandlekeep, in accordance
620 C9 27800000l EN
with the wishes of the late Alaundo the Seer, whose prophecies foreshadow all even ts of
IS BN: 978 -0 -7869-6722-3 conseq uence in the Forgotten Realms. Alaundo warned that anyone who un ra vels all the
First Pri nting: March 2021 CA 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!
9876 5 4 321
DUN GEONS & DRAGONS , D&D, Wizards of the Coast, the dragon ampersand , Player's Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master's Gu ide , all other Wizard s of the Coast product
names , an d the ir respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA an d other countries. All characte rs and their distincti ve likenesses are property of Wizards of the
Coas t. T he m ater ials described in this statement are protected under the copy right laws of the Unite d States of America and around the world under international intellectual prop-
erty trea ti es. An y reproduction or unauthorized use of the materia ls containe d herein or artwork contained herein is prohibi ted without the express written permiss ion of Wizards of
the Coast.
Printed in the USA. ©2020 Wizards of the Coast LLC, PO Box 707, Rento n, WA 98057-0707, USA. Manufactured by: Hasbro SA, Rue Emile- Boec hat 31, 2800 Delemont, CH.
Reo resented bv: Hasbro. DP. En tree 2,40. 11 01 EE Amste rdam . N L. H asbro lJ K Ltd .. PO Box 43 Newoort. NP19 4YH . U K.
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
Candlekeep .................................................. 6 Temple of the Restful Lily........................ 76 The Party ................................................... 157
Entering Cand lekeep .................................. 6 Naiad* ........................................................... 84 Aftermath .................................................. 158
Defenses and Decorum .............................. 7 Conclusion ................................................... 90 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 Cra ne* .............................................. 164
Miirym* .......................................... .............. 16 Grippli* ......................................................... 99 Immortal Lotus Adept* ...... .................... 165
TheJoyof Sarah ofYellowcrest Manor ............... 100 Jade Tigress*············································· 166
Extradimensional Spaces ................. 17 Beginning the Adventure ....................... 100 Bak Mei* .................................................... 168
Finding the Book ....................................... 17 Grieving Ghost ......................................... 102 Aftermath .................................................. 169
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 Lore of Lurue ......... .................................. 114 Valin's Tomb .............................................. 174
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 Myste rious Dream ............................... 186
Journey to Baldur's Gate .......................... 29 Kandlekeep Dekonstruktion ............. 124 A Troubled Journ ey ................................. 187
The Wide ..................................................... 29 Beginning the Adventure ....................... 124 Baldur's Gate ............................................ 188
Blackgate ....................................... .............. 31 Earthquake! .............................................. 125 Haven of the Red Quill.. ......................... 190
Amberdune Hideout ................................. 31 The Barn Door ......................................... 126 Conclusion ................................................. 196
Conclusion ................................................... 34 Under the Barn Door. ........................ .... . 130 Nintra Siotta, Princess of
Book of the Raven .................................... 35 Conclusion ................................................. 134 the Shadow Glass ................................ 196
Finding the Book ....................................... 35 New Monsters........................................... 135 Nintra Siotta• ..................................... ....... 197
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
A Deep and Creeping Darkness .......... 48 Gazre-Azam's Predicament .................. 137 Arriving in Anauroch ............................. 200
Finding the Book ...................................... .48 Zikran's Laboratory ................................ 138 Travel in Anauroch .................................. 202
Maerin ............... .................................... ....... 49 The Cloud Peaks ..................................... 140 Arrival at Haruun ............. ....................... 203
Vermeillon ................................................... 51 Cloud Giant Keep .................................... 143 Travel to the Necropolis ......................... 205
Fate of Vermeillon ..................................... 59 Conclusion ................................................. 146 Necropolis of Azumar ............................ 206
Meenlock* .................... ................................ 60 Cloud Giant Ghost* ................................. 146 Storm Giant Skeleton* .......................... 208
What Happens Next? .............................. 211
Shemshime's Bedtime Rhyme ............ 61 The Curious Tale of Chwinga• ................................................... 212
Adventure Overview .... ............................. 61 Wisteria Vale ........................................ 147
Player Handout: Finding the Book ..................................... 147 Xanthoria .................................................. 213
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 th e 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 O F 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 of the 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.
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
The required entrance fee for admission into Can- "wish list" of works that members of the senior staff
dlekeep is a work of writing not already collected are interested in collecting, potentially reducing the
therein. Those who show up at the gates without guesswork of readmission on future visits.
such a gift are kindly but firmly turned away. Those admitted to Candlekeep, referred to as
seekers, can request the assistance of an Avowed
CAN DLE K E EP -
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
2 Sprig Summerfoot, a 23-year-old halfling scribe the form of a Tiny bird. The Avowed don't discuss
with ink-stained fingers, a small bag of cookies in
this flaw with outsiders, but anyone who can see the
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
to know what they want or need before they do within the keep.
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
words of a scroll are torn away, these fragments can be
8 Irony, a 15-year-old tiefling scribe who follows
removed from Candlekeep as long as the bulk of the
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
under control in short order, up to four additional All who enter Candlekeep must agree to the Orders
archmages arrive to lend assistance. of Accordance, rules set forth by the senior staff to
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
are not tolerated. Roughly three hundred Avowed live in Candle-
No stealing. This rule applies to all objects in the keep. The majority of them are low-level assistants,
keep, not just the library's works. newcomers to the order, or scribes who handle the
No copying. Visitors are permitted to take notes everyday work in the keep (use the commoner stat
while studying the library's works, but anyone block to represent them).
who wants to make a full copy of a work must pay High-ranking members of the Avowed include the
to have the manuscript created by scribes at the individuals described below.
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 N PC'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)
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 aga inst the
z triggering attack, and it takes no damage from magic missile. triggering attack, and it takes no damage from magic missile.
CANDLEKEEP
FIRST READER In 1492 DR, the Chanter is a middle-aged shield
The First Reader constantly expands Candlekeep's dwarf priest of Milil (god of poetry and song) named
literary resources and base of knowledge. Acquiring Benedora Stoneforge.
unique tomes and scrolls falls under the First Read-
er's purview. GATEWARDEN
In 1492 DR, the First Reader is Bookwyrm, a The Gatewarden maintains security at the front
dragonborn master sage (see the stat block earlier gates, through which all visitors must enter.
in this section) of green dragon ancestry. Book- In 1492 DR, the Gatewarden is Kalan Strong-
wyrm's real name is Skoda Valanaster. branch, a human archmage.
GREAT READERS
CANDLEKEEP LOCATIONS
Candlekeep maintains a council of eight Great
From the fabled Emerald Door to the deepest cata-
Readers, senior Avowed who oversee day-to-day
combs, Candlekeep contains wonders for those with
operations. These erudite scholars and gifted
spellcasters are chosen from the ranks of Master the patience to find them.
Readers. Each is acknowledged as Candlekeep's COURT OF AIR
foremost expert on a particular area of study. Many
of them use the master sage stat block presented This wide courtyard has nary a tree nor a well clut-
earlier in this section. tering its cobblestone expanse.
In 1492 DR, the Great Readers are: HOUSE OF REST
• A'lai Aivenmore, a human master sage and wor- This three-story bunkhouse in the Court of Air
shiper of Oghma (god of knowledge). Primary provides seekers with a place to rest and store their
expertise: divinity (the gods and the nature of gear. The rustic accommodations include both pri-
the divine). vate rooms and common rooms. In addition to com-
• Alkrist, a dragonborn master sage of bronze fortable lodgings, the House of Rest offers guests
dragon ancestry. Primary expertise: politics, mili- peace and quiet. Noisy patrons are directed to the
tary strategy, and significant battles of Toril. Hearth if they want to continue their revels.
• Daral Yashenti, a human master sage and poet. The House of Rest can hold up to fifty guests com-
Primary expertise: music, poetry, and literature. fortably. If more space is needed, extradimensional
• Fheminor Scrivenbark, a lightfoot halfling master spaces are created using Mordenkainen's magnif-
sage. Primary expertise: history, folklore, and the icent mansion spells, the doorways to which are
cultures of Toril (past and present). located at the ends of the upstairs hallways. Beneath
• Kazryn Nyantani, a human master sage. Primary the House of Rest is an extension of the library
expertise: the natural world and celestial known as the Firefly Cellar (see "Shemshime's Bed-
navigation. time Rhyme" later in this book for details).
• Sylvira Savikas, a tiefling archmage. Primary
expertise: the Great Wheel of the planes. THE HEARTH
• Teles Ahvoste, a human archmage. Primary From outside, the Hearth appears to be a modest
expertise: magic items, curses, and the Weave. tavern of sturdy construction, with warm light ema-
• V'ziir-Ag, a githzerai master sage. Primary exper- nating from a pair of small windows on either side
tise: all things unnatural (including aberrations, of the front door. Upon entering the establishment,
undead, and the Far Realm). visitors quickly realize that it's three times more
spacious on the inside.
MASTER READERS The Hearth gained its larger dimensions courtesy
Master Readers (sages and master sages; see of extradimensional magic created by worshipers of
the stat blocks earlier in this section) oversee the Good (god of craft). An intricate clockwork device
scribes and teach the adjutants. These learned is suspended in a two-foot-diameter, faintly glowing
Avowed possess tremendous institutional crystal orb embedded in the ceiling over the bar.
knowledge. The Avowed call this device a geometric amplifier.
It is the source of the magic required to maintain
CHANTER
the integrity of the enlarged space.
A chosen group of Avowed maintains a constant rec- The bar seats up to twenty customers, and patrons
itation of the prophecies of Alaundo the Seer. The can also be seated comfortably at round tables with
Endless Chant, as it is called, travels throughout the stout wooden chairs or at rectangular tables with
keep day and night. It's led by either the Chanter or benches. A dozen soft, cushy armchairs encircle the
a hand-picked subordinate. fireplace in the center of the room.
CANDLEKEEP
··..::-:-;----:-:.
::::::.-.
... ,.,,.....- •. . .:::- .. . --. ......... -- ---
......::.,,·
. · . \
'·
-~ ,
. _.·
.r, .
,,-;::- ,./1/ :ft-,,
I , ,,-
. . . ;;//.)['. /
!( ;::=·, . /,
. /
;. . ~
. -----
-
.
.-:,)
.
-~ --~-- _.,.-
~:-:( .
i•,ir,,.
. ._ --t? ----- •,.;;,,
_,?---
~- .-;( r··
·;77.
j
~- ~~~~=~
-= ~~~
J .
:)r·\ ..,
. ./ J fl ,/?-·
, I ,
:/4
-..
_r//.
.
_: _
/.
, . /
.·. :,. .r-:r:-:-.: I
,,~p':,5- . ~ '-'.c!C~'.':'-7 :c: :::~"';';,·'j>
_j:~ . 1/
<.• ,
contain heated pools for respite while engaging in
LITTLE ONE
casual conversation or debates with others. Side
One of Candlekeep's guests stands out from the rest
of the crowd: a chaotic good ogre wearing a headband
chambers hold hot saunas and massage parlors.
of intellect. He's most often found sitting by himself in
HOUSE O F T HE BINDER
a corner of the Hearth's taproom , reading a book.
A few years ago, the ogre was like many others of his A seeker can request a copy of any book or scroll in
kind-brutish and cruel. He met a halfling adventurer the library, and the work of creating copies is per-
wearing the shiny gold headband and killed the puny formed by scribes in the House of the Binder. The
runt for it. When the ogre attuned to it, the headband entire text must be replicated, since the Avowed in-
grew in size, enabling him to wear it. With an improved sist on maintaining the scholarly intent and integrity
ability to reason and ponder, the ogre felt compelled to of the original author.
appreciate the error of his ways and seek out a better
Nonmagical Tomes. The copying and binding
life. He adopted the name Little One, to honor the
halfling whose life he cut short. of a typical book in Candlekeep's library generally
Shunned by polite society, Little One came to Can- costs 100 gp or so (double for a translated version),
dlekeep hoping to learn as much as he could. He's a though large books incur an additional charge. The
quiet but popular fixture in the keep, and the Avowed manufacture of a facsimile takes weeks or even
are always saying hello to him and recommending new months for large tomes, so those who desire such
books for him to read. He is currently reading Storm a work must commission it in writing, provide pay-
King's Thunder, by Scriers Ph ink. This book follows the
ment in advance, and then return to the front gates
exploits of a band of adventurers searching for a storm
giant king named Hekaton, whose sudden disappear- to pick up the book or pay an additional price to
ance caused great upheaval up and down the Sword have it delivered.
Coast some years ago. SpeJ/books. A copy of a spellbook costs 50 gp
You can use Little One to introduce your player char- per level of spells contained within it. For example,
acters to rare books such as the ones described in this a spellbook that contains two 3rd-level spells, four
adventure anthology. Little One doesn 't mind sharing 2nd-level spells, and six 1st-level spells (20 spell lev-
whatever book he is currently enjoying.
els total) costs 1,000 gp to copy over to a new book.
Works of the Avowed. Each year, Candlekeep
The Hearth's patrons are a mix of fresh-faced releases a small book stamped with the sigil of the
adjutants, stodgy scholars, and eclectic guests. library and credited to "The Avowed of Candle-
Demiplanar Chambers. Several doors line the keep." These limited editions contain short essays,
walls of the Hearth. Although visible from inside excerpts, and other writings relevant to a particular
the taproom, they do not appear to exist when the theme or subject, such as gardening, gemstones,
structure is viewed from the outside. Each of these longevity, or transformative curses. They are sold at
portals leads to a 30-foot-square demiplane that the keep and by Candlekeep representatives in large
houses either a private meeting chamber or a shrine cities for between 50 gp and 100 gp per book; spec-
dedicated to Deneir (god of writing), Gond (god of ulators often acquire multiple copies in anticipation
craft), or Milil (god of poetry and song). Anyone can of a high resale value.
freely enter one of the shrines, but access to a pri-
vate chamber requires a key from the barkeep and a PILLARS OF PEDAGOGY
payment of 5 gp. Seekers engage in quiet study and research within
Meeting Chambers. Each of the meeting cham- this austere cluster of closely huddled, flat-topped
bers is humbly appointed with a large round table towers of varying heights. Each tower contains
and chairs, plus a pair of sideboards containing private rooms, available by reservation only, that
dishes and cutlery. The menu and beverage list are feature permanent silence spells, allowing their oc-
posted on one wall in case those inside want to or- cupants to read without disturbance.
der food and drink during their gathering. Most research conducted by seekers happens in
Shrines. Each of the shrines is outfitted with a these towers. Seekers at the Pillars must rely on
simple wooden altar, tables and benches for study their Avowed guides to retrieve or return specific
and reflection, and suitable wall hangings. These works from the Great Library to assist with their
adornments vary from deity to deity, but generally research. Most seekers never pass through the
include beautiful tapestries telling key stories of the Emerald Door into the library proper.
relevant deity or framed, illuminated scriptures dis- TEMPLE OF OGHMA
cussing and illustrating the god's key tenets.
This modest stone temple is dedicated to the god
BATH AND STEAM HOUSE of knowledge. Its bronze bell announces the begin-
Avowed and seekers alike use this building as ning of services. Four large stone gargoyles perch
a place to relax. Spacious rooms in the building on the cornices and gaze down protectively; these
CANDLEKEEP -
seemingly inert statues are stone golems charged SMITHY AND STABLES
with defending the temple. If called to service, they A gold dwarf veteran named Khe'ril Hammerbind
glide gently to the ground using a programmed ef- oversees the smithy, which adjoins the stables.
fect similar to a feather fall spell. Khe'ril and his apprentices produce shoes for
The caretaker of the temple in 1492 DR is a hu- horses and other mounts here. The heat from the
man priest of Shou descent named Lorekeeper forge provides warmth when winter comes calling.
Kei Tigersteel. Though not officially an Avowed, The stables accommodate a wide range of mounts.
the Lorekeeper enjoys the privilege of entering the Most of the stalls are designed for horses and po-
library unaccompanied. nies, but specialized stalls offer secure lodging and
care for hippogriffs, griffons, and wyverns as well.
ERUDITE OUTFITTERS & CLOTHIERS
Seekers and members of the Avowed can buy new EMERALD DOOR
robes or have their well-worn clothes mended at this The Emerald Door-the main point of access to the
modest exchange. Inner Ward-stands at the western end of the Court
In 1492 DR, the exchange is managed by Feld- of Air. It is fifteen feet tall and made of a translucent
mar Bisset III, a human acolyte of Gond, an expert dark green stone that glows with an inner light. An
tailor, and a sericulture hobbyist. He and his fam- arcane Jock spell seals the door, which is further
ily fashioned a place among the Avowed, crafting warded against all damage. Here, a Keeper of the
robes and other garments upon request. Feldmar Emerald Door (a mage) stands at all times towel-
teaches a compulsory class on simple stitching to come newly arrived seekers. The Keeper uses run-
adjutants in an effort to reduce the amount of basic ners to help seekers secure lodgings at the House of
patchwork he and his family do to keep the Avowed Rest and places to study in the Pillars of Pedagogy.
neatly clothed. Keepers of the Emerald Door politely dispel any
Next to the workshop is an atrium where Feldmar mistaken notions seekers might have about passing
indulges his hobby of raising silkworms and har- through the Emerald Door and exploring the Great
vesting their cocoons to weave small amounts of the Library beyond. The Inner Ward is off limits to
precious cloth.
seekers without special dispensation, which must stockier buildings, all joined together in the shadow
come from the Keeper of Tomes, the First Reader, of a high-walled citadel called Exaltation.
or one of the eight Great Readers. When permis-
sion to enter the Inner Ward is granted by such an GREAT LIBRARY
individual, it's customary for the beneficiary of this The Avowed transported the towers of the Great
consent to receive a signed and sealed letter of ad- Library piecemeal from other locations and
mittance. The wax seal must be intact and unbroken painstakingly reassembled them, creating a sky-
when the letter is presented to the Keeper of the line of bristling spires in a panoply of architectural
Emerald Door. The Keeper determines the letter's styles. Among the stone structures are a few towers
authenticity by opening and reading it. If the letter made of stranger materials, such as infernal iron
passes muster, the Keeper returns it, opens the and the bones of a long-dead colossal red dragon.
Emerald Door, and allows the letter's owner to enter Non-Avowed rarely enter the Great Library, but
the Inner Ward. Unless a shorter or longer duration senior staff members occasionally bestow letters of
is specified in the letter, permission to occupy the admittance upon individuals of remarkable talent
Inner Ward lasts for a tenday, during which time the and impeccable reputation (including adventurers).
letter's recipient can come and go as they please. These visitors may peruse the contents within, with
A Keeper can spot a forged letter of admittance an Avowed adjutant (a commoner) serving as their
with a successful Wisdom (Insight) check contested guide. Visitors are required to stay with their guide,
by the forger's Dexterity (Deception) check. Anyone since those unfamiliar with the library might be-
caught presenting a forged letter is denied access to come lost in its labyrinthine halls and extradimen-
the Inner Ward indefinitely. sional spaces.
A seeker who is denied entry to the Inner Ward The oldest of the library's buildings are soar-
can still enjoy the bulk of Candlekeep's collected ing stone affairs with floors crafted from lustrous
works. The seeker need only ask an Avowed adju- dark wood and floor-to-ceiling shelves. Ceiling
tant to fetch the desired works and deliver them to heights vary, ranging from as low as ten feet to
the seeker's preferred place of study in Candlekeep as high as one hundred feet in the tallest towers.
(usually a chamber in the Pillars of Pedagogy). Not The Avowed use floating disks, each one large
all books in the collection can be checked out in this enough to hold three Medium creatures, to reach
manner, however; the rarest and most dangerous the highest shelves. Continual flame spells light the
tomes can be accessed only by creatures who are well-traveled areas, and the Avowed employ drift-
granted passage through the Emerald Door. globes when visiting remote sections. An intricate
If a request is made for a work that has been arrangement of mounted mirrors lights the upper
checked out by another Candlekeep resident, it reaches of the tallest chambers, reflecting sunlight
could be days or weeks before that work becomes by day or a continual flame spell on cloudy days or
available. at nights.
Modr ons. Candlekeep is a haven for thirteen
INNER WARD rogue modrons (monodrones) that escaped from
The poster map included with this book shows the Mechanus. The Avowed struck a deal with the crea-
Inner Ward, which contains the Great Library- a tures, and they've been part of the library staff ever
veritable forest of stone towers clumped around since. Working alongside the Avowed, the modrons
catalog and shelve books, though each of them can
manage only one book at a time.
fXTRADIMENSIONAL SPACES
Cand lekeep has invisible doorways to dozens of EXALTATION
permanent extradimensional spaces , some as small
The bastion of Exaltation is the tallest and most
as a room at an inn and othe rs as large as t he space
created by a demiplane or Mordenkainen's magnificent
heavily defended structure in Candlekeep. From
mansion spell . The Avowed try to keep track of all the the citadel's stone battlements, one can see over the
extradimens ional spaces in Candlekeep, but a few for- walls of Candlekeep in every direction.
gotten doorways lurk in the library, the ir locations or The Avowed live in Exaltation, and visitors are
access requirements lost. Valuable books , scrolls , and not welcome here unless they've made an extraor-
other items might be trapped inside these extradimen - dinary donation or performed a special favor for
sional spaces .
the Avowed, in which case they're allowed a room
When an extradimens iona l space is rediscovered ,
it must be thoroughly explo red , the resources within
and given strict instructions not to wander the halls
cataloged , and the space tested for its stability. Whe n without their assigned guides.
an extradimensio nal space is no longer needed o r de- The halls of Exaltation connect to its classrooms,
s ired , the archmages of Candle keep d ispel it. kitchens, bakeries, dining halls, shrines, workshops,
offices, study halls, scriptoriums, and dormitories.
Bells rung at dawn mark the beginning of every- as a set of immense spectral jaws whose essence
one's daily routine, and bells rung at highsun and roils with the promise of breath weapons and spells
sundown signal the serving of lunch and dinner. of destruction.
These bells also denote the changing of the guard at Adventurers who explore the passages beneath
the eastern gatehouse and the Emerald Door. Candlekeep might encounter Miirym, who's more
interested in news of present-day FaerG.n than in
BENEATH CANDLEKEEP fighting. Indeed, Miirym is an engaging conversa-
Secret staircases abound in Candlekeep, leading tionalist if one has the inclination to chat with her.
down to dusty vaults and catacombs that hold the Miirym doesn't have a treasure hoard. Instead,
oldest books. The flooded caves at sea level are she protects the books and scrolls kept in her
haunted by all manner of strange creatures. subterranean domain. The Sentinel Wyrm can be
summoned by the Keeper of Tomes and called upon
MIIRYM THE SENTINEL WYRM to defend Candlekeep from invaders who would
Well over 1,500 years ago, the silver dragon Miirym plunder or destroy it. In her role as Candlekeep's
broke into Candlekeep, intent on adding its riches defender, Miirym can move anywhere within the
to her hoard. She devoured scholars and destroyed library fortress, passing through walls and other
a score of irreplaceable books before she was con- solid barriers. She can't enter extradimensional
fronted by an archmage and bound into service to spaces, since they are not on the same plane of exis-
protect Candlekeep as penance for her misdeeds. tence as Candlekeep. Miirym's stat block appears at
The wizard passed away before Miirym's sentence the end of this section.
had been served, and other spellcasters were unable
to break the enchantment that bound her. ECHOES OF ALAUNDO
Time passed and so did Miirym, whose corpse Shortly after Alaundo the Seer began speaking
has long since crumbled into dust. Unfortunately his prophecies, a wise novitiate devised a way to
for Miirym, the enchantment remains in effect on magically record his spoken words into prismatic
her spirit. The spectral dragon-what's left of her- gemstones now stored in a vault beneath Candle-
dwells in the catacombs and caves under the library. keep. Only the First Reader and the Keeper of
Those who have visited the depths describe Miirym Tomes have the ability to coax audible recordings
CA NDLEK E EP
MIIRYM ACTIONS
Large undead Bite. Me lee Weapon Attack: +l Oto hit, reach 5 ft ., one target.
Hit: 34 (9d6 + 3) force damage.
Armor Class l 0
Hit Points 262 (25dl0 + 125) Breath Weapon (Recharge 5-6). Miirym uses one of the follow-
Speed 0 ft. , fly 60 ft. (hover) ing breath weapons:
Cold Breath. Miirym exhales an icy blast in a 90-foot cone. Each
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA creature in that area must make a DC 21 Constitution saving
17 (+3) 10 (+0) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 23 (+6) throw, taking 67 (l Sd8) cold damage on a failed save, or half
as much damage on a successful one.
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +12, Int +11, Wis +9, Cha +13 Necrotic Breath. Miirym exhales a bolt of necrotic energy in a
Skills Arcana +11, History +11, Perception +16, Stealth +14 120-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line
Damage Resistances acid, fire, lightning, thunder must make a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking 82 (lSdl0)
Damage Immunities cold, necrotic, poison necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on
Condition Immunities charmed , exhaustion, frightened , a successful one.
grappled , paralyzed , poisoned, prone, restrained Paralyzing Breath. Miirym exhales paralyzing gas in a 90-foot
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft ., passive Perception cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 21
26; see also "X-Ray Vision" below Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minu te. A
Languages Common, Draconic creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its
Challenge 22 (41 ,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +7 turns , ending the effect on itself on a success.
Frightful Presence. Each creature of Miirym's choice that is
Bound to Candlekeep. Miirym can 't leave Candlekeep and is within 120 feet of her and aware of her must succeed on a DC
immune to any effect that would place her in a location outside 21 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for l minute. A
it, including an extradimensional space. If she dies, Miirym creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its
regains her form and all her hit points after ldl0 days, reap- turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's
pearing in the location where she died or in the nearest unoc- saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature
cupied space. is immune to Miirym 's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.
Regeneration. Miirym regains 40 hit points at the start of her Spellcasting. Miirym casts one of the following spells , using
turn . If Miirym takes damage from a magic weapon or a spell, Charisma as the spellcasting ability (save DC 21) and requiring
this trait doesn 't function at the start of Miirym 's next turn . no material components:
Miirym dies only if she starts her turn with 0 hit points and
At will: dancing lights, mage hand
doesn't regenerate.
3/day each: detect magic, detect thoughts, dispel magic, lo-
Incorporeal Movement. Miirym can move through other crea - cate creature
tures and objects as if they were difficult terrain . She takes 5 1/day each: dispel evil and good, wall offorce
(ldl0) force damage if she ends her turn inside an object .
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Miirym fails a saving throw,
she can choose to succeed instead . Miirym can take 3 legendary actions , choosing from the op-
tions below. Only one legendary action option can be used at
X-Ray Vision. Miirym can see through solid matter out to a a time and only at the end of another creature's turn . Miirym
range of 60 feet . To her, opaque creatures , objects , and obsta- regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.
cles within that distance appear transparent and don 't prevent
light from passing through them . This vision can penetrate 5 Bite. Miirym makes a bite attack.
feet of stone, 3 inches of common metal , and up to 10 feet of Teleport (Costs 2 Actions). Miirym magically teleports up to
wood or dirt. Thicker substances block this vision , as does a 120 feet to an unoccupied space she can see.
thin sheet of lead .
from these magic gemstones. Each one holds a to contact the spirits of long-dead sages that are
prophecy spoken by Alaundo himself in an anti- willing to share their insights and knowledge.
quated version of Common that is incomprehensible High-ranking members of the Avowed make use of
without the aid of magic. These gemstones came to this chamber, but few seekers know of it.
be called the echoes of Alaundo. Any creature that has an Intelligence of 8 or
Alaundo's prophecies are easily misinterpreted, higher that spends 1 hour meditating in the cham-
which is why First Readers and Keepers of Tomes ber gains the ability to cast the contact other plane
rarely consult or take advantage of the echoes. spell once, allowing the creature to commune with
a spirit. The spell doesn't need to be cast right away,
CHAMBER OF LOST LORE
nor does it need to be cast in the chamber. If the
Deep beneath Candlekeep, past Miirym and the spell is not cast within 24 hours, however, it is lost.
echoes, is a rough-hewn chamber lit by contin-
ual flame spells. Here, one can gain the power
-
Ix-_ ___ ) -~•NA
; ;T
~RE ;~;LE~;HARACTERS
~XTRADIMENSIONAL SPA(~-~
- WRITTEN BY MICHAEL POLKINGHORN ~
EDITED BY HANNAH ROSE
HE]OY OF EXTRADIMENSIONAL SPACES WAS that Fistandia requested this room each time she
donated to Candlekeep with the rest of the visited the keep. They also turned up mysterious
library of the mage Fistandia, following reports that she rarely left the room for weeks at
her untimely disappearance. In her will, a time. Rumors said that she was not even seen to
Fistandia bequeathed her collection to Candlekeep eat or sleep during her visits. She would, however,
in appreciation for the many years she spent in its go missing for hours at a time. Matreous concluded
hallowed halls. This book is a treatise on extradi- that she must have gone through the gateway during
mensional spaces similar to those created by the those absences. By searching through the books
Mordenkainen's magnificent mansion spell. This Fistandia donated to the library, he found the com-
information alone would make it worthy of note, but mand word to open the portal and stepped inside.
Fistandia's additions in the margins are even more
interesting. In arcane shorthand, she details how FINDING THE BOOK
she created a permanent Mordenkainen's magnifi- The characters have come to Candlekeep seeking
cent mansion spell and records the command word aid for a stricken town, which could be the home of
to open the mansion's doorway. one or more of them. The settlement has withered
Many researchers perused this book over the this year. Crops have failed, the livestock stands in
years it spent in Candlekeep, but knowledge of the the fields like stick figures, and the rain has dwin-
command word was useless without the location of dled. A local mage determined that a curse had
the gateway to the mansion-until a chance discov- been levied on the land and recommended that the
ery by the sage Matreous, an expert in the applica- town seek aid from a sage named Matreous. After
tion and removal of curses. Upon arriving at Candle- some inquiries, the mage found that Matreous was
keep to further his expertise, Matreous cast detect studying in Candlekeep and sent the characters
magic, as was his habit. The spell revealed a gate- to find him.
way in the very study room he had been assigned! Alternatively, the characters could discover The
Forgetting about his earlier purpose, Matreous Joy of Extradimensional Spaces while researching
asked for any knowledge of who might have created one of the following topics:
such a gateway. Research by the Avowed revealed
• Creating permanent versions of existing spells
• Demiplanes, pocket dimensions, and other spaces
that exist outside the Material Plane
Tied to The joy of Extradimensional Spaces are
two mysteries. The first is the whereabouts of the
missing sage Matreous. The characters can resolve
this question by opening the portal to the mansion.
The larger mystery, however, is how to escape once
they are trapped inside.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
The joy of Extradimensional Spaces is a heavy
tome. Its thick covers are made of ornately tooled
leather decorated with gold filigree. Of particular
interest is the illustration on the cover: the bust of
an imposing spellcaster. A character who succeeds
on a DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana or History) check
recognizes the legendary mage Mordenkainen.
OPENING THE PORTAL ENCOUNTER LOCATIONS
When the characters are shown into the private Fistandia's mansion is eerily quiet. Rooms with
study room assigned to Matreous, they find it unoc- windows to the outside are lit by the indigo miasma
cupied. Only the sage's personal effects and a hand- swirling outside the mansion, which colors every-
ful of books remain. The joy of Extradimensional thing in the room with its tint. In the larger rooms it
Spaces is open to the pages with Fistandia's hand- tones down the warm light of the oil lamps.
written notes. A character who succeeds on a DC 13 The following locations are keyed to the map of
Intelligence (Arcana) check is able to decipher the Fistandia's mansion.
shorthand and find the command word, "scepter,"
that opens the doorway. Otherwise, the Avowed are
Ml. FOYER AND HALLWAY
happy to help examine Fistandia's notes. The characters emerge from the portal in the grand
Once the command word is spoken, shimmering, foyer of the mansion. On this side, the portal looks
translucent doors appear in the middle of the room. like a double door.
The doors begin to slowly fade, and it's apparent
that they'll disappear entirely in a matter of minutes. The ceiling arches to fifteen feet overhead, and long
When the characters enter the portal, they appear hallways stretch out on either side of the foyer. Stand-
in area Ml. ing in the middle of this area is a middle-aged man
wearing gray robes .
FISTANDIAS MANSION
Fistandia's mansion was created using a Morden-
kainen's magnificent mansion spell and made per- Matreous, a neutral human sage (see page 9 for
manent by Fistandia's own enchantments. It's lux- his stat block), is startled when the characters ap-
urious, but not ostentatious. The structure is open, pear. After his initial surprise, he introduces himself
airy, and constructed of stone blocks. The floors are to the characters and expresses his delight that they
hardwood, and the bedroom, study, trophy room, have opened the portal to the mansion. He has been
and dining room have carpets that cover most of the trying different command words for the last half
floor space in those rooms. The mansion has brass hour to get the portal to reopen.
or bronze fixtures and doors of ironbound oak. The Matreous takes on a thoughtful expression and
furniture is all of deep brown wood, and most of the pauses for an instant, tapping his chin in thought.
rooms are illuminated by oil lamps. The mansion must be a treasure trove of informa-
Outside, a swirling indigo miasma hovers 20 feet tion, and there's no telling what wonders it holds! As
from the building on all sides. A creature that enters an example, he shows the characters an intricately
the miasma feels increasingly uneasy during the carved figurine of an imp that he has found and is
first minute of exposure. If it remains in the mi- taking back to Candlekeep for study (see the "Imp
asma, it gains 1 level of exhaustion for every minute Figurine" sidebar).
it spends there. Matreous explains that he would dearly like to
continue to explore the mansion's mysteries himself,
PUZZLE BOOKS but he could be much more useful back in Candle-
Opening the portal from inside the mansion re- keep. Thanks to the research he conducted to find
quires another command word, which Fistandia hid the mansion, he has the skills to keep the portal
in the form of a puzzle. She created seven books, open from the other side. If the characters take this
each with a single gilded letter on its spine. When chance to explain their errand to him, he is willing
placed next to each other in the proper order, they to accompany them back to their village in exchange
spell the command word, "liberty." The books bear for their time and efforts exploring the mansion.
not only the lettered spines but also the same image If the characters agree to explore the mansion,
of Mordenkainen that graces the cover of The joy of Matreous steps through the double door leading
Extradimensional Spaces. back to the study room. When he does, the charac-
ters hear Matreous shriek as the doors slam shut,
IMP FIGURINE
locking them inside the mansion. (Matreous lets
The imp figurine in Matreous's possession (see area
out the shriek as the imp figurine in his possession
Ml) appears to be a very detailed carving of an imp reveals its true nature. The characters can't help
made from onyx . It's not a statue, however, but a real Matreous until they find a way to reopen the portal.)
imp that Fistandia summoned and transformed into Exits. The foyer gives way to a long hallway
a statuette. Removing the figurine from the mansion that runs the length of the extradimensional
breaks the enchantment and releases the imp. mansion, with several doors on the wall opposite
the entrance.
M2. PATIO
A semicircular patio paved with gray flagstones is
nestled against the building, lit by the swirling in-
digo miasma that surrounds the mansion.
M3. LIBRARY
room, a broom hovers in the air, sweeping the floor Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature's space and
vice versa , and the swarm can move through any opening large
by itself! enough for a l-foot-tall , 8-inch-wide, 2-inch-thick object. The
swarm can't regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
This room was where Fistandia practiced her ACTIONS
martial and magical skills (at the expense of the
Book Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach Oft., one tar-
fine floors). The mannequin has numerous cuts get in the swarm's space. Hit: 6 (2d4 + l) bludgeoning damage,
and chips. The weapons in the rack are mundane or 3 (ld4 + l) bludgeoning damage if the swarm has half its hit
but finely made. There are four daggers, four quar- points or fewer.
terstaffs, and twenty darts in a bandolier hanging
UPPER lEvEL
Down TO M17·M19
lowER LEVEL
L FISTANDIA'S MANSION
~ !.. 1 square = 5 feet
-~~
The homunculi have had only the cats and the faerie • The faerie dragons in the arboretum (area M9)
dragons in area M9 to cook for or clean up after for are mischievous but harmless. Try to stay out of
ages, so they practically trip over themselves in their their way.
eagerness to provide any service to the characters.
Cats. In one corner of the kitchen, several small
They pester the characters for tasks to do and insist
ceramic bowls painted with stylized cats are
on serving them fresh bread and soup.
filled with water and kitchen scraps. Any cats the
The duties of the homunculi are confined mostly
characters have encountered in the mansion are
to the kitchen and the adjoining dining room (area
found again here, along with an additional cat the
M8). They don't know much about what happens in
characters haven't yet seen. The cats are eating
the rest of the mansion, but they can answer direct
from the food bowls and occasionally batting at one
questions with the following information:
a nother to get the choicer morsels.
• Cumin was created by Fistandia, while Coriander
says that a mage named Freyot created it. M7. PA NTRY
• Their masters went away a long time ago. The shelves in this pantry are stocked with sacks
• They have been warned by their masters not to of flo ur, vegetables, preserved meats, and other
touch any books that have single letters on their staples-all the dry goods needed to sustain a
spines. (The homunculi don't know the signifi- household.
cance of these lettered books.) 1 1
• Fistandia used to go into the planetarium (area FISTANDIA S AND FREYOT S HOMUNCULI
Ml2) and disappear for a long time afterward. A cha racte r who s ucceeds o n a DC l 5 Intelligence (A r-
ca na) check knows t wo vi ta l facts about t he homu nculi
• Something keeps building piles of books in the
in area MG . The first is that a maste r can have on ly one
library. (The homunculi are unaware of the swarm homunculus at a time. The second is that a homuncu-
of animated books in area M3.) lus dies when its master d ies . This fact suggests t hat
• The imp that Fistandia summoned hasn't been Fistandia and Freyot are still alive. Characters m ight
seen in some time. encou nter one or both mages in a futu re adve nt u re.
Ml6. BALCONY
are firmly affixed to the shelves by enchanted chains
and can't be freed without being destroyed.
The door from the bedroom leads to a wrought iron
Treasure. If the characters defeat the animated
chained library, one of its books breaks free with a balcony lined with slate flagstones . The greenery and
length of chain still attached and functions as a +1 colorful flowers of the arboretum are visible below.
flail. The book is entitled Martial Attack Techniques.
Puzzle Book. The book on the reading desk is the
The oppressive miasma seems to press in even
puzzle book with the letter L on its spine.
closer above the mansion here than at ground level.
Ml 4. TROPHY ROOM
Ml7. ALCHEMICAL LABORATORY
.. MAZFROJH'S •
~IGHTY DIGRESSIONS .
WRITTEN BY ALISON HUANG EDITE D BY HANNAH RO SE
DEVELOPED BY HANNAH ROSE & CHRISTOPHER PE R KINS
Mazfroth's Mighty Digressions is seven inches wide • All magic depends on the Weave, an interface be-
and nine inches tall. The brown leather cover is tween casters and raw magic that is governed by
worn from time and use. The name of the book and Mystra, god of magic. Arcane spellcasters access
its author, Mazfroth Gethur, are elegantly written in the Weave directly, while divine spellcasters are
cursive with black ink on the first page. The care put granted access to it by their deities and ideals.
into the front page, however, does not apply to the Damage to the Weave can cause unimaginable de-
rest of the book's contents. Mazfroth's handwriting struction, as evidenced by the Spellplague in 1385
is messy and hasty, as if they couldn't write down DR, the Year of Blue Fire.
their thoughts fast enough. Furthermore, the book's • Some scholars believe that Malar, god of the hunt,
151 pages don't all match, indicating that the author is responsible for lycanthropy. Mazfroth disagrees
kept adding more pages. The book's stitching is with this theory on the basis that not all lycan-
haphazard, and looks like it could come undone at thropes are evil as Malar is. Werebears are an ex-
any moment. ample of lycanthropes that are usually good.
• The Abyss is ruled by demon lords-Baphomet,
ESSAYS AND RAMBLINGS Demogorgon, Graz'zt,Juiblex, Orcus, Yeenoghu,
Zuggtmoy, and many others. Mazfroth ties the
Mazfroth's Mighty Digressions contains a collection
origins of several monsters to these demon lords
of eclectic essays, though not much is revealed or
(sayingjuiblex created all oozes, for example).
known about the author. Mazfroth's essays often go
on long tangents. Although the topics in the book After a character who reads Mazfroth's Mighty
are many and varied, it is clear that divinity, the Digressions finds an essay pertaining to their
denizens of the multiverse, and the nature of magic interests, but before they can finish reading the pas-
were subjects of particular interest to Mazfroth. sage, the book attacks them.