![[dhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 1.png]] **Type:** Fortress-Library **Location in Faerûn:** Western **Land Region in Faerûn:** [[The Sword Coast]] **Kingdom or Country (if any):** None (*autonomous*) **Ruler (if any):** [[The Avowed]] **Note:** Candlekeep rises atop a sheer sea-bluff south of [[Baldur’s Gate]], its pale granite walls shining like a beacon against the Sword Coast’s windswept cliffs. Founded in -200 DR, the fortress-library serves as the greatest repository of knowledge in Faerûn, guarded by the Avowed, monks, lore keepers, and wardens bound by oaths older than [[Cormyr]] itself. Entry is strictly controlled: one gatehouse, countless wards, and the ancient law demanding each pilgrim offer a piece of knowledge not yet contained within its endless shelves. At night, its towers shimmer with arcane sigils visible for miles, a quiet reminder that Candlekeep is protected as fiercely as any royal citadel. [[Olivia Halcrest]] was born here in 1413 DR, raised among scroll-vaults, arcane textbooks, and the soft footfalls of scholars. Although destined for a life of research, she followed [[Tymora]]’s call in 1440 DR, trading Candlekeep’s safe walls for the unpredictable world beyond; eventually shaping the fate of [[Dio Eldwynair]], [[Silvercross]], and the [[Order of the Lucky Blades]] itself. For most of [[Faerûn]], Candlekeep is a vault of secrets and a paradise of learning; for Olivia, it was simply where her story began, not where it was meant to end.