Summons to Candlekeep - An Invitation

Greetings, Worthy Soul,

I write to you not as a mere scholar, but as Theren Pagekeeper, Great Reader of Acquisitions - which is to say, I'm the one who convinces people far braver than myself to investigate mysterious books whilst I observe from a safe distance.

Our archives overflow with mysteries that require what the Avowed politely call "field research" and what you might more accurately call "actual danger." Ancient tomes that open portals. Cursed manuscripts that possess their readers. Books that, quite frankly, should have remained closed. We need individuals willing to risk life and limb for the sake of knowledge (and moderate treasure, naturally).

Thus, I humbly request you dispatch your most promising prospect to the fortress library of Candlekeep. Naturally, such individuals require proper motivation - whether scholarly curiosity, a personal quest for knowledge, divine guidance, or simply the promise of adventure and coin. The question worth pondering: what manner of summons would compel your prospect to make the journey?

Now, between us - and I speak as one who understands the nature of such arrangements - there exists a certain symmetry worth noting. Just as this letter has reached across the veil to you, seeking your participation in our shared tale, so too must your prospect have been called to Candlekeep. Perhaps by a letter much like this one, a vision, a cryptic map, or simply an inexplicable pull toward our ancient halls. Both invitations are genuine. Both require courage. Both promise extraordinary experiences. The question for you, dear friend, is this: what summons brings your character to Candlekeep's gates?

What Awaits Your Prospect

The Assignment

Episodic D&D 5e mysteries
Return to Candlekeep between adventures (hot baths, warm meals, actual beds)
Progress from Level 1 to 16 (should you survive)

The Work

Mix of horror, mystery, dungeon crawls, investigation
Combat optional in some adventures (talking is underrated)
Flexible order... you choose your doom

The Fortress of Candlekeep

Should your prospect accept this summons, they must journey to the Sword Coast, to a place where ancient stone meets restless sea. Candlekeep stands upon a rocky crag overlooking the Sea of Swords, on the Sword Coast south of Baldur's Gate. The fortress rests on a narrow peninsula jutting from the coastline, a journey of some days from the grand city to the north.

The fortress itself is unmistakable - towering walls of weathered stone rise from the clifftop, encircling spires that pierce the coastal sky. This is no mere library; it is a citadel of knowledge, home to the greatest collection of written lore in all Faerûn. The Avowed, our scholarly order, maintain these halls with quiet dedication.

Your prospect will approach via the coastal road, where the fortress reveals itself gradually: first the silhouette of towers, then the massive walls, and finally the Emerald Door - the great entrance through which all seekers of knowledge must pass. A small village clusters outside the walls, serving travelers and those not granted entry to the fortress proper.

Crafting Your Prospect

Requirements for Entry

Level: 1 (we all start somewhere)
Sources: Player's Handbook, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
Ability Scores: Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) - arrange as you see fit
Alignment: No evil characters (cooperation required, villainy discouraged)
Equipment: Standard class equipment from your chosen source

Your Character Should

Have a compelling reason to be at Candlekeep (research, quest, curiosity, divine vision, or simply answering the call)
Want to work with a party (lone wolves need not apply; we've enough books on them already)

Examples of Promising Prospects

Scholar researching your mysterious heritage or arcane phenomenon
Warrior studying ancient battle tactics and legendary weapons
Wizard seeking to copy rare spells from our collection
Rogue investigating a heist mentioned in old records (for purely academic reasons, surely)
Cleric or Paladin following a divine vision to the library
Ranger tracking a creature whose lore resides in our archives
Anyone with sufficient curiosity and courage to answer when knowledge calls

What You'll Need to Bring

Character concept (class, race, background)
Backstory (only needs to be a brief paragraph)
Reason for Candlekeep visit
A book for your character to donate as admission to Candlekeep (this is the price of entry - not something you physically bring to the table. Be creative, symbolic, or amusingly inappropriate)

Full character creation and refinement will occur during Session Zero - for now, simply begin contemplating your prospect's nature and motivations.

Terms of Engagement

Convocation Schedule

Frequency: Fortnightly gatherings of approximately 3-4 hours (even the most dedicated scholars require respite between adventures)
Commencement: Final week of January, Year 2026 of the Common Era (specific date to be confirmed via our mystical Discord communication portal)
Location: In-person assemblage in the mortal realm

Commitment Required

Reliable attendance when possible (we understand mortal obligations occasionally interfere)
One Level 1 character
Willingness to cooperate with fellow adventurers (lone wolves may apply to other campaigns)
Respect for the sacred texts (and each other)

House Rules & Guidelines

Leveling: Milestone-based (no arithmetic required)
Hit Points: Roll your hit die when leveling up (live dangerously, or average if you prefer certainty)
Healing Potions: Bonus action to consume (for yourself only; helping others still requires an action)
Critical Hits: Maximum weapon damage + additional roll (makes victories sweeter; applies to enemies too, alas)
Anything else: To be discussed in session 0

The Fine Print

Experience Level: No requirement, we'll figure it out together
Campaign Style: Episodic adventures (missed sessions mean "researching in the library")
Flexibility: Life happens; we understand and adapt accordingly
Snacks: Encouraged but not mandatory (though scholars work better when fed)

Ready to Send Your Prospect?

Join the Discord server - The Book Club - to coordinate your arrival, discuss character concepts, and receive further instructions.

Join The Book Club

Time is of the essence, session Zero approaches with the turning of the month.

May your dice roll true and your characters survive longer than mine typically do,

Theren Pagekeeper

Great Reader of Acquisitions & Recruitment
Candlekeep Fortress Library
Sword Coast, Faerûn

P.S. - Your character must bring a book to donate as the price of admission to Candlekeep. It's not optional - the guards are absolute sticklers for protocol. That said, we're quite liberal in our definition of "book." A novelty cookbook counts if the guards are in good spirits and you're sufficiently charming. Consider what your character would offer - it says a great deal about who they are.

P.P.S. - If you're wondering whether your character concept is "too strange" or "too unusual," the answer is almost certainly no. We've had stranger. Trust me, we have a book about it.