Candlekeep Mysteries

About the adventure

The great keep never fails to take my breath away: it stands on a volcanic crag a hundred or so feet from the coastline, a flat-topped spur of rough stone out in the midst of the surging sea. Imagine, if you can, the top of this crag hemmed in entirely by a tall wall. This wall is interrupted by several towers all the way around, and it encloses a large space from which even more of these same towers rise. Those who have seen this vista from above have said that it looks like nothing so much as a cake decorated with too many candles. The mist of sea-spray fills the air nearest the western walls, and in winter, this moisture can cause treacherous build-ups of ice. Sometimes entire towers along the western edge of the keep have to be abandoned for the season, they become so overtaken by frost. From the center rises the largest and thickest tower of Candlekeep. If the other towers are well-wrought branches and blossoms, then this surely is the bole of the tree: strong, massive, and rising well above the perimeter structures. About the central keep a garden spirals in rising steps, and those lucky enough to enter the library proper do so by passing around and up through this green space to the keep’s main door. However, most folk who visit Candlekeep see this structure only from the courtyard east of it, where the facilities for arriving scholars lie. The only gate into Candlekeep stands at the end of the Way of the Lion, which is the only road that provides access to and from the outside world. The route extends from Beregost, leagues away, and winds a lonely path out on the peninsula where Candlekeep stands.

Additional Details

How to prepare

In terms of preparing for the game, I would encourage the following:- - I use an application called "Discord" for voice communication. I would recommend installing it on the device you wish to play on! (There is no requirement for using a webcam in my games, only voice is necessary!). - The game will be hosted on the website: www.Roll20.net - This is where the graphics, music, character sheets and entire game itself will be run! - Owning a copy of the Player's Handbook is advisable but not necessary - I am more than happy to run you through the necessary steps in order to create your character or provide information from the book for you!

What I provide

I will host the game on Roll20 which the players will be able to access at any point outside of game time. This will enable players to edit their character sheets, level up or review game information for the next session!

Gameplay details

My games are catered to all ages. I like to run a Session 0 where I will encourage the players to discuss relevant themes that may be deemed unsuitable for the group's needs e.g. Harsh language, violence and gore, body horror, phobias etc. If these subjects were preferred to be discussed privately, I would instead provide a consent form that would let the player privately submit their preferences on content they would rather not see featured in the game. If that player would rather talk to me directly in private, that would be perfectly fine too. I handle triggers and inappropriate content with confidentiality and respect towards the player's views and beliefs. If, during the game, a player is uncomfortable with the content they are participating in, I encourage that player to let me know in private so that we can stop the session, take a break and discuss the issue privately. How my players feel during my games is my top priority and if one person is not having fun, I will take the steps necessary to ensure they are heard and ensure the subjects they deemed inappropriate are kept strictly off the table. I take a no-tolerance approach to inter-player conflict. Should one or more players become uncomfortable with each other, I would do my best to resolve the conflict privately and in a healthy manner. Communication is vital during times of player conflict and I do my best to promote this in the game and outside too.

Content warnings

(none)

Safety tools used

(none)

How will character creation work

This is a series of adventures that can start at any level, though I would recommend, for newer players, to start at level 1. In terms of character creation, I will be available to privately message during the week and will often run a Session 0 where character creation can be done. I am also not opposed to setting aside an hour during the week to discuss character creation in some depth should a player need. I will only charge for the sessions themselves and any extracurricular time spent on the game will be through my own doing.

Players can expect

• Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.
• Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.
• If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.