Sword Coast

It is considered to own the largest and most comprehensive collection of scholarly writings, lore and knowledge in all of Faerûn. In addition to the great works and rare tomes found within, the Great Library holds a seemingly endless amount of paltry and insignificant documents such as recipes, inscribed song lyrics, journals of fairly unremarkable individuals and other such trivial writings. It holds a dozen towers, known as necessariums, that offer seekers ample place to study and read in peace. Scholars of all races and backgrounds, even those from other planes of existence, are granted a place in Candlekeep, so long as they abide by the Orders of Accordance. The Avowed count Humans, tieflings, dragonborn, and even githzerai among its members, and at least one ogre scholar was granted residence within the keep's walls. The subterranean vaults are guarded by the ghost of the silver dragon Miirym, who was bound to defend Candlekeep and the Avowed by the great sorcerer Torth.

The library-fortress rests atop a volcanic crag that jutted out from the side of the Sea of Swords. Set within this volcanic rock is a series of tombs and sepulchers that serves as the resting place for a number of Candlekeep's sages. The western side of Candlekeep is bombarded with mist and waters from the Sea of Swords, and freezes over during winter. During these cold months, several of these towers have to be abandoned as they became too hazardous to live within.