Dungeons and Dragons 5e – Candlekeep Mysteries Dashing DM Dungeon Design

Candlekeep Mysteries

Standing atop a rocky crag overlooking the Sea of Swords, the massive citadel of Candlekeep has endured the elements for centuries and defied the degradation 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 edifice say it looks nothing so much as a cake decorated with an overabundance of candles.

A Book of Books

Candlekeep Mysteriesis an anthology of short, mystery-themed adventures written by members of the Dungeons & Dragons community. Each tale begins with a book found in Candlekeep—an enormous library located on the Sword Coast in the Forgotten Realms setting—but who knows where they may lead.

This book includes at least one adventure for characters of every D&D level from one to sixteen. Easy to run and playable in one to two sessions, they can be enjoyed individually or used as intriguing additions to a longer campaign.

From the fabled Emerald Door to the deepest catacombs, Candlekeep contains wonders for those with the patience to find them.

Great Books Hide Their Secrets Well

Secret staircases, forgotten doorways, soaring shelves—this book provides Dungeon Masters with detailed descriptions of everything there is to explore and discover in the massive library fortress.

Familiarize yourself with every spire and cloistered corner with the included poster map. This foldout map provides full, isometric view of Candlekeep’s Inner Ward—from the Great Library to the high-walled citadel known as Exaltation.

It seems silent and still, here in the heart of the forest. But to anyone who knows the forest well, that silence can be misleading. When you are ready to proceed, turn the page.

Seventeen Flavors of Mystery

Investigate mysterious murders, discover a hidden treasure map, or track down the secret behind an eerie rhyme. Every adventure in this book contains its own, unique flavor of mystery—quirky, classic, or even creepy.

While solving a mystery is at the heart of each adventure, they also contain opportunities for exploration, roleplaying, and combat, to appeal to players of all persuasions.

Mystery, Monsters & Magic Items

Candlekeep Mysteries contains a wealth of information about Candlekeep’s residents. Meet key members of the Avowed—a legion of scholars and sages who care for the library and the knowledge it holds. Uncover dazzling treasures and powerful magic items. And discover monsters that have never been seen before.

Become an Adventurer

Adventurers come in all shapes and sizes. Find one that’s fun for you.

An elvish cleric, driven from society for trespassing on tradition. A dwarven paladin, atoning for an ignominious past. The Player’s Handbook provides the skeleton for your characters. Flesh them out however you choose.

Join the Party

D&D brings people together and forges new friendships. Silly moments spawn inside jokes and moving battles leave treasured memories. Whether in the heat of battle, embroiled in social intrigue, or solving clever puzzles, your party has your back.

Choose Your Own Path

The woods are growing dark. Behind a mass of ivy, you see the stones of a crumbling castle. What do you do?

In D&D, your options are limitless. The Dungeon Master, as narrator of your tale, can improvise in reaction to any choice you make, so what happens next is entirely flexible. Do you dare go on?