Crown of Chaos

Candlekeep, the knowledge center of the kingdom, is a permanent neutral castle that stores the largest, most comprehensive and complete books in the kingdom, and is the center of faith of the powerful god Ogma, the god of knowledge.

Rumor has it that Candlekeep was originally the private castle of Arandor, the greatest prophet in the history of the realm.

Here I want to talk about Alando, the "greatest prophet of the country". As one of the legends of the country, the name of prophet Alando is known to everyone in the country, because when he was still alive, Alando Duo may have left approximately 114,514 prophecies, covering the period from his lifetime to his death until now. It seems that any major event in the country has been predicted by Arando. Scholars in Candlekeep can always find some of Arando's prophecies. There are only a few words, indicating that everything seems to be in Alando's prediction.

Aaron thinks this is quite nonsense. As a personal choice of the Four Gods of Chaos, Aaron knows that only the good brother Tzeentch among the Four Gods of Chaos can peek into destiny. There is a deep well of destiny in the deepest part of the Crystal Maze of Tzeentch Realm in the Chaos Demon Realm. That is the road to the "source", the true source of all laws in the universe, and all the secrets of destiny exist in the deep well of destiny.

According to the standards of the country, each of the four gods of chaos is a god with the pinnacle of powerful divine power (good brother Slaanesh is probably slightly weaker), but even Tzeentch himself dare not touch the well of destiny. The Lord of Changes made himself the first The great demon Carlos was thrown into the deep well, and then there was Carlos, the ruler of fate. Through Carlos, Tzeentch was able to peek into the secrets of the deep well. Every time Carlos played with the thread of fate, Tzeentch's good brother " Eternal” understanding goes further.

It can be said that not even Tzeentch has the ability to control every trace of destiny, but the prophet Arando can.

Aaron didn't believe it.

However, sometimes predictions do not need to be particularly accurate. Good brother Tzeentch once demonstrated the classic trick of Tzeentch:

"Three adventurers sought guidance from his good brother Tzeentch. They asked Tzeentch whether this adventure would be successful."

Tzeentch's reply was "One."

In the end, only one adventurer succeeded in exploring the secrets of the former Kurgan Khan in the ancient ruins. He felt the foretelling of the great magic bird god, and faced the invitation sent by the four gods of chaos at the same time, he chose to be promoted to Chosen of Tzeentch.

He is the famous Chosen of Tzeentch, Tsar-Zan'ek.

However, in fact, this prophecy has always been talked about by Tzeentch himself. The prophecy of the Raven God is very simple.

Success together is one, failure together is one, success of one person is one, failure of one person is also one.

Tzeentch's wisdom is contained in this "one".

"Actually, Candlekeep has never been Arando's private castle."

As always, Sun Elf Arcane High Priest Barrel answered Aaron's questions. The fat man scratched his greasy hair and muttered: "What is certain at present is that at least 200 years ago in the Valley calendar, Candlekeep was It has been built. The prophet Arando came to Candlekeep in the 75th year of the Vale calendar. At that time, Candlekeep was already somewhat dilapidated and most of the area was abandoned. Arando chose to settle here. During his life, Arando stayed here. Many prophecies were made...it was only after his death that Candlekeep began to become a sanctuary of knowledge of the realm.”

"Magics and scholars are scrambling to decipher the massive prophecies left by Arando, opening up many new topics and gradually making this place an academic center. As you know, Your Excellency, Candlekeep always remains neutral, just like The high-ranking archmages on Everlasting Island like to do the same thing...knowledge has no attributes, but they still can't avoid being involved in various struggles."

Aaron felt Barrel's resentment, and he couldn't help but smile.

"Hey~ it's really Candlekeep, okay~ this time my sister will seize this opportunity and learn hard~" Charlotte was still so lively and cute, the eldest lady leaned out half of her body from Aaron's back excitedly Position, the small fists in the white gloves were clenched fiercely, and the feet were facing the air at a forty-five degree angle. A head of gorgeous pink hair fell from Aaron's head, mixed with his blond hair, and the bumpy body exuded With the pleasant smell of youth.

"...Are we here yet? Aaron, don't forget our Lord's instructions." Eleanor's mental state was completely different from Charlotte's, and the priest's eyes had completely lost their light.

The last line of defense had fallen, and she originally planned to wait until the night of their wedding before giving it to him.

Now she didn't have any leverage.

What makes Miss Priest even more unacceptable is that after learning about Charlotte's life experience, Suellen quickly betrayed Eleanor. The Silver Virgin had always been the main one to betroth Eleanor to Aaron. This time Su Lun Mama went against the norm and immediately finalized the engagement between Aaron and Charlotte, waiting for them to enter Candlekeep for the engagement ceremony.

It can only be said that Su Lun, as a good-natured and funny goddess, often has her own thoughts. Although she is usually out of good nature and plans for the future of the country, this change still makes Ellie. It's hard to accept.

If it weren't for Aaron's constant lies and coaxing these days, Eleanor would have become completely autistic.

"Your Excellency, perhaps there is information about 'Rogal Dorn' in Candlekeep that you want to find out." Anuoming was very capable.

"Um."

The large castle on the coast gradually appeared in Aaron's eyes. In a moment, its beauty, the romance of the waves crashing on the cliff, and its majestic momentum were enough to make people forget to breathe.

Candlekeep stands on a volcanic cliff 100 feet away from the coastline on the west coast of the Sword Coast. It stands majestically and independently in the turbulent sea. The high white walls surround a series of buildings washed by the sea breeze. More than a dozen spiers rise from the ground behind the high walls. From the top, the entire Candle Castle looks like a three-tiered birthday cake tower leaning toward the rear, and the spire is the candle inserted on the cake.

At this time, April was the rainy season that had just entered spring. Thick sea fog covered the west side of Candlekeep, making the city seem to be built in the ocean and clouds, which was extremely magical.

There were many, many people gathered at the gate of Candle Keep. There were at least 300 people blocking the entrance of the castle, wanting to enter the city.

Most of them are residents of the Sword Coast who were forced to flee due to the rat infestation. There are not many ordinary people who really have nothing. Those who know Candlekeep and want to enter Candlekeep are at least adventurers with some wealth. Among them There are also landowners and even nobles and bureaucrats who are not stingy with their money and want to seek refuge in Candlekeep.

Candlekeep treats everyone equally. A row of purple-robed guardians at the door require everyone who enters Candlekeep to hand in a book. There is no limit to the type of book or the medium. The only requirement is Required content is books not collected by Candlekeep.

Throughout its long history, Candlekeep has maintained a state of permanent neutrality in this way. This city has almost never been involved in national disputes, and has always maintained its identity as a guardian and collector of knowledge.

Apparently, the attitude of the Candlekeep guards angered the people who came to seek refuge.

"Are you citizens of the country? Are you fellow human beings? Why can you turn a blind eye to the impending disaster?" A middle-aged diplomat said with a hint of anger: "This move was not done by an upright guardian. , trying to block other people's roads will only block your own road in the end. We hope that Candlekeep will uphold an objective and fair stance, proceed from its own long-term interests and the fundamental interests of the country, and make correct judgments independently."

"The intellectual wealth of Candlekeep belongs to all mankind and the country. We are also people of the country. Why can't we enter? I advise you not to be too Candlekeep. This will not be good for you!" The elegantly dressed aristocratic lady held an umbrella. , righteously accused the guardian of being unkind.

"If you want to enter Candlekeep, you must hand in a book. Once approved, you can enter." The purple-robed guardian always responded with a cold attitude: "Madam, the three books you handed in were all deemed unqualified by the monks. .”

"If you fail, why? I ask you to announce the specific standards." The noble lady is still messing around: "Is it interesting for you to be so entangled?"

"I have money, and I am willing to make a large donation. I will donate a tower to you. You should let me in, right?" Another guy who is obviously a wealthy businessman is trying hard to say: "Isn't it just a book? I'll buy it. I’ve already sent someone to buy it!”

The purple-robed Candlekeep Gatekeepers are indeed a group of stubborn guys. They are only responsible for receiving books and letting people into Candlekeep according to the monks' requirements.

Aaron ignored them, he came to the door of Candlekeep, and according to the predetermined plan, he presented a book.

"Um... "The Return of the Warlock"?" Candlekeep Gate Superintendent took the book from Aaron, and he was obviously hesitant: "Sir, although biographies or novels may also be accepted by Candlekeep, But are you sure you want to submit this book for review?”

"Not just this one." Aaron took out a second book, a third book...

"The Energetic Argonian Maid", "The Emperor's Word", "The Codex Astartes", "The Legend of Archaon the Everchosen"...

The Candlekeep Gatekeeper took the book and went in.

It seems that because the review time of the novel is relatively long, Aaron and others waited outside the gate of Candlekeep for about three hours before finally getting a reply from the gate supervisor.

"Welcome to Candlekeep, Lord Aaron Salian of Cormyr. According to the judgment of the monks, you and your friends are allowed to enter Candlekeep!"

…………

The dark door opened, and Aaron glanced at the door made of special materials with interest. He could clearly sense that the entire Candle Keep was protected by a powerful magic. At a certain moment when he entered the Candle Keep, he The power of Tzeentch within the body was obviously suppressed.

Ogma, the god of knowledge?

Relying on the books provided by Aaron, he, Eleanor and others were allowed to enter Candlekeep and stay for ten days. There would be a Candlekeep monk who would be responsible for accompanying them, arranging accommodation and food, and providing copying and query services, which also had a sense of surveillance.

The Candlekeep monk who came to accompany Aaron was named Rubick. He wore a thick hooded cloak and a mask, so that except for his height and a pair of green eyes, Rubick did not reveal any appearance features. He also served as a knowledge Priest of the god Ogma and one of the monks of Candlekeep.

"Candlekeep welcomes you very much, Lord Aaron Salian." Rubick's dull voice came from behind his cloak and mask: "Your nine volumes and astral magic have benefited the whole country a lot. "

"This is also my honor." Aaron followed Rubick and passed through the gate of Candlekeep. The first thing he fell into was a huge courtyard. The entire sloping cobblestone courtyard was empty, leading directly to the Candlekeep Library. There are only some buildings on both sides of the main entrance of the museum. On the left hand side, the "Namer's Residence", the temple of Ogma, the God of Knowledge, is obviously newly built. There is Ogma's holy emblem on the top of the white stone building complex.

The blacksmith shop and stables are adjacent to the namer's residence, providing services to adventurers. In the stables, there are not only shining horses, but also a small number of griffons and flying dragons.

This made Aaron couldn't help but think of Dalonglong. He couldn't help laughing when he thought about the way Dalonglong was locked behind the fence.

"Pfft~Hahaha~" The one who laughed faster than Aaron was the eldest lady Charlotte. The eldest lady who had soul synchronization with Aaron already had a picture in her mind. The big dragon Egil was lying pitifully. The scene of sticking her head into the trough among the thatch, only to be stuck by the dragon's horn made Charlotte couldn't help laughing, covering her mouth and snickering.

Charlotte's laughter broke the silence, and Rubick said proactively: "Before arranging accommodation, let me explain the rules of Candlekeep. You must be very clear about it, but I still have to repeat it in the hope that it will not appear. Unnecessary circumstances, such as being expelled from the castle and becoming a member of Candlekeep's undesirable list."

"All debates must follow the basic rules of kindness and discussion. No violence is allowed. Even if you disagree with his views, you should respect their right to speak."

"No theft is allowed. This rule is not limited to books, but includes all items in Candlekeep."

"Copying is not allowed. You can write whatever you want, but any act of transcribing complete fragments is not allowed. If you need it, Ogma's scribes will provide paid services."

"It is not allowed to modify any work by marking, erasing, deleting, etc."

Rubick described the rules in Candlekeep in detail, and after getting the consent of Aaron and others, he said: "The journey is long and hard. Now please let me arrange accommodation for you."

"Wait a moment." At the right time, Aaron took out two letters from his body: "I have two pen pals in Candlekeep, Mr. Rubick, can you help me find them?"

"Pen pal?" Rubick took the letter from Aaron.

According to the rules of Candlekeep, foreign visitors can only move in the empty court outside Candlekeep, and are not allowed to enter other places. If you want to go further into Candlekeep, you need permission from a higher authority, and the monks of Ogma are currently Is responsible for the messenger and errand work.

"Mr. Chanem and...Miss Imon?" Rubick checked the letter and found that there was nothing wrong with it.

The Ogma monk arranged for Aaron and others to stay in a hotel on the south side of the Kongting.

After Rubick asked Aaron about his spending level, he recommended the "Mamba Hotel" to him.

From the outside, the hotel is only as big as two double-story bungalows, but when you enter the hotel, you will find that it is a large hotel with 24 rooms - the "Mordenkainen Mansion" is fixed inside the hotel.

With a purple and gold plaque, a black snake sign, and an 8-meter-long bar at the entrance, the owner of the hotel, Prigozin, warmly entertained Aaron and others. He gave the five guests vodka spirits and black big drinks. , beetroot soup, and invite them to taste the hotel's specialty - beef stew with potatoes.

The boss Prigozhin seemed very enthusiastic when he had a big customer. The middle-aged boss with a big bald head not only entertained Aaron and others personally, but also cooked the dishes himself. A series of souvenirs and military achievements were framed on the mahogany walls of the hotel. The chapter tells the story of the boss's glorious mercenary history and his illustrious military exploits, but it is unclear about the monarch he once served.

In normal times, Aaron might be interested in hearing the chef boss talk about his glory days, but at this time, the news about the Skaven, Be'lak, Baldur's Gate, and the Sons of Baal made Aaron unable to concentrate, and he was anxious. , waiting for Rubick to come back.

After waiting for more than two hours, at around 4 p.m., Rubick finally came back with the news.

"Your Excellency, Miss Eamonn of the Winthrop family likes your gift very much. She has heard your name and agreed to accept your invitation." Rubick handed a reply letter into Aaron's hand.

good news! Imoen! One of the sons of Baal!

Aaron nodded in his mind. As the protagonist's sister, Aaron, who has played Baldur's Gate before, naturally likes Imoen very much. She is one of the few characters in the game who can join the team with almost no requirements for the protagonist. From the beginning Accompanying the protagonist Chanem until the throne of Baal, Imoen is always there.

It's a pity that Aaron didn't play to the end of the "Baldur's Gate" series because the game process was too long. When he was in middle school and high school, his parents only allowed him to play on the computer for 2 hours a week. "Gate of Virtue" is relatively boring and complicated, and several endings were told by other players on some game forums.

This is indeed good news, indicating that Beelak did not realize that the two Sons of Baal were hiding in Candlekeep!

"But, sir, I think you must be mistaken." Rubick took out a second letter: "You...Gulfray (Aaron doesn't remember whether Chanem's adoptive father is named Godwin or Grover) The adopted son of Lei, what happened to Ge... Chanem? I asked everyone in Candlekeep, and there is no one named Chanem, no."

What?

Aaron's brows furrowed: "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure, there is no one named Chanem in the entire Candlekeep. Your Excellency, you must be mistaken. I swear in the name of Ogma that what I tell is the truth." Rubick was extremely sure.

This left Aaron puzzled.

Impossible, Imoen is here, how could Chanem not be there?

The majestic protagonist of the Baldur's Gate series is nowhere to be found?

Updated, please vote~