The paths of five unique travelers become intertwined along the Way of the Lion. They have come, each with deep sense of purpose, seeking knowledge at the great citadel of Candlekeep. These five individuals come from quite different backgrounds, yet they quickly coalesce into a congenial group of traveling companions as they approach the great gates. Four of these come bearing a gift, a unique book deserving of a place within, as is the requirement for entry into this bastion of knowledge. One, Waldo, a gnome druid from the Cloakwood, comes bearing a shipment of hiexel bark – a valuable resource for the library’s bookbinders. He also bears a responsibility… a promise to find the mage, Matreous, a regional expert on the study of arcane curses.
There at the great gates, the quintet are met by the three Gate Wardens on duty, each one clad in the purples robes of the Avowed and each presiding over a stone table bearing a quill, a bottle of ink, and a large record book. The are also met by a peculiar creature, the likes of which most of these travelers have never seen: a metal humanoid of some kind. It is not clear if this creature is a clockwork automaton, a conjured aberration, or a mere pet, but Waldo addresses it as DU.EE, and speaks to it in a kindly manner, clearly affording this strange specimen the respect which any sentient being deserves.
The three Gate Wardens are known to Waldo as well. After a brief exchange of greeting with a young seeker by the name of Winslow Wolcott (also known as Dubble-Dub or Dee-Dee by his mates at school), Waldo presents himself to Zor, the most stern of the three Wardens. He recommends to his travelling companions that they instead present their gifts to the much more amiable Fentrixil Greymist.
Waldo had been here many times before in his role as a supplier, and Zor for that reason is not inclined to outright bar him from entry. She does, however, find it a bit unorthodox to provide him an adjutant and allow him access to library resources without having donated a book. He argues that he has come to research a way to help the afflicted town of Mosscrick. After some debate, she relents. She offers him the services of Sprig Summerfoot, a halfling adjutant and scribe who will act as his research assistant.
Waldo lingers near the great gates, conversing with DU.EE while the others present their offerings to the Gate Wardens. They cluster near Fentrixil Greymist, hoping to get through his queue before Zor is freed up. But Grixori, the tiefling ranger, finds himself unlucky in this hope. Zor points to him and says, “You! Tiefling! Come here! State your business and let’s have a look at your offering!” He presents a book comprised of childish scrawling purported to be the memoirs of none other than the Xanathar. Zor scoffs, decalring the piece to be a fraud, although she asserts with some irony that the notorious gang-leader and beholder could conceivably be the author of such inanity. Grixori laments that he has clearly been the victim of a scam, but he has another volume at the ready. He presents a volume containing his family’s collected knowledge on the properties of nightshade. Zor rolls her eyes at the alliterative title, but cannot deny the value of this herb lore. She takes her time, perusing page after page of the voluminous work, while the patient tiefling seeker stands awaiting the verdict. At some length, she finally tires of the game, and she allows Grixori to pass.
Renn, a gnome rogue from the foothills of the Cloud Peaks, steps up to the table of Fentrixil Greymist, and offers him a children’s book that was written and illustrated by a local member of his clan. Fentrixil gushes over the adorable illustrations and admires the wit, humor, and sheer whimsy of this charming little book. He pauses in thought for a moment and ruefully explains how, despite the library maintaining a collection of children’s books, they are typically pieces of some historic import, or works of renowned artists, or culturally significant in some way. He seems nearly prepared to turn away the gnome and his darling little book, but he just can’t bring himself to be so hard-hearted. He accepts the book as a unique work of art and allows Renn to pass.
Lis, the changeling steps up next. Lis is a very serious, intense individual. He presents a hefty tome, the work of his own mind and his own pen… his life’s work, a treatise on Kelemvor, the god of the dead, and the concept of the Veil of Falsehood. Fentrixil’s glee over the childen’s book wilts in the face of such heavy subject matter, but he is no fool. He is still a very learned scholar, and understands the import of such a work. He calls his two colleagues over and they soon fall into a deep discussion about the nature of truth and deception. It is finally decided that this man’s viewpoint, even if it should be refuted, is worthy of consideration and debate. They accept the book , and Lis is allowed to pass through the great gates.
Travelling with Renn is Grabnar Stonebrow a dwarf from the Cloud Peaks. He finds himself in Zor’s line while Luvalin Eastwind and Fentrixil rustle up some adjutants for the group of seekers loitering around the great gates. Grabnar, for a tough and rugged soldier, is a bit of a babe in the woods. He has never encountered such a magnificent place, or such exotic people! Nor is he entirely familiar with the lore surrounding Candlekeep. He carries with him a book that he would like to return to the library… not realizing that Candlekeep is simply not that kind of a library. Materials do not circulate. They are not to be removed. In fact they are placed under an enchantment which prohibits their theft. So when he presents a book entitled “DU.EE Model One: Instructions and Designs for the Candlekeep Servant,” he is taken aback by her furrowed brow and barely concealed expression of concern. When she open the cover to read the inscription “Property of Candlekeep, under NO circumstances should this book be removed” she pales and her expression grows even more grave. Yet, she maintains her composure. She states in no uncertain terms that this book will remain here at the library and will not be relinquished. She tells Grabnar, “You too have doubtlessly been the victim of fraud. Nonetheless, since you did provide a book that will be of interest to the Avowed Archmages, you will be granted entry. However, be aware that the Great Readers may very well like a word with you, to discuss the source of this book.” DU.EE, standing nearby, overhears his name and, being a curious sort, approaches Zor, peering around her shoulder. She firmly shoves him away, but not before he catches a glimpse of the book… it is filled with numbers, and diagrams, and there it is again… his name.