The man looks at Klin and raises an eyebrow at your claims, "It has been my experience that many monasteries in Faerun greatly overestimate the rarity of their works. However, should your words be true the gates to Candlekeep will open to you without pause." He takes the book passes it off not bothering to look at it. He shifts his gaze around you see how many more remain. "My quiet a busy day..." He sighs to no one in particular.

Pardot slowly walks over to the Dwarf on the ground, and noticing that he may be alive, pulls one of the berries he'd created the previous day from his pocket and puts it in his mouth. Though disgusted by the dwarf's weight, the smell doesn't bother Pardot much. He then looks to the men at the gate, but waits to see if the dwarf begins moving before heading over hoping to gain entrance.

Pardot -- Placing the berry in his mouth you are hit with blast of the putrid smell of recent vomit, please make a constitution save (DC10 to prevent yourself from reflexively vomiting). 

The dwarf does seem to breathe a bit easier after "eating" the berry as his chest rises a bit more vigorously and he moves air more strongly. Unfortunately this causes him to start snoring.... loudly....

"Well, that IS good to hear. I would hate to have a death on the day we get to enter this glorious library. " Triäsa seems relieved.

"Did you all give the monk your book for entrance?  He just took mine - without hardly a word."

She looks back towards the entrance. "I wonder how long until they will be back to let me in."   She sounds very certain,  but her quick glances back betray her nervousness.  "I should probably head back over there to wait..."

As Pardot approaches the dwarf, Daventry makes her way to the monks. She takes out her own book from her pack, and rather unceremoniously dumps it in the hands of the monk.

"Spellbook. You can learn somethin' on the unique ways this particular fella sought to control the Weave."

She turns to go back and wait, but pauses. She faces the monk and points with her thumb over her shoulder at the dwarf. "Oh, and ol' Barleybreath over there's got Dances with Dwarves, if'n you care. Keep ya from waiting with your britches clenched in suspense."

"I most certainly do not care... but thank you for this. Now please wait off to the side we are almost through the que. NEXT!" He says to Pardot before moving on with his duties.

Quickly holding his breath to avoid the putrid smell coming from the dwarf, Pardot is at least glad to see that he is certainly alive. Though death is natural, it was not in the stars to happen today. Today is the day he learns more about the signs he's seen.

Approaching the monk Pardot takes his backpack off, and going through it gingerly takes out the only thing of real value in it. A rather large swath of leather rolled up. Handling it carefully he unrolls it showing the monk a rather intricate map of the stars on such a medium. He says simply, "All the stars and their movements over the last three centuries, as recorded from a mesa in the Anauroch."

The pair of scholars collect each of your books and once all of the pages have been handed over and collected, he again speaks to the entire courtyard, “Thank you for your time and contributions. Please excuse us as we query the library for other copies. We shall only be a moment.” The pair then turn and leave behind the wall and out of sight.

About 15 minutes later the two return with a smaller stack of books. The larger figure again looks out toward the grass where you all are waiting and speaks in the booming voice you first heard. He says, “The following individuals have been approved for entry. Please step forward when your name is called. If your name is not called, we shall return your books as the knowledge contained in these tomes is already a part of Candlekeep’s collection. If you find more interesting items you may always return and try to gain entry again.”

He draws himself more upright and clearing his voice announces, “I Kalan Strongbranch, as Gate Warden of the great library of Candlekeep, recognize the following individuals for their contributions to the great collection and thereby grant them the title of Seeker, access to the Court of Air and it’s resources including the Avowed for a period no longer than two ten-days. Please step forward Seekers -- Daventry O’Wyrwood, Ludolf Crowley, Pardot Kynes, Triasa Galadon and Klin Thorsire.” As he finishes speaking you see him mumble something under his breath the gates to the library swing open allowing you to pass onto the scared grounds.

Entering through the iron gates you get your first sense at how truly massive this compound is. You find yourself in an enormous courtyard which is devoid of any greenery. The ground is completely covered with immaculately maintained cobblestones and stretches hundreds of feet to the in all directions. Despite the lack of trees and grass the courtyard is full of life and activity. Acolytes in a variety of robes are busy walking with books in all directions. In addition to these residents you see a couple of outsiders walking the paths speaking with each other. To the south there are a number of buildings neatly nestled against the walls, smoke rising from the largest while to the north you again see the tall odd shaped towers you noted from outside though they are situated beyond a smaller wall you could not see before. Behind you see the smaller figure returning books to those who were not selected for entry

"Hah, romance." Ludulf bursts out as Daventry comments on the dwarfs book. "No subject for real literature." He adds in disdain.

To gain acceptance Ludolf presents Mysteriis of the Far Realm, a Treatise on the Unfathomable, Unknown Author, written in Deep Speech using Espruar script.

"What is this, where´s the great library?" Ludolf mutters to himself looking around the enormous courtyard for where to go next, glancing over at the others that got accepted for any sign of them knowing where to head next. He just now realizes the others are in fact the talkative young women, the ungrateful monk and the stargazing halfling. Unexpected but not unwelcome he thought.

Pardot is standing expectantly, and is not surprised when his name is called. He had seen something good coming in the stars no more than a fortnight past. He walks past the monk who called their names with a nod of understanding and enters the compound. Though he‘s extremely out of place in his dress and demeanor, he doesn’t even seem to notice, or at least care. Though he follows the others in, he soon begins to split from the new group and approaches the first acolyte he finds and asks simply, “Where is the observatory?” Once he receives an answer places a small berry in their hand as thanks and begins to head in that direction.

"Seeker O'Wyrwood. I like the sound of that!" Daventry muses. As she looks at the grand innards of the keep, she lets out a low whistle, an idle hand resting on her sword's ponmel. "Step up from Baldurs Gate, I'd say."

She glances around, eyes narrowing a bit. Maybe a bit lost? Turning to the other woman, Daventy speaks. "Triasa, right? So, um. What's it you've come seekin' here?" 

(Also, we will throw a Deception: 19 to attempt to hide that Ludolf insulted her and she actually really likes trashy adventure and romance novels) 

Ludolf notices Pardot leaving and a bit flustered decides to try talking to Daventry and Triäsa. "Hrm, excuse me for earlier, I admit I was a bit tense about being accepted. You wouldn´t know your way about in here?" He says uncharacteristically apologetic.

(OOC: I guess Ludolf with passive insight 12 realized that he insulted Daventry with the romance comment and is now trying to apologize.)

Triäsa congratulates the others that were admitted before heading inside.  She walks briskly,  clearly eager to enter.  She spends a moment just looking around,  talking in the fact she is actually inside Candlekeep!

Daventry's question draws her from her gazing.  "Yes, I'm Triäsa."  She thinks just a moment.  "Daventry?  My questions have to do with interplanar travel...  I think.  It was a subject my..."

At that point Ludolf interrupts and Triäsa pauses then addresses the man.  "Hello again. As a matter of fact,  I DID study the maps of Candlekeep back at the Vault of Sages.  And Kiln there had a map he was looking at earlier." 

As Pardot starts walking by Kalan stops him saying, “We do have a wonderful observatory on the top of the Pillars. We will help you gain access, but I do need your attention for just a moment longer. I know it feels like you are on the rails a bit but getting settled here can be overwhelming” He smiles for the first time at the group, you can tell he senses your eagerness to explore but continues, “Welcome to Candlekeep Seekers. I hope you find what you are looking for. I can tell you are eager to begin your queries but I must ask you to be patient with us for a bit longer. If you could accompany young Fembris here for a brief orientation. Think of this as a holy site of knowledge and like most holy sites we have rules.” As he finishes speaking he turns on his heel not waiting for a reply and quickly walks off to the west.

You are left standing with the smaller hooded acolyte who drops her cowl revealing a young gnome with short blonde hair. On her face she wears the largest, toothiest smile you have ever seen. “Welcome! Welcome! It’s always such a pleasure to meet new people, it doesn’t happen too much anymore! I am Fembris and you all seem so interesting and the books you brought so different! Truly a wonderful day. I can’t remember the last time we admitted so many people at once!! I do hope they have enough space at the House of Rest…” She speaks with a degree of pressure and speed almost as if she doesn’t get the words out now her very head may explode from their presence. “Now if you could spare me a moment a few things we need to go over before we get to work on your requests! I promise to answer all your questions and give you ample time to explore but there are a few very important rules we absolutely must discuss!”

“To make the most of your time here at Candlekeep. First, we have three rules.” She says emphatically holding up four fingers. “Rule number 1! Absolutely no fighting! This is a place of learning not one to be swinging swords and axes everywhere. If you are looking for trouble I hear there is a mine near that new settlement of Phandelver that needs some help… Rule number 2! No stealing that one seems rather obvious, but you’d be surprised what people try. Rule 3! Don’t alter or destroy the books… also rather obvious I suppose. Rule number 4! No copying the books. If you need a copy we are happy to provide that for you through the House of the Binder at our standard charges. And finally rule number 5! Do not try to enter the main library. Seekers are not allowed past the Emerald Door. We, the Avowed, are happy to get any relevant books for you and bring them to your work space in the Pillars of Pedagogy. Violation of the rules will result in a swift dismal from the library and banishment from the grounds thus barring you from re-entry in the future even if you bring Oghma’s Diary with you…. I wonder if that exists…..” Her voice trails off before she quickly snaps back to the moment before continuing.

“Please write down on the parchment before you what you topics would like us to research and we will get to work straight away on your requests. It can take some time to find the right tomes but we will have something for you by this evening. All queries are kept confidential if you are worried about that sort of thing.” She then reaches into robes and pulls out a few pieces of parchment and a map. Handing one to each of you. “This is a map of the Court of Air feel free to explore any of these locations. We have prepared rooms for each of you in the House of Rest and there is food and drink at The Hearth. I am happy to answer any questions you might have otherwise please go explore and learn!!”

Ah, our own guide, splendid, Ludolf thinks as Fembris introduces herself.
As Fembris finishes Ludolf steps forward and scribbles some words on the paper in front of him, handing it to the guide.