1. Candlekeep

Prelude

• If you choose to play a thief character or a warrior-type with tremendous strength, there are a few key items inside Winthrop's Inn that can help you to get a running start in the game. On the second floor of the Inn in an empty room to the north, you can obtain a star saphire (interesting spelling in the Sword Coast) gem, which you can sell for a whopping 1,000 gold (but you'll need to put almost all of your thieving abilities into opening locks when you create your character). There's also a potion of clarity in another one of the guest rooms. In the room behind Winthrop's counter there's a container with mage scrolls of armor and infravision.
  

• Talk to Phlydia who's hanging out just northeast of Candlekeep Inn, and then find and return her book, which is located in one of the haystacks at the top of the Candlekeep map. Dreppin is also near the haystacks.
  

• You'll be attacked by a would-be assassin, Shank, in the building at the top of the Candlekeep map. He's a complete wimp if you're a warrior or priest character, but mages might want to use a magic missile or other offensive spell to take him out quickly.
  

• You can purchase the following magical items at the temple: potions of health, antidote, elixir of health, and stone to flesh scrolls.
  

• Talk to Reever and kill the rats that are staging a vicious battle with two cats in the storeroom. There's a silver ring in a barrel at the north end of the room.
  

• Imoen will greet you when you enter the inner grounds, but she won't join your party at this stage.
  

• Another assassin, Carbos, will attack you when you enter the bunkhouse in the southern portion of Candlekeep.
  

• There are a few extra coins in the chest outside the bunkhouse and in a barrel out in the open a little to the southeast of that chest.
  

• Once you've completed all of the mini-quests, ensure that your character is as well equipped as your available gold and character class permit. Pick up an extra bow and a few additional packs of arrows, and perhaps a couple additional potions of healing from the temple.

Area map for Candlekeep, where your adventure will begin.