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Unveiling D&D's Phandelver and Below: Shattered Obelisk - A Deep Dive into the Forgotten Realms

Updated: Sep 16, 2023


Greetings, adventurers! Gather around the campfire as we delve into the upcoming Dungeons & Dragons campaign book, Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk. This thrilling adventure is set to take us back to the beloved region of the Forgotten Realms: Phandalin. So, grab your dice, ready your character sheets, and let's embark on this journey together! #DnD #ForgottenRealms #Phandalin


A Return to Familiar Grounds

Phandelver and Below:

The Shattered Obelisk is a prewritten adventure that transports us back to the quaint, yet mysterious town of Phandalin. This town holds a special place in the hearts of many players, as it was the setting for the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign that came with the Dungeons & Dragons starter set from 2014. For many, it was their first foray into the magical world of 5E and tabletop roleplaying games. #LostMinesofPhandelver #DnD5E


A Classic Adventure with a Dark Twist

In an interview with several online media outlets, a representative from Wizards of the Coast described Phandelver and Below as a "traditional fantasy adventure with a classic D&D feel and a dark and foreboding twist that's got a horror movie feel." The campaign will deepen the mystery of the obelisks found across Faerûn and center on a sinister plot hatched by a group of goblins. #WizardsOfTheCoast #Faerun


New Player Options and More

Phandelver and Below:

The Shattered Obelisk isn't just about the story. It also introduces new player options, including magic items, a bestiary, and a progression that takes players from level 1 to level 12 when played in its entirety. It's a treasure trove of new content for both new and seasoned players alike. #DnDAdventure


A Journey into the Underdark

In this high-fantasy adventure, you'll start with the familiar story of Lost Mine of Phandelver and then delve into the perilous Underdark. A malevolent cult threatens to overtake the region, and it's up to you and your party to solve the mysteries and stamp out the growing corruption. #Underdark #DnDCampaign


Awaiting the Fantasy Grounds Unity VTT Adaptation

We're curious to see how well the content is set up and written, and how it adapts into the Fantasy Grounds Unity VTT platform. This platform has been a game-changer for many D&D groups, and we're eager to see how this new adventure will play out on it. #FantasyGroundsUnity #VTT

Recommended VTT Maps if you wish to supply your own with Devin Knight Tokens! DM's Guild Bundle & Resources: Link to DMS Guild Bundle! You will have to add your own line of sight and assets, but the dip is set to 72 px and are optimized to be used VTTs. The Roll20 versions are 140 px per inch.


Art is the property of Wizards of the Coast ©


An Epic Campaign: Tying the Old with the New

One of the most exciting aspects of Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk is the potential to tie it in with the original Lost Mine of Phandelver and the D&D Essentials starter sets. This creates an opportunity for Dungeon Masters to craft an epic campaign that spans multiple adventures and settings, all while maintaining a consistent narrative thread.


Art is the property of Wizards of the Coast ©


"From Below the Shattered Obelisk": A Deep Dive into Mystery, Lore, and Adventure

Introduction:


The adventure "From Below the Shattered Obelisk" is a quintessential dungeoneering experience for parties level 1-12. It invites adventurers to explore the beloved town of Phandalin, solve mysteries, and battle creatures warped beyond recognition. This guide takes a closer look at the rich lore, captivating storytelling, and thrilling gameplay that make this adventure a must-play for Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts.


The Adventure's Call

Phandalin: A Town Plagued by Evil

Phandalin, once a peaceful town, is now plagued by a malevolent cult. The adventure begins with familiar elements, such as goblins causing problems and bandits lurking. But as the heroes delve deeper, they uncover a horrifying plot that threatens the very soul of Phandalin.


The Shattered Obelisk:
A Mystery Unfolds-

The Shattered Obelisk, an ancient relic, holds the key to the adventure. Its pieces are scattered, and its powers are coveted by dark forces. The obelisk's history is intertwined with the Netherese Empire, and its secrets could reshape the world.


A Journey Through Time and Space

Classic Beginnings: Remastered Adventure

The adventure starts with a remastered version of the "Lost Might of Phandelver." The heroes must reclaim a lost mine taken over by a villain, but this is only the beginning of a much grander tale.


Eldritch Twists: The Sleepy Hamlet Transformed-

Phandalin falls under an ancient and evil Eldritch influence, transforming everything, including the goblins, whom gain psionic powers. The adventure takes some unexpected turns, leading to otherworldly places filled with slime, voids, and unimaginable horrors.


The Underdark and Beyond: A World of Wonder and Terror:

The heroes must venture into the Underdark and far-reaching realms, facing challenges that defy imagination. The dungeons they explore are filled with history, treasures, and creatures that tell the story of a world both wondrous and terrifying.


Creatures and Challenges

  • Psionic Goblins: The psionic goblins, now imbued with mysterious powers, ransack the village of Phandalin. They vandalize important locations and steal fragments of the Shattered Obelisk, a dark stone infused with a distinctive green hue. These actions are part of a nefarious plot that the adventurers must unravel, leading them on a journey filled with danger and intrigue.

  • Ashen Whites: Undead miners, forever trapped in their earthly toil, provide a glimpse into a tragic past.

  • Mutates and Monstrosities: From a Cloaker with a Dwarven skull to a brain that spews its offspring, the adventure is teaming with unique and horrifying creatures.

  • Duergar: The Gray Dwarves: The adventure delves into the lore of the Duergar, the gray dwarves of the Underdark. Their grim culture, connection to dark powers, and complex history add depth and intrigue.

Gameplay and Exploration

  • Dungeon Crawling Mastery: Explore dungeons with environmental storytelling, uncovering the tales of those who came before. The dungeons are filled with old magic items, treasures, and creatures that have been around since the very beginning.

  • Magic and Mystery: Discover new magic items that tell stories of ancient complexes and assist in your quests. The green color found in the art and visuals throughout the book is an indicator of strange happenings.

  • Race Against Time: The adventure becomes a thrilling race against the clock, where every decision matters, and the stakes are unimaginably high. The characters must beat the evil overlords to the pieces of the Shattered Obelisk and stop a ritual that threatens the entire town of Phandalin.


and Finally..

"From Below the Shattered Obelisk" is an exploration of a world filled with mystery, lore, and endless possibilities. It invites players to become part of a living story, where they can shape the future and uncover the past. Whether battling psionic goblins, exploring ancient dungeons, or unraveling the secrets of the Shattered Obelisk, this adventure offers a gaming experience that is both profound and exhilarating. The world of "From Below the Shattered Obelisk" awaits, and the adventure is set to release on September 19th, 2023. Prepare to embark on a journey that will challenge your mind, stir your imagination, and ignite your adventurous spirit!


So, adventurers, are you ready to return to Phandalin and uncover the mysteries of the Shattered Obelisk? Let's gear up and get ready for an unforgettable journey! #PhandelverAndBelow #ShatteredObelisk


Art is the property of Wizards of the Coast ©


Reserved for September 19th:

--Coming soon--

Remember to follow us or sign up for more updates and insights into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Until next time, happy adventuring! We will add to this article once the adventure is released in early September.


Art is the property of Wizards of the Coast ©



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