Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk ⎻ An Overview
This D&D 5e adventure expands the Lost Mine of Phandelver, taking players from levels 1-12. Available as a PDF, it features a high-fantasy story set in Phandalin, facing escalating threats both above and below ground.
What is Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk?
Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk is a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition adventure book, a significant expansion upon the classic Lost Mine of Phandelver starter set campaign. Unlike its predecessor, which concludes around level 5, this adventure provides a much more extensive campaign experience, guiding players through a compelling narrative arc that spans levels 1 to 12. The campaign is centered around the town of Phandalin, initially familiar to players of the original adventure, but now facing unprecedented dangers that stretch far beneath its surface. The adventure is available digitally as a PDF download, offering convenient access for players and Dungeon Masters alike. Expect a thrilling journey filled with challenging encounters, intricate storylines, and the opportunity to fully explore the rich world of Phandalin and its hidden depths. The PDF provides detailed maps, illustrations, and narrative descriptions, ensuring a richly immersive experience for everyone involved.
A Sequel to Lost Mine of Phandelver
Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk serves as a substantial expansion and sequel to the wildly popular Lost Mine of Phandelver, the introductory adventure included in the 2014 D&D Starter Set. While Lost Mine provided a taste of the D&D 5e experience, concluding around level 5, The Shattered Obelisk significantly extends the storyline and gameplay, offering a complete campaign spanning levels 1 through 12. This sequel retains the beloved setting of Phandalin, building upon its established lore and characters while introducing new challenges and mysteries. Familiar locations are revisited, but with a fresh perspective and expanded depth, allowing for both returning players and newcomers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. The expanded scale and intricacy of The Shattered Obelisk cater to players seeking a longer, more involved campaign experience within the familiar yet enhanced world of Phandalin and its subterranean secrets. The PDF format makes this extended campaign easily accessible.
Level Range and Campaign Scope
Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk is designed for a significant level progression, catering to characters from level 1 all the way to level 12. This expansive level range allows for substantial character development and a compelling narrative arc, unlike its predecessor, Lost Mine of Phandelver, which concluded around level 5. The campaign’s scope is considerably broader, encompassing not only the town of Phandalin but also its surrounding regions and the treacherous Underdark below. Players will encounter a diverse range of challenges, from surface-level skirmishes and social encounters to deep, perilous delves into the subterranean depths. The extended level range allows for greater tactical complexity and strategic decision-making as characters gain new abilities and face progressively difficult foes. This extended campaign provides a substantial and fulfilling roleplaying experience, offering a significant investment of time and engagement for players and Dungeon Masters alike. The PDF version ensures easy access to this extensive adventure.
The Story and Setting
This D&D adventure unfolds in Phandalin, a town threatened by an ominous presence lurking beneath. The story involves dual plots⁚ surface-level intrigue and an Underdark-based mystery.
The Threat Beneath Phandalin
Phandelin, the beloved town from the original Lost Mine of Phandelver, finds itself facing a new and far more sinister threat. This time, the danger isn’t just limited to surface-level goblin skirmishes or a simple mine-related dispute. Instead, a far more ancient and powerful evil stirs beneath the town, its tendrils reaching up to corrupt and destabilize the lives of the townsfolk. This malevolent presence, hinted at but not fully revealed in the initial adventure, is now the central focus, demanding the heroes delve into the depths of the Underdark and uncover the source of this encroaching darkness. The familiar streets of Phandalin become a stage for a much larger conflict, where the players will uncover long-forgotten secrets and face challenges far exceeding those of their previous encounters. The stakes are higher, the mystery is deeper, and the threat is far more insidious than anything encountered before. The peaceful façade of Phandalin masks a terrifying truth, and the heroes must act quickly to prevent utter devastation.
Two Main Plots⁚ Surface and Underground
Unlike its predecessor, Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk cleverly weaves together two distinct, yet interconnected, storylines. The surface plot involves uncovering the reasons behind the increased goblin activity and unrest plaguing Phandalin and its surrounding areas. This investigation leads the players through familiar locations, interacting with established characters, and uncovering a conspiracy far larger than initially apparent. Simultaneously, a subterranean plot unfolds, drawing the players into the depths beneath Phandalin. Here, they confront a far more ancient and powerful threat, one that could potentially consume not only Phandalin but also the surrounding region. These two plots, though initially separate, eventually converge, revealing a connection between the surface-level disturbances and the deeper, more sinister forces at play. The players must navigate both realms, uncovering clues and defeating enemies to unravel the full extent of the threat and ultimately save Phandalin from utter destruction.
Phandalin and Surrounding Areas
Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk utilizes and expands upon the familiar setting of Phandalin, the charming town from the original Lost Mine of Phandelver. Players will revisit recognizable locations, encountering both familiar faces and new challenges within the town itself. The adventure, however, doesn’t confine itself to Phandalin’s borders. The surrounding region plays a significant role, offering a variety of new environments to explore. These areas, carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with the original setting, provide opportunities for thrilling encounters and crucial discoveries. Whether it’s venturing into the treacherous wilderness surrounding Phandalin, delving into forgotten ruins, or exploring hidden caves, the expanded setting offers a wider scope for adventure and allows for a more immersive and engaging experience. The careful integration of new locations with established ones creates a cohesive and richly detailed world for players to discover.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Optimized for four to six players, this D&D 5e adventure features character progression from levels 1-12. Expect challenging encounters and engaging gameplay throughout.
Optimized for Four to Six Players
Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk is meticulously designed to provide the best possible experience for a party of four to six adventurers. This optimal player count ensures that every encounter presents a balanced challenge, neither overwhelming the players with insurmountable odds nor becoming trivially easy. The narrative is structured to allow for ample opportunities for each player to shine, contributing their unique skills and abilities to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. The social interactions and roleplaying opportunities are also carefully crafted to engage each member of the party, fostering collaboration and teamwork. The adventure’s pacing and encounter density are tailored to the capabilities of a group of this size, ensuring a satisfying and engaging experience without feeling rushed or dragging. This focused design choice creates a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience tailored to the ideal group size.
Character Progression (Levels 1-12)
Unlike its predecessor, Lost Mine of Phandelver, which concluded at level 5, Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk offers a significantly extended campaign arc, guiding characters through a comprehensive progression from level 1 to level 12. This expansive level range allows for substantial character development, enabling players to fully explore their chosen class features and abilities as they evolve. The challenges presented throughout the adventure are carefully calibrated to match the increasing power of the characters, ensuring that the difficulty remains engaging and rewarding without becoming frustrating or trivial. This extended progression provides a more substantial and enriching roleplaying journey, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the world and their characters’ growth over a longer period, creating a truly epic and memorable adventure.
Encounter Design and Challenges
Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk boasts a diverse array of encounters designed to test the players’ skills and tactical prowess. The challenges aren’t solely combat-focused; they incorporate puzzles, social interactions, and exploration, demanding a well-rounded approach from the party. The adventure features a dynamic mix of challenging combat encounters, ranging from small skirmishes with goblins to intense battles against powerful creatures of the Underdark. These encounters are carefully balanced to provide a satisfying challenge appropriate for the characters’ level, ensuring a thrilling and engaging experience. Clever solutions and strategic thinking are often rewarded, encouraging players to think outside the box and utilize their characters’ unique abilities to overcome obstacles.
Resources and Availability
The Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk PDF is available for purchase online. Official maps and art are included; fan-created resources also supplement the adventure.
PDF Download and Purchase Options
Acquiring the Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk adventure is straightforward. While a physical copy is available at various game stores and online retailers like Amazon, many players opt for the digital PDF version. This allows for immediate access and convenient portability. The PDF provides all the necessary content – the full adventure text, detailed maps, and artwork. Several online platforms offer the PDF for purchase, often providing a direct download link after successful payment. Be aware of unofficial sources, always purchasing from reputable sellers to ensure you receive an authentic and legally obtained copy. This protects both your investment and Wizards of the Coast’s intellectual property rights. Downloading from unauthorized sources might expose you to corrupted files or malware. Choose your preferred method – either the physical book or the digital PDF – based on your personal preference and access to digital platforms.
Official Maps and Art
Enhancing the immersive experience of Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk are the meticulously crafted official maps and artwork included within the PDF. These visuals bring the adventure’s locations to life, providing Dungeon Masters (DMs) with detailed references for setting descriptions and encounter staging. High-resolution images depict Phandalin, its surrounding areas, and the subterranean environments. These maps are not merely static illustrations; they serve as tools to aid in strategic planning and enhance the players’ understanding of the game world. The artwork showcases the diverse characters, creatures, and environments encountered throughout the campaign, adding depth and visual appeal to the narrative. The quality of the official maps and art contributes significantly to the overall presentation and engagement of the adventure, setting a professional standard for a captivating roleplaying experience. Utilizing these assets effectively is key to a successful and memorable campaign.
Fan-Created Resources and Guides
The enthusiastic community surrounding Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk has generated a wealth of supplemental materials readily available online. These fan-created resources range from expanded bestiaries and detailed NPC descriptions to custom maps and alternative storylines. Many dedicated players and Dungeon Masters have shared their interpretations and modifications, enriching the core adventure with additional content. These guides often offer creative solutions to potential challenges, providing DMs with alternative approaches to combat encounters and narrative pacing. Some fan-made resources even offer pre-generated characters tailored to the adventure’s specific challenges. Websites, forums, and social media platforms serve as hubs for this community-driven content creation and sharing, making it easily accessible to those seeking to enhance their experience with the Shattered Obelisk. Remember to check for compatibility with the official rules and content.
Community Engagement
Online forums and social media buzz with shared campaign ideas, fan-made content, and discussions about Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk.
Online Discussions and Forums
Dedicated online communities, such as Reddit’s r/dndnext and various D&D forums, are vibrant hubs for players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) discussing Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk. These platforms facilitate the sharing of experiences, strategies, and interpretations of the adventure’s intricate plotlines and challenging encounters. Users actively exchange homebrew content, custom maps, and modified rules tailored specifically to enhance the Shattered Obelisk campaign. Discussions range from tactical advice on specific battles to creative solutions for roleplaying challenges presented by the adventure’s diverse cast of characters and factions. The collaborative spirit fostered by these online communities strengthens the overall player experience and enriches the gameplay, transforming a solitary adventure into a shared narrative journey.
Fan Content and Modifications
The enthusiastic community surrounding Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk has generated a wealth of fan-created content. This includes custom maps enhancing the existing visuals, providing alternative perspectives of key locations, and adding detail to the descriptions within the official PDF. Players have developed new monsters, side quests, and narrative expansions, significantly deepening the adventure’s lore and replayability. These additions often address perceived gaps in the original material or offer fresh challenges for experienced players. Some fans have even created completely new storylines that intertwine with or build upon the events of The Shattered Obelisk, showcasing the flexibility and adaptability of the adventure’s core framework. This dedicated community contribution significantly extends the adventure’s lifespan and creative potential.
Shared Experiences and Campaign Ideas
Online forums and communities dedicated to Phandelver and Below⁚ The Shattered Obelisk buzz with shared campaign experiences and innovative ideas. Players discuss their unique approaches to tackling encounters, sharing creative solutions and unexpected twists. DM’s exchange advice on adapting the adventure to suit various player styles and group dynamics. The collaborative spirit fosters a sense of shared ownership, enriching the overall experience for everyone involved. Discussions often revolve around integrating fan-created content, creating cohesive narratives, and maximizing the potential of the adventure’s flexible framework. Players frequently share memorable moments, humorous anecdotes, and inspiring tales of overcoming challenging encounters, creating a vibrant and supportive community centered around a shared love for this expansive D&D adventure.