Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk expands the classic Lost Mine of Phandelver into a comprehensive campaign‚ spanning levels 1-12‚ offering new adventures‚ locations‚ and challenges for players and DMs alike.
Expansion of the Lost Mine of Phandelver
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk transforms the original adventure into a sprawling campaign‚ extending character progression from level 1 to 12 with enhanced depth and complexity.
2.1. Overview of the Original Adventure
The original Lost Mine of Phandelver was a beloved starter adventure from 2014‚ introducing players to the world of Dungeons & Dragons. It guided characters from level 1 to 5‚ exploring the town of Phandalin and its surroundings. Key locations included the Cragmaw Hideout‚ Wave Echo Cave‚ and the mine itself‚ with a mix of combat‚ exploration‚ and roleplay. The adventure established a foundational story that Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk builds upon‚ expanding its scope and depth for a broader campaign experience.
2.2. Key Enhancements and Additions in the New Version
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk enhances the original adventure by extending the campaign to level 12‚ introducing new locations like the Underdark‚ and deepening the region’s lore. It adds detailed encounters‚ expanded NPCs‚ and fresh plot threads‚ including the mysterious shattered obelisk. Resources for Dungeon Masters‚ such as maps‚ handouts‚ and troubleshooting tips‚ are also included‚ enriching the storytelling experience for both new and veteran players and DMs alike.
The Shattered Obelisk: A Central Plot Element
The shattered obelisk serves as a mysterious catalyst‚ tying Phandalin’s surface dangers to the looming threats of the Underdark‚ driving the adventure’s core narrative and conflicts forward.
3.1. The Role of the Obelisk in the Adventure
The shattered obelisk is a pivotal element‚ connecting Phandalin’s surface threats to the Underdark’s deeper dangers. It serves as both a plot driver and a physical landmark‚ guiding players through escalating conflicts and mysteries. Its fragments hold ancient secrets‚ influencing key events and antagonist motivations‚ while its presence shapes the adventure’s progression and ultimate resolution‚ making it integral to the campaign’s narrative structure and player engagement.
3.2. Connections to Phandalin and the Underdark
The shattered obelisk bridges Phandalin’s surface world with the Underdark’s hidden realms‚ linking local threats to deeper‚ darker dangers. Its presence draws malevolent forces from below‚ endangering Phandalin and its people. This connection enriches the adventure’s setting‚ offering a seamless transition between the town’s familiar surroundings and the mysterious‚ perilous Underdark‚ creating a cohesive narrative that expands the world for both new and veteran players to explore and engage with.
New Locations and Regions Introduced
The adventure expands Phandalin’s surroundings‚ introducing new regions above ground and delving into the Underdark’s depths‚ offering fresh exploration opportunities and dangers for players to discover and overcome.
4.1. Phandalin and Its Surroundings
Phandalin remains a central hub‚ offering a charming yet perilous setting. New locations nearby include hidden ruins‚ dense forests‚ and forgotten settlements‚ each brimming with secrets and encounters. The town’s history is enriched with deeper lore‚ while its surroundings provide ample opportunities for exploration and questing. These expanded areas allow players to uncover hidden dangers and alliances‚ making Phandalin a vibrant base for their adventures both above and below ground.
4.2. The Underdark and Its Dangers
The Underdark emerges as a perilous realm‚ filled with ancient secrets and lurking threats. The shattered obelisk’s influence resonates deeply‚ drawing adventurers into its dark expanse. Drow cities‚ treacherous tunnels‚ and bizarre creatures await‚ testing even the bravest heroes. Political intrigue and hidden temples add layers of complexity‚ while the ever-present danger of undead and fungal horrors looms. The Underdark’s mysteries and perils are as captivating as they are deadly‚ making it a compelling yet ominous destination in this expanded campaign.
Level Progression and Campaign Structure
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk offers an expansive campaign‚ guiding players from level 1 to 12‚ seamlessly integrating with the original Lost Mine of Phandelver.
5.1. From Level 1 to 12: A Comprehensive Campaign
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk provides a complete journey from level 1 to 12‚ building upon the original Lost Mine of Phandelver. Starting in the familiar town of Phandalin‚ the adventure expands into the Underdark‚ introducing new locations and complex encounters. Designed for both new and experienced players‚ the campaign offers a balanced mix of exploration‚ combat‚ and role-playing opportunities. It seamlessly integrates with the original adventure while adding depth and richness to the world.
5.2. Integration with the Lost Mine of Phandelver
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk seamlessly integrates with the original Lost Mine of Phandelver adventure‚ retaining its core story and expanding upon it. The initial sections mirror the classic starter campaign‚ ensuring a smooth transition for players familiar with the original. This integration allows DMs to easily incorporate the new content‚ while players experience a natural progression into the expanded world and its deeper mysteries;
Resources for Dungeon Masters
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk offers Dungeon Masters maps‚ handouts‚ troubleshooting tips‚ and art‚ featuring set dressing and NPCs to enrich and streamline their campaigns effectively.
6.1. Maps‚ Handouts‚ and Troubleshooting Tips
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk provides an array of resources for Dungeon Masters‚ including detailed maps‚ handouts‚ and troubleshooting tips. These tools enhance gameplay by offering visual aids and narrative depth. Maps are optimized for both physical printing and virtual tabletops (VTTs)‚ ensuring flexibility for all playstyles. Handouts enrich the story with additional lore and NPCs‚ while troubleshooting tips help DMs navigate potential challenges smoothly‚ making the adventure more engaging and immersive for players.
6.2. Art and Official Maps for VTTs
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk features stunning artwork and official maps designed to enhance gameplay‚ particularly for Virtual Tabletops (VTTs). The maps are meticulously optimized for platforms like D&D Beyond and Roll20‚ ensuring crisp visuals and seamless integration. Battlemaps‚ including locations like the Goblin Ambush Road and Cragmaw Hideout‚ are resized for clarity and ease of use. This art enhances immersion‚ bringing Phandalin‚ its surroundings‚ and the Underdark to life for players and DMs alike‚ making the adventure visually dynamic and engaging.
Availability and Formats
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk is available as a PDF download through platforms like D&D Beyond and DriveThruRPG‚ as well as in physical copies from Amazon and local game stores.
7.1. PDF and Physical Copies
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk is available in both PDF and physical formats. The PDF can be purchased through platforms like D&D Beyond and DriveThruRPG‚ while the physical copy is available on Amazon and in local game stores. This ensures accessibility for both digital and traditional tabletop enthusiasts. The adventure was officially released on September 19‚ 2023‚ making it a recent addition to the D&D resource library.
7.2. Digital Platforms and VTT Compatibility
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk is available on digital platforms like D&D Beyond and DriveThruRPG‚ ensuring easy access for virtual tabletop (VTT) play. Official maps and resources are optimized for platforms such as Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds‚ enhancing online gameplay. The PDF includes high-resolution maps and artwork‚ while cropped and resized versions are provided for VTT compatibility. This ensures seamless integration for digital adventurers‚ making the adventure accessible and engaging in both physical and virtual formats.
Community Reception and Reviews
Players and DMs praise Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk for its engaging narrative‚ expanded lore‚ and additional resources‚ making it a must-have for fans of the original adventure.
8.1. Player and DM Feedback
Players and DMs have praised Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk for its engaging narrative and expanded lore. The adventure offers a fresh experience while maintaining the charm of the original. DMs appreciate the enhanced resources‚ detailed maps‚ and troubleshooting tips‚ which streamline campaign management. Players enjoy the new challenges and deeper character progression. The expansion to level 12 and integration with the Underdark have been particularly well-received‚ providing a comprehensive and immersive experience for both new and veteran players.
8.2. Comparisons to the Original Adventure
Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk builds upon the original Lost Mine of Phandelver‚ addressing past issues and enhancing beloved elements. While the starter adventure concluded at level 5‚ the new version extends to level 12‚ offering a more expansive journey. The updated campaign features deeper lore‚ new locations‚ and refined encounters‚ appealing to both fans of the original and newcomers. The integration of the Underdark adds richness‚ making it a fuller and more dynamic experience compared to its predecessor.