If you’ve played Dungeon & Dragons since 2014, chances are you’re familiar with the Lost Mine of Phandelver. It has been a staple for almost ten years, providing easy 1-5 level sessions suitable for players of all ages. The adventure is well-rounded, replayable, and can easily be incorporated into larger campaigns. Even The Adventure Zone, a popular D&D podcast, started with this book, although it quickly went in its own direction.
As part of their efforts to celebrate both the classic and modern aspects of the game, publisher Wizards of the Coast has released a 200-page version of the story called Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk. This expanded version retains all the elements that made the original great, but adds a dark and challenging adventure for players who want to go beyond level 5.
For those who have played The Lost Mine of Phandelver before, the first half of the book will feel familiar, albeit with some changes. The characters have been updated to fit modern game styles and designs, and there are new graphics and maps that enhance the storytelling. Like its predecessor, this section of the adventure is accessible to players of all ages, under adult supervision.
Klarg the bugbear, still playing the writing game after all these years.
However, once you enter Chapter 5, the tone of the adventure changes. While it still follows the same overall story, it becomes clear that the challenge has escalated to match higher-level characters. Players will face new obstacles, increased difficulty, and fewer hand-holding when it comes to quests and their consequences. By the time you reach Chapter 6, it’s safe to say that this part of the adventure is more suitable for older audiences. Fortunately, stopping at Chapter 4 won’t leave younger players feeling like they’re missing out, but older players will find an intriguing journey unfolding.
It’s important to note that survival and a happy ending are not guaranteed in the second half of the adventure. Each chapter provides opportunities for the Dungeon Masters to give the players a chance to rest and regroup, but even with these opportunities, the chances of failure are high. There are options for continuing the story if the players wish, but this adventure deviates from the traditional D&D endgame experience.
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The Shattered Obelisk as a whole is a fantastic addition to the D&D lineup. Wizards of the Coast has done an excellent job in adapting the story for modern players, creating a challenging and engaging adventure suitable for players of all skill levels. This book is a must-have for any Dungeon Master looking to provide their players with interesting and lasting challenges.
