Back in 2014, Wizards of the Coast launched the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons by introducing Lost Mine of Phandelver. This compact adventure book was included in the original Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set. Now, almost a decade later, the story comes full circle with the release of “Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk,” a substantial 226-page adventure set to be released on September 19.
Wizards has maintained a sense of mystery surrounding Phandelver and Below, and this air of secrecy persisted during a special press briefing in August. However, some details have emerged. About one-third of the book revisits the original adventure with a remastered touch, while the remaining content is entirely new. The primary aim of this initial portion, as explained by lead designer Amanda Hamon, was to infuse the adventure with more depth and intricacy, enriching the experience for Dungeon Masters to share with their players. The latter two-thirds of the book plunge into chaos and mayhem.
Hamon stated, “At the outset of the book, we aimed to depict the scenario before the turmoil unfolds—before the town falls victim to villains, before the ominous ritual takes place, and before the area succumbs to horrifying events. Our intention was to offer Dungeon Masters a glimpse, which they could then relay to the players, showcasing the world the characters are fighting for, striving to protect, and aspiring to restore.”
Following this enigmatic ritual, the serene scenes of Phandalin undergo a drastic transformation. In their stead emerge a series of grotesque creatures, each more terrifying than the last. Wizards revealed glimpses of a corrupted cow, goblins wielding magic, and a grotesque melding of flesh—a horrifying entity seemingly held together by bone toggles, resembling a massive, animate, snake-like piece of clothing.
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Like all new D&D adventures, this one comes with a premium price online, including a digital version of the same content for $69.95. Those who opt for pre-order will receive a $10 discount and early access to the digital version on September 5, two weeks ahead of the physical release. A special collectible cover will be exclusively available at local game shops, while the book can also be purchased from Amazon. For those seeking a preview, the original adventure remains accessible for free on D&D Beyond.
