Play by Post (PbP): PHANDELVER: THE SHATTERED OBELISK | Lvl 1-12
Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Campaign
About the adventure
Embark on an enthralling quest in Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk, an adventure that plunges you into the mystical heart of Phandalin, a town teetering on the brink of chaos. Whether you're new arrivals or seasoned adventurers returning from the legendary Lost Mine of Phandelver campaign, Phandalin now presents an enigma that darkens its skies and stirs its depths. Unveil the looming terror as you uncover devotees to entities of pure malevolence. The clock is ticking, and only by untangling the cult's complex schemes can you hope to thwart their apocalyptic vision. As the stakes rise, so too does the danger, spiraling into battles that are both terrestrial and cosmic. Will you avert Phandalin's fate and disband the looming shadow, or will the town fall, becoming the cornerstone of a new empire of darkness? 🕰️ This campaign unfolds in a Play-by-Post (PbP) format, facilitated through a dedicated Discord server. The game is fully compatible with a broad range of devices, including mobiles, tablets, and phones. As your Dungeon Master, I'll be checking in and updating the game multiple times daily. Players are encouraged to participate at least once a day, especially when their characters are involved in active scenes.
Game style
Rules as Written (RaW)
Games that are ran “Rules as Written” emphasize realism and stick to the letter of the rules, allowing players to explore creative solutions while still operating under a consistent rule set. Players have the ability to utilize the rules in creative ways to create awesome characters and moments in the game.
Combat Heavy
“Combat Heavy” games emphasize the combat mechanics within their systems over roleplay or puzzle solving. There are frequent and longer battles with enemies and a greater emphasis on tactical game play.
Theater of the Mind
“Theater of the Mind” uses little to no visuals for scene settings and combat. Instead, the narrative imagery comes from the Game Master’s descriptions and character action and movement comes from Players’ descriptions.
5.0
(156)
2 years on StartPlaying
1974 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Storytelling
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
Game Master Reviews (156)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Teacher
Storytelling
Francis
New review
Played 4 sessions
A brilliant detail-oriented GM. Someone who really knows how to make a good immsersive experience using all the tools on both the virtual tabletop and on Discord. I highly recommend Noralf if you're wanting someone who gives you good gameplay focus. He is also well balanced and very socially astute - he knows how to gauge the current vibe and how to provide the type of experience the party needs. If game pace feels a bit slow, he spices it up with combat. If a new player is struggling, he'll give a lot of help and is very patient. He also responds well to dialogue when you RP in-character, he's a brilliant improv partner!
Mihu P. (HZSMITH)
New review
Played 3 sessions
Noralf is the best! This was my first ever D&D adventure, and Noralf did everything to help me start out. He is very organized, has a comprehensive data base, with everything needed to help newbies. He was also very prompt to answer at any time I've messaged him, and had the patience to help at every step. We had thematic background music, pictures of non player characters, spaces, maps, monsters, everything was provided by Noralf in an immersive and smooth way. It was an awesome experience, and I was excited every time Noralf started telling stories roleplaying as the non player characters (he also did voices with accents! terrific!). If you're a newbie like me, or even a seasoned player, don't hesitate to trying Noralf as your Game Master. We had experienced players in our group as well and they were also impressed and happy with Noralf's approach. Overall, a fantastic experience! Thanks man! It was great!
Jacob
New review
Played 25 sessions
Very beginner friendly, thoughtful, and patient!
HelpTxTeachers - Clint
New review
Played 3 sessions
Our session 1 did not disappoint! Our first four hour session and we cannot wait to play again. Noralf paints an amazing scene in your mind and the integration of the maps and setting pages just add to the overall suspense. He truly enjoys the game and you can tell. We are anxiously awaiting our next chance to continue the adventure.
Santiago Cardona
Played 6 sessions
Really organised and makes it very easy to get get started. Knowledgable, patient and fun.
GM Gator
Played 12 sessions
I've only been Noralf's PbP game for a few weeks, but am blown away. Their discord site is well organized, the game is well run, and Noralf really knows how to engage the players without railroading them. Getting into one of their sessions is like getting a Nat 20 on a luck check - you won't be disappointed!
Additional details
How to prepare
Platform: We will be using Discord for this game. No webcam or microphone is required since our game is text-based. Game Understanding: Familiarity with Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules is helpful but not mandatory. We'll clarify rules as we go and support new players! Character Creation: Characters will be created before the game begins, with assistance provided if needed. We will be using D&D Beyond for character creation. Software: All that's required is Discord. You can play this campaign on any device - even mobile Tools: DND Beyond account for your character sheet. Within Discord, we'll use the Avrae bot will be 💬 Discord: Ensure you have access to Discord and a good quality mic. 🎲 D&D Basics: Familiarity with D&D 5e rules is a plus, but not essential. New players are welcome and guidance will be provided. 📖 Character Sheets: Use D&D Beyond for creating and managing your character sheets. 🧠 Mindset: Bring your imagination and a cooperative spirit for a fun, engaging storytelling experience!used for dice rolling and combat management. If you haven't used Avrae before, it can be picked up quickly, and I'm here to help! Mindset: Come prepared for an immersive storytelling experience! This game thrives on cooperation, creativity, and respect for each other's narratives.
What I provide
What I'll Bring to Our Tabletop Adventure: 📚 D&D Beyond Content: You'll have access to all official D&D sourcebooks and adventure modules. Character sheets and resources will be available and easily accessible to enhance our game sessions. 🎨 Creative Storytelling and Ambient Music: Expect a rich, immersive narrative enhanced with ambient music to set the mood and deepen the gaming experience. 🤖 Tactical and Intense Combat: Prepare for strategically challenging encounters. I aim to balance tactical depth with fast-paced action to keep combat exciting and engaging. 🗺️ Custom Maps and Tokens: Visual aids like custom maps and tokens will be used to enrich your understanding of the environment and help track your adventures visually. 🎲 Rule of Cool: I embrace the Rule of Cool, prioritizing fun and dramatic moments over strict adherence to rules. 📖 Third-Party Sourcebooks and Custom Crafting Rules: Open to using third-party content to enrich the game, provided it enhances our adventure and maintains game balance. Additionally, custom crafting rules will be available to allow more personalized gear and items.
Gameplay details
What I'll Bring to Our Tabletop Adventure: 📚 D&D Beyond Content: You'll have access to all official D&D sourcebooks and adventure modules. Character sheets and resources will be available and easily accessible to enhance our game sessions. 🎨 Creative Storytelling and Ambient Music: Expect a rich, immersive narrative enhanced with ambient music to set the mood and deepen the gaming experience. 🤖 Tactical and Intense Combat: Prepare for strategically challenging encounters. I aim to balance tactical depth with fast-paced action to keep combat exciting and engaging. 🗺️ Custom Maps and Tokens: Visual aids like custom maps and tokens will be used to enrich your understanding of the environment and help track your adventures visually. 🎲 Rule of Cool: I embrace the Rule of Cool, prioritizing fun and dramatic moments over strict adherence to rules. 📖 Third-Party Sourcebooks and Custom Crafting Rules: Open to using third-party content to enrich the game, provided it enhances our adventure and maintains game balance. Additionally, custom crafting rules will be available to allow more personalized gear and items.
Content warnings
Safety tools used
• Lines and Veils
• Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist
• Open Door
• Session 0
• Stars and Wishes
How will character creation work
🤝 Session Zero Collaboration: We'll collaboratively create characters during our session zero. 💻 Platform: Characters will be created using D&D Beyond. 📚 Source Material: All D&D 5E sourcebooks available on D&D Beyond can be used. 🛠️ Character Creation Assistance: I'm here to help you craft a character that fits both your vision and our campaign’s theme. Let’s bring your hero to life together!. ✨ Personal Touch: Encouraged to bring your own unique ideas and creativity to your character's story and abilities.
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
High
Roleplay
Medium
Puzzles
Low
Experience level
Beginner
Platforms used
• D&D Beyond
• Discord
• Text/Play by Post
• Owlbear Rodeo
$30.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Weekly / Wednesday - 10:00 PM UTC
3-168 Hour Duration
1 / 7 Seats Filled
Requirements
Experience required: Beginner
Age: 18+