Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk | LVL 1-12
An ambush on the road to Phandalin ignites goblin wars, vanishing townsfolk, and whispers that the Lost Mine seals a breaking horror.
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Thursday - 10:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Welcome to Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk, a heroic fantasy campaign that begins with classic adventure and slowly descends into something far stranger. Set in the frontier town of Phandalin and the wild lands surrounding it, the story starts with ambushes, goblin raids, and a long-lost mine—but beneath these familiar dangers lurks an ancient power tied to fractured obelisks and creeping psychic corruption. What begins as a grounded tale of exploration and survival evolves into a struggle against forces that warp minds, reshape reality, and threaten the region from below. This game blends traditional D&D adventure with cosmic horror and mystery. Expect a shift in tone as the campaign progresses: early heroics and dungeon delving give way to unsettling discoveries, moral uncertainty, and enemies that cannot always be beaten with steel alone. Themes include hidden histories, loss of control, the cost of power, and how ordinary people respond when the world begins to break. The horror is more psychological than gory—unease, dread, and strange phenomena rather than constant brutality. My playstyle emphasizes story, atmosphere, and character choice. Your decisions matter, and the world reacts to them—sometimes in subtle, unsettling ways. Combat is meaningful and cinematic rather than constant, while roleplay, investigation, and problem-solving are equally important paths forward. This game is for players who enjoy immersive storytelling, character-driven arcs, and uncovering secrets layer by layer, whether you’re new to D&D or a veteran looking for a campaign that starts familiar and becomes unforgettable.
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(19)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
11 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Teacher, Storytelling
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
HELLO FELLOW DND ENTHUSIASTIC! I’ve been playing Dungeons & Dragons for about four years now, mostly as a player and I’ve really fallen in love with what the game offers. The storytelling, creativity, and memorable moments that come from playing together. I’m newer to DMing, but I’m enthusiastic, prepared, and genuinely excited to be behind the screen. I enjoy building worlds, creating stories, and giving players choices that actually matter and shape what happens next. I want your characters to feel important, and for the world to react to the things you do. My DMing style leans toward a balance of roleplay, story, and combat. I care more about immersion, pacing, and everyone having a good time than strict rules-lawyering, while still keeping things fair and consistent. At the end of the day, fun and shared storytelling come first. I’m really looking forward to starting this adventure together and seeing where the story goes. Let’s make something memorable.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character creation will take place before the first session. Session 1 will focus on introductions, world context, and beginning play rather than building characters from scratch. If you need help finalizing anything, we can do quick adjustments together before we start. Starting Level All characters will begin at Level 1. This allows the party to grow into their roles naturally and gives everyone time to learn how their characters function in play. 📊 Ability Scores Ability scores will be determined using one of the following methods, chosen for the whole group to keep things fair: • Standard Array • Point Buy • Rolled Stats (4d6, drop the lowest; rolled once and assigned as desired) 📝 Character Creation Characters should be created using D&D Beyond or a fillable character sheet (digital or paper is fine). Please make sure your sheet is complete and shared with the DM before Session 1. 📚 Allowed Sources You may use character options from the following books: • Player’s Handbook • Xanathar’s Guide to Everything • Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything Anything outside these sources (homebrew, Unearthed Arcana, or other official books) must be approved by the DM in advance. 🎭 Character Concept Expectations Characters should: • Be willing to cooperate with the party • Fit the tone and setting of the campaign • Have a reason to engage with the world and its conflicts If you’re unsure whether a concept fits, ask first — we can adjust it togethe
What to expect
Preparing for the session
-Join the Discord server and make sure your name is recognizable. -Create/confirm accounts for Discord, AboveVTT, and D&D Beyond. -Accept the AboveVTT invite and test loading the game, moving your token, and rolling dice. -Ensure you have a working microphone (headphones recommended). -Create your character, complete the sheet, and share it with the DM for approval. -Read the campaign rules, tone, attendance expectations, and boundaries. -Before game day, test your mic, confirm stable internet, and log into AboveVTT at least once. 🎲
What King Magnate brings to the table
Storytelling & Roleplay: Memorable NPCs, character voices, and a world that reacts to your choices. Roleplay is encouraged but not required. Atmosphere: Ambient music, sound effects, maps, and visual aids to help create an immersive experience. Combat: Tactical and engaging, often with environmental elements and creative opportunities. Rules Style: A mix of Rule of Cool and Rules as Written to balance creativity with fairness. Player Expectations: Stay engaged, work as a team, and help keep the game moving. Session Flow: Sessions include a mix of roleplay, exploration, and combat, depending on the story. Transparency: Rules, expectations, and decisions will always be explained clearly. 💬🎲
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How King Magnate creates a safe table
Your fun and comfort come first. Here’s how we handle safety at the table: 1. Breaks You can step away at any time. No questions asked—just let the group know if you need a quick break. 2. Open Doors You’re free to leave or rejoin the session at any time. Your spot in the story is safe—you won’t be penalized. 3. Lines & Veils You’ll fill out a Lines & Veils form before Session 1: Lines = things that won’t happen Veils = things that happen off-screen These help me keep content safe for everyone. 4. X / N / O Signals Quick way to communicate boundaries during play: X = stop immediately N = skip this for me O = okay to continue Can be sent via Discord, VTT 5. Stars & Wishes After sessions, we do a quick check-in: Stars = what you liked Wishes = what you’d like to change Helps the game improve while keeping it fun for everyone.
Content warnings
Safety tools used