Phandalin and Below: The Shattered Obelisk live from Alakazam Comics in Irvine, CA, continues this week with the beginning of chapter three, The Spider’s Web. The Game Show Party explores the region around Phandalin, searching for clues about the mysterious “Spider” and the lost mine known as Wave Echo Cave. This chapter offers a sandbox-style approach, granting players agency to choose their own path from several potential encounters.

We also did our Christmas party–with a White Elephant Christmas game & amazing cookies from Henry’s Wife!

Characters

Brian – Artemons Linktorious Lantimourous
Cody – Zachtos
David – Garner – Gnome Bard (lexicographer and logographer)
Dylan – Ramen the Wizard
Glenn – Elf scum
Henry – Elf scum
Mike – Half-Orc Paladin
Taylor – Mushroom fighter

The Red Wizard’s Inquiry

The adventurers might encounter a paranoid Red Wizard named Elminster seeking information about the surrounding ruins and Phandalin itself. They can choose to bargain with him, aid his investigation, or even clash if his distrust escalates. This encounter could offer cryptic clues about the region’s hidden secrets and lead to further adventures.

Orc Cave Raid

Deep within the Sword Mountains, the adventurers may stumble upon an Orc cave hidden within a collapsed mine. Led by a cruel warrior named Chief Grol, the Orcs are raiding surrounding settlements and have captured a druid named Reidoth. The adventurers can choose to liberate Reidoth, potentially gaining his assistance and knowledge of the area, or they can negotiate with Grol, navigating the dangers of Orc politics.

Overall

Chapter Three encourages player agency and exploration, weaving a web of suspenseful encounters that unravel the mystery surrounding the Spider and lead the adventurers closer to their ultimate goal: finding Wave Echo Cave and its hidden treasures.