Chapter 8: Beyond a Lightless Star - Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

Chapter 8: Beyond a Lightless Star. The mind flayer fanatics have fled from the subterranean stronghold of Illithinoch to the Far Realm. There, the fanatics commune directly with their wicked deity, Ilvaash, as they begin a sinister ritual that will transform Humanoids in and around Phandalin into mind flayers. In the heart of Ilvaash's hidden domain, the fanatics use the Netherese obelisk's ancient magic to bring their ritual to completion. No one but the characters can stop their vile plan! The godlet Ilvaash is not to be trifled with, especially in the entity's Far Realm home Running This Chapter The fanatics have already begun their lengthy ritual. They believe themselves safely ensconced in Ilvaash's domain, called the Briny Maze. At the heart of the Briny Maze, Ilvaash lurks in a vast, empty pocket of psychic quasi-reality called the Endless Void. The characters must navigate the Briny Maze-overcoming its dangers and negotiating with potential allies-before reaching the Endless Void and confronting the fanatics as well as a psychic refraction of Ilvaash. In the Far Realm Most of this adventure takes place in the Far Realm, which is inimical to mortals. Any creature other than a Far Realm denizen that finishes a long rest in the Far Realm must make a 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature gains 1 level of exhaustion. Character Advancement The characters should be 10th level when the chapter begins. Advancement is handled as follows: The characters gain a level after reaching the entrance to the Endless Void. The characters gain a level once they vanquish all three mind flayer fanatics. Doom Comes to Phandalin Although the characters are likely to head straight through Illithinoch's gateway to the Far Realm once they open it, they might instead return to Phandalin to rest, resupply, visit friends, or gain more information. Through the Tunnels As the characters travel between Illithinoch and Phandalin, they can clear out any dangerous areas the...