Web of Shadows: The Phandelver Plague

A monstrous arachnid terrorizes Phandelver, spinning webs of fear and deceit.

In the mountain village of Phandelver, a monstrous arachnid has emerged, known only as the Black Spider, terrorizing inhabitants and spinning webs of darkness. Its venomous schemes aim to enslave the village, turning it into a nest of fear. The adventurers, connected by personal ties to villagers, arrive with only 3 days to stop the creature before it fully cocoons Phandelver in its treacherous webs. The adventure unfolds high in the treacherous mountain peaks where the spider has woven its lair, incorporating both magical traps and medieval siege tactics.

The World

Context

Phandelver, a mountain village on the frontier of untapped magic and medieval technology, maintains harmony through regulated arcane practices. Human, elven, dwarven, and orcish communities balance their lives amidst towering peaks. Yet, the presence of primal magic contributes to unforeseen challenges such as the rise of the Black Spider, a cryptid of formidable power threatening village peace.

Concept

Primal magic in the mountains fuels and alters medieval siege mechanisms.

Impact

Villagers use magic-infused tools for mining and defense, but it attracts powerful, primal beasts, creating a cyclical struggle for survival.

The Plot

Summary

The adventurers must uncover clues within the village that link the Black Spider to recent seismic activity exacerbated by the misuse of primal magic. As they explore Phandelver, they discover ancient connections between the monster and local mining practices. Each act confronts players with environmental and arcane challenges—from scaling webbed cliffs, deciphering magical trap runes, to a final confrontation where personal stakes drive the urgency of their mission. This mission reflects the delicate balance between village technology, unwieldy primal forces, and the personal connections drawing players into Phandelver’s tangled plight.

Complication

Discover the Black Spider is an archer-type villain setting traps with enchanted webs.

Hook

The players have ties to villagers ensnared by the Black Spider.

World stakes

Phandelver falls into darkness, enslaved by the arachnid menace.

Personal stakes

PCs' loved ones are trapped in webs.

The Acts

Act 1

Summary:

In Phandelver, the players speak with terrified villagers and explore the outskirts, discovering webs and the first signs of the Black Spider's activity. They uncover initial leads pointing to a hazardous region called Webbed Heights.

Location:

Phandelver village square, littered with strange sticky substances.

Challenge:

Engage reluctant villagers who fear speaking about the Black Spider.

Objective:

Investigate Phandelver's recent events and threats.

Set Back:

False trails lead to wasted time in crucial searches.

Revelation:

The Black Spider manipulates local fears.

GM's Guide:

Play up NPC anxiety—show rather than tell what Phandelver faces. Villager interactions should be emotionally engaging, highlighting personal stakes.

GM's Move:

Reports of villagers disappearing into the mountains.

Act 2

Summary:

Players trek to Webbed Heights, an arachnid-infested mountain path. They navigate magical traps and confront smaller spider minions, ultimately unlocking the paths leading to the Black Spider’s lair after deciphering magical runes.

Location:

Webbed Heights, where webs glisten and obscure paths.

Challenge:

Bypass enchanted web traps without triggering alarms.

Objective:

Navigate Webbed Heights, avoiding traps and uncovering the lair's location.

Set Back:

Activate a trap, separating the party temporarily.

Revelation:

Black Spider’s realm has more defenses than thought.

GM's Guide:

Emphasize the danger in the environment—highlight sounds and shadows. Detours or missteps can lead to further danger or reveal important clues.

GM's Move:

Spider minions increase aggression, the magic grows disruptive.

Act 3

Summary:

The final confrontation occurs within the Black Spider's high webbed fortress. Players face creative combat challenges against magical defenses while seeking to free captured villagers. The revelation that the Black Spider’s nature is an embodiment of corrupted primal magic changes their approach.

Location:

The Black Spider's high webbed fortress, adorned with glowing runes.

Challenge:

Overcome the Black Spider and its magical protections.

Objective:

Defeat the Black Spider and save Phandelver.

Set Back:

An ally becomes entrapped, needing rescue during combat.

Revelation:

The creature is corrupted primal magic.

GM's Guide:

Ensure pacing is intense but fair. Players need both action and player agency moments to alter the narrative through clever choices.

GM's Move:

The Black Spider changes tactics to divide the party.

Climax:

Destroy the Black Spider, severing its connections to Phandelver, freeing the captured villagers.