WARNING: Spoilers past this point!
Just for background one of the things I immediately liked
about the Lost Mine of Phandelver adventure booklet was how easy it was to
read. Since it was filled with helpful tips to assist a new DM I really just
skimmed it a few hours before game time. Admittedly, I did not follow the
adventure and changed things as I saw fit based on player interaction.
Hired by a dwarf in Neverwinter to bring a wagon of supplies
to Phandelver the players set off. Eventually they happen about a grisly scene
on the road consisting of black feather laden horse corpses. At this point the
curious halfling rogue in our group went up for a looksee. Unfortunately she
suffered the ambush of the goblins hiding in the thicket. Luckily one of the fighters with a longbow had been perched on top of the wagon the entire trip.
Some return fire felled one goblin and provided some suppression for movement. Eventually hide and seek ensued in the thick underbrush
ending in a melee.
I enjoyed the first encounter and I think it was well thought
out to introduce new players to some important concepts. Sure the old vets in
my group immediately realized they were being funneled into an ambush. That being said,
new players need to learn that an opponent with a ranged weapon using cover and concealment is devastating. I think this encounter will be an
educational experience for some groups!
Afterward the stalwart adventurers hobbled the oxen
drawn wagon inside a thicket clearing and followed the goblin trail. Passive
perception saved them from some nasty goblin traps along the way. The traps are
another good primer for new players as they will learn that danger can take
many forms. Just because it looks like a safe trail to follow does not
mean there is not a big pit trap waiting to swallow you up.
Finally the group located a large cave which a shallow
stream flowed into. This was the Cragmaw Hideout where the goblins and their
bugbear boss were holed up. Without giving too much more away about the actual
interior I will say there is a few surprises which I thought were fun. I think
part 1 was a good mix of exploration and combat with part 2 potentially involving
lots of investigation and roleplaying opportunities.
Overall the Lost Mine of Phandelver is a solid product to
teach new players the game and also entertain veteran players alike. Sometimes reaffirming those old school values of combat,
exploration and role-playing is even good for the grognards.
Here are some of my favorite comments from
the game session:
“Clerics get a cantrip that does d8? Wow this
is awesome!”
“This is how a longbow is supposed to feel”
“Sneaking up on the bugbear by yourself…probably
not a good idea”
“I love how fast the combat is going. I did
not even finish pouring a beer and it’s my turn again”
“Advantage/Disadvantage is a great mechanic”
