Written by: Annie S.
“Lost Mines of Phandelver” is the iconic introductory adventure for D&D 5E, designed to welcome new players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) alike to the magical world of the Sword Coast. The adventure begins with a seemingly straightforward task: escorting a wagonload of supplies to the frontier town of Phandalin. However, this simple mission quickly unravels into a tale of heroism, danger, and discovery.
Quickly, the players find themselves embroiled in a quest to uncover the secrets of the legendary Wave Echo Cave, an ancient mine brimming with powerful magic. From there on, the safety of the Sword Coast hangs in the balance as the adventurers face off against goblinoids, bandits, and—finally—the mastermind behind it all: the malevolent Black Spider.
The following list of best maps for Lost Mines of Phandelver will supplement your game, enhancing encounters and locations that are described in the text but lack official artwork.
It should go without saying, but dangerous spoilers lurk beyond this point. Players, continue at your own peril—or, better yet, send this page to your DM for inspiration!
Chapter 1 - Goblin Arrows
1. Goblin Ambush
Lost Mines of Phandelver starts with the iconic “Goblin Arrows” encounter, where the party discovers the dead horses of Sildar Hallwinter and Gundren Rockseeker, revealing that their simple escort quest is a little more complex than they originally thought. Shortly after, the party is ambushed by goblins, leaving them to figure out where their employers have been taken.
Using this Crossroads map, the Goblin Arrows encounter provides a beautiful start to this classic adventure, complete with variations to suit different seasons and circumstances. It sets the stage for the exciting journey ahead.
2. Goblin Trail
Whether the party decides to interrogate the goblin captives from the ambush or track their trail through the woods, the next part of the adventure involves trekking through dense forest. Unfortunately, the goblins have left some nasty surprises along the way, including ones that might leave the adventurers dangling by their ankles from branches.
While the original map is perfect for an encounter with a hag or fey in a secluded forest, this "Hidden Witch’s Hut: Natural (Day)" variant is the ideal atmospheric forest setting for your players to navigate, explore, and fall into goblin traps within.
Chapter 2 - Phandalin
3. Barthen’s Provisions
After the party has dealt with Cragmaw Hideout (and, hopefully, rescued Sildar Hallwinter), one of their first stop at the town of Phandalin will likely be the local general store: Barthen’s Provisions, where they’ll be able to claim their reward for their escort quest at last, stock up on supplies, and learn more about the happenings of the town.
The Gentle Village Greengrocer map, with its fully stocked shelves and charming cottagecore aesthetic, sets a cozy, warm stage for welcoming your players to the town they'll soon come to know well. The quaint, picturesque town exterior makes for an especially inviting and lovely introduction for your players.
4. Stonehill Inn
Once the players have finished their shopping at Barthen’s Provisions, Sildar will suggest setting up a home base at the local Stonehill Inn while they figure out their next steps.
Depending on the pace of your group, they might spend several nights at the Stonehill Inn, so it's a good idea to have a map for them to rest and role-play in. This Wild West Saloon map offers a cozy, spacious taproom and an upstairs area with charming little rooms, perfect for your players to rest and immerse themselves in roleplay.
Chapter 3 - The Spider’s Web
5. Ruins of Thundertree
In Thundertree, the players meet the druid Reidoth, who could offer them guidance in their journey to the Forge of Spells. This is also the site of a tough battle against the green dragon, Venomfang, among the ruins of the old town.
Though the adventure sets the showdown in the town's ruins, you could easily tweak it to have Venomfang's lair nearby instead. This Green Dragon Lair map features a lush fen with sunken ruins and a serene river leading to the lair, providing a stunning backdrop for an epic battle with the one and only dragon of the adventure.
6. Conyberry
In Conyberry, the players seek out Agatha the banshee, hoping to gain her favor and obtain valuable information she possesses. The encounter involves navigating the eerie, abandoned ruins of Conyberry, where they must offer a gift to Agatha and persuade her to answer their questions.
As such, the "Forgotten Chapel Graveyard" makes the perfect map for Conyberry. With its haunting ambiance, crumbling stones, and overgrown paths, it sets the stage for an unforgettable and dramatic meeting with the bitter banshee.
7. Wyvern Tor
At Wyvern Tor, the players are tasked with eliminating a group of orcs terrorizing the area. This side quest involves confronting the orc leader—Brughor Axe-Biter—and his followers in their hideout, ensuring the safety of nearby villages.
The "Badger Hill Underground" map, with its series of interconnecting mazelike tunnels, isn’t exactly the simple one-battle encounter that the book describes. However, it makes a great map for Wyvern Tor by transforming a simple fight into a challenging mini-dungeon. The winding passages and hidden chambers create opportunities for ambushes and tactical positioning, making the Wyvern Tor quest more memorable for your players.
Chapter 4 - Wave Echo Cave
8. Entrance to Wave Echo Cave
Outside Wave Echo Cave, the players arrive at the entrance to the ultimate dungeon of the adventure. This area is where they can use this time to strategize, coordinate with any allies they've gathered, and make final preparations before entering the cave.
The "Abandoned Mine Entrance" map is a simple yet atmospheric location where players can stage their plans and even camp out for a fresh start before heading into the dungeon, providing a foreboding backdrop that heightens anticipation.
9. Wave Echo Cave
The "Mushroom Infested Mines" map offers an excellent supplementary area within Wave Echo Cave, enhancing the final dungeon with additional layers of adventure. This luminescent subterranean cave system features bioluminescent fungi and a peep into a myconid grove, tying into the broader lore of the Underdark and complementing the drow BBEG.
Incorporating this area can lead to new adventures or provide an intriguing side path within Wave Echo Cave, opening up possibilities for future encounters and storylines connected to the Underdark.
10. The Forge Of Spells
The Forge of Spells is one of the final locations of Wave Echo Cave: the climax and goal of the adventure. Here, the players face off against aberrations and undead to uncover the true extent of the mine's magical potential.
Using the "Dwarven Throne Hall" map for the Forge of Spells adds a touch of flair and drama, transforming it from a regular dungeon room into a visually stunning forge with flowing lava and an imposing dwarven aesthetic—a fitting backdrop for the adventure's pinnacle moment.
Honorable Mentions:
Here are some maps that didn’t quite make the cut for the list but could still add a layer of depth and variety if you’re looking to expand on the adventure.
- Bone Mill: This roadside encounter map is perfect for any lull in travel, as the players will be journeying frequently to and fro for their plethora of quests and sidequests. This map features a gorgeous, idyllic riverside mill complete with an interior and subterranean lair that holds a dark secret.
- Ages of the Vale: This series of small town maps for Phandalin includes an inn, tavern, barn, and more.
- Village Farmhouse: This farm map can be used for Alderleaf Farm on the outskirts of Phandalin, where a kidnapping could lead players to discover the Redbrand Hideout.
- Modular Cave Maps: These maps allow you to expand Wave Echo Cave as needed, offering a whopping 139 rooms with various biomes and encounters. They’re sure to provide endless possibilities for enhancing the dungeon's complexity and excitement.
- Elder Brain Sanctum: Lava Edition: This map resembles an abandoned mining or forge area, providing an aberrant expansion to Wave Echo Cave for those who prefer a more otherworldly feel than the aforementioned mushroom-infested mines.
- Spider Queen Throne Room: While not technically part of the adventure, this grand throne room is perfect for an iconic drow villain. If the Black Spider becomes a recurring antagonist, this map could offer a dramatic setting for a final showdown.
- Cavern of the Venom Queen: This is another map not included in the adventure but highly relevant due to the drow connection. This labyrinth of webs and caverns offers numerous encounters that expand the story thread of the Black Spider with more depth.
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