Within the rich, infernal tapestry of Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus, there lies an enigmatic and mysterious object that intrigues adventurers and dungeon masters alike: the Obelisk. Hidden within the depths of Avernus, this monolithic structure is not just a relic of stone, but a powerful and eerie artifact steeped in ancient magic and cosmic purpose. The Obelisk’s presence introduces mystery, consequence, and deeper connections to the multiverse that go far beyond the desolate landscape of the first layer of the Nine Hells.
The Setting: Avernus and Its Endless War
The Blood War and the Plane of Avernus
Avernus is the first layer of the Nine Hells in the Dungeons & Dragons cosmology. It serves as the battleground for the eternal conflict known as the Blood War a violent struggle between demons and devils. With blasted wastelands, rivers of ichor, and fire-scorched plains, Avernus is not just a battlefield, but a crucible of fallen hopes and shattered alliances. Amid this chaos, the Obelisk emerges as a beacon of unnatural calm, a contradiction to the burning fury surrounding it.
Many adventuring parties entering Avernus are focused on quests such as saving Elturel or battling infernal warlords. However, the Obelisk offers a detour from the main plotline, revealing layers of lore that touch on themes of time, space, and forgotten powers from beyond the multiverse.
The Obelisk’s Physical Description
What Does the Obelisk Look Like?
The Obelisk encountered in Descent into Avernus is described as a tall, imposing black structure carved from an unknown stone. Covered in ancient runes, many of which shimmer and shift when approached, the Obelisk radiates an aura of otherworldly magic. Its surface seems immune to damage, and magical attempts to decipher its origin often return vague or contradictory results.
Dungeon Masters may choose to describe it as emitting a deep hum, or as being partially buried in infernal ash, hinting at its ancient presence and indifference to the chaos of Avernus. This visual mystery immediately marks it as an object of power and ancient knowledge.
Origins and Purpose of the Obelisk
Connections to the Obelisk Network
The Obelisk is not an isolated phenomenon. It is part of a wider network of obelisks found across different Dungeons & Dragons modules including Out of the Abyss, Tomb of Annihilation, and Rime of the Frostmaiden. These obelisks serve as time-bending, reality-altering constructs tied to ancient Netherese or possibly otherworldly entities.
The theory among lorekeepers is that the Obelisks act as reality anchors or fail-safes, capable of resetting events, preserving timelines, or altering reality itself. The one found in Avernus may serve as a way to escape, rewrite events, or connect with other planes, depending on how the Dungeon Master chooses to present it. This makes the Obelisk in Descent into Avernus not just a curious object but potentially a campaign-altering discovery.
Interacting with the Obelisk
What Happens When Characters Investigate It?
When adventurers come across the Obelisk, they typically cannot move it, break it, or understand it completely. However, interaction options might include:
- Arcana checks to determine its magical properties
- History or Religion checks to tie it to ancient civilizations or lost cults
- Divination magic to receive cryptic visions or prophecies
- Dreams or nightmares that grow stronger the longer players remain near it
Some Dungeon Masters may reward curious players with visions of other worlds, glimpses of alternate realities, or even knowledge about their own past and future. The Obelisk becomes a storytelling tool that allows deeper character development or foreshadowing for campaigns yet to unfold.
The Obelisk’s Role in Campaign Development
A Portal, a Prison, or a Puzzle?
Depending on how it is interpreted, the Obelisk can serve many purposes. It may be:
- A portalto other planes, allowing players to escape Avernus or enter new settings
- A prisonfor an ancient being or entity, sealed within by forgotten sorcerers
- A puzzlethat, when solved, reveals a greater truth about the Blood War or the history of the multiverse
The flexibility of the Obelisk’s purpose allows Dungeon Masters to shape it around their players’ interests. It can be a small curiosity or the seed of an entirely new arc, opening up future adventures across space and time.
Implications for the Multiverse
Cosmic Scale and Narrative Freedom
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Obelisk is its implication that reality is not fixed that events can be rewritten or forgotten. In Descent into Avernus, this could mean the players might use it to undo their mistakes, escape an infernal contract, or even reverse the descent of Elturel itself. The Obelisk is a rare device that hints at power greater than gods or devils the power of narrative itself.
Its inclusion in multiple modules also suggests a shared thread throughout the D&D multiverse. These obelisks might all be interconnected, hinting at a deeper story yet to be fully revealed in official content. Players who recognize obelisks from other adventures may begin to piece together a much grander puzzle that spans worlds.
Dungeon Master Tips for Using the Obelisk
Creative Storytelling Opportunities
For DMs, the Obelisk is a blank canvas. Here are a few ideas for integrating it into your campaign:
- Use it as a late-game reveal to hint at future campaigns.
- Let characters touch the Obelisk and relive or alter a moment from earlier in the game.
- Have it react only to one party member, suggesting a unique destiny or forgotten lineage.
- Include cryptic runes that players can decode over multiple sessions.
The Obelisk’s silence invites speculation. Players will fill in the gaps with theories, drawing them deeper into the narrative. This player engagement can lead to some of the most memorable moments in a campaign.
The Obelisk’s Lasting Impact
The Obelisk in Descent into Avernus stands as more than just a curiosity in the Nine Hells. It’s a storytelling device, a lore-rich artifact, and a mysterious gateway to endless narrative possibilities. Whether used to tease future campaigns or enrich the existing story with cosmic depth, the Obelisk rewards curiosity and clever roleplay. For players and Dungeon Masters alike, encountering the Obelisk is a reminder that in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the greatest discoveries are often the ones hidden in plain sight waiting for those brave enough to look deeper.