The Descent into Avernus is one of the most iconic adventures in modern Dungeons & Dragons, plunging players into the depths of the Nine Hells. Far from a typical dungeon crawl, this journey blends moral ambiguity, infernal politics, and explosive action. It’s a campaign that begins in the city of Baldur’s Gate but quickly spirals into a cosmic conflict where choices carry weight and every action may have far-reaching consequences. For fans of high-stakes storytelling and unforgettable set pieces, Descent into Avernus offers an intense and layered roleplaying experience.
Introduction to Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
This D&D adventure module, officially titledBaldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus, is designed for characters starting at level 1 and intended to carry them to around level 13. Released by Wizards of the Coast, it begins in the morally gray city of Baldur’s Gate, a place already teetering on the edge of chaos. However, the true heart of the campaign lies in Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells, where war between demons and devils rages eternally in the Blood War.
The adventure is known for its dark tone, memorable NPCs, and war-ravaged hellish landscapes. From city intrigue to demonic skirmishes, the pacing steadily escalates toward a dramatic confrontation with infernal forces and even redemption or damnation for an entire city.
Starting in Baldur’s Gate
The early chapters of Descent into Avernus ground players in urban grit. Baldur’s Gate is presented as a city rife with corruption, gang warfare, and looming dread. It’s a place where players must make difficult choices early on, deciding who they can trust and what lines they’re willing to cross. This sets the tone for the rest of the campaign, where moral shades of gray are a constant theme.
- Dealings with the Flaming Fist mercenaries
- Investigating mysterious cult activity
- Tracking down dark rituals and forbidden knowledge
These early encounters serve to bond the party and prepare them for the much greater challenges to come in Avernus itself.
Falling into the First Layer of Hell
Avernus is the gateway to the Nine Hells, and it is anything but subtle. The very environment is hostile blazing heat, shifting geography, and rivers of lava and blood dominate the landscape. Here, players encounter infernal war machines, hellish contracts, and a society ruled by hierarchy and manipulation. Unlike the more orderly layers of Hell, Avernus is chaotic due to its role as the frontline in the Blood War.
The Role of Zariel
One of the most significant figures in the Descent into Avernus is Zariel, the archdevil who rules Avernus. Once a celestial, Zariel’s fall from grace is central to the campaign’s plot. Her story is tragic, compelling, and potentially redemptive, depending on the party’s choices. Players can pursue multiple narrative paths that involve either fighting Zariel, assisting her, or even helping her reclaim her lost angelic identity.
Choices regarding Zariel are some of the most impactful in the adventure. Saving her requires collecting key artifacts, performing ancient rites, and facing overwhelming odds all while navigating the treacherous political landscape of Hell.
Infernal War Machines and Blood War Mayhem
One standout feature of this adventure is the introduction of infernal war machines magical, metallic vehicles powered by souls. These Mad Max-style contraptions bring a fast-paced, chaotic energy to the campaign and offer opportunities for creative tactical play. They can be customized, upgraded, and used in vehicular combat sequences.
The war machines are a direct tie to the Blood War, the eternal battle between devils and demons. Players may find themselves caught in the middle of these skirmishes or even leveraging the chaos for their own purposes. Whether they fight alongside demons, ally with devils, or attempt to avoid both sides entirely, every encounter has consequences.
Opportunities for Exploration and Side Quests
Though Avernus is a harsh wasteland, it’s filled with intriguing locations and hidden lore:
- The Bleeding Citadel a pivotal site tied to Zariel’s past and redemption
- The River Styx a dangerous but essential pathway through Hell
- Obelisk outposts, corrupted shrines, and hidden soul vaults
Many optional side quests let the players interact with outcasts, fallen angels, and infernal mercenaries. These encounters can enrich the story and give the party more tools or allies for the final confrontation.
Decisions That Shape the Ending
One of the strengths of Descent into Avernus is the degree of player agency. The adventure is structured to support multiple possible outcomes. The ultimate fate of Elturel the city dragged into Hell is left to the players’ decisions. They might choose to redeem Zariel and lift the city back to the mortal world, or allow it to be consumed if they pursue power or vengeance.
Some possible endings include:
- Redemption: Zariel regains her celestial form, and Elturel is saved.
- Damnation: The city is lost, but the players gain infernal power or other rewards.
- Neutral Outcome: The party escapes but leaves Elturel’s fate unresolved.
These climactic choices encourage players to weigh their morality against practical survival. It’s not just about defeating enemies it’s about what kind of legacy the adventurers leave behind.
DM Tips for Running Descent into Avernus
For Dungeon Masters, Descent into Avernus can be incredibly rewarding to run but also requires preparation and flexibility. The tone shifts from gritty urban crime drama to full-on infernal war, so managing the pacing is key. Here are a few tips for making the most of the campaign:
- Use music and visuals to enhance the Hellish atmosphere
- Emphasize player choices and consequences
- Allow moments of levity or heroism amid the darkness
- Customize infernal contracts and war machine mechanics for your table
Encouraging deep character development can also enrich the experience, especially since so many of the campaign’s challenges are tied to temptation, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas.
The Descent into Avernus is more than a simple D&D module it’s a moral journey through darkness, fire, and war. With an epic setting, powerful NPCs, and unforgettable choices, it challenges players to think critically about heroism, redemption, and the cost of power. Whether you’re driving a war machine across a burning wasteland or standing face-to-face with Zariel herself, every moment in Avernus is packed with intensity and meaning. For those seeking an adventure that goes beyond swords and spells, and into the heart of what it means to be a hero, Descent into Avernus delivers a story you won’t soon forget.