Tiamat Home Plane 5e: A Dragon's Lair of Campaign Ideas

03 Apr 2024

Let's be real, who doesn't love a good dragon? And when we're talking dragons, we're talking Tiamat, the five-headed queen of evil dragons herself. But have you ever wondered where this iconic D&D villain kicks off her dragon-sized boots after a long day of, you know, wreaking havoc? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take a deep dive into the fiery abyss that is Tiamat's home plane in 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons: Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells.

Avernus isn't your average vacation destination. Picture a desolate wasteland where the ground is literally paved with the souls of the damned (chic, right?). Rivers of molten lava snake through the landscape, and the air is thick with the stench of brimstone. It's basically the ultimate "no boys allowed" treehouse, except instead of a treehouse, it's a fiery hellscape, and instead of boys, it's, well, pretty much everyone except Tiamat and her most loyal dragon followers.

So, why would anyone, even a five-headed dragon goddess, choose to live in such a place? It all boils down to power, darling. See, Avernus is a place of immense magical energy, the kind that a gal like Tiamat can tap into to fuel her wicked plots and schemes. Plus, it's not like she has to worry about noisy neighbors or HOA fees.

Now, you might be thinking, "This sounds like a terrible vacation spot, let alone a place to live." And you're not wrong! But here's the thing about Avernus: it's also a place of incredible adventure. Think about it – a land ruled by a five-headed dragon goddess with a penchant for chaos? The campaign possibilities are endless!

Imagine your party stumbling upon a hidden portal that leads straight into the heart of Avernus. Or maybe they're tasked with retrieving a stolen artifact from one of Tiamat's treasure vaults. They could even find themselves caught in the middle of a war between Tiamat and another powerful devilish entity.

Whether your players are battle-hardened adventurers or just starting their journey, Tiamat's home plane offers a unique and challenging setting that is sure to create unforgettable gaming memories. Just remember to pack your heat resistance gear, because things are about to get lit – literally.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Running a Campaign in Avernus

Advantages	Disadvantages
High-stakes adventures with epic challenges	Morally complex setting that may not be suitable for all players
Opportunities for unique character interactions with devils and other creatures	Requires careful planning and consideration to avoid overwhelming players
Visually stunning and memorable setting	Potential for overshadowing player agency if Tiamat is too prominent

Tips for Running a Campaign in Avernus

Running a campaign in Avernus presents unique opportunities and challenges for Dungeon Masters. Here are some tips to make the most of this fiery setting:

1. Embrace the Moral Gray: Avernus is the first layer of hell, and morality is far from black and white. Encourage your players to make difficult choices with lasting consequences. Will they make deals with devils to achieve their goals? Or will they cling to their morals even in the face of damnation?

2. Don't Be Afraid to Get Weird: The Nine Hells are home to some of the strangest and most terrifying creatures in the D&D multiverse. Don't be afraid to get creative with encounters, introducing bizarre devils, infernal machines, and otherworldly landscapes to create a truly memorable experience.

3. Give Tiamat the Spotlight, But Don't Overshadow Your Players: Tiamat is a powerful and iconic villain, but she shouldn't steal the show from your players. Use her presence strategically, perhaps as a looming threat or the orchestrator of events, but allow your players to shine as the heroes of their own story.

4. Emphasize Survival: Avernus is a harsh and unforgiving environment. Emphasize the importance of survival by incorporating environmental hazards, limited resources, and the constant threat of demonic encounters. This will create a sense of tension and urgency, forcing players to think strategically about every action they take.

5. Offer Glimpses of Hope: As bleak as Avernus may seem, it's important to offer your players glimmers of hope. Perhaps they encounter a soul struggling to maintain their humanity, or they uncover a hidden oasis amidst the desolation. These moments of light will serve to highlight the stakes of the campaign and remind your players why they fight for a better world, even in the depths of hell.

So, there you have it! Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells and Tiamat's fiery abode, offers a thrilling and challenging setting for your next D&D campaign. Embrace the chaos, get creative with your encounters, and watch as your players create an epic story of adventure and heroism. Just remember, when venturing into the dragon's lair, always pack extra fire resistance – you're gonna need it.