The Allure of Descent into Avernus: A Hellish Adventure Worth Every Minute

The Descent into Avernus campaign is not just another Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) adventure—it's a journey through a chaotic world brimming with rich lore, nostalgia, and adrenaline-pumping action. As a seasoned miniature sculptor and lifelong fan of the Baldur's Gate series, I dedicated three years of my life to creating miniatures specifically for this campaign, down to sculpting unique miniatures for each character encountered, whether they are an important NPC or a lowly cultist - my aim was that each model on the table would be unique! Here’s why this campaign is one of the best settings for any Dungeon Master (DM) and why it inspired me to craft the perfect miniatures for it.

A Nostalgic Dive into Baldur’s Gate

Growing up with the Baldur’s Gate video games, the city of Baldur’s Gate has always held a special place in my heart. This bustling, gritty city is policed by the Flaming Fist mercenaries and is controlled by a web of nobles, gangs, and cults—many of which have their hands in nefarious activities. The complex politics, dark alleyways, and hidden dangers of Baldur’s Gate make it the perfect setting for a D&D campaign. The nostalgia I feel for this city fuelled my passion to recreate it in miniature form, allowing other players to experience its unique atmosphere on their own tabletops.

When I began sculpting miniatures for Descent into Avernus, I wanted to capture the essence of Baldur’s Gate as I remembered it—vibrant, dangerous, and full of life. I took the character descriptions, biographies, and lore from the campaign and reimagined them in my own style. With ZBrush as my primary tool, I concepted directly in 3D, sculpting each figure to bring my vision of Baldur’s Gate to life. This was not without its challenges, but the result was a set of miniatures that truly embody the spirit of the campaign.

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The Madness of Avernus

Descent into Avernus isn't just about urban intrigue; it takes players straight to the first layer of Hell, Avernus. This is where the campaign really shifts gears, introducing players to a hellish Mad Max-style road war, complete with demonic warlords, infernal vehicles, and a landscape that seems to fight back at every turn. I'll be working on this chapter of the campaign shortly and I'm looking forward to it and dreading it in equal measure!  The NPCs are bursting with character and the design opportunity here is epic - on the flip side I'll need to create some huge demonic engines which will take a lot of time and effort!  No matter though as it'll be fun to work on, as it combines over-the-top action with high-stakes drama. Imagine your players battling through the burning plains of Avernus in war machines fuelled by the souls of the damned—it's chaotic, it's thrilling, and it's unforgettable.

Creating miniatures for this part of the campaign will be a labor of love. The Infernal War Machines are going to be a blast to design, with their twisted metal frames and demonic features.

One of the biggest challenges I've encountered to date though was ensuring that the infernal legions had a cohesive look. These devils needed to appear as if they belonged to the same terrifying army, despite their varied forms and abilities. I took inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman armour, adding a brutal, simplistic twist to create a uniform appearance. The masks and helmets, all featuring solid visors without eye holes, were particularly satisfying to design—adding an extra layer of creepiness to these fiendish warriors.

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The Challenge of Cultists

While working on Descent into Avernus, I encountered what I can only describe as “cultist burnout.” The campaign features a staggering number of cultists, each belonging to different factions and each with unique roles. Differentiating them enough to create distinct miniatures for each faction and class was no easy feat. After three consecutive months of sculpting cultists, I needed a break! But the result was worth it—every cultist miniature stands out, yet they all fit within the dark, twisted world of Avernus.

These cultists aren’t just generic bad guys—they’re integral to the plot, each one bringing their own brand of fanaticism and danger to the table. By giving each faction and class its own distinct visual style, I was able to reflect the diversity and depth of the campaign’s antagonists. From the shadowy robes of the secretive sects to the more militaristic garb of the organized cults, each miniature tells a story of the twisted beliefs and dark ambitions that drive these characters.

Creating Lasting Memories with My Son

The idea to spend three years crafting miniatures for Descent into Avernus wasn't just a professional endeavour—it was deeply personal. When I started this project, my son was six years old, and we were in the middle of a COVID lockdown. Like many kids his age, he was full of energy, curiosity, and a budding love for fantasy worlds—whether it was through The Dragon Prince, Harry Potter, or The Legend of Zelda. It was around this time that he began showing a real interest in what I was doing, and I saw an opportunity to share my passion for miniatures and D&D with him.

During his breaks from home-schooling, he would sit in my office, and I would show him some basic techniques. He took to it like a natural, even sculpting his first figure—a Beholder! As he dove into the world of D&D, reading through the Monster Manual and Player’s Handbook, his enthusiasm only grew. He began asking me to run a D&D game for him, and I knew that Descent into Avernus would be the perfect campaign to introduce him to the world of tabletop gaming.

Now, at nine years old, he’s still deeply invested in these fantasy worlds, and while he may not yet have the attention span for a full D&D session, I’m planning to run the campaign with him in the next year or two. By then, he’ll be ready to gather a few of his friends and dive headfirst into the world of Baldur’s Gate and Avernus. For me, the thought of sharing this experience with him—of watching his imagination come to life with the miniatures I’ve created—is incredibly rewarding.

Why Descent into Avernus Is the Ultimate Campaign for DMs

So, why should you run Descent into Avernus for your D&D group? Simply put, it’s one of the most dynamic, varied, and engaging campaigns available. It combines urban intrigue with high-octane, hellish action, giving your players the best of both worlds. The story is rich with lore, full of complex characters, and set in some of the most iconic locations in the D&D universe.

For DMs who use miniatures, Descent into Avernus offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance your game with visually stunning figures. Whether it’s the Flaming Fist mercenaries patrolling the streets of Baldur’s Gate, the cultists scheming in the shadows, or the infernal warlords tearing across the wastelands of Avernus, each encounter can be brought to life in vivid detail.

The Lion’s Tower Miniatures: Bringing Avernus to Your Tabletop

Over the past three years, I’ve created a complete collection of miniatures designed specifically for Descent into Avernus. These miniatures are available through The Lion’s Tower and are divided into collections for each chapter of the campaign. Whether you’re starting with the urban sprawl of Baldur’s Gate in Chapter 1 or descending into the fiery depths of Avernus in Chapter 2, we’ve got you covered with high-quality miniatures that will elevate your game to the next level.

If your players need a hero miniature, be sure to check out our Heroes Collection which showcases a wide range of hero characters, each sculpted with meticulous attention to detail.

From the noble heroes who will defend Baldur’s Gate to the twisted villains who seek its downfall, our miniatures are designed to capture the essence of Descent into Avernus.

And if you’re still on the fence about using 3D printed miniatures, we offer a Lucky Dip option for just £2. It’s a great way to experience the quality of our resin miniatures without a significant investment. I’m confident that once you see the detail and craftsmanship that goes into each figure, you’ll be as hooked on Descent into Avernus as I am.

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Final Thoughts: The Perfect Campaign for DMs and Players Alike

In conclusion, Descent into Avernus is more than just a campaign—it’s an experience. It offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, epic storytelling, and action-packed encounters that will keep your players on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a veteran DM or just starting out, this campaign provides everything you need to create memorable sessions that your players will talk about for years to come.

And with the right miniatures from The Lion’s Tower, you can bring this hellish adventure to life in a way that few other campaigns can match. So gather your party, prepare your infernal war machines, and get ready to descend into the depths of Avernus. It’s a journey you—and your players—will never forget.