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The next D&D campaign is taking us back to the frigid wastelands of the north, and Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden pre-order deals have already started to appear online. Announced via D&D Live earlier this year, the new Dungeons and Dragons adventure will kick off the franchise’s next storyline when it launches on September 15, 2020.
- Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden | $34.99 (opens in new tab) / £35.19 on Amazon (opens in new tab)
- Dice and Miscellany | $26.99 (opens in new tab) / £21.60 on Amazon (opens in new tab)
Reuniting players with a location made famous by 2000’s Icewind Dale video game and the Drizzt Do’Urden novels, Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden is the first adventure set within the Forgotten Realms since Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus in 2019. And because developer Wizards of the Coast knows what we want, tie-in miniatures, special editions, and themed dice are also on offer as part of their Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden pre-order deals.
Although details are scarce right now, the plot revolves around rediscovered treasure within a forgotten glacier, a chilling secret (pun very much intended), and an attempt by the eponymous Frostmaiden to cover the north in an “endless night”. It seems that we’ll also be going head to head with a group of wizards called the Arcane Brotherhood when we get there. That’s because we’re on a not-so-noble quest to plunder the Cave of Hunger.
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Unfortunately for us, that cave appears to hide more than mere treasure. As the official website notes, this “is a tale of dark terror that revisits the forlorn, flickering candlelights of civilization known as Ten-Towns and sheds light on the many bone-chilling locations that surround these frontier settlements”. Those creepy overtones (and a cover featuring a badass owl/minotaur cross) suggests an adventure unlike previous books.
If you’re keen to try it out, you’ll be in good company. D&D is more popular than ever (especially with old favorites like Curse of Strahd Revamped (opens in new tab) making a comback), and celebrities are regularly getting involved with the game. For example, Game of Thrones cast-members Kristian Nairn, Daniel Portman, Iwan Rheon, Natalia Tena, and Gemma Whelan played for Red Nose Day (you can watch the stream here (opens in new tab)) and managed to raise over $315,000 for charity.
Want to get your hands on the new campaign in time for launch? We’ve got all the best Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden pre-order deals below.
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden sourcebook
(opens in new tab)Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden | $34.99 on Amazon US (opens in new tab) / £35.19 on Amazon UK (opens in new tab)
The next D&D storyline (advancing players from level 1-12) takes us to the frozen north of the Forgotten Realms, an area known simply as Icewind Dale, in a mission to plunder the Cave of Hunger. Dark secrets are held within, and we suspect they may cause trouble for everyone in the region before long.
If you’re new to D&D, Icewind Dale is an unforgiving stretch of land to the far north that few can survive in – step outside without the right gear and you’ll swiftly freeze to death. The Dales-folk are very hardy as a result, and newcomers are in for a challenge.
You’ll be able to find out more when the book launches on September 15, 2020. If you act fast, you should also be able to get a special edition of Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden with a unique cover. We expect these to disappear quickly; they’re gorgeous.
Icewind Dale dice and accessories
Dice and Miscellany | $26.99 (opens in new tab) / £21.60 on Amazon UK (opens in new tab)
Naturally, a new sourcebook for D&D means new dice. This themed pack includes eleven unique, premium dice based on the chilly Icewind Dale, a ‘player-friendly’ fold-out map of the area, felt-lined dice trays, and twenty double-sided cards that feature the characters and creatures you’ll encounter on your journey.
These accessories are neat companions to the main campaign, and they’ll help get you in the spirit of things if you’re playing person.
Icewind Dale miniatures
WizKids Icons of the Realms | $16.99 on WizKids (opens in new tab)
As with all other D&D adventure releases, WizKids have got some awesome minis to go with Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden. These are a little tricky to pre-order right now, but they’re definitely worth hunting down. They represent many of Icewind Dale’s monsters, including the Tomb Tapper and Abominable Yeti. The abominable snowman in Dungeons and Dragons? Yes please.
New to D&D? Start here
Dungeons and Dragons has seen a resurgence of popularity lately, but it can be an intimidating prospect at first glance. That’s why we’ve put together some handy explainers on one of the best tabletop RPGs (opens in new tab) around, complete with advice on where to start and how to find a game (and if all else fails, there’s always the new Dungeons & Dragons board game, D&D Adventure Begins (opens in new tab)).
How to start playing D&D (opens in new tab) | How to play D&D online (opens in new tab)
Meanwhile, those who’d prefer a board game will find plenty of recommendations in our guides. Because these pages are updated regularly, there will always be something new to get your teeth into.
Best board games (opens in new tab) | Board games for adults (opens in new tab) | Board games for 2 players (opens in new tab)
Best card games (opens in new tab) | Classic board games (opens in new tab) | Best cooperative board games (opens in new tab)
