Here’s how Dungeons & Dragons fans can role play their way through the Stranger Things universe.
This article originally appeared in the Den of Geek New York Comic Con special edition print magazine. You can find the digital copy here.
World/ Campaign Overview
Welcome, friends, to the Right Side Up. Close your eyes and imagine the small town you grew up in. Imagine all the secret bike paths, the neighborhood supermarket, your best friend’s house. That’s the Right Side Up. It looks exactly like every other podunk town.The streets are lined with autumn trees, and all the mailboxes are scribbled with names you recognize.
But don’t get too comfortable. Familiarity is the curse of the Right Side Up, because underneath lies the helter-skelter of all the neighborhood blocks and the people who embraced you growing up. Be careful: One step could lead you into the Upside Down, this world’s evil twin.
If you get trapped there, you will almost certainly not make it out alive. Walk in silence; see the danger; and try to find Will without the Demogorgon sucking you into the Upside Down!
Playable Characters:Mike, Eleven, Lucas, Dustin, Nancy, Joyce, Hopper, a La-Z-Boy, Steve’s hair, Jonathan.
Available Character Classes: Law Enforcement, Teenage Dream, Teenage Monster, Outsider, Prepubescent Boy, E.T.
NPCs
Barb: This NPC must have had a strong female presence in her life, because her greatest power is individuality and the ability to give absolutely no fucks when it comes to little things like fitting in or glitter lip smackers. Barb is the conscience of the masses. You will want her on your side.
Mrs. Wheeler: Female. Middle-aged. Mother. Mrs. Wheeler is cloaked in a Shield of Obliviousness. Curses rest upon her due to tract housing, motherhood, and The Gap. Characters can slip in and out of the Wheeler Basement without being noticed. Useless in battle, unless the objective is to out the enemy for engaging in coitus within the last half-hour, in which case this NPC will be extremely helpful.
Steve: Powered by testosterone. This NPC is a charmer who uses excessive amounts of hair mousse to distract the ladies from his affinity for pissing on everything, which marks his territory against other human males. The NPC can be rather slow but will come around eventually. Steve will be average (at best) in battle against enemies.
Mr. Clarke: A quiet power. Don’t judge a book by its mousey cover. This NPC will be indispensable. Armed with extensive scientific knowledge, constant availability, and relationships with children that are just short of being weird, adventurers will not be able to complete their mission without Mr. Clarke.
SIDEBAR: Goes on the right side
Unique Gear
Eggo Waffles;Wrist Rocket;RadioKnife from ‘Nam;Bandana;Blonde Wig;Pringles;The Clash’s “Combat Rock”;Kiddie Pool;Salt;Ax;Heathkit;Trapper Keeper;Calculator; Watch;Christmas Lights;Shirt Without Sleeves;A VHS copy of The Thing