This New D&D Adventure Features The Villain That Inspired Stranger Things' Vecna

Wizards of the Coast just released a new Dungeons & Dragons adventure module that fans of Stranger Things may want to check out. While the Dungeons & Dragons - Vecna: Eve of Ruin adventure book isn't directly tied to the Netflix series per se, fans of the show will recognize "Vecna" as the name of the big bad from Stranger Things Season 4.

Technically, despite the similarities in appearance, the Vecna in Stranger Things is not the same character as the Vecna from D&D. The tabletop version of Vecna has existed since the '70s and has become more prominent in the game's lore in the decades since, appearing in multiple official storylines as a super-powerful antagonist. He even showed up as the villain in Critical Role's first season. Naturally, since the characters of Stranger Things are D&D players living in the 1980s, "Vecna" would be the perfect nickname for a ghoulish evil creature with sorcerer-like powers.

Nevertheless, while Vecna: Eve of Ruin is not a Stranger Things tie-in, fans of the show who want to know more about the creature's namesake should give this new adventure module a look. The module is designed for experienced characters between levels 10 and 20--which makes sense, considering Vecna is one of the strongest enemies in the D&D universe and can't actually die. Vecna may be the star of the show, but the module is a multiverse-hopping adventure that takes the party to multiple D&D settings like Ravenloft and Spelljammer and includes appearances by other well-known characters from classic D&D campaigns. And hey, since it's a multiverse story, you could always homebrew a Stranger Things connection as you play.

The Vecna: Eve of Ruin D&D adventure module is available now at Amazon for $56 (it was $60). A special Local Game Store edition with alternate cover art is also available for third-party resellers on Amazon (though it's a bit pricier).

In order to play, you will also need the D&D Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual, all of which are available at Amazon individually or in a multi-book bundle for $99 (normally $170). And if your characters aren't high enough level to take on the new Vecna adventure, or if you're just starting out, there are several lower-level campaign books and starter sets on sale as well.

• Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide, Player's Handbook, and Monster Manual slipcase bundle -- $99 ($170)
• Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide -- $45 ($50)
• Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual -- $29 ($50)
• Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook -- $26 ($50)
• Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook plus beginner gift set -- $65
• Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit -- $20.49 ($25)
• Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle -- $14 ($20)
• Dungeons & Dragons: The Shattered Obelisk Adventure -- $35 ($60)
• Dungeons & Dragons: Tyranny of Dragons adventure bundle -- $29 ($50)
• Dungeons & Dragons - Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse campaign collection -- $44 ($85)