The legendary cult horror franchise Evil Dead is set to venture into the realm of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs). Fans can now support this exciting project through a Kickstarter campaign, allowing them to be among the first to experience it. Originating with the 1981 film, the Evil Dead franchise has grown to include two direct sequels, additional standalone films, and an upcoming release titled Evil Dead Burn. Renowned for its blend of horror and comedy, the series is famous for its exceptional practical effects, extravagant gore, and irreverent humor, earning it enduring popularity and inspiring numerous imitations.
With the upcoming Evil Dead 2 RPG Supplement, players will finally have the opportunity to create their own grotesque, Evil Dead-inspired narratives. Developed by Lynnvander Studios, this official tabletop RPG supplement is currently available for backing on Kickstarter. Slated for release in June 2025, the supplement utilizes the 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) system. The development team comprises seasoned designers who have worked on board games inspired by other cult classic horror films, including Reanimator and Army of Darkness, ensuring that this project is in capable hands. Notably, designer Devin Wilson also serves as a Dungeon Master for the popular actual play series, Legacy of Worlds.
This RPG supplement is tailored for integration into any D&D campaign while also offering the flexibility to establish an entirely original dark fantasy or modern horror experience. Although it has already exceeded its initial funding goal, there remains a window of opportunity for late backers to contribute and stay updated on project developments. Recently, ScreenRant received an exclusive preview showcasing several mechanics and a character class that takes a distinctly Evil Dead twist on the classic D&D cleric archetype, as well as a stat block for Henrietta Knowby—a human who transforms into a monstrous figure featured in the films.
A Sneak Peek at the Evil Dead TTRPG’s New Mechanics
Sycophant Domain Clerics, Limb Loss, & More
One notable feature of this RPG supplement is the introduction of the Sycophant Domain cleric class. Unlike traditional D&D clerics, who must choose a specific deity at character creation, Sycophant Domain clerics worship any god willing to listen to their pleas.
This unique concept not only grants them versatility but also unpredictability. For instance, Sycophant Domain clerics have a set number of always-prepared spells that evolve with their character levels. At advanced levels, they can even draw spells from bard, druid, and warlock spell lists. The mechanics come with quirky twists; for example, when employing the “Call the Fickle Whims”ability, players roll two dice to randomly determine whether they can cast either bless or bane.
Bless and bane offer opposing effects in gameplay, either granting a 1d4 bonus or imposing a penalty on attack rolls and saving throws, respectively.
Additionally, the supplement introduces the mechanic of Limb Loss, which aligns with the thematic elements of the Evil Dead series. True to its name, this mechanic introduces the possibility of losing limbs during certain attacks. Stat blocks for iconic items from the films, such as the Kandarian Dagger, which inflicts ongoing damage when embedded in its target and prevents revival, further enrich the gameplay experience.
Also featured is Henrietta Knowby, reimagined as a formidable Deadite adversary, capable of instilling fear in players. This character exhibits shape-shifting abilities and deceptive powers, luring players into aiding her before turning against them with deadly claws. Henrietta also faces her own version of Limb Loss; damage inflicted reduces her number of melee attacks per turn due to the loss of appendages. However, she boasts a unique ability—her severed hands can operate independently. Upon being reduced to zero HP, she resurrects in her true form, characterized by a grotesquely elongated neck, and can heal by reattaching her dismembered limbs.
Our Take: Evil Dead and D&D Are a Match Made in Hell
(And We Mean That in the Nicest Way Possible)
As someone who identifies with the target audience for this type of collaboration, I find the combination of Evil Dead and D&D to be a match made in horror-fantasy heaven. Even within this early preview, the intricate details and the superbly crafted comedy-horror ambiance of The Evil Dead 2 RPG Supplement impress me. The designers’ experience with projects like Legacy of Worlds indicates their deep passion for the diverse settings available in D&D. Additionally, their successful adaptations of other cult classics into board game formats reassure me that this project is destined for success.
Leave a Reply