Hyenas are always on top

The Hellfire Club was the official Dungeons & Dragons club at Hawkins High, founded and led by Edward “Eddie” Munson. It served as a refuge for the school’s outcasts and became central to the battle against Vecna in March 1986.

Eddie, a repeated senior and metalhead, created the school-sanctioned club as a place for fellow misfits. It grew controversial amid the 1980s “Satanic Panic.” Eddie flourished as Dungeon Master, meeting in the school’s drama room. Core members included his bandmates Gareth and Jeff, and later freshmen Dustin Henderson, Mike Wheeler, and Lucas Sinclair. Erica Sinclair sometimes substituted.

In March 1986, Eddie launched the “Cult of Vecna” campaign, which paralleled real-life events. On March 21, with Lucas absent, Erica helped win the session. That same night, Eddie witnessed the supernatural murder of Chrissy Cunningham in his trailer.

When Chrissy’s death was discovered, Eddie became the prime suspect. His association with the Hellfire Club, already viewed as a “Satanic cult,” fueled hysteria. Jason Carver, Chrissy’s boyfriend, publicly accused Eddie and the club, rallying the town against them.

Forced into hiding, Eddie joined Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Nancy to investigate Vecna. During the final confrontation in the Upside Down, Eddie heroically distracted a swarm of Demobats by playing “Master of Puppets” on his guitar, allowing the others to attack Vecna. He was mauled by the creatures. As he lay dying, Eddie made Dustin promise to “look after the Hellfire Club” and said, “it was finally his year.” He told Dustin he loved him before succumbing.

After Eddie’s death, the club and its members were still blamed by authorities and the public. Eddie was posthumously vilified, though Dustin ensured his uncle knew the truth. Eddie had seen Dustin and Mike as the club's future. While its activities after March 1986 aren't documented, Dustin’s promise suggests the Hellfire Club likely persisted. It remains a testament to Eddie’s belief in providing a sanctuary for Hawkins High’s “lost sheep.”