Pawnee, Indiana, is no stranger to quirky antics and unexpected escapades, thanks to the ever-enthusiastic Parks and Recreation Department.
But when Chris Traeger, the department’s resident optimist and health guru, decided it was time for a team-building activity, even the most seasoned members of the team were in for a surprise.
Join us as we dive into this imaginary episode of “Parks and Recreation,” where the beloved characters navigate dungeons, dragons, and more than a few unexpected twists.
It’s a tale of teamwork, laughter, and the magic of imagination proving that sometimes the best way to bring people together is through a shared adventure, no matter how fantastical it may be.
Setting the Scene
Chris Traeger, ever the optimist and perpetual fountain of energy, burst into the Parks Department office with his trademark enthusiasm. “Good morning, team! I have an amazing idea for a team-building activity that will not only strengthen our bonds but also improve our overall happiness and productivity!”
He beamed at the group, who were already bracing themselves for whatever hyperactive activity Chris had in mind.
Ron Swanson, barely looking up from his morning bacon, grumbled, “If this involves running or any form of exercise, count me out.”
Chris, undeterred, continued, “No running, Ron! Today, I was thinking of a trust fall exercise followed by a group meditation session!”
The collective groan from the team was almost loud enough to shake the walls.
April Ludgate rolled her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn’t get stuck. “I’d rather fall into a pit of snakes,” she muttered.
Andy Dwyer, ever the supportive husband, chimed in, “Yeah, and I don’t think I can meditate. I have like too many of these really awesome thoughts all the time.”
Chris, sensing the resistance, looked slightly deflated but quickly bounced back. “Okay, okay! How about a pottery class? Or maybe a group hike?”
Ann Perkins, ever the voice of reason, suggested, “Chris, maybe we should try something a little more… indoors?”
Ben Wyatt, who had been quietly observing the exchange, saw his moment. “Actually, I have an idea,” he said, cautiously optimistic. “What if we played a game of Dungeons & Dragons? It’s a great way to build teamwork, strategy, and creativity.”
The room fell silent.
Tom Haverford looked up from his phone, a look of sheer horror on his face. “Dungeons & Dragons? You mean that nerd game with the dice and wizards and stuff? Hard pass.”
Donna Meagle added, “Yeah, Ben, I love you, but that sounds like the opposite of fun.”
Chris, ever the peacemaker, interjected, “I know it might sound unconventional, but we need to choose something. And if Ben thinks it can help us work together, I say we give it a shot.”
Leslie Knope, always supportive of her husband, nodded enthusiastically. “I think it could be fun! Plus, we could use a little adventure in our lives, right?”
With a mix of reluctance and curiosity, the team finally agreed. Ben’s eyes lit up with a joy that could only be described as pure, unadulterated geek bliss. “This is going to be amazing,” he whispered to himself, already planning the epic campaign he would finally get to play in.
And so, the Parks Department’s journey into the world of Dungeons & Dragons began, setting the stage for an adventure none of them would ever forget.
Leslie Knope
Character: N/A (Dungeon Master)
Leslie Knope took to the role of Dungeon Master like a duck to water or, more precisely, like Leslie Knope to a binder full of color-coded tabs.
What had started as a simple plan to use a pre-written adventure module quickly spiraled into a full-blown homebrew campaign, complete with intricate maps, detailed character backstories, and an elaborate political intrigue subplot involving several fictional kingdoms.
“Welcome, brave adventurers, to the land of Knopeia!” Leslie announced with a flourish, standing at the head of the conference room table, which she had transformed into a medieval landscape using handcrafted miniatures and meticulously drawn maps. “Your journey begins in the bustling town of Waffleton, where the annual Syrup Festival is in full swing.”
Ben Wyatt, sitting next to her with his character sheet in hand, tried to hide his amazement. “Leslie, this is… incredible. I mean, the detail here is just… Wow.”
Leslie beamed. “Thanks, Ben! I spent the entire weekend reading every D&D book I could find, watching tutorials, and even listening to some actual play podcasts. I wanted to make sure I got everything just right.”
As the game progressed, Ben couldn’t help but notice that Leslie had an uncanny knack for the rules. At one point, he tried to gently correct her on a minor detail about spellcasting.
“Actually, Leslie, I think the spell works a little differently…”
Leslie, ever prepared, pulled out a laminated sheet from one of her many binders. “According to the Player’s Handbook, page 203, it says here that the spell duration is one hour, not thirty minutes. See?” She pointed to the exact line of text with a triumphant smile.
Tom snickered. “Oh man, Ben, you just got schooled by your own wife. That’s rough.”
Donna added, “Yeah, Wyatt, looks like Leslie’s the real Dungeon Master here.” as she and Tom high-fived each other.
Despite the teasing, Ben couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. He leaned back in his chair, watching Leslie expertly guide the group through her elaborate adventure. “You know what? You’re right, Leslie. I stand corrected. Let’s get back to the game.”
Leslie nodded, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “Alright, adventurers, as you approach the gates of Waffleton, you notice a suspicious figure lurking in the shadows. What do you do?”
And so, the Parks Department found themselves immersed in the world of Knopeia, led by a Dungeon Master who was as passionate, organized, and unstoppable as ever.
Leslie Knope’s DMing Style
Leslie Knope’s approach to Dungeon Mastering was nothing short of legendary.
While most DMs might spend a few hours prepping for a session, Leslie had dedicated an entire weekend to mastering every rule, creating intricate maps, and crafting a storyline that would rival any epic fantasy novel.
Her preparation was meticulous. She had binders filled with notes, color-coded tabs for quick reference, and even contingency plans for every possible player decision.
While she wildly overdid normal session prep, Leslie’s organizational skills nevertheless ensured that the game ran smoothly and efficiently, with minimal downtime and maximum adventure.
However, Leslie’s true charm as a DM lay in her earnest attempts at role-playing the various NPCs.
While she wasn’t the best at doing different voices or embodying distinct personalities, her enthusiasm was infectious. Whether she was trying to sound like a grizzled old dwarf or a mischievous fairy, her efforts were endearing and brought a unique, heartwarming quality to the game.
“Greetings, adventurers!” Leslie would say, attempting a deep, gravelly voice that sounded more like a cartoon pirate. “I am Thorgar, the blacksmith. What can I do for ye?”
The team couldn’t help but smile at Leslie’s wholehearted commitment. Her passion for storytelling and her genuine desire to make the game enjoyable for everyone shone through, making every session a memorable experience.
In the end, Leslie’s DMing style was a perfect blend of organized chaos and heartfelt charm, embodying everything that made her such a beloved figure in the Parks Department.
Ben Wyatt
Character: High Elf Bladesinger Wizard
From the moment the idea of playing Dungeons & Dragons was proposed, Ben Wyatt was like a kid on Christmas morning. His eyes sparkled with excitement, and he couldn’t wait to dive into the game. As a lifelong Dungeon Master, this was a rare opportunity for him to finally be a player, and he was determined to make the most of it.
Ben chose to play an Elf Bladesinger Wizard named Eldarion Starfire, a character he had clearly been dreaming up for years.
Eldarion was a master of arcane magic, with a tragic backstory involving the loss of his homeland and a quest for vengeance against a dark sorcerer. Ben had a detailed character sheet, complete with a custom-drawn portrait and a backstory that rivaled a full-length novel.
Right out of the gate, Ben dove into the role of Eldarion with gusto, casting spells with dramatic flair and delivering monologues about honor and destiny. He was the first to volunteer for any dangerous mission and often found himself trying to steer the group towards the most heroic course of action.
As the game progressed, Ben’s initial enthusiasm only grew. He was completely immersed in the story Leslie was weaving and often found himself marveling at her creativity and organizational skills. Despite a few moments of ribbing from the rest of the team, Ben was totally in his element, and his joy was palpable.
“Leslie, this campaign is incredible,” he said during a break, his eyes shining with pride. “You’ve really outdone yourself.”
Leslie beamed back at him. “Thanks, Ben! I’m just glad you’re having fun.”
Tom Haverford
Character: Halfling Glamour Bard
Tom Haverford was skeptical about the whole Dungeons & Dragons thing.
“This better be fly,” he muttered as he took his seat, already checking his phone for the latest social media updates. He wasn’t entirely convinced that a game involving dice and imaginary worlds could be anything but lame, but he decided to give it a shot—mostly because everyone else was doing it.
Tom chose to play a Halfling Bard named Swaggarino, a character that was essentially a fantasy version of himself. Swaggarino was a smooth-talking, ladies’ man Bard who always had a witty remark and a charming smile.
“He’s got style, he’s got grace, and he’s got the ladies all over the place,” Tom explained with a grin.
True to form, Tom played Swaggarino with a focus on charisma and charm. He spent most of his time trying to impress NPCs and flirt with any female characters Leslie introduced.
“I serenade the tavern maid with my lute,” he would say, strumming an imaginary instrument and giving a wink.
While his antics often led to hilarious results, Tom’s character also had a knack for getting the party out of tricky situations with his silver tongue. “I roll to persuade the guard to let us through without a fight,” he declared, confidently rolling the dice.
More often than not, Swaggarino’s charm worked, much to the amusement (and occasional exasperation) of the group.
As the game progressed, Tom’s initial skepticism began to fade. He found himself genuinely enjoying the role-playing aspect, especially when it came to crafting elaborate tales and songs to entertain the group.
“This is actually kinda fun,” he admitted during a break, a hint of surprise in his voice.
One particularly memorable moment came when the group was facing a powerful sorceress. Tom, as Swaggarino, decided to try and charm her instead of fighting. “I sing a ballad about her beauty and power,” he announced, rolling for performance. To everyone’s surprise, the sorceress was so flattered that she decided to help the party instead of attacking them.
By the end of the session, Tom was fully engaged, his character’s charisma and charm adding a unique and entertaining dynamic to the group. He even started brainstorming new songs and tales for Swaggarino to perform in future adventures.
Ron Swanson
Character: Human Totem Warrior Barbarian
Ron Swanson made it abundantly clear that he was participating under duress. Sitting at the table with his arms crossed, he wore an expression of sheer disdain.
“A game of imagination,” he muttered. “This is the most egregious waste of taxpayer money I’ve ever witnessed.”
His reluctance was impossible not to notice, and he was clearly counting down the minutes until he could escape this nonsense.
Ron chose to play a Barbarian named simply “Ron.” His character was a no-nonsense warrior who wielded a massive axe and typically spoke in monosyllables if at all. The character sheet was sparse, reflecting Ron’s minimal interest in the game’s intricacies.
“Just write ‘Ron’ and give him an axe,” he had grumbled to Leslie.
Initially, Ron played his character with the same disinterest he showed towards the game itself. He would grunt in response to questions and swing his axe at anything that moved, clearly just going through the motions.
However, something unexpected happened during a particularly intense battle. The group was ambushed by a band of marauding orcs, and it seemed like all hope was lost. In a moment of desperation, Leslie described how “Ron” the Barbarian single-handedly held the line, his axe cleaving through enemies with brutal efficiency.
For a brief moment, a spark of genuine interest flickered in Ron’s eyes. He leaned forward, his grip on his dice tightening. “I charge at the orc leader,” he declared, his voice resonating with unexpected intensity.
As the battle raged on, Ron became increasingly engrossed in the game. He started strategizing with the team, offering gruff but effective suggestions. By the end of the session, he was fully immersed, his initial disdain replaced by a fierce determination to see the adventure through.
After the game, Ron tried to play it off, returning to his stoic demeanor.
However, the transformation hadn’t gone unnoticed. As the group packed up, Leslie gave him a knowing smile. “I’ll see you next week… Ron,” she said with a wink.
Ron nodded back, a rare twinkle in his eye. “Indeed you will, Leslie.”
Chris Traeger
Character: Elf Circle of Dreams Druid
Chris Traeger approached the game of D&D with his trademark boundless enthusiasm. Despite knowing absolutely nothing about the game, he was excited to dive in and experience something new with his friends.
“I am LITERALLY so excited for this!” he exclaimed as he took his seat at the table, beaming at everyone.
Chris crafted a character that was a clear reflection of his aspirational self: an Elf Druid named Elrond Greenleaf. Elrond was a granola-making, nature-loving healer who believed in the power of positivity and the importance of living a healthy, balanced life.
“Elves live exceptionally long lives,” Chris explained, “which means Elrond LITERALLY has centuries of both wisdom and experience in holistic health!”
Chris’s enthusiasm was infectious, but his lack of knowledge about the game led to a lot of questions, most of which had little to do with the actual story.
“Can my character make a smoothie out of these forest berries?” he asked during a tense moment in the adventure. “What are the nutritional benefits of these mushrooms we found?”
Leslie, ever the prepared Dungeon Master, had anticipated Chris’s curiosity and was ready with quick, satisfying answers.
“Yes, Elrond can make a smoothie, and it will give the party a temporary boost to their health,” she replied with a smile. “And those mushrooms? They’re packed with vitamins and will help you regain spell slots.”
As the game progressed, Chris’s endless questions and cheerful demeanor brought a unique energy to the table. While his inquiries often veered off course, Leslie managed to keep things moving smoothly, ensuring that Chris’s enjoyment didn’t slow down the adventure.
Chris’s excitement never waned. He was constantly amazed by the world Leslie had created and the abilities of his fellow adventurers.
“This is LITERALLY the most fun I have ever had!” he declared after successfully healing the party with a well-timed spell.
By the end of the session, Chris was fully immersed in the game, his character’s boundless optimism mirroring his own. His enthusiasm had a way of lifting everyone’s spirits, making the adventure even more enjoyable.
Ann Perkins
Character: Human Life Cleric
Ann Perkins entered the world of Dungeons & Dragons with a mix of hesitation and mild curiosity. She had never been much of a fantasy fan and didn’t quite understand the appeal of the game.
“I’m not sure how this is going to help us bond,” she admitted, casting a wary glance at the pile of dice in front of her. But she trusted Ben and Leslie, so she decided to give it a try.
Ann chose to play a Human Cleric named Seraphina, a compassionate healer dedicated to helping others. It was a natural fit for Ann, who was a nurse in real life. Seraphina was equipped with healing spells and a gentle demeanor, much like Ann herself.
“I guess I’ll be the team medic,” she said with a shrug, embracing her role with a pragmatic approach.
Confused over what her character’s deity should be, Leslie reassured Ann that there’s really only one in Knopeia: Lil Sebastian who “represents literally everything great in the world.”
At first, Ann was cautious and somewhat reserved in her gameplay. She focused on keeping the party healthy, casting healing spells and offering support from the back lines. “I cast Healing Word on Ron,” she would say, following Leslie’s guidance on how to roll the dice and apply the effects.
As the game progressed, Ann began to relax and enjoy herself more. She started to see the appeal of the game and the camaraderie it fostered among her friends.
Her character, Seraphina, became more than just a passive healer for the group. In fact, she started taking initiative in the story, offering advice and even negotiating with NPCs.
One particularly memorable moment came when the party was faced with a moral dilemma involving a village in need. Ann, through Seraphina, delivered an impassioned speech about the importance of helping others and doing the right thing, earning the respect of her fellow players and their characters.
“We can’t just leave them to suffer,” she declared, her voice filled with conviction. “We have the power to make a difference.”
By the end of the session, Ann was fully engaged in the adventure, her initial reluctance replaced by a genuine enjoyment of the game. She found herself looking forward to the next session, eager to see where the story would take them.
Andy Dwyer
Character: Goliath Oath of Vengeance Paladin
Andy Dwyer approached Dungeons & Dragons with his usual childlike enthusiasm, despite knowing absolutely nothing about the game.
“So, it’s like a video game but with paper and stuff?” he asked, eyes wide with curiosity. He was eager to dive in, even if he didn’t fully understand what he was getting into.
Andy chose to play a Paladin named, unsurprisingly, Burt Macklin.
Burt Macklin was Andy’s go-to alter ego, an FBI agent with a penchant for heroics and over-the-top antics. In the world of D&D, Burt Macklin was a noble warrior dedicated to upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and getting revenge on the people who ruined his life.
“Burt Macklin, FBI… I mean, Paladin!” Andy declared, clearly thrilled with his character choice.
Andy quickly immersed himself in the role of Burt Macklin, Paladin. He approached every situation with bravado and a sense of adventure, charging into battle with reckless abandon and delivering grandiose speeches about justice and honor.
“I draw my sword and shout, ‘For justice!'” he would exclaim, rolling the dice with gusto.
Despite his lack of knowledge about the game’s mechanics, Andy’s enthusiasm was infectious. He was constantly asking questions and seeking advice from Ben and Leslie, eager to learn and improve.
“Can I do a triple backflip then run on the walls and then do more backflips onto the back of my pet dragon to breathe fire on all the bad guys?” he asked during a particularly intense encounter. While the answer was usually a gentle “No,” his excitement never waned.
As the game progressed, Andy’s initial curiosity had turned into full-blown excitement. He became more strategic in his actions, learning to work with the team and use Burt Macklin’s abilities to their fullest potential.
Burt Macklin, Paladin’s unwavering commitment to justice and heroism brought a sense of unity and purpose to the group.
By the end of the session, Andy was completely hooked. He had found a new outlet for his boundless energy and creativity, and his character, Burt Macklin, had become a beloved and integral part of the adventure.
April Ludgate
Character: Lizardfolk Necromancy Wizard
April Ludgate approached Dungeons & Dragons with her usual mix of disinterest and dark humor. She slouched in her chair, twirling a pencil between her fingers, and gave Ben a deadpan look.
“This better not be lame,” she warned, clearly skeptical of the entire endeavor.
April chose to play a Lizardfolk Necromancer named Morticia. Morticia was a character that perfectly embodied April’s love for the macabre and the bizarre.
“She’s a master of death magic and has a pet skeleton named Bones,” April explained with a smirk. “And she doesn’t care about anything… except maybe garbage and causing chaos.”
From the get-go, April was most engaged when she could do unhinged and unpredictable things in the game. She reveled in casting dark spells and summoning undead minions to do her bidding.
“I raise the dead villagers to fight for us,” she declared during a particularly grim encounter, her eyes lighting up with mischievous glee.
April’s actions often left the rest of the group in a mix of amusement and mild horror.
“April, do you really have to reanimate every corpse we come across?” Ann asked, half-laughing, half-groaning.
“Yes,” April replied flatly. “It’s called strategy, Ann.”
As the game progressed, April’s initial disinterest gave way to a twisted form of enthusiasm. She became more invested in the story, particularly when it involved opportunities for Morticia to unleash her necromantic powers in creative and chaotic ways.
Of course, she also delighted in throwing curveballs at Leslie, who actually handled each unexpected action with impressive adaptability.
During a climactic battle, April turned the tides by having Morticia command her ever-growing skeleton army to overwhelm the enemies that the party was fighting.
“My skeleton army attacks,” she said with a wicked grin, rolling the dice with uncharacteristic excitement.
By the end of the session, it was clear that April had found her niche in the game. Her unpredictable actions and dark humor added a unique flavor to the adventure, keeping everyone on their toes and ensuring that no one ever knew what to expect next.
Her character, Morticia, became a beloved (if slightly terrifying) member of the party, and April herself found a surprising amount of enjoyment in the game.
Donna Meagle
Character: Tiefling Thief Rogue
Donna Meagle was not overly thrilled about playing Dungeons & Dragons. She sat at the table, her skepticism barely concealed behind a pair of designer sunglasses.
“This better be worth my time,” she said, casting a wary glance at the pile of rulebooks and dice that sat beside Leslie and Ben. Donna was all about luxury and living her best life, and she wasn’t convinced that a fantasy game fit into that lifestyle.
Donna chose to play a seductive Tiefling Rogue named Velvet Shadow. Velvet was a glamorous, cunning thief who always managed to get what she wanted through a mix of charm and stealth.
“She’s basically me, but with a dagger and a lot more sneaking around,” Donna explained, clearly enjoying the idea of her character’s roguish exploits.
Donna played Velvet Shadow with a focus on style and finesse. She was all about the high-stakes heists and daring escapes, often using her character’s charm to manipulate NPCs and her stealth to avoid direct confrontations.
“I slip into the shadows and pick the lock on the treasure chest,” she would say, rolling the dice with a confident smirk.
While Donna initially seemed detached, her natural charisma and wit quickly made Velvet Shadow a standout character. She had a knack for turning even the most mundane situations into opportunities for clever banter and stylish maneuvers.
“I persuade the guard that I’m actually the queen’s secret agent,” she declared during a particularly tense moment, her confidence unwavering.
As the game progressed, Donna’s initial reluctance gave way to genuine enjoyment. She found herself getting more and more into the role of Velvet Shadow, relishing the chance to outsmart enemies and pull off daring heists.
Her character’s blend of charm and cunning brought a unique dynamic to the group, often saving them from tricky situations with a well-timed bluff or a perfectly executed stealth move.
One particularly memorable moment came when the party was trapped in a dungeon with no apparent way out. Donna, as Velvet Shadow, discovered a hidden passage and led the group to safety with a mix of clever thinking and smooth talking.
“Follow me, amateurs,” she said with a wink, clearly enjoying her character’s moment in the spotlight.
By the end of the session, Donna was fully engaged in the adventure. She had found a way to bring her love of luxury and style into the game, making Velvet Shadow a character that was both unmistakably glamorous and sophisticated but also undeniably formidable.
After all, even in a world of fantasy and adventure, there’s always room for a little bit of style!
Jerry Gergich
Character: Human Cavalier Fighter
Jerry Gergich approached the D&D game with his usual blend of nervousness and optimism.
“I’ll do my best,” he said, fumbling with his character sheet and dice. Despite his best intentions, everyone knew that Jerry’s luck (or lack thereof) would likely lead to some memorable mishaps.
Jerry started the game with a Human Fighter named Sir Gerald, a noble knight with dreams of heroism. However, this character, like many of Jerry’s endeavors, was doomed from the start.
True to form, Jerry’s characters met with a series of unfortunate and bizarrely improbable fates. Within the first hour, Sir Gerald was accidentally crushed by a falling chandelier in the town hall of Waffleton.
“Oh no, not again,” Jerry sighed as Leslie handed him a new character sheet.
Undeterred, Jerry rolled up a Dwarf Tempest Cleric named Thrain. Thrain managed to survive slightly longer but met his end when he tripped over his own beard and fell into a pit of spikes.
“I really thought I had it that time,” Jerry said, scratching his head in confusion.
Over the course of the session, Jerry went through a total of six characters: Sir Gerald the Human Fighter, Thrain the Dwarf Cleric, Elwin the Elf Ranger (who was poisoned by a seemingly harmless flower), Grogg the Half-Orc Barbarian (who drowned in a shallow stream), Tiberius the Tiefling Warlock (struck by lightning indoors), and finally, Bob the Halfling Rogue (who was accidentally sat on by a friendly giant).
While Jerry’s characters met with one unfortunate end after another, his demeanor remained surprisingly upbeat. Each new character brought a fresh wave of hope, and Jerry’s good-natured attitude turned his misadventures into a source of amusement for the entire group.
“Well, seventh time’s the charm, right?” he joked as he prepared his latest character sheet.
Despite his lack of success, Jerry found himself enjoying the game in his own uniquely “Jerry” way. He marveled at the creativity of the story and the camaraderie of his friends.
“I may not be very good at this,” he admitted with a laugh, “but it’s still a lot of fun.”
By the end of the session, Jerry had become a sort of lovable mascot/punching bag for the group, his endless string of bad luck adding a layer of humor and unpredictability to the adventure. While he still didn’t fully grasp the game, he appreciated the experience and the opportunity to spend time with his friends.
Jean-Ralphio Saperstein
Character: Half-Elf Wild Magic Sorcerer
Jean-Ralphio Saperstein sauntered into the Parks Department conference room with his usual swagger, clearly more interested in causing a scene than playing a game.
“What’s up, nerds?” he greeted, flashing a grin.
Tom had invited him as a backup plan in case the game turned out to be lame, but Jean-Ralphio had other ideas.
Jean-Ralphio chose to play a Half-Elf Sorcerer named Swagmaster Flash, a character as flamboyant and unpredictable as he was. “He’s got magic, he’s got style, and he’s here TO PARTYYYYYYYYYYY,” Jean-Ralphio announced, winking at the group.
From the get-go, Jean-Ralphio’s antics were disruptive. He cast spells at random, flirted with every NPC regardless of context, and often ignored the storyline entirely.
“I cast Fireball… at the mayor’s house,” he declared during a peaceful town meeting, causing chaos and confusion.
Tom, who had initially expected to need Jean-Ralphio’s antics as a distraction, found himself increasingly frustrated.
As Tom got more into the game, he started to see the value in teamwork and strategy. Jean-Ralphio’s constant interruptions and off-the-wall actions became a source of irritation.
“Dude, can you please focus for like, one minute?” Tom pleaded, exasperated.
Jean-Ralphio, however, seemed oblivious to the growing tension. “Relax, Tommy, it’s just a game,” he said, casting another spell that turned the town’s fountain water into wine. “We’re here to have fun!”
As the game progressed, the gap between Tom’s growing investment and Jean-Ralphio’s disruptive behavior widened.
Tom’s character, Swaggarino, was trying to save the town from a band of marauding goblins, while Jean-Ralphio’s Swagmaster Flash was busy trying to throw an impromptu party in the town square.
The final straw came when Jean-Ralphio’s antics nearly got the entire party captured by a group of bandits. “I charm the bandit leader and invite him to my concert,” he said, completely ignoring the danger they were in.
Tom, now fully invested in the game, had to step in to save the day.
“Enough, Jean-Ralphio!” Tom snapped, taking charge of the situation. “If you’re not going to take this seriously, you can just leave.”
Jean-Ralphio, sensing that his friend was genuinely upset, finally toned down his antics. “Alright, alright, I’ll chill,” he said, albeit reluctantly. He spent the rest of the session trying (and mostly failing) to stay on task, but his heart wasn’t really in it.
By the end of the session, it was clear that Jean-Ralphio’s chaotic energy was better suited for other pursuits. Tom, on the other hand, had found a new appreciation for the game and the camaraderie it fostered.
Councilman Jeremy Jamm
Character: Dragonborn Ascendant Dragon Monk
Councilman Jeremy Jamm somehow managed to weasel his way into the D&D session, much to Leslie Knope’s chagrin.
“Oh, come on, Leslie, don’t be such a buzzkill,” he sneered as he took a seat at the table.
Leslie shot him a glare but was momentarily interrupted by Chris Traeger, who stepped out of character to remind her of the exercise’s purpose.
“Leslie, for the sake of fairness and team-building, we need to include everyone,” Chris said, his ever-optimistic smile unwavering.
With a heavy sigh, Leslie relented. “Fine, Jamm. But if you ruin this for everyone, I will personally make sure you regret it.”
Jamm chose to play a Dragonborn Monk named Jamm the Fist. His character was a reflection of his own antagonistic nature, i.e. quick, confrontational, and always looking for a fight.
“Jamm the Fist doesn’t take orders from anyone,” he declared, smirking at the group.
True to form, Jamm started the game by being as disruptive as possible. He constantly made snide remarks, questioned Leslie’s decisions as DM, and tried to undermine the other characters.
“I challenge Ben’s character to a duel in the middle of the town square,” he announced, rolling the dice with a smug grin.
Leslie, determined not to let Jamm ruin the session, used her DM skills to reel him in. She created situations where Jamm the Fist’s martial prowess and agility were crucial to the party’s success, forcing him to cooperate.
“You encounter a series of traps that only Jamm the Fist can navigate,” she narrated, giving him a meaningful look.
As the game progressed, Jamm’s initial antagonism began to wane. He found himself getting caught up in the adventure, especially when his character’s combat skills played a key role in overcoming obstacles.
While he would never admit it, he started to enjoy the game.
One turning point came during a tense encounter with a band of marauding orcs. Jamm the Fist used his monk abilities to disarm the leader and incapacitate several attackers, saving the party from certain doom.
“I guess I just saved all your butts,” Jamm said, trying to sound nonchalant but clearly pleased with himself, “Those orcs JUST GOT JAMMED!“
Despite his growing enjoyment, Jamm still couldn’t resist mocking Leslie. “Nice game, Knope. I never thought I’d see the day when you’d be playing make-believe with a bunch of nerds,” he teased, though his tone was less biting than usual.
By the end of the session, Jamm had settled into the game, his antagonistic behavior tempered by the thrill of the adventure. While he continued to mock Leslie, it was clear that he had found some genuine enjoyment in the experience.
In a weird way, Chris Traeger was right. The session became an unexpected exercise in teamwork and tolerance, proving that even the most unlikely participants could find common ground in the world of Dungeons & Dragons.
Conclusion – Parks & Rec Plays D&D
As the sun set on their epic Dungeons & Dragons adventure, the Parks Department found themselves not only united by their shared quest but also by the laughter and camaraderie that came with it.
Leslie’s meticulous planning, Ben’s boundless enthusiasm, and the unique contributions of each team member turned what began as a reluctant exercise into an unforgettable experience.
From Ron Swanson’s unexpected immersion in the game to Tom Haverford’s suave bardic exploits, and even Councilman Jamm’s begrudging participation, every moment was a testament to the power of imagination and teamwork.
It was a reminder that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown can lead to the most memorable and bonding experiences.
But the story doesn’t end here. We’d love to hear from you! How could you see the Parks & Recreation team’s games going? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Want more laughs? See what happens when The Office plays D&D!
DM looking to up your game? These are the 6 best books that every DM MUST read!
