[ST x D&D 5th Edition] MIKE WHEELER!
✶ PALADIN: Paladin is Mike's class in every corner of canon you look in. It's really supportive towards the idea of Mike as a shield/defender of his party— Especially the magic users, which can be pretty vulnerable! This class's power comes from their sworn loyalty to a deity, and I feel like Mike is drawn to that for the simplicity and assurance that comes with standing for something and following through on it; he wants to be a pillar within his party!
As a Paladin he can fight, defend, and even do some magic which Mike might use for healing and general buffs to the party. Paladins all possess the Lay on Hands ability, meaning he can use his touch to heal wounds or combat illness!
⇾ PROTECTION FIGHTING STYLE: Let’s put his iconic shield to use! This fighting style gives Mike the opportunity to defend any allies who stick close. As long as he holds his shield, he can use it to defend those near him and give attacking enemies disadvantage!
⇾ (SUBCLASS OPTION 1) OATH OF DEVOTION: Mike might take the Oath of Devotion, not for the Knight-in-shining armor energy— though that's sweet!— but the tenets which emphasize compassion and courage. “Let your words be your promise” sticks out as well. It can be a little too goody-two-shoes vibes? But the central beliefs of helping others, keeping good to your word, and decisive action feels aligned with Mike's themes!!
The Sanctuary spell comes with this oath, which helps ward an ally of choice against harm, emphasizing his role as a protector. Beacon of Hope gives advantage on Wisdom saves, death saves, and significant healing buffs to allies of his choice :)
⇾ (SUBCLASS OPTION 2) OATH OF THE WATCHERS: Alternatively, Paladins who take this oath are committed to defend their realm from extraplanar threats— Perfect for somebody on alert for any influence of the Upside Down threatening his friends and their world. Central tenets of this oath include Loyalty and Vigilance! (Theres a little bit of paranoia to it that makes it feel better suited to Hopper, but I couldn't ignore it as an option for Mike :)
It also gives an ability (Channel divinity: Watcher’s Will) to give his allies temporary advantages on certain stats. Fitting from the heart of the party. :)
(It was hard finding an intuitive perfect fit for which Oath Mike swears by so there are two options here. In-game, he would only have one. I just couldn't decide!)
[paladin overview] [paladin spell list] [oath of devotion] [oath of the watchers]