Vecna Returns for D&D with Vecna: Eve of Ruin

Who is Vecna?

Vecna is an exceedingly popular D&D character from its early history, who has been brought to the forefront of many by his name being used in popular Netflix TV show Stranger Things. In Dungeons & Dragons, he is a phenomenally powerful lich, who acquires secrets as his source of power (something which will be key in Eve of Ruin). He was part of the multiverse of D&D, able to exert phenomenal powers, but was defeated by Kas – though both were defeated – leaving his spirit to slowly gather power over thousands of years from his followers. His return marks not just a key point in D&D history, but in 5E, where he’s only been referenced before, never taking his role as villain – until now. 

What is Vecna: Eve of Ruin?

Vecna: Eve of Ruin is the newest 5E campaign book, and whilst it’s overarching story is based on a D&D character of old, it’ll include a detailed character dossier for everyone you need to know, whether you’ve heard of them or not. 

As Vecna has such a presence across the multiverse, the story of the campaign seeks to do the same. As a player, you’ll work with some famous characters such as Alustriel Silverhand, who senses something wrong with magic and raises concerns, calling upon Mordenkainen and Tasha, to obtain parts of a legendary item that may defeat Vecna – the Rod of Seven Parts. Players will be seeking to retrieve these pieces, after being surprisingly summoned by the Wish spell made by the three. 

Related Article: Designer Jeremy Crawford on everything Tasha

Players will begin in the Forgotten Realms, but travel to Planescape, Eberron, Ravenloft, Dragonlance, and Greyhawk to find the pieces, making it a whistlestop tour of famous D&D places and heroes. 

Whilst there are certainly horror elements within the book – by its foundation, Vecna had his hand and eye removed which were later turned into relics – the game is not a horror game specifically. 

Related article: Exploring Horror in D&D

Who is Vecna: Eve of Ruin for?

The campaign is pitched at characters level 10-20, and will be run on 5E – although we’ve always been told that One D&D, out later this year, will be backwards compatible with adventures such as this. 

When is Eve of Ruin out?

Vecna: Eve of Ruin releases on D&D Beyond on 7th May 2024, and preordering will get you access to Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye from 16th April. You’ll also get preorder perks of digital dice, 11 frames, and 4 backdrops. Local stores will also receive it on 7th May, with wider retail release on 21st May 2024.