D&D 5E How would YOU build Vecna?

[Shardstone]

Then it's not actual Vecna or it is but not really more than an avatar. It even has time travel paradoxes to protect it so strong DC villain logic to keep it coming back. Like vandal Savage and reverse flash had a super genius emo son.

Its a time traveling Vecna, actually, according to what they put up.

 

[Reynard]

Maybe not, but Vecna is referred to in some canon and lore as a god, or very near to one. He should be treated as such.

That's fine. I'm just saying that in the context of "how would you build a stat block" the answer "I would fiat everything" isn't particularly interesting or even on topic.

 

[Thomas Rainsborough]

That's fine. I'm just saying that in the context of "how would you build a stat block" the answer "I would fiat everything" isn't particularly interesting or even on topic.

Already answered that earlier with suggestions, but will expand.
All ability scores of 30. There is zero doubt that over hundreds of years (or thousands) Vecna would find ways to increase all scores.
At least a 20th level caster. Spells like Finger of Death, Powerword Kill, are automatics.
Prof in all saves (as mentioned before).
Given that the Book of Vile Darkness is on his person at all times, the various properties described in general for that book would be applied to the stat block. I am talking these properties. At the very least force the DM to flesh them out, if not explicitly described:

• 3 minor beneficial properties
• 1 major beneficial property
• 3 minor detrimental properties
• 2 major detrimental properties

DC of 22 or 20 on spells/ effects also ludicrously low. Sure, that would likely mean having some magic items on him. but given that I can create a 20th level char with a DC higher than 22 (including items like Rod of the Pact Keeper), no way Vecna is that low.

 

[billd91]

I'd give him damage resistance to magic weapons or double his hit points. For my money, he looks like he's going down fast.

 

[Stoutstien]

I'd give him damage resistance to magic weapons or double his hit points. For my money, he looks like he's going down fast.

If played true to type getting off any attack on him is going to be rare enough to not have warrant that. One of the reasons kas could cut off arm/and gouge an eye out is that no one else has had an opportunity to even get that far. This is a guy who made skill lords as a punishment after getting bested and in a weaker state.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

If played true to type getting off any attack on him is going to be rare enough to not have warrant that. One of the reasons kas could cut off arm/and gouge an eye out is that no one else has had an opportunity to even get that far.

my issue with this is the same as my issue with Strahd in CoS... yes if played by a DM smarter or better at D&D tactics then the players that works... by 11th 12th level PCs have too many lock down options

 

[Reynard]

my issue with this is the same as my issue with Strahd in CoS... yes if played by a DM smarter or better at D&D tactics then the players that works... by 11th 12th level PCs have too many lock down options

Even if the GM is essentially better, there are 4 or 5 players and groups just think better than individuals.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

Even if the GM is essentially better, there are 4 or 5 players and groups just think better than individuals.

yup... we used to run circles around the best DM I knew... the guy was a genius and always had suprises... but once we all got used to him and worked around him a bit he never stood a chance against the 6 of us.

 

[Stoutstien]

my issue with this is the same as my issue with Strahd in CoS... yes if played by a DM smarter or better at D&D tactics then the players that works... by 11th 12th level PCs have too many lock down options

This can be true but that's one of the reasons I just avoid placing someone like Vecna in a position to be targeted at all. He is a force that should be untangible in regards to the party. If you stat it the potential for your party to destroy something that supposedly has thousands of years experience and knowledge will just deflate the game. That's why I said I'd use shadows instead. You might occasionally beat a sliver of his actual power or temporary slow one of his plots. Are you going kill him? No. At best you will set in motion one of many contingencies plans.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

This can be true but that's one of the reasons I just avoid placing someone like Vecna in a position to be targeted at all. He is a force that should be untangible in regards to the party. If you stat it the potential for your party to destroy something that supposedly has thousands of years experience and knowledge will just deflate the game. That's why I said I'd use shadows instead. You might occasionally beat a sliver of his actual power or temporary slow one of his plots. Are you going kill him? No. At best you will set in motion one of many contingencies plans.

one of the best villians I ever ran was in 3e a level 6 noble (maybe aristocrat) against a party that first ran afoul his plans at level 8ish and he was still a thorn in there side by level 14... cause I never let them be in the same room as him