D&D 5E Get The Vecna Dossier Free At D&D Beyond

WotC is offering a free product which you can claim by signing into D&D Beyond, including Vecna’s 5E statistics.

The dossier includes the stat block plus a half page or so of lore. Vecna's stat block is a CR 26 undead wizard, prior to the fallen paladin (and former bodyguard to the lich) Kas's betrayal. That means he still has his hand and eye, although he is a time traveller and can appear in different worlds and eras.

The archlich Vecna is one of the most iconic villains of Dungeons & Dragons lore. And now you can bear witness to his necromantic magic with the Vecna Dossier! Available at no cost with your D&D Beyond account, this thrilling supplement details the legacy and statistics of the Undying King himself!

This claim unlocks the contents of this promotional supplement for use with D&D Beyond, including the supplement in digital format in the game compendium and in the searchable listings, character builder, encounters, and digital sheet.

Claim The Vecna Dossier now! - D&D Beyond

www.dndbeyond.com

 

[Nikosandros]

The one that was about a VTT that it looked like they were working on? Yeah, that's not evidence pointing to them completely dumping support for pen-and-paper D&D.

But that's not what I said. I said that I'm sure that they will keep printing books but I woudn't be surprised if they switch digital material to a subscription service.

 

[Shardstone]

I flat out consider this the best monster ever designed for 5E. The lack of legendary actions but more reactions, the threat, the healing, the movement...this is it. This is better then any other high CR monster yet made, and IMO all CR 20+ monsters should look like this. STunning.

 

[dave2008]

Yeah, I think this is a moment of me going "Oh, I like this. Time to change it to make it better, though!"

And then I'll need to homebrew a God version of Vecna for this, too.

Yep, that is how I would approach it as well.

 

[dave2008]

yes, but the statblock represents what an npc can or cannot do even outside of battle. I can understand the new policy regarding spells with random npc and monsters, but not with important figures such as that of Vecna

Actually that is not entirely true. It represents some of what it can do. A statblock is a starting point, not the end of what a monster can do.

 

[Micah Sweet]

It's what they were trying to do with 4E, so it's always been their goal. This time they might get it right!

As Far as I'm concerned, there is no way to get that right.

 

[Demetrios1453]

Say 13th level chars take on this stat block. Said char has a +10 to hit, BEFORE any magical weapon bonus. Let's give Mr Fighter a +2 Bow. (to bypass Fell Rebuke) That is a +12 before any other magical boosts, and there many potential boosts. That hits an AC 18 75% of the time (6 or better). In the first round, a player with any sense would Action Surge, for 6 attacks. Statistically, at least 4 are going to hit, maybe 5.

Any number of combinations at that level are doing 20 plus damage per attack. (I know a power-gamer can probably crank that up over 30). Note also Vecna's stat block only has a +3 to Initiative rolls. It is entirely possible that multiple chars would attack before Venca even gets a turn. 272 HP can evaporate in one turn if a Paladin gets lucky, like roll a 20 in that first turn, with Divine Smite.

This stat block only works with Lair Actions and/or minions. And CR 26's, needing those, against say 13th level chars, that speaks to lousy design, play-testing, and quality control. All things I have come to expect from WOTC.

But what if the paladin doesn't get lucky? CR is based on what happens during a normal three rounds of combat.

 

[Parmandur]

Some time ago, when WotC did a sort of sneak-preview of their ideas for digital offerings, they talked quite a bit about a subscription based service.

No, what they talked about was a free to play service for all the rules, and monetizing aesthetic stuff, not subscriptions.

 

[dave2008]

Say 13th level chars take on this stat block. Said char has a +10 to hit, BEFORE any magical weapon bonus. Let's give Mr Fighter a +2 Bow. (to bypass Fell Rebuke) That is a +12 before any other magical boosts, and there many potential boosts. That hits an AC 18 75% of the time (6 or better). In the first round, a player with any sense would Action Surge, for 6 attacks. Statistically, at least 4 are going to hit, maybe 5.

Well by the numbers, Vecna would be a challenge for 5-6 13th lvl PCs. Also, my group is 15th level and no one as anything over a +1 to hit. Magic Items are optional in 5e. If you are using them you should up the AC to compensate. So in your example the AC should be 20. Not a huge difference, but it normalizes the design parameters.

PS Fell Rebuke works on ranged attacks.

Any number of combinations at that level are doing 20 plus damage per attack. (I know a power-gamer can probably crank that up over 30). Note also Vecna's stat block only has a +3 to Initiative rolls. It is entirely possible that multiple chars would attack before Venca even gets a turn. 272 HP can evaporate in one turn if a Paladin gets lucky, like roll a 20 in that first turn, with Divine Smite.

Don't forget Vecna can use a reaction do deal damage and teleport away after that first attack.

This stat block only works with Lair Actions and/or minions. And CR 26's, needing those, against say 13th level chars, that speaks to lousy design, play-testing, and quality control. All things I have come to expect from WOTC.

No, it works on a party of the right level and particular style, just like any other statblock. By itself it is a challenge for a group ranged from 10th level (6 players) to 17th level (4 players). If you go outside that range, you need something more (terrain, lair actions, minions, etc.)

 

[Parmandur]

But that's not what I said. I said that I'm sure that they will keep printing books but I woudn't be surprised if they switch digital material to a subscription service.

I think theybare going to keep as much free material as they can, because they make money longterm through engagement.

 

[Hexmage-EN]

I get the feeling that official 5E monsters are designed for unoptimized parties. In my last campaign I often ended up using the maximum possible HP total (based on HD) for creatures and bumped up damage.