D&D Video Recap: Vecna, Venger, and More D&D Villains Return

Here follow my notes about the “Vecna, Venger, and More D&D Villains Return” video that Wizards of the Coast released in April 2023.

For more context and my Standard Disclaimer, check out the introduction to this series.

Venger is a key figure for an upcoming adventure. Has “unresolved issues” with Tiamat. Also to be included: Kelek and Warduke (who have cameos in Witchlight) and more. Want to bring them back and tie them into Venger’s story.

Called out the red color scheme of both the Red Wizards of Thay and Venger. Is he a wizard? Is he a sorcerer? TBD. Noted that with the “success of the recent feature film” there’s high interest in the Red Wizards, so in addition to the Venger story they are planning a Red Wizard story. They’re in an outlining stage now, for a 2025 release. The first Forgotten Realms adventure to release after the new 2024 core rule books. “What can we do that’s fun with the Forgotten Realms, and prepare you for that adventure?”

A big Vecna-centric adventure is coming for the 50th anniversary in 2024. Title not disclosed but it just cleared trademark search so it’s locked. “Vecna’s scary comeback.” BIG story, drive home the core point of the 5E setting “which is the multiverse in all of its gigantic splendor”. Will go “to many worlds”. Some which only got touched on briefly, plus some new locations. Led by Amanda Hamon

Love adventures; they become individual groups’ stories but the common elements provide points of connection for the community.

Quick Thoughts

Not much detail here, but I’m glad to see them talking more about their upcoming products.

It sounds like these are three separate books (Venger, RWoT, Vecna). I assume we’ll get some Greyhawk and maybe Krynn in the “previously visited but only briefly” category of locations; Greyhawk in particular since we have just loose material there in this edition and no “overworld map” sort of thing.

I’m glad to see the movie described as a “success”. I’m hoping that’s not just PR spin.