The next version of Dungeons & Dragons will begin in 2024, and publisher Wizards of the Coast has finally revealed how it will begin: with Vecna, the undead villain who has been at the center of many classic adventures. Developers also revealed during D&D Direct’s livestream on Tuesday that the world of Sigil – the centerpiece of the beloved Planescape setting – will play a major role. In addition, the publisher firmed up its timeline for 2023, with release windows for four major pieces of tabletop content.
Vecna is a lich, a powerful undead monster born from a corrupt wizard. He was introduced to D&D in 1976 with the publication of Dungeons & Dragons Supplement III: Eldritch Sorcery, written by Gary Gygax and Brian Blume. Fans of Stranger things will be familiar with the name, which is borrowed for the season 4 villain of the Netflix show.
During the live stream, developers hinted that the new Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (now confirmed for a Q4 2023 release) will pave the way for Vecna’s return. Sigil – the “city of doors” that connects D&D’s multiverse – will infuse the setting with more “interconnectivity” than ever before.
The live stream also mentioned the Red Wizards of Thay, who feature prominently in the upcoming film Dungeons & Dragons: honor among thieves. Joining them will be the League of Malevolence, which previously returned to D&D canon with the release of The wilderness beyond the witch’s light in 2021, and Vengar, the antagonist of the 1980s D&D cartoon.
Image: Wizards of the Coast
Include additional release windows on the roadmap Bigby presents: Glory of the Giantsa supplement in the third quarter of 2023; Phandelver and below: The shattered obelisk, a campaign expansion of the little adventure in the original 5th edition starter set, also appearing during the same period; And The deck of many thingsan exploration of one of D&D’s most iconic magical items, scheduled for Q4 2023.