Vecna (SLASH'EM) - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit

2026-02-23T09:37:33Z

copyedit

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ word choice

2025-03-06T03:17:23Z

‎Strategy: word choice

Umbire the Phantom: potholes et. al.

2025-01-29T20:48:16Z

potholes et. al.

Umbire the Phantom: ditto 2/4

2024-12-21T03:56:12Z

ditto 2/4

Umbire the Phantom: word choice

2024-12-21T03:35:42Z

word choice

Umbire the Phantom: pothole

2024-12-21T00:37:40Z

pothole

Umbire the Phantom: splitting vecna pages finally

2024-12-20T11:37:57Z

splitting vecna pages finally

New page

{{monster
|name=Vecna
|level=49
|speed=9
|AC=-8
|MR=90
|align=-15
|experience=3230
|difficulty=56
|frequency=Unique
|genocidable=No
|attacks=Touch [[cold]] 9d6, [[Spellcasting]] 0d0 mage
|resistances=[[fire]], [[cold]], [[sleep]], [[poison]], [[stoning]]
|resistances conveyed=[[fire]], [[cold]]
|size=Medium
|weight=1200
|nutr=100
|attributes={{attributes|Vecna|breathless=1|humanoid=1|pois=1|regen=1|nopoly=1|pname=1|prince=1|male=1|hostile=1|nasty=1|stalk=1|greedy=1|jewels=1|collect=1|undead=1|strong=1|magic=1|waitsforu=1|wantsall=1|plusfour=1|nocorpse=1}}
|reference=[[SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2/monst.c#line4600]]
}}

'''Vecna''', {{monsym|Vecna}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in [[SLASH'EM]] and [[SlashTHEM]]. He is a [[Lich (monster class)|lich]] that serves as the [[quest nemesis]] of the [[Chaotic Quest]] and guards the [[Key of Chaos]]. Vecna is a [[strong]] [[undead]] [[humanoid]] monster that possesses [[regeneration]] and can [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels if he is adjacent—he will also pick up [[gold]], [[gems]], [[magical items]], and other objects he comes across. Vecna is [[covetous]] and capable of warping across the level: though he desires the [[quest artifact]] of the hero's [[role]], the [[invocation items]] and the [[Amulet of Yendor]], he lacks any means to steal them directly.

Vecna has a powerful [[cold]] touch attack and will cast one mage [[monster spell]] during each of his turns, and possesses [[fire resistance]], [[cold resistance]], [[sleep resistance]], [[poison resistance]], and [[stoning resistance]]. Vecna [[Need +x weapon to hit|requires a +4 weapon or better to be hit]] and implicitly [[Hits creatures as +x weapon|hits as a +4 weapon]].

Vecna is poisonous to consume, which primarily comes up if he is [[digested]] by another monster.

==Generation==
Vecna is always generated hostile, and is not a valid form for polymorph. As he is guaranteed to appear in the Chaotic Quest, it will not appear in [[bones]] files.{{refsrc|bones.c|255|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

Vecna is generated within the largest room of the Chaotic Quest at level creation, with the uncursed Key of Chaos in his possession.

Vecna [[Corpseless|does not leave a corpse]] upon death: if he is killed in a manner that would ordinarily leave a [[corpse]], he will instead drop [[The Hand of Vecna (SLASH'EM)|The Hand of Vecna]].

==Strategy==
Vecna is the second-highest [[Monster level|level]] spellcaster that most heroes (if not all) can encounter, and is more difficult than his stats may imply: though he has only two attacks per turn, moves somewhat slow at 9 speed, can only boost his speed to 12 with [[Haste self (monster spell)|haste self]], and cannot use his warping powers effectively to heal in the confines of the [[stair]]-less Chaotic Quest, none of these are cause to underestimate him. Vecna's requirement of a +4 or better weapon can stonewall under-equipped heroes, his two attacks high base level lends some serious power to spells such as [[psi bolt]], and Vecna is likely to have the assistance of other strong undead monsters generated at level creation: this can potentially include covetous [[master lich]]es and [[arch-lich]]es, vicious [[Vampire mage (SLASH'EM)|vampire mages]], and even alarmingly fast and powerful [[fire vampire]]s.

While the entire Chaotic Quest is potentially optional, especially for non-chaotic heroes, The Hand of Vecna is a source of hungerless [[regeneration]] and [[half physical damage]] that can make taking down Vecna well worth the trouble. [[Cold resistance]], [[drain resistance]] and [[magic resistance]] are highly valuable for the Chaotic Quest level overall, and an engraved permanent or semi-permanent [[Elbereth]] that takes advantage of mechanics derived from [[NetHack 3.4.3]], combined with a highly-enchanted weapon and at least two of the three aforementioned resistances, can possibly be enough coverage for a patient hero to claim victory. Taking advantage of his low speed with a speed source of your own and maximizing [[luck]] as usual can further tip matters in your favor.

Of course, in addition to the monsters generated upon entering, there are many other factors that warrant additional precaution: Vecna and other casters can and will [[summon nasties]] frequently, including Elbereth-ignoring [[minotaur]]s, [[captain]]s, [[couatl]]s, and [[Elvenking]]s; the [[aggravate]] spell can significantly complicate any attempts to try and whittle down the hostiles on the level before engaging Vecna directly; and the [[create pool]] spell, while thankfully rare, can be a nasty surprise and a potential game-ender should it be cast at a hero without a source of [[levitation]] or [[water walking]]. Vecna may also receive offensive and defensive items that complicate things further, such as a [[wand of teleportation]] that allows him to evade you or a [[scroll of teleportation]] that can be aggravating should he read a cursed one or become confused. If you cannot dispatch him quickly, it may be worth it to double back later when you are better prepared.

Among the best artifact weapons to face Vecna with are [[Excalibur]], [[Sunsword]], [[Disrupter]], and [[Stormbringer]], all of which have either drain resistance or direct advantages against undead monsters. On top of the aforementioned properties, the following can provide additional "insurance": a source of [[reflection]] can help with [[Dragon (SLASH'EM)|dragons]] and other summoned nasties with [[breath]] weapons, and [[fire resistance]] can nullify the [[fireball]]-like spell used by fire vampires.

==History==
Vecna first appears in [[NetHack Plus]], where he is known as '''Master Vecna''' and acts as the [[Undead Slayer]] [[quest nemesis]]. Master Vecna's base level is 25, his cold touch attack deals 3d6 damage, and he hits as a +4 weapon while requiring a +4 weapon or better to hit.

In [[SLASH 6]], Vecna is made into a unique boss lich presiding over his own lich-populated [[special level]], similar to other monsters such as the [[Rat King]] and [[Grund the Orc King]]. In this game, killing Vecna produces either the Hand of Vecna or the Eye of Vecna, with a {{frac|2}} chance of each.

==Origin==
{{wikipedia|Vecna}}
Vecna is an original creation of ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', where he originally was a background figure that became popular enough to feature as a major antagonist. He is named for fantasy author [[Jack Vance]], who among other achievements developed the "fire-and-forget" magic system that would come to be used in ''D&D'' and many other fantasy works.

Vecna is first mentioned in ''[[Wikipedia:Eldritch Wizardry|Eldritch Wizardry]]'', the third supplement to the original ''Dungeons & Dragons'' game co-developed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. [[wikipedia:Brian Blume|Brian Blume]], who co-authored the supplement with Gygax, introduced the Hand and Eye of Vecna as the only remnants of a long-destroyed evil lich - no details of the artifacts were ever revealed to Gygax, and the only other fact known was that he had a bodyguard known as Kas. The descriptions of the artifacts in the 2nd edition's ''Dungeon Master's Guide'' released in 1989 further expanded on his history, before he finally appeared in person within the 1990 adventure ''Vecna Lives!''; here, he was revealed to be a demigod and the chief antagonist of the adventure. Among the various details of his life, the ''Greyhawk'' setting reveals that Kas had ultimately turned traitor and brought about Vecna's (temporary) downfall.

At some point, Vecna had either created or procured The Sword of Kas for his most trusted lieutenant, depending on the edition; details of Kas's service to Vecna and subsequent betrayal likewise vary. What remains consistent across tellings is that Kas used the sword against his former master in a pitched battle that left neither standing: Vecna was destroyed save for his hand and left eye, and Kas had been flung into faraway planes, with the Sword, Hand and Eye as the only remaining objects in the area after the fight.

During the various editions of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', Vecna has served as a lesser deity with dominion over the undead; he has also appeared as a god of secrets. It has been suggested that the Hand and Eye were inspired by similar items from the ''Eternal Champion'' series of works by [[Michael Moorcock]] (specifically, the Hand of Kwll and the Eye of Rhynn). Vecna also took the half-demon child known as [[Acererak]] under his tutelage, leading to Acererak becoming a powerful lich in his own right.

==References==
<references/>
{{variant-343}}
[[Category:SLASH'EM monsters]]
[[Category:SlashTHEM monsters]]

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
   |frequency=Unique
   |genocidable=No
-  |attacks=Touch 9d6 [[cold]], [[Spellcasting]] 0d0 mage
+  |attacks=[[Touch attack|Touch]] 9d6 [[cold]], [[Monster spell|spellcasting]] 0d0 mage
   |resistances=[[fire resistance]], [[cold resistance]], [[sleep resistance]], [[poison resistance]], [[stoning resistance]]
   |resistances conveyed=[[fire resistance]], [[cold resistance]]
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 }}
 {{for|the monster in other variants|Vecna}}
-'''Vecna''', {{monsym|Vecna}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in [[SLASH'EM]] and [[SlashTHEM]]. He is a [[Lich (monster class)|lich]] that serves as the [[quest nemesis]] of the [[Chaotic Quest]] and guards the [[Key of Chaos]]. Vecna is a [[strong]] [[undead]] [[humanoid]] monster that possesses [[regeneration]] and can [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels if he is adjacent&mdash;he will also pick up [[gold]], [[gems]], [[magical items]], and other objects he comes across. Vecna is [[covetous]] and capable of warping across the level: though he desires the [[quest artifact]] of the hero's [[role]], the [[invocation items]] and the [[Amulet of Yendor]], he lacks any means to steal them directly.
+Vecna has a powerful [[cold]] [[touch attack]] and will cast one mage [[monster spell]] during each of his turns, and he possesses [[fire resistance]], [[cold resistance]], [[sleep resistance]], [[poison resistance]], and [[stoning resistance]]. Vecna [[Need +x weapon to hit|requires a +4 weapon or better to be hit]] and implicitly [[Hits creatures as +x weapon|hits as a +4 weapon]].
 Vecna is [[poisonous]] to consume, which primarily comes up if he is [[digested]] by another monster.
 ==Generation==
-Vecna is always generated hostile, and is not a valid form for polymorph. As he is guaranteed to appear in the Chaotic Quest, he will not appear in [[bones]] files.{{refsrc|bones.c|255|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}
+Vecna is always generated hostile, and is not a valid polymorph form or genocide target. As he is guaranteed to appear in the Chaotic Quest, he will not appear in [[bones]] files.{{refsrc|bones.c|255|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}
 Vecna is generated within the largest room of the Chaotic Quest at level creation, with the uncursed Key of Chaos in his possession.
@@ Line 35: / Line 34: @@
 ==Strategy==
-Vecna is the second-highest [[Monster level|level]] spellcaster that most heroes (if not all) can encounter, and is more difficult than his stats may imply: though he has only two attacks per turn, moves somewhat slow at 9 speed, can only boost his speed to 12 with [[Haste self (monster spell)|haste self]], and cannot use his warping powers effectively to heal in the confines of the [[stair]]-less Chaotic Quest, none of these are cause to underestimate him. Vecna's requirement of a +4 or better weapon can stonewall under-equipped heroes, his two attacks high base level lends some serious power to spells such as [[psi bolt]], and Vecna is likely to have the assistance of other strong undead monsters generated at level creation: this can potentially include covetous [[master lich]]es and [[arch-lich]]es, vicious [[Vampire mage (SLASH'EM)|vampire mages]], and even the alarmingly fast and powerful [[fire vampire]]s.
+Vecna is the second-highest [[Monster level|level]] spellcaster that most heroes (if not all) can encounter, and is more difficult than his stats may imply. Vecna has only two attacks per turn, moves somewhat slow at 9 speed, can only boost his speed to 12 with [[Haste self (monster spell)|haste self]], and cannot use his warping powers to get any distance from the hero in the confines of the [[stair]]-less Chaotic Quest&mdash;but none of these traits are cause to underestimate him. Vecna's requirement of a +4 or better weapon can stonewall under-equipped heroes, and his two attacks and high base level lends some serious power to spells such as [[psi bolt]]; he is also likely to have the assistance of other strong undead monsters generated at level creation, potentially including covetous [[master lich]]es and [[arch-lich]]es, vicious [[Vampire mage (SLASH'EM)|vampire mages]], and even the alarmingly fast and powerful [[fire vampire]]s.
-While the entire Chaotic Quest is potentially optional, especially for non-chaotic heroes, The Hand of Vecna is a source of hungerless [[regeneration]] and [[half physical damage]] that can make taking down Vecna well worth the trouble. [[Cold resistance]], [[drain resistance]] and [[magic resistance]] are highly valuable for the Chaotic Quest level overall, and an engraved permanent or semi-permanent [[Elbereth]] that takes advantage of mechanics derived from [[NetHack 3.4.3]], combined with a highly-enchanted weapon and at least two of the three aforementioned resistances, can possibly be enough coverage for a patient hero to claim victory. Taking advantage of his low speed with a speed source of your own and maximizing [[luck]] as usual can further tip matters in your favor.
+While the entire Chaotic Quest can be considered optional, especially for non-chaotic heroes, The Hand of Vecna is a source of [[Regeneration (property)|hungerless regeneration]] and [[half physical damage]] that can make taking down Vecna well worth the trouble. [[Cold resistance]], [[drain resistance]] and [[magic resistance]] are highly valuable for the Chaotic Quest level overall, and an engraved permanent or semi-permanent [[Elbereth]] that combined with a highly-enchanted weapon and at least two of the three aforementioned resistances can be sufficient coverage for a patient hero to claim victory. Taking advantage of his low speed with a speed source of your own and maximizing [[luck]] as usual can further tip matters in your favor.
-Of course, in addition to the monsters generated upon entering, there are many other factors that warrant additional precaution: Vecna and other casters can and will [[summon nasties]] frequently, including Elbereth-ignoring [[minotaur]]s, [[captain]]s, [[couatl]]s, and [[Elvenking]]s; the [[aggravate]] spell can significantly complicate any attempts to try and whittle down the hostiles on the level before engaging Vecna directly; and the [[create pool]] spell, while thankfully rare, can be a nasty surprise and a potential game-ender should it be cast at a hero without a source of [[levitation]] or [[water walking]]. Vecna may also receive offensive and defensive items that complicate things further, such as a [[wand of teleportation]] that allows him to evade you or a [[scroll of teleportation]] that can be aggravating should he read a cursed one or become confused. If you cannot dispatch him quickly, it may be worth it to double back later when you are better prepared.
+Of course, in addition to the monsters generated upon entering, there are many other factors that warrant additional precaution: Vecna and the other casters within can and will [[summon nasties]] frequently, including Elbereth-ignoring monsters such as [[minotaur]]s, [[captain]]s, [[couatl]]s, and [[Elvenking]]s; the [[aggravate]] spell can significantly complicate any attempts to try and whittle down the hostiles on the level before engaging Vecna directly; and the [[create pool]] spell, while thankfully rare, can be a nasty surprise and a potential game-ender should it be cast at a hero without a source of [[levitation]] or [[water walking]]. Vecna may also receive offensive and defensive items that complicate things further, such as a [[wand of teleportation]] that allows him to evade you or a [[scroll of teleportation]] that can be aggravating should he read a cursed one or become confused. If you cannot dispatch him quickly, it may be worth it to double back later when you are better prepared.
-Among the best artifact weapons to face Vecna with are [[Excalibur]], [[Sunsword]], [[Disrupter]], and [[Stormbringer]], all of which have either drain resistance or direct advantages against undead monsters. On top of these, additional "insurance" can be gained with a source of [[reflection]] to help handle [[breath]] weapons from [[Dragon (SLASH'EM)|dragons]] and other summoned nasties, and/or a [[fire resistance]] source to nullify the [[Fireball (monster spell)|fireball]] spell used by fire vampires.
+[[Excalibur]], [[Sunsword]], [[Disrupter]], and [[Stormbringer]] are among the best artifact weapons to face Vecna with, as they provide either either drain resistance or direct advantages against undead monsters. On top of these, additional "insurance" can be gained with a source of [[reflection]] to block [[breath weapon]]s from [[Dragon (SLASH'EM)|dragons]] and other summoned nasties, as well as a [[fire resistance]] source to nullify the [[Fireball (monster spell)|fireball]] spell used by fire vampires.
 ==History==
 Vecna first appears in [[NetHack Plus]], where he is known as '''Master Vecna''' and acts as the [[Undead Slayer]] [[quest nemesis]]. Master Vecna's base level is 25, his cold touch attack deals 3d6 damage, and he hits as a +4 weapon while requiring a +4 weapon or better to hit.
-In [[SLASH 6]], Vecna is made into a unique boss lich presiding over his own lich-populated [[special level]], similar to other monsters such as the [[Rat King]] and [[Grund the Orc King]]. In this game, killing Vecna produces either the Hand of Vecna or the Eye of Vecna, with a {{frac|2}} chance of each.
+In [[SLASH 6]], Vecna is made into a unique boss lich presiding over his own lich-populated [[special level]], similar to other monsters such as the [[Rat King]] and [[Grund the Orc King]]. In this game, killing Vecna produces either the Hand of Vecna or the Eye of Vecna, with a roughly equal probabily of each item.
 ==Origin==
@@ Line 52: / Line 51: @@
 Vecna is an original creation of ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', where he originally was a background figure that became popular enough to feature as a major antagonist. He is named for fantasy author [[Jack Vance]], who among other achievements developed the "fire-and-forget" magic system that would come to be used in ''D&D'' and many other fantasy works.
-Vecna is first mentioned in ''[[Wikipedia:Eldritch Wizardry|Eldritch Wizardry]]'', the third supplement to the original ''Dungeons & Dragons'' game co-developed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. [[wikipedia:Brian Blume|Brian Blume]], who co-authored the supplement with Gygax, introduced the Hand and Eye of Vecna as the only remnants of a long-destroyed evil lich - no details of the artifacts were ever revealed to Gygax, and the only other fact known was that he had a bodyguard known as Kas. The descriptions of the artifacts in the 2nd edition's ''Dungeon Master's Guide'' released in 1989 further expanded on his history, before he finally appeared in person within the 1990 adventure ''Vecna Lives!''; here, he was revealed to be a demigod and the chief antagonist of the adventure. Among the various details of his life, the ''Greyhawk'' setting reveals that Kas had ultimately turned traitor and brought about Vecna's (temporary) downfall.
+Vecna is first mentioned in ''[[Wikipedia:Eldritch Wizardry|Eldritch Wizardry]]'', the third supplement to the original ''Dungeons & Dragons'' game co-developed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. [[wikipedia:Brian Blume|Brian Blume]], who co-authored the supplement with Gygax, introduced the Hand and Eye of Vecna as the only remnants of a long-destroyed evil lich&mdash;no details of the artifacts were ever revealed to Gygax, and the only other fact known was that he had a bodyguard known as Kas. The descriptions of the artifacts in the 2nd edition's ''Dungeon Master's Guide'' released in 1989 further expanded on his history, before he finally appeared in person within the 1990 adventure ''Vecna Lives!''; here, he was revealed to be a demigod and the chief antagonist of the adventure. Among the various details of his life, the ''Greyhawk'' setting reveals that Kas had ultimately turned traitor and brought about Vecna's (temporary) downfall.
 At some point, Vecna had either created or procured The Sword of Kas for his most trusted lieutenant, depending on the edition; details of Kas's service to Vecna and subsequent betrayal likewise vary. What remains consistent across tellings is that Kas used the sword against his former master in a pitched battle that left neither standing: Vecna was destroyed save for his hand and left eye, and Kas had been flung into faraway planes, with the Sword, Hand and Eye as the only remaining objects in the area after the fight.
-During the various editions of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', Vecna has served as a lesser deity with dominion over the undead; he has also appeared as a god of secrets. It has been suggested that the Hand and Eye were inspired by similar items from the ''Eternal Champion'' series of works by [[Michael Moorcock]] (specifically, the Hand of Kwll and the Eye of Rhynn). Vecna also took the half-demon child known as [[Acererak]] under his tutelage, leading to Acererak becoming a powerful lich in his own right.
+During the various editions of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', Vecna has served as a lesser deity with dominion over the undead; he has also appeared as a god of secrets. It has been suggested that the Hand and Eye were inspired by similar items from the ''Eternal Champion'' series of works by [[Michael Moorcock]] (specifically, the Hand of Kwll and the Eye of Rhynn). Vecna also took the half-demon child known as Acererak under his tutelage, leading to Acererak becoming a powerful lich in his own right.
 ==References==

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
   |reference=[[SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2/monst.c#line4600]]
 }}
 '''Vecna''', {{monsym|Vecna}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in [[SLASH'EM]] and [[SlashTHEM]]. He is a [[Lich (monster class)|lich]] that serves as the [[quest nemesis]] of the [[Chaotic Quest]] and guards the [[Key of Chaos]]. Vecna is a [[strong]] [[undead]] [[humanoid]] monster that possesses [[regeneration]] and can [[follow]] a [[hero]] to other levels if he is adjacent&mdash;he will also pick up [[gold]], [[gems]], [[magical items]], and other objects he comes across. Vecna is [[covetous]] and capable of warping across the level: though he desires the [[quest artifact]] of the hero's [[role]], the [[invocation items]] and the [[Amulet of Yendor]], he lacks any means to steal them directly.

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 Vecna has a powerful [[cold]] touch attack and will cast one mage [[monster spell]] during each of his turns, and possesses [[fire resistance]], [[cold resistance]], [[sleep resistance]], [[poison resistance]], and [[stoning resistance]]. Vecna [[Need +x weapon to hit|requires a +4 weapon or better to be hit]] and implicitly [[Hits creatures as +x weapon|hits as a +4 weapon]].
-Vecna is poisonous to consume, which primarily comes up if he is [[digested]] by another monster.
+Vecna is [[poisonous]] to consume, which primarily comes up if he is [[digested]] by another monster.
 ==Generation==