Roll20 Review - Vecna: Eve of Ruin

Review of the Roll20 module, Vecna: Eve of Ruin. Designed by Wizards of the Coast and adapted for Roll20.
MAJOR SPOILERS - DM's only!
Review: roguewatson.com/2024/06/07/roll20-review-vecna-eve-of-ruin/
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[@redshadowblade13]

Yes, I've been waiting for this, thanks man.

[@Rephas]

The other Artist/Cartographer is one my favourites Francesca Baerald who's done stuff for DnD, Warhammer and a ton of other companies. It baffles me they got her for some of the book then Dyson Logos for the other maps. Like just use Francesca for it all or rope in Mike Schley. I think you could combo this campaign well with another campaign and maybe oneshots to do an epic 1-20 adventure!

[@DMGregAdventure]

The Dyson Logos maps make me cringe. Like I get it-throwback style, easier to print for in person. But why not have 2 versions with the digital book(Dyson maps and high quality color digital maps). I really don’t want to have to go find replacement maps that aren’t scaled right for a book I’m paying for.

[@RogueWatson]

Yup, drives me crazy.

[@anothernycactor]

I just stumbled upon you this last week and really appreciate your reviews and insight. After your review of this and Rise/Fall of Vecna - I think I will be running the latter. I know for a handful of reasons - you probably aren't able to, but I'd love to know your thoughts comparing/contrasting the two.

[@RogueWatson]

I don't believe the Doomed Forgotten Realms series is on Roll20, so not quite a comparison. In terms of story, the Doomed FR series does a way better job showcasing Vecna's effect on the world. But I do have my criticisms of that series, as well!

[@sjcaustenite]

I genuinely think the Dyson Logos maps are quite popular with some people, especially with those who don't play on VTT -- and certainly not everyone can afford to embed a TV in their dining room table for D&D purposes. Speaking from experience, simpler maps decidedly have their virtues. They are -- for me -- MUCH easier to run from an actual book, because the clean simplicity means I don't get confused as easily. When I run using VTT, yes, these maps are less impressive, but my players don't mind it. The description should be coming from my words, not the maps. One more benefit to simpler, cleaner maps: it means I, as the DM, can decide what's in the room and not have it decided for me by the map-maker.

[@RogueWatson]

They must be, since they keep popping up in 5e books! I appreciate your perspective, though, even if I obviously disagree.

[@sjcaustenite]

@@RogueWatson Yeah, I certainly appreciate that, as a VTT player and streamer, those maps aren't the most engaging. I would almost certainly feel the same way, were I you. WotC clearly felt that a lot of scene/NPC art was a better use of their illustrations budget, which is an interesting decision. There's a good amount of art in the book that the players will never see and aren't meant to see, which may be a first? Maybe?

[@GateKeeperPat]

love your content! Helped me prep, run and finish both Tomb and Rime! What should I do next?!

[@RogueWatson]

Awesome, thank you! I'm currently running a nautical campaign that combines Ghosts of Saltmarsh with the 3rd party campaign Call from the Deep. If you don't mind stepping out of the Forgotten Realms, I've also been enjoying running Empire of the Ghouls for patrons. Otherwise Curse of Strahd is still considered one of the best official 5e campaigns. We discussed our favorite 5e campaign books here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqPVY2yKl9msnNE

[@CodyM1990]

I think Dyson is an immensely talented cartographer but his style just does not look good on a VTT. I am almost exclusively an online DM and I look to fantastic map art to really pull in my players and help to set the scene. Given all the different settings and locales presented here, it just baffles me that all of the maps look exactly the same because we didn't get colorized maps. Major bummer.

[@RogueWatson]

Agreed!

[@joyful]

How would you rank the difficulty level of this campaign for the DM?

[@swartzwalker]

These maps are so disappointing. Do you know of any external sources for better maps that work with roll20 (dynamic lighting already done?)

[@RogueWatson]

I don't know of any that are already available with Roll20 and dynamic lighting, but the DMs Guild is a great source for maps of official campaigns. Here are some links to get you started: www.dmsguild.com/product/480589/Vecna-Eve-of-Ruin--Ch-1-Neverdeath-Catacombs-Map-Supplement&affiliate_id=878416 www.dmsguild.com/product/483659/Tessa-Presents-56-Maps-for-Vecna-Eve-of-Ruin&affiliate_id=878416

[@3nvyMe08]

So now that we have pretty much 5E completed. Which adventure in your opinion is best for roll 20. Like easier due to maps and content?

[@RogueWatson]

Probably Tomb of Annihilation. Roll20 has the interactive hex grid map and Gears of Hate. Maps look great, etc.