Vecna is referenced in the adventure as a historical example of a lich who pursued and achieved godhood—a path that Acererak, despite being powerful enough to follow, deliberately chose not to take.
Role in the Adventure
Vecna serves as a comparison point rather than an active presence in Tomb of Annihilation. The text uses Vecna to illustrate what makes Acererak unusual: while other powerful liches like Vecna sought divinity and worship, Acererak has no interest in becoming a god himself. Instead, Acererak prefers to create evil gods and unleash them on others.
Context
Vecna is mentioned specifically in the “Who is Acererak?” section when explaining Acererak’s motivations and goals. The comparison helps establish that Acererak is powerful enough to ascend to godhood (as Vecna did) but consciously rejects that path in favor of his own pursuits—building tombs, trapping souls, and nurturing the atropal toward divinity.