Vaesen⁚ Nordic Horror Roleplaying
Vaesen is a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) created by Free League Publishing‚ based on the work of Swedish illustrator and author Johan Egerkrans. It is a dark Gothic horror game set in a version of 19th-century northern Europe where the myths are real‚ and players take on the roles of investigators who hunt down creatures known as “vaesen” ⎼ monstrous beings drawn from Nordic folklore.
The game is available in several formats‚ including a physical core rulebook and a digital PDF version. The PDF version can be downloaded from the Free League website‚ and it includes all the rules and mechanics you need to play the game.
There are also several expansions available‚ including solo rules for playing the game without a Game Master (GM). There are also several free PDF downloads available online‚ including character sheets‚ quick reference guides‚ and even a solo play system.
Introduction
Vaesen⁚ Nordic Horror Roleplaying is a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) that transports players into a chilling world steeped in Nordic folklore and the ancient myths of Scandinavia. Created by Free League Publishing and inspired by the artwork and writings of Swedish illustrator and author Johan Egerkrans‚ Vaesen offers a unique blend of gothic horror‚ investigative mystery‚ and the unsettling reality of creatures drawn from Scandinavian folklore.
The game’s setting‚ known as the Mythic North‚ is a version of 19th-century northern Europe where the myths are real. Players take on the roles of investigators ⎼ known as Vaesen Hunters ౼ who are tasked with uncovering the truth behind strange occurrences and battling monstrous creatures called “vaesen.” These vaesen are drawn from the rich tapestry of Nordic mythology‚ ranging from terrifying trolls and mischievous goblins to haunting wraiths and ancient spirits.
Vaesen’s gameplay mechanics are built upon the award-winning Year Zero Engine‚ a system known for its dynamic storytelling and engaging narrative structure. This engine allows for both cooperative play‚ where players work together to solve mysteries and confront dangers‚ and solo play‚ allowing a single player to delve into the world of Vaesen and uncover its secrets on their own.
Setting
Vaesen’s setting‚ the Mythic North‚ is a captivating blend of historical realism and fantastical elements. It is a version of 19th-century northern Europe‚ where the line between myth and reality has blurred. The once-familiar landscapes of Scandinavia are now infused with the magic and menace of ancient legends.
The game envisions a world where the myths are real‚ and the creatures of folklore ౼ trolls‚ wraiths‚ lindworms‚ and other beings drawn from Scandinavian mythology ౼ walk among humans. These creatures‚ known as “vaesen‚” are often hidden from the ordinary eye‚ dwelling in the shadows of the deep forests‚ the depths of lakes‚ and the forgotten corners of ancient ruins.
The Mythic North is a place of stark beauty and chilling darkness. The landscape is dominated by vast forests‚ rugged mountains‚ and icy tundras‚ where the cold wind whispers secrets of the past. Cities‚ like lonely beacons of civilization‚ stand against the encroaching wilderness‚ their inhabitants struggling to maintain a fragile balance between modernity and the ancient forces that threaten to consume them.
This world is not just a backdrop for the game; it is a living‚ breathing entity that influences the characters‚ the stories‚ and the overall tone of the game. The setting is as much a character as any of the players at the table.
Gameplay
Vaesen’s gameplay is built on a modified version of the award-winning Year Zero Engine‚ a system known for its intuitive rules and narrative-driven approach. The game focuses on investigation and exploration‚ with players taking on the roles of investigators who delve into the mysteries of the Mythic North and confront the vaesen that threaten its inhabitants.
The game uses a system of dice rolls to resolve actions‚ with each roll representing the character’s skill and effort. The game’s mechanics are designed to encourage cooperative storytelling‚ with players working together to uncover clues‚ solve puzzles‚ and overcome challenges. Players can choose to approach situations in a variety of ways‚ ranging from careful observation and research to confrontational tactics and even magical interventions.
Vaesen features a system of “Mental States” that reflects the psychological toll of confronting the darkness of the Mythic North. As players delve deeper into the mysteries and face the horrors of the vaesen‚ they may experience fear‚ paranoia‚ or even madness. These mental states can affect their actions and choices‚ adding a layer of depth and psychological realism to the game.
The game is designed to be both challenging and rewarding‚ with players constantly facing new threats and dilemmas. However‚ the game also emphasizes collaboration and teamwork‚ as players must rely on each other to survive and succeed in their investigations.
Vaesen Creatures
The vaesen are the heart of Vaesen’s horror‚ and they are a diverse and terrifying array of creatures drawn from Nordic folklore. Each vaesen is unique‚ with its own history‚ motivations‚ and abilities. They range from the familiar‚ such as trolls and lindworms‚ to the more obscure‚ such as the huldra and the näcken.
The vaesen are not simply monsters; they are often linked to the human world‚ sometimes even having a symbiotic relationship with it. For example‚ a vaesen might be linked to a particular location‚ a family lineage‚ or even a specific profession. This adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the game‚ as players must unravel the connections between the vaesen and the human world in order to understand their motivations and defeat them.
The vaesen are beautifully illustrated by Johan Egerkrans‚ whose artwork captures the dark and haunting beauty of these creatures. The art is a key element of the game’s atmosphere‚ bringing the vaesen to life and immersing players in their world.
Encountering a vaesen is a terrifying experience‚ and players must use all their skills and resources to survive. The vaesen are not simply to be defeated; they are to be understood and their secrets unraveled. This makes for a unique and engaging gameplay experience that rewards careful investigation and exploration.
Mysteries
Mysteries are the heart of Vaesen. They are the driving force of the game‚ providing players with a reason to explore the world‚ uncover secrets‚ and confront the vaesen. Each Mystery is a self-contained story that can be played in a single session or over multiple sessions.
They are inspired by the works of authors like Selma Lagerlöf‚ M.R. James‚ and Edgar Allan Poe‚ and often focus on strange encounters‚ delicate problems‚ and heart-pounding horror. The mysteries can range from simple investigations of missing persons or strange occurrences to complex conspiracies involving powerful vaesen and ancient secrets.
The game’s core rulebook includes several pre-written mysteries‚ but there are also many resources available online for creating and running your own mysteries. These resources can be found on the Free League website‚ on fan websites‚ and even on forums dedicated to the game.
Mysteries are a great way to introduce new players to the game‚ as they provide a focused and structured experience. They are also a great way to explore different aspects of the game’s setting‚ from the dark forests of Scandinavia to the bustling cities of the Mythic North.
Solo Play
Vaesen is a game designed for collaborative storytelling‚ but it can also be enjoyed as a solo experience. The game’s creators have provided a dedicated set of rules for solo play‚ allowing players to create and solve mysteries all by themselves. These rules can be found in a separate PDF document that can be downloaded for free from the Free League website.
The solo rules make use of a journal to track the progression of time‚ as well as a deck of playing cards to simulate the actions of the Game Master (GM). The player uses these tools to guide their character through the story‚ making decisions‚ facing challenges‚ and ultimately solving the mystery.
Solo play in Vaesen can be a rewarding experience‚ allowing players to immerse themselves in the game’s dark and atmospheric world without needing a group of friends. It can also be a great way to practice the game’s mechanics and develop your skills as a player.
The solo rules provide a structured framework for solo play‚ but they are also flexible enough to allow players to adapt them to their own preferences. Players can use their own methods for generating random encounters‚ creating NPCs‚ and resolving conflicts‚ making each solo game a unique and personalized experience.
Expansions
Free League Publishing has released several expansions for Vaesen⁚ Nordic Horror Roleplaying‚ offering players new ways to experience the game’s dark and atmospheric world. These expansions provide additional content for both players and Game Masters (GMs)‚ including new mysteries‚ creatures‚ and rules.
One of the most popular expansions is “Mythic Carpathia‚” which takes players to the eerie and mysterious Carpathian Mountains‚ a region rich in folklore and steeped in dark secrets. Another expansion‚ “City of My Nightmares‚” focuses on the urban horror of a sprawling city‚ where players must face threats lurking in the shadows and unravel the secrets of a corrupt society.
These expansions offer players a variety of new challenges and opportunities to explore the world of Vaesen. They also provide GMs with new tools to create their own unique and memorable gaming experiences.
In addition to these expansions‚ Free League has also released a new Starter Set and an updated Core Rulebook‚ making it easier than ever for new players to join the game. These products are available in both physical and digital formats‚ including PDF downloads.
Character Creation
In Vaesen⁚ Nordic Horror Roleplaying‚ character creation is a process that allows players to craft unique and compelling investigators‚ each with their own motivations‚ skills‚ and flaws. The game offers a variety of options for building characters‚ ensuring that every player can create a character that resonates with their individual playstyle and preferences.
The core rulebook provides a robust system for character creation‚ including a selection of pre-made archetypes that offer a quick and easy way to get started. Players can choose from archetypes such as the “Occultist‚” the “Folklorist‚” and the “Hunter‚” each with their own unique skills and abilities. However‚ for those seeking greater customization‚ the game also allows players to create characters from scratch‚ using a combination of life path tables and dice rolls to determine their character’s background‚ skills‚ and starting equipment.
The character creation process in Vaesen encourages players to delve into the lore and atmosphere of the game‚ crafting characters who are deeply invested in the world and its secrets. This system ensures that each player’s character feels unique and meaningful‚ adding depth and intrigue to the overall gaming experience.
Community
The Vaesen community is a vibrant and passionate group of players‚ game masters (GMs)‚ and fans who share a love for Nordic folklore and the unsettling mysteries of the game. This online community thrives on shared experiences‚ creative storytelling‚ and a deep appreciation for the game’s unique blend of horror and historical setting.
The Vaesen subreddit‚ r/Vaesen‚ serves as a central hub for community discussion‚ where players can share their experiences‚ ask questions‚ and seek advice from other members. This online forum is a valuable resource for players seeking inspiration‚ guidance‚ and a sense of shared purpose.
Beyond the online community‚ Vaesen fans often gather at conventions and gaming events to share their passion for the game and connect with fellow enthusiasts. These gatherings provide opportunities for players to engage in collaborative storytelling‚ participate in workshops‚ and share their love for the game’s unique atmosphere.
The Vaesen community fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment‚ where players can immerse themselves in the game’s world and share their passion for Nordic horror.