Vaesen RPG, a Nordic horror roleplaying game based on folklore.

A Vaesen RPG horror creature awaits outside a house for the next group of investigators. Published by Free League Publishing, the Vaesen RPG is a roleplaying game set in 19th-century Sweden. The game design allows players to experience supernatural horror. Done through folklore-based adventures, the game focuses on the tension created. The players take on the roles of investigators. They’re tasked with uncovering the secrets of the supernatural world.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Vaesen RPG is its setting. Set in 19th-century Sweden, the game allows players to explore dark forests. Also, they might encounter an isolated village. Or even take refuge in a gothic mansion. All while encountering creatures and spirits inspired by Swedish folklore. Brought to life by the game’s setting, artwork and writing inspires an immersive experience.

Folklore-based creatures in the Vaesen RPG

A Vaesen RPG Werewolf stands amongst a group of sheep awaiting his transformation into a wolf at the full moon. In the Vaesen RPG game, a Vaesen is a supernatural creature or spirit based on Swedish folklore. These creatures often are at the source of the mystery you are trying to solve. Associated with dark forests and haunted houses, they are often malevolent or dangerous. Other eerie locations encountered are old boat wreaks and dark, damp caverns.

Examples of Vaesen in the game include the Näcken. They are water spirits that lure people into drowning. Skogsrå, is a forest spirit that appears as a beautiful woman and can lead people astray. Plus, the Draugr, is an undead creature that rises from the grave to haunt the living.

Gothic literature drives the Vaesen RPG

Inspired by the Swedish Gothic literary tradition, the game’s setting features a range of supernaturals. Based on Swedish folklore and mythology, these supernaturals are creatures and spirits. The Vaesen themselves are often depicted as enigmatic and unpredictable. Shrouded in mystery, their motives and behaviors cause the source of the problems.

Designed to be easy to learn, gameplay in the Vaesen RPG is accessible to players of all levels. The game uses a streamlined version of the Year Zero engine. This engine is also used in other games by Free League Publishing such as Alien and Tales from the Loop. The mechanics are simple and intuitive. They focus on narrative storytelling rather than complex rules.

One of the most interesting mechanics in Vaesen is the use of “mystery cards”. Drawn by players, these cards introduce unexpected events or plot twists. They bring an element of randomness to the game. This mechanic helps to keep the game fresh and unpredictable. It also encourages players to be creative and adaptable in their storytelling.

Here’s a basic overview of how to play the Vaesen RPG

If you are a role-playing player:

Create Characters: Players start by creating their characters. These characters are investigators tasked with exploring. They are looking to uncover the secrets of the supernatural world. Characters have attributes, skills, and special abilities unique to each class. Plus, the player can customize them to fit their preferences.
Mystery Cards: Vaesen uses a deck of Mystery Cards. This introduces unexpected events or plot twists during the game. Players can draw a card at any time during the game. The card will introduce a new element to the story. The players must incorporate this element, good or bad, into their narrative.

For the game master:

Establish the Setting: Once created, the Game Master (GM) establishes the setting for the character’s adventure. This involves describing the environment and introducing important non-player characters. Also, the setting up of the initial mystery or problem that the characters will need to solve.
Game Mechanics: Based on the Year Zero engine, the core mechanics of Vaesen uses six-sided dice to determine success or failure in actions. The player rolls dice equal to their relevant attribute and skill scores. They then count the number of dice that show a 6. The total number of 6s determines the level of success or failure. Only 6s count as a success, and having no 6s means a failure.

All the players in the Vaesen RPG:

Roleplay and Storytelling: The heart of Vaesen is roleplaying and storytelling. Players act out their character’s actions and dialogue. This allows the players to build a compelling narrative together. The GM will guide the story. He will also introduce challenges and obstacles for the characters to overcome. But it is up to the players to determine the outcome of the adventure.
Conclusion: Once solved, the mystery or the adventure ends. Players may continue their campaign with new adventures and challenges. They may also start a new game with new characters and a new mystery to solve. Each mystery uncovered adds to the collection of Vaesen’s knowledge. This, in turn, allows for an increased understanding of the supernatural world.

Why is the Vaesen RPG game exciting to play?

Vaesen is an exciting roleplaying game for several reasons:

Unique Setting: The game is set in a beautiful version of 19th-century Sweden. A setting rich with folklore and mythology. The game’s setting is a unique and immersive experience, unlike anything else in the RPG genre.
Supernatural Horror: The game design provides a sense of supernatural horror and suspense. In it, players encounter malevolent creatures and spirits inspired by Swedish folklore. These myths provide a sense of danger and tension that is thrilling and exciting.
Streamlined Mechanics: The game uses a streamlined version of the Year Zero engine. This game system is easy to learn and accessible to players of all experience levels. Designed to encourage narrative storytelling and creative problem-solving, the rules are not complex.
Mystery Cards: The use of Mystery Cards adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the game. The players never know what unexpected events or plot twists might occur. This keeps the game fresh and engaging. It also encourages players to be creative and adaptable in their storytelling.
Roleplaying and Storytelling: The heart of the Vaesen RPG is roleplaying and storytelling. Plus, it encourages players to act out their characters’ actions and dialogue. In doing so, they work together to build a compelling narrative. This creates a collaborative and immersive experience that is engaging and exciting.

At its core, the horror makes Vaesen RPG a success

A Victorian Vaesen RPG investigator stands in a graveyard trying to understand the horrors hidden away. Based on fear developed from the unknown and unexpected, horror drives the Vaesen RPG. This horror creates a thrilling and exciting experience for players. The unknown can be exciting because players never know what they might encounter. What might happen next? This keeps the game fresh and engaging. Combined with suspense and tension through dangerous encounters, the Vaesen RPG forces players to rely on their wits. Through malevolent creatures, they also must rely on their skills. And through precarious situations, they must survive.

The Vaesen RPG requires players to work together to solve mysteries or overcome challenges. This communication and strategizing create a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork. The characters are also thrust into dangerous situations together. In those, they must rely on their own abilities to survive. If successful in overcoming challenges and enemies, they create a sense of empowerment. This in turn is a satisfying and rewarding experience.

The Vaesen RPG is an exciting and engaging roleplaying game. It offers a unique and immersive setting, streamlined mechanics, and a focus on storytelling. Most importantly, it allows for player creativity. The game master and the players develop the story together. It is a great choice for fans of horror and folklore, as well as anyone looking for a new and exciting RPG experience.