I finally pulled the trigger and ordered a copy of the Vaesen rpg from Free League.
The plan is to use it for a one shot or two with our role playing group. Starting hopefully next weekend.
It’ll be touch and go if the physical bundle (core rules, GM screen, dice, map and cards) that Free League sell will be here by then. But luckily ordering from Free League means I get a digital (pdf) copy of the core rules almost immediately. So that is my “light” reading this week.
Vaesen is a “dark Gothic setting steeped in Nordic folklore and the old myths of Scandinavia. The game mechanics utilize an adapted version of the award- winning Year Zero Engine.(read d6)”
Vaesen is set during the nineteenth century, from what I can guess around about when the industrial revolution is beginning. I’m thinking the age of steam. You can definitely use trains to travel long distances.
“In the nineteenth century, Scandinavia is changed by industrialization, war, and revolutions, and new ways of thinking and understanding the world are spreading through its universities. Old truths are being questioned. The rural poor are pouring into the cities or across the Atlantic to escape starvation, hoping to build a life where they can be free.” Vaesen Core Rulebook page 6
But there seems to be a clash between the old and the new, especially these vaesen and the world of man.
“Throughout history, supernatural vaesen have lived side by side with the people of Scandinavia. But these creatures are not perceptible to human senses – unless they choose to be.” Vaesen Core Rulebook page 6
However…
“Some people in Scandinavia are able to see the vaesen, even when they are trying to stay invisible – it is called “having the Sight.” You are one of them.” Vaesen Core Rulebook page 6
“You and several others who also have the Sight have gathered in Upsala in central Sweden. You have learned that there used to be an organization called the Society. Their mission was to study and combat the vaesen, but the last members of the Society went missing or left the organization about ten years ago, and since then the Society’s headquarters – the old Castle Gyllencreutz by the Fyris River in Upsala – has been left to decay. You have decided to re-establish this organization.” Vaesen Core Rulebook page 7
But it’s all of the above that attracted me to the game. It’s not your usual fantasy setting. It’s also not your murder hobo party. There is more to it, you can’t just go around killing the monsters. The games are more mystery and solving the mystery, and being creative.
I’ll look more in-depth when I get the physical stuff.
You all know I like to share movies, tv shows and books that I think would act as “inspiration”. Below are some that came to mind.
