Vaesen

Vaesen, Nordic Horror Roleplaying · Vaesen TTRPG

Vaesen

Vaesen is a Nordic folk horror investigation game. You journey through a mythic 19th century Scandinavia, where ancient tales are real and every village harbours a secret. People seek your help because you can see the vaesen and comprehend their taboos. Sessions blend meticulous clue gathering, tense social interactions, and eerie encounters. Players appreciate the atmosphere, the poignant stories behind the hauntings, and the excitement of solving a mystery before night falls.

A professional Game Master sets the tone with maps, handouts, and relatable NPCs, then allows your choices to steer the case. It suits beginners who enjoy mysteries and horror without excessive gore, as well as veterans who relish roleplay and deduction. Ideal for one-off evenings, private groups, birthdays, or team events that encourage listening and collaboration. Play in person or online, and meet our Game Masters to find someone whose style aligns with your group.

How to play Vaesen

Most moments involve conversations and searches. When the outcome is uncertain, you create a pool of six-sided dice from an attribute and a skill, then roll. A single 6 indicates success. Additional 6s provide greater effects, such as remaining silent or completing tasks more quickly. You can opt to push for a reroll if you accept a condition, which makes subsequent tasks more challenging. The group collaborates, follows leads, and decides when to converse, negotiate, or set a trap.

You bring a curious investigator equipped with a gift known as the Sight, a few talents, and personal goals that influence your decisions. A notebook can be useful. A professional Game Master presents a prepared mystery, evocative locations, clues that respond to your inquiries, and folklore that is significant at the table. They monitor risks, fear, and consequences to ensure the tension remains balanced. If you are particular about tone, browse GM playstyles to find a guide who suits your preferences.

In a one-shot, you tackle a complete village mystery in a single evening, often with pre-generated characters, clear stakes, and a climactic negotiation or confrontation. In a campaign, you compile a casebook over multiple sessions, develop relationships with allies and adversaries, and enhance your Society headquarters between adventures. The atmosphere deepens as seasons change, and earlier choices resurface to either assist or haunt you.

Group of friends play Dungeons & Dragons, laughing and role-playing at the game table
Group of friends play Dungeons & Dragons, laughing and role-playing at the game table
Close-up of a red 12-sided die with gold numbers, used for fun fantasy board games.
Close-up of a red 12-sided die with gold numbers, used for fun fantasy board games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be familiar with the rules or Nordic folklore?

No preparation is necessary. A professional Game Master will teach you the rules in just a few minutes. You’ll gather a small pool of six-sided dice and aim for sixes, making it quick to learn. Nordic folklore is woven into the experience. Clues, props, and NPCs reveal local beliefs and taboos as you explore. You’ll learn how to negotiate with vaesen through gameplay. Newcomers thrive, and mystery enthusiasts will feel right at home.

How does Vaesen differ from D&D?

Vaesen is an investigative folk horror game, rather than a combat-focused adventure. You delve into a haunted community, engage with its inhabitants, research ancient customs, and uncover the creature’s taboos. Conflicts are infrequent and fraught with danger. Solutions typically require negotiations, offerings, or the careful setting of traps. It values observation, inference, and roleplay just as much as tactical thinking. If you appreciate a slower build of tension and social problem-solving, it offers a distinctly different experience from D&D.

What group size and session length are most effective?

It runs best with 3 to 5 players, and 2 also works for a more intimate experience. A single mystery fits into 3 to 4 hours. With five players, aim for the longer end to ensure everyone has their moments. Shorter sessions are suitable for campaigns, as the investigation can continue next time. A professional Game Master will manage the pacing of clues and spotlighting so that your group size feels appropriate and the climax unfolds without feeling rushed.

How frightening or gruesome is a Vaesen session?

The tone is one of dread and wonder, rather than splatter. You will encounter tragic spirits, stern trolls, and desperate villagers. Tension arises from folklore taboos, isolation, and difficult choices. Graphic gore is not the focus, but themes may be mature. Your GM will adjust the intensity using safety tools and a clear content brief. If you prefer a cosy mystery with a chill, or a darker edge, please mention this when booking. Browse GM playstyles to choose a guide whose tone aligns with your preferences.

What do we actually do while playing?

You arrive in a troubled village, follow leads, and test theories. You interview locals, search attics and archives, stake out forest paths, and try small rituals or offerings. You map the creature’s signs and taboos, then decide whether to negotiate, appease, or confront. Rolls come into play when outcomes are uncertain. The rest involves conversation, planning, and careful choices that shape the conclusion.

Which suits Vaesen better: a one-shot or a campaign?

Both options are effective. As a one-shot, you can resolve a complete village case in a single evening using prebuilt characters if you prefer. Clear stakes and a final bargain or confrontation provide closure. In a campaign, you develop a casebook over multiple sessions, deepen relationships, and enhance your Society base between adventures. Previous choices resonate throughout. Many of our Game Masters offer ongoing Vaesen campaigns. See all Game Masters to find a suitable long-term fit.

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Genres you can play in Vaesen

  • Folklore

    Fireside stories brought to life, featuring village gossip, fey deals, river spirits, and ancient paths at twilight, reminiscent of The…

    View genre: Folklore
  • Mystery

    Follow the clues, construct timelines, and apprehend the culprit. Think Knives Out, but you are the detective, assembling alibis and…

    View genre: Mystery
  • by Elliot

    Gothic

    Candlelit corridors, storm-battered manors, secret letters, and forbidden desire. Gothic play intertwines romance, dread, and family…

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  • Occult

    Candlelit rituals, cryptic symbols, and whispered conspiracies. Imagine The X-Files as you pursue clues through secret lodges and concealed…

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  • Victorian

    Gaslit streets, strict manners, and factory smoke. Unravel murders, scandals, and séances as detectives, socialites, or rogues. Imagine…

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  • Rural

    Charming fields, muddy boots, neighbourly drama, and harvest festivals. Imagine Stardew Valley infused with mysteries at the hedgerow…

    View genre: Rural

What players think

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His attitude was fantastic, and he made the game enjoyable for all. I particularly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was required from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a wonderful time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thank you!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I arranged a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very enthusiastic about it, and he was thoroughly pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • A very good GM, Baptiste adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. One issue was with the character sheets provided, which were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells (no healing spell) even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they'd ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach enabled the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by allowing them to control how they wanted their actions to be carried out. I would certainly work with her again.

    John

  • A pleasant and straightforward introduction to D&D. Amber was adept at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the rhythm and concentrate on the narrative. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack strategies was an enjoyable experience and provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly brilliant as a DM! Cheerful, adaptable, and exceptionally experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in an enjoyable manner and engaged every player in the story, regardless of whether they were vocal or reserved. If you embark on an adventure with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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