Vaesen – Starter Set is an introductory box set for the horror roleplaying game Vaesen – Nordic Horror Roleplaying, published by Free League Publishing and based on the artwork and mythological world of Swedish artist Johan Egerkrans. The game transports players to an alternative version of 19th-century Northern Europe, where ancient legends are real and mysterious beings known as vaesen dwell in forests, mountains, and remote villages.
The setting takes place in the Mythic North, a dark and Gothic world steeped in Nordic folklore. Players take on the roles of members of a secret Society, individuals gifted with a special ability known as the “Sight,” which allows them to perceive supernatural creatures invisible to most people. Rather than focusing on traditional monster hunting, the game emphasizes investigation, uncovering the motives of these beings, and resolving supernatural conflicts.
The game uses an adapted version of the Year Zero Engine, a rules system well known from other Free League titles.
The set contains everything needed to start playing:
- Condensed rules for skill checks, combat, damage, and fear.
- The introductory mystery The Haunting of Castle Gyllencreutz, which takes players on an investigation of the Society’s headquarters.
- Codex Occultum, a journal containing information about vaesen that players can use during play.
- Five pre-generated and fully illustrated player characters.
- A large full-color map of the Mythic North and the city of Upsala.
- A map of Castle Gyllencreutz.
- Rules reference cards, initiative cards, player aids, and custom dice.
Vaesen – Starter Set is an excellent entry point into the world of Nordic folk horror, offering a quick and immersive way to begin adventures filled with mystery, investigation, and supernatural threats.
