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 true and every village harbours a secret. People hire you because you can see the vaesen and comprehend their taboos. Sessions blend careful clue gathering, tense social interactions, and eerie encounters. Players appreciate the atmosphere, the human stories behind the hauntings, and the excitement of solving a mystery before night falls.

A professional Game Master sets the scene with maps, handouts, and relatable NPCs, then allows your choices to guide the investigation. It suits beginners who enjoy mysteries and horror without excessive gore, as well as veterans who relish roleplay and deduction. Ideal for one-shot evenings, private groups, birthdays, or team events that reward 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 are conversations and searches. When the outcome is uncertain, you build a pool of six-sided dice from an attribute and a skill, then roll. A single 6 means success. Extra 6s provide more effect, like staying quiet or finishing faster. You can push for a reroll if you accept a condition, which makes later tasks harder. The group plans together, follows leads, and decides when to talk, bargain, or set a trap.

You bring a curious investigator with a gift called the Sight, a few talents, and personal goals that shape your choices. A notebook is helpful. A professional Game Master brings a prepared mystery, evocative locations, clues that respond to your questions, and folklore that matters at the table. They track risks, fear, and consequences so the tension remains fair. If you care about tone, browse GM playstyles to find a guide who suits your taste.

In a one-shot, you tackle a complete village mystery in a single evening, often with pregenerated characters, clear stakes, and a climactic bargain or confrontation. In a campaign, you build a casebook across sessions, develop relationships with allies and foes, and improve your Society headquarters between adventures. The mood deepens as seasons change, and earlier choices return to help 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.

Common questions

Do I need to know the rules or Norse folklore?

No preparation is required. A professional Game Master will teach you the rules in just a few minutes. You’ll gather a small set of six-sided dice and aim for sixes, making it quick to pick up. 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. New players do exceptionally well, and fans of mystery will feel right at home.

How is Vaesen different from D&D?

Vaesen is an investigative folk horror game, not a combat-focused adventure. You delve into a haunted community, engage with locals, research ancient customs, and uncover the creature’s taboo. Conflicts are infrequent and perilous. Solutions often require negotiations, offerings, or meticulously set traps. It values observation, inference, and roleplay just as much as strategy. If you appreciate a slower build of tension and social problem-solving, it satisfies a very different craving compared to D&D.

What group size and session length are most effective?

It runs best with 3 to 5 players, and 2 can work for a more intimate experience. A single mystery typically takes 3 to 4 hours. With five players, aim for the longer duration 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, ensuring your group size feels balanced and the climax unfolds without feeling rushed.

How frightening or gruesome is a Vaesen session?

The tone is one of dread and wonder, not 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 adjusts intensity using safety tools and a clear content brief. If you prefer a cozy mystery with a chill, or a darker edge, let us know when booking. Browse GM playstyles to choose a guide whose tone suits you.

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 ending.

One-shot or campaign, which suits Vaesen best?

Both options are effective. As a one-shot, you can handle 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 create a casebook over multiple sessions, deepen relationships, and enhance your Society base between adventures. Previous choices resonate throughout the game. 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 twilight paths, reminiscent of The Witcher…

    View genre: Folklore
  • Mystery

    Follow the clues, build timelines, and catch the culprit. Think Knives Out, but you are the detective, piecing together alibis and secrets…

    View genre: Mystery
  • by Elliot

    Gothic

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

    View genre: Gothic
  • Occult

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

    View genre: Occult
  • Victorian

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

    View genre: Victorian
  • Rural

    Comfortable fields, muddy boots, neighbour drama, and harvest festivals. Imagine Stardew Valley with mysteries at the hedgerow, family…

    View genre: Rural

What players are saying

  • 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 fantastic job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot 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. Cheers, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varied experience levels, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed for 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 fantastic 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. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I organised a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is really passionate about it, and he was very 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

  • Baptiste was a fantastic GM who adapted seamlessly to our group and helped us make great progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided; they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were quite rough. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a 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 let the players immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

  • A great first experience with D&D. Amber was excellent at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating on attack strategies with my colleagues was a fun activity that provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly a legend as a DM! He's cheerful, adaptable, and incredibly experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in a fun manner and engaged every player in the story, whether they were vocal or reserved. If you go adventuring with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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