Overview & Setting
Vaesen is a roleplaying game of horror, mystery, and adventure set in a mythical 19th‑century Scandinavia where folklore comes alive. This screen provides quick reference to key rules and narrative inspiration for the Game Master.
Core Themes: Gothic horror, folklore, mystery, the supernatural
Setting: 19th century mythical Scandinavia where the line between the mundane and supernatural worlds has blurred
Quick Reference
| Action | Rule |
|---|---|
| Basic Test | Roll attribute + skill dice, 6s count as successes |
| Fear Test | Roll Presence, failure causes mental trauma |
| Combat | Initiative order, one action per turn |
| Magic | Requires ritual components and successful test |
Session Information
Rule Clarifications
Select a rule category from the buttons above.
Player Roster
No characters added yet. Click "Add Character" to begin.
Injury & Condition Tracker
No conditions tracked yet.
The Sight & Abilities
The Sight is a rare ability that allows characters to perceive supernatural beings and phenomena that remain hidden to most people.
Sight Mechanics
- Characters with the Sight can perceive vaesen naturally
- May require a Presence test when first encountering a powerful vaesen
- The Sight can be temporarily enhanced through rituals
- Some vaesen can detect those with the Sight
Archetype Abilities
| Archetype | Special Ability |
|---|---|
| Academic | Theoretical Knowledge |
| Detective | Deductive Reasoning |
| Doctor | Healing Hands |
| Hunter | Marksman |
| Occultist | Ritual Magic |
| Officer | Authority |
| Priest | Faith |
| Private | Determination |
| Servant | Unnoticed |
| Vagabond | Streetwise |
| Writer | Wordsmith |
Advantages & Mementos
| Advantage Source | Bonus Dice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | +1 | Proper planning and setup |
| Equipment | +1 | Appropriate tools/gear |
| Assistance | +1 | Help from allies |
| Bonds | +1 | Relevant relationships |
| Environment | +1 | Favorable conditions |
Mementos
Personal items with supernatural significance that can provide benefits:
- Healing: Remove one physical or mental condition
- Protection: Advantage on specific types of tests
- Insight: Reveal hidden information or memories
- Power: Enhance magical abilities or The Sight
Using Mementos
- Must be narratively significant to the character
- Can be used once per mystery
- May require a test to activate
- Can be lost or damaged through story events
- New mementos can be acquired through play
Character Advancement & Experience Points
| Experience Award | Timing | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1 XP | End of session | Participation in mystery |
| 1 XP | End of session | Character development |
| 1 XP | End of mystery | Mystery resolution |
| 1 XP | Special | Exceptional roleplay |
| Improvement | XP Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Point | Current × 2 | Max rating 5 |
| Attribute Point | Current × 3 | Max rating 5 |
| New Talent | 5 | Must justify narratively |
| Acquire The Sight | 8 | Requires supernatural experience |
| Enhance The Sight | 3 | Must have The Sight |
| Resources | Current × 1 | Max rating 5 |
| New Contact | 2 | Must have met NPC |
Mystery Structure
Introduction
Investigation
Climax
Resolution
Mystery Structure & Narrative Flow
1. Introduction
- Initial hook or call for help
- Society briefing or personal connection
- Travel to location
- First impressions and local rumors
2. Investigation
- Gather witness testimonies
- Search for physical evidence
- Research local folklore
- Identify patterns and connections
3. Escalation
- Supernatural manifestations increase
- Stakes become personal
- Time pressure mounts
- Key NPCs face danger
4. Revelation
- True nature of the vaesen
- Root cause of the haunting
- Possible solutions emerge
- Moral dilemmas surface
5. Confrontation
- Final showdown with the vaesen
- Ritual or negotiation attempt
- Consequences of choices
- Resolution and aftermath
Running Tips
- Start with subtle hints before escalating
- Use NPCs to provide both help and complications
- Incorporate character backstories and dark secrets
- Allow multiple paths to resolution
- Balance investigation with action scenes
- Keep track of time and environmental conditions
Clue Tracker
NPC Interaction Logs
Environment & Hazards
No environmental conditions added yet.
Bestiary Reference
Encounter Suggestions
Environmental Effects
| Roll | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dense fog (-1 to ranged attacks) |
| 2 | Heavy rain (difficult terrain) |
| 3 | Moonless night (darkness penalties) |
| 4 | Bitter cold (endurance tests) |
| 5 | Supernatural aura (enhanced magic) |
| 6 | Thin veil (easier to see vaesen) |
Scandinavian Folklore
Select a category above to view lore information.
Timeline
The Age of Enlightenment
Science begins to replace folklore in the minds of many
The Society Founded
The Society is established to study and contain supernatural threats
Industrial Revolution
Technology advances, further weakening the old ways
The Society Declines
Membership dwindles as skepticism grows
Dice Roller
Initiative Tracker
Generators
Advanced Maneuvers
| Maneuver | Test | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Disarm | Opposed Agility | Target drops weapon |
| Grapple | Opposed Force | Hold target immobile |
| Push | Opposed Force | Move target 1 zone |
| Feint | Opposed Precision | +1 die next attack |
| Guard | Automatic | +1 die to defense |
| Action Type | Primary Test | Opposition |
|---|---|---|
| Social Influence | Manipulation | Observation |
| Stealth | Stealth | Vigilance |
| Investigation | Investigation | Stealth |
| Chase | Agility | Agility |
| Ritual Contest | Magic | Magic |
Special Circumstances
- Multiple Opponents: -1 die per additional opponent
- Environmental Effects: -1 to -3 dice based on severity
- Superior Position: +1 die to relevant tests
- Time Pressure: -1 die if rushed
- Creative Solutions: +1 die for innovative approaches