Free League Publishing Vaesen Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook, Gothic Nordic Horror RPG Hardback, Full Color, Tabletop Board Game for Adults, Family, Teens 14+

First off, I was not expecting such high quality materials from the physical book itself. The paper and hardback cover is very good quality, and even comes with a ribbon bookmark.Secondly, the game itself is very easy to pick up but still lends itself to enabling very good and deep TTRPG sessions. I absolutely love the art, and the overall setting and worldbuilding in it is interesting even for those who don't end up playing the game and using it for inspiration. Very happy with this new discovery and can't wait to read more and possibly buy the other books.

Beautiful artwork, quality materials. I am excited to run games with it, I will write a more in-depth review of the game itself once I've given it a try. But the book itself is amazing, and I will point out the cover is much more resistant than many RPG books.After first session I can say it runs well! While it was a learning curve from many RPGs, the mechanics and theme work very well. I definitely recommend reading through the whole book at least once, as I found some of the rules confusing. Great game for beginners or long time RPG gamers!

Lifelong TTRPG player. I can honestly say this is one of the most beautiful books I own. Texture, script, build... feel. Its incredible. Secondly I absolutely love the system, simple and easy to learn, the Year Zero engine is pretty awesome. Fantastic must have Roleplaying game.

Can't go wrong with a lovely Vaesen book, or anything from Free League!

If you're looking for a new TTRPG to try out with a unique setting and different gameplay loop (investigate and intervene the supernatural, rather than hack-and-slash), give this one a try. Streamlined mechanics put a "narrative-first" adventure about real Scandinavian folklore (with a small twist to keep your players guessing) in front of your players with gorgeous artwork. Great for a one-shot, or even better for a campaign including development of the characters, the Society, and their castle.

Like several other people who have taken time to review, I am also a long time player of TTRPGs. Though I have two nits to picks with this book, I want to begin right off the bat and say that this is a worthy addition to your gaming bookshelf. And Vaesen is better than many things I've seen recently. A LOT more delights (delivered beautifully) in this product than disappointments. I'm thumbs up on it.I used to love the old Masque of the Red Death setting for Ravenloft and to the creators credit, this captures a similar time and feel. Its one part changed world with the coming of the Industrial revolution, one part creepy supernatural elements. It a world that needs adventurers, but who are going to have to go forth without armor and verbal blades. The greatest heroes of this world are going to be the clever ones who excel at investigation and discovering and the weaknesses of their mortal and supernatural opponents.Things that are really good: Though specifically set in Scandinavia during the the turn of the century (1900s not 2000s) you would have an easy enough time moving the geography anywhere you wanted in the world. The book efficiently (and effectively) combines what many people would think of as the Players Handbook, the Dungeon Masters Guides and the Monstrous Manuel all between 1 set of covers. This is the only book you'll need to play Vaesen. The (too short) section on the nuts and bolts of creating Vaesen adventures is really good for novice and experienced gamemasters alike. The short adventure in the back of the book looks really good (I have not had the chance to run it yet, but look forward to doing so).Physically the book is also an inspiring piece of artwork. The illustrations by Johan Eggerkrans are moody and beautiful in equal measure. As the sole illustrator he also provides "unity" to the emotional feel of the book. The paper of the pages is extra thick which itself gives one the feel of holding an ancient grimoire full of secrets. The physical product is beautiful, which no doubt is a large part of why so many gush about it.I do have some nits. While physically the size of a "standard" RPG book, because it's pages are so thick (you'll see if you handle a copy) its only 230 pages of content. I think its price is a good value. But I also would have *loved* to have had a longer bestiary. Or a longer section on creating your own adventures. Or more art. Or even another adventurer in the back of the book. I am not as in love with the Year Zero engine that runs the dice rolling part of the game. I think its fine. But I've never been a huge fan of dice pools and counting successes. That's it for my nitpicking.If you want a mechanically light game that focuses on story. mystery, the supernatural and a sprinkling of horror then get now while its hot off the presses.

Wonderfully written, beautifully illustrated, and wholely unique. I have been around RPGs for almost forty years and this is one of the best RPG books I have purchased. The system is unique and easy to learn while providing a great setting to explore spooky Norse weirdness. Highly recommended.

Vaesen is a fairly rules light horror game set in Mythic Norway. The mechanics are easy to learn, task resolution is very fast. The quality of the book is excellent (many people I know just love the texture of the cover alone and spend a great deal of time stroking it). The illustrations are lavish, some coming from the Vaesen mythology book. Hasn't disappointed anyone who's tried it yet. Definitely worth a look!