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| Free League |
Vaesen: Nordic Horror Roleplaying
Published by Free League Publishing
Lead Writer: Nils Hintze
Game Dircector: Nils Karlén
Illustrations and Original Concept: Johan Egerkrans
Swedish roleplaying game publisher Free League Publishing has left a lasting mark in an industry that's never been more crowded. Their output has been characterized by concise rulesets, outstanding production values, and atmosphere so strong it verges on being oppressive. That's perhaps best encapsulated by their indie darling MÖRK BORG, the ultra-dark fantasy apocalypse experience presented like an art zine.
Vaesen: Nordic Horror Roleplaying fits right in with Free League's repertoire. The players are Thursday's Children, those possessing the Sight that reveals the magical creatures surrounding them. Agitated by a rapidly industrializing and conflict riven 19th century Northern Europe, you oppose these "Vaesen" as members of the Society.
But the stories are true, with giants, fairies, and ash tree wives are as rugged as they are elusive. The methods of banishing them are arcane and obscure, and oftentimes the humans who lured them out might be just as responsible for the horror.
Vaesen offers a familiar but respectably novel take on the monster centric side of horror RPGs, where Call of Cthulhu looms almost as large as its Elder Gods. The players are outgunned and riven by personal demons: when they join the Society, the headquarters is abandoned and its sole surviving member is in an asylum.
