How to Play Vaesen (Where Trauma Meets Folklore) - Part 1: Concepts and Themes

Grab your lantern and your coping mechanisms because this week on the RPGBOT.Podcast, we're diving into Vaesen—the TTRPG where 19th-century Scandinavia is spooky AF and your trauma is basically a superpower. Expect ghostly mysteries, a crash course in HQ decorating (yes, it matters), and plenty of critical injuries and "oops" moments to keep things interesting.

It's folklore, teamwork, and spectral shenanigans at their finest. Who needs combat when you've got unresolved emotional baggage? Tune in to find out if your party is ready to face the real horror: proper collaboration.

Available now wherever you get your podcasts!

Summary

On this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew journeys to 19th-century Scandinavia to unravel the eerie mysteries of the TTRPG Vaesen. With spirits straight out of folklore, a setting dripping with atmospheric dread, and trauma as your ticket to seeing the supernatural, it's part Scooby-Doo and part existential crisis.

The hosts dive into investigative gameplay that's less about swinging swords and more about solving spectral whodunits while dodging critical injuries and awkward character defects. They unpack the rules of ghostbusting with a side of teamwork, historical trivia, and the occasional "Hey, should we have brought more salt?"

Tune in as they debate the true horror: malevolent spirits or trying to keep your player agency intact. It's a hilarious and heartfelt look at mystery arcs, collaboration, and why your game group needs a solid headquarters — because nothing says "spiritually prepared" like a Scandi chic base of operations.

Links

• Vaesen (affiliate link)
• Content from RPGBOT.net
• Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review
• RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes
• Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen

Takeaways

The RPGBOT.Podcast explores the captivating world of Vaesen, a TTRPG rooted in 19th-century Scandinavian folklore. Players embark on mystery-driven adventures where trauma unlocks the ability to perceive the enigmatic Vaesen—spirits neither good nor evil. Success hinges on collaboration, cunning, and preparation, as combat is perilous and knowledge is power.

The game balances tension between tradition and modernity, blending historical depth with flexible storytelling. Players navigate investigations across multiple locations, leveraging advantages and resolving conflicts through dice mechanics and strategic choices. Conditions and critical injuries deepen role-play and character growth, while player actions shape advancement, healing, and headquarters development.

With its focus on creative problem-solving, player agency, and risk-reward dynamics, Vaesen offers a richly immersive experience adaptable to one-shots or campaigns.

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Tyler Kamstra

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Ash Ely

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Randall James

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Producer Dan

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