The SETTING

THE MYTHIC NORTH: Vaesen takes place in a mythical nineteenth-century Scandinavia (expanded to other locals listed later). This dark Gothic setting is steeped in Nordic folklore amidst the dawn of industrialization. A new civilization is dawning (steamboats, trains, as well as political and philosophical movements). But in the countryside, the old ways still hold sway. There, people know what lurks in the dark. They know to fear it. 

VAESEN: Throughout history, humans have shared their land with vaesen: trolls, ghosts, lindworms, and other creatures inhabiting the woods and lakes. Like the humans, these have had their ups and downs with one another. Many have assisted the farmers in their back-breaking labor and made the dark, winter nights more bearable with enchanted music and gifts in the form of strange handicrafts to blacksmiths and lute players.

Although vaesen have always been present, few have actually seen them. The creatures are imperceptible to the human eye – they choose whether or not to reveal themselves. It is said that their presence may be inferred from something as innocuous as a draft in the room, or from the abnormal behavior of farm animals. Tales and songs tell of rules that must be followed so as not to anger the vaesen. Rural people often think they know how to avoid getting on the wrong side of those who dwell underground, but something has altered the balance between the humans on the surface and the creatures beneath. Vaesen have started attacking villages and destroying homes, factories, and train stations. They no longer behave as they do in the stories Some think they have gone mad, others that the end times are nigh.

THE SIGHT: You are a person with the Sight, meaning that you have the ability to see vaesen – even when they are trying to remain invisible. You acquired the Sight as a result of some physical or psychological trauma, most likely some form of supernatural event, either during childhood or as an adult. Those who have the Sight are sometimes referred to as Thursday’s Children. For one reason or another you have sought out other people with the Sight, and together you have decided to use your ability to help those affected by the ill-tempered caprice of the vaesen.

THE FIGHT AGAINST VAESEN: Secretly, your mission is to protect humanity from vaesen. You must maintain a façade of normality in front of your friends and relatives– if they ever found out about your alleged ability to see supernatural creatures, they would sooner or later have you locked up in an asylum. But the world is not black and white. The vaesen you encounter are often victims of other vaesen, or of human activities, so you will have to take a stand and do what is right. Whatever that may be. Before heading out on expeditions, arm yourself with rifles and rapiers. Your weapons can help you defeat human adversaries such as robbers and rebels. Against vaesen, however, you may as well be carrying sticks and scraps of paper.

Vaesen may be stalled or temporarily driven off by human weaponry but can rarely be killed by bullets or blades. To combat vaesen, you must turn to the tales and forgotten books of the olden days. The rituals required to expel them are always exact and seldom easy to perform. You might have to sprinkle silver powder into the waterfall on the night of a full moon – or chase giants into the woods by ringing the church bells at dawn. Each vaesen protects its weakness very carefully, and those seeking to exploit it risk provoking its wrath.