As always, before we delve into the details of this review of Vaesen: Mythic Carpathia (a Vaesen setting manual), I would like to thank Free League Publishing for providing us with a physical copy of the book.
If you would like to purchase the manual after reading this review, you can find it on the publisher’s official store for 478 Swedish kronor (just over 43 euros), which includes a digital copy.
Vaesen: Mythic Carpathia is the second manual to expand the Vaesen setting, taking us to explore the Carpathian section of the Society and the city of Prague, which it is based in. It also introduces us to the Vaesens found in that region.
The Intriguing and Mysterious Folklore of Eastern Europe
As with the Vaesen: Mythic Britain and Ireland expansion (which we have already covered), Free League Publishing has relied on local authors to detail the history and cultural context of this expansion. Vaesen: Mythic Carpathia is the work of a team of Ukrainian and Polish writers who have edited the history section and the three adventures included in the manual.
This is a wise decision that will pay off. We can immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the setting by scrolling through the region’s history with the necessary precision and detail. The differences between successive governments in this area and the particularities of each ethnic group are treated carefully, without ever becoming parochial or redundant.
In about twenty pages, this book not only explores the history of Bohemia and its traditions but also delves into the daily lives of its inhabitants. The city of Prague receives ample coverage, including its history and its role in the game. This is because it is the headquarters of the Carpathian Society: Pravda.
Pravda Based in Prague
Hidden behind this grandiose name is the organisation we are all familiar with. It has been involved in the search for, and when necessary, the expulsion of the Vaesen for a long time. It plays a pivotal role in the vast territory stretching from the Urals to the Oder and from Estonia to the southern Balkans. This territory is vast and sparsely populated. Contested by three great empires, this region has seen the Vaesen relegated to the realm of legends and superstition. The characters’ task will be to restore Pravda to its true purpose in its new headquarters at Prašná Brána (Powder Gate), which has recently been renovated and rebuilt on the border between the old and new cities.
The organisation’s primary focus is the study of local history and culture. It is also committed to integrating with the German-speaking part of society. The organisation’s offices occupy the lower floor of the building. Officially, the rooms on the upper floor are intended for staff accommodation, offices, and document archives. In practice, however, only members of the society have access to them and use them as their operational base.
The chapter dedicated to Pravda contains a wealth of detailed historical information that is extremely useful for setting adventures in this region of Europe. The manual also lists the resources available in Pravda and the contacts of local institutions. Of these, the Aviation Society is particularly notable, as it allows hot air balloons to be used to reach distant places. There is also a list of the rare books in Pravda’s secret library.
Sixteen New Vaesen and a New Archetype
As we will discover in this review, the third chapter of Vaesen: Mythic Carpathia is dedicated to the Vaesen specific to the region. Some of the 36 pages’ entries are extremely well-known and can also be found in other gaming contexts. Who hasn’t heard of Baba Yaga, the Golem, the Homunculus or the Vampir? Each creature is accompanied by beautiful images and the necessary characteristics, plus three examples of conflicts that can be used to build our stories.
Of the lesser-known creatures, I was particularly drawn to the Khocca-Yarokha, a small Vaesen with a lizard-like body covered in scales, rodent-like features and small wings. This bizarre creature collects children’s teeth. When a child loses a tooth, they must leave it on the ground: the creature will take it and leave a coin in its place. Another Vaesen that caught my imagination is the Vykhrovyk. This spirit of the air and whirlwinds is born of children who are either cursed or rejected by their parents. These wandering beings collect the souls of criminals and torture them by tearing them apart with strong winds. In doing so, they can destroy houses, uproot trees, cause droughts and spread disease.
No manual would be complete without a new character creation archetype, and this one is the vampire hunter. As with the basic manual, this archetype enables you to create your character in just a few simple steps. The creation process is exactly the same. However, bear in mind that it may be difficult to incorporate this archetype into an adventure outside the Carpathians.
Three Stories to Play
There are three ready-to-play adventures at the end of the manual, which are perfect for immersing yourself in the mysterious and gloomy setting of Vaesen: Mythic Carpathia.
- A Treaty of Blood lets the characters investigate a village located in an isolated valley in Transylvania, in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. The harsh winter weather forces them to stay put just as a conflict erupts between a vampire and his rebellious dhampir daughter, and a vârcolac — an imprisoned monster waiting for the right moment to escape.
- The Gathering Storm is set in the old prison of Lemberg, Brygidki. Once a monastery, it now houses convicted criminals. However, when a chickenpox epidemic breaks out and some inmates are found murdered, prison director Josef Strasser contacts Pravda to solve the mystery.
- Lastly, The Secret of the Maharal engages the characters in an investigation in the city of Prague, where several people have died as a result of the use of considerable force… Unnaturally considerable.
Each mystery in the volume follows the same structure as the other plots in the game. Conflicts, non-player characters (NPCs), clues and locations are all described in detail, giving players plenty of opportunity to explore the setting and themes of this interesting expansion. Last but not least are the handouts found in the appendices. These essential materials make each mystery even more vivid.
Vaesen: Mythic Carpathia Aesthetic Review
When discussing the editorial line, its quality cannot be overlooked. The images of the creatures are the work of Johan Egerkrans, a sublime artist who has become an indispensable partner for these products. Anton Vitus‘s portraits of the non-player characters (NPCs) convey the characteristics of each encounter in just a few skilful lines. All the maps are Italian and were entrusted to three artists who are now recognised throughout the world: Francesca Baerald, Moreno Paissan, and Angela Gubert.
The aesthetics are what we know and love. The paper is thick and textured, and the small embellishments are sure to enrich the reading experience.
Conclusions of the Review of Vaesen: Mythic Carpathia
In conclusion, as the review shows, Vaesen: Mythic Carpathia is an essential supplement for expanding the Vaesen game world. Crafted with great care, it is both elegant and robust — a useful and beautiful addition to any collection. As with the other expansions, it requires the basic manual, but if you know the game, this valuable supplement is not to be missed.
If, on the other hand, you have never had the pleasure of enjoying this Nordic horror game so closely linked to folklore, then I recommend you take advantage of it and add another piece to your roleplaying library.
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