Review: Nordiska Väsen och En Grym Hemlighet (role-playing game)

When I was eleven years old, I joined my friend Mats and two older acquaintances, Jim and Ted. At the time, they were immersed in Drakar & Demoner. It was a game, but unique in its lack of miniatures and a game board. They were playing role-playing games. I created an Elf character and spent many hours playing. Then, I encountered an enemy too powerful for my Elf, and my character met its end… I still remember that disappointment vividly.

My exploration of role-playing continued with Mutant and Star Wars role-playing games. However, none resonated with me as deeply as the mythical world of Drakar & Demoner, which drew heavily from The Lord of the Rings and similar narratives.

As life progressed, I drifted away from role-playing games. When a new title appeared for review, I was intrigued. I wondered what it would be like to revisit role-playing after a few decades.

Fria Ligan publishes Nordiska Väsen, a horror role-playing game set in the Nordic countries during an alternate 19th century. This is particularly appealing, as it’s a world ripe for exploration. The utilization of familiar stories and characters from Nordic mythology is a stroke of brilliance.

The hardcover edition of Nordiska Väsen spans 229 pages and features evocative illustrations that draw the reader into its world. However, after delving into the book, it became apparent that this role-playing game is geared towards individuals with prior experience or those who have played recently. It assumes a certain level of familiarity with the rules and nomenclature of the genre. While this is somewhat disappointing, it’s also understandable, as this is a niche product not intended to be the most accessible entry point into role-playing.

Nordiska Väsen is provided as a core rulebook; however, players need to source their own dice and duplicate the character sheet found at the back of the book. While these sheets are available as a printable PDF, offering physical copies for purchase would have been a welcome addition.

En Grym Hemlighet och andra mysterier (A Cruel Secret and other mysteries) offers several detailed scenarios, complete with maps and character descriptions, ideal for introductory adventures. As I recall from my childhood, playing pre-written scenarios was enjoyable, but creating original stories was even more rewarding. This 99-page book provides an accessible entry point to the captivating world of Nordiska Väsen.

In conclusion, these are two well-crafted role-playing books that promise many hours of engaging gameplay. While current pandemic-related restrictions may limit in-person gatherings, playing via platforms like Zoom remains a viable alternative. For experienced role-players, this is a compelling offering. However, given the learning curve for novices, Nordiska Väsen receives a strong, but not unqualified, recommendation.