Panels

2023 Panel discussions

Keynote

With Oleksandr Lazorenko, Eugene Mokeiev (project lead), Yuliia Yereshchenko and Mykhailo Chepel

Join us for an exciting keynote presentation at the VaesenCon 2023 convention, featuring the Ukrainian Vaesen Society and their new book "Spirits and Monsters of Mythic Ukraine." In this presentation, you'll learn about the fascinating world of Ukrainian folklore and how the Ukrainian Vaesen Society connected it with the Vaesen RPG system. Discover the inspiration behind the book and hear about the challenges they faced adapting the creatures to fit into the game's mechanics. Join us and get a chance to ask your own questions about the book and their work.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn more about Ukrainian folklore and how it has been integrated into the Vaesen RPG system. Follow us for more information and updates on the keynote presentation at VaesenCon 2023.

  Friday, May 5, 16:15 GMT | 12:15 EST 2023

Concept of Vaesen

With Nils Hintze & Kiku Pukk Härenstam

Vaesen is a horror role-playing game that draws inspiration from Scandinavian folklore and mythology. In this panel discussion, our experts will explore the concept of Vaesen as a game and delve into the unique features and themes that make it stand out. Topics include the history of Scandinavian folklore and mythology, the game mechanics of Vaesen, the storytelling and world-building aspects of the game, and the different ways that players and game masters can engage with and explore the game world.

Gothic Horror

With Ahimsa, JVC Parry, Thomas Bailey & J.C. Connors 

Gothic horror has long been a staple of horror fiction and film, and Vaesen takes many cues from this genre to create its unique brand of Nordic horror. In this panel discussion, experts will explore the gothic horror elements of Vaesen, discussing the tropes and techniques that are used to create a sense of dread and unease in the players. Topics will include the use of darkness, isolation, and supernatural beings, the role of architecture and setting, and the importance of historical accuracy in creating an authentic gothic horror experience.

 Friday, May 5, 10:15 GMT | 06:15 EST 2023

Creating your Vaesen Player Character: Options, opportunities, and historical references

With Andreas Lundström & Thomas Boulton

Creating a player character in Vaesen is a key part of the role-playing experience, and offers a wide range of options and opportunities for players. In this panel discussion, experts will discuss the different options available to players, including the choice of profession, skills, and abilities, as well as historical references that can be used to create an authentic character that fits within the world of Vaesen. Topics will include the different professions available to players, such as investigators, scholars, and occultists, the role of character backstory and motivations, and the importance of fitting into the world of Vaesen.

 Friday, May 5, 22:15 GMT | 18:15 EST 2023

Writing scenarios for Vaesen - how to share your lore

With Ahimsa, Kiku Pukk, Niclas Jareborg, JVC Parry & J.C. Conners

Creating scenarios for Vaesen is an essential part of being a game master, and is key to creating an immersive and engaging gameplay experience. In this panel discussion, experts will discuss the different elements that go into creating a compelling scenario for Vaesen, including the use of Nordic folklore and mythology, the role of historical accuracy, and the importance of sharing your lore with your players. Topics will include the different types of scenarios that can be created, such as investigations, battles, and survival, the use of player agency and choice in creating scenarios, and the role of NPCs and supporting characters.

Saturday, May 6, 16:15 GMT | 12:15 EST 2023

Folklore as Inspiration - Tales across the world

With Ahimsa, Andreas Lunström, Thomas Boulton & Graeme Davis
Vaesen draws heavily from Nordic folklore and mythology, but there are many other rich traditions from around the world that can be used as inspiration for the game. In this panel discussion, experts will discuss the different folklore and mythology traditions that can be used as inspiration for Vaesen scenarios and gameplay experiences, including those from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Topics will include the use of different folklore elements, such as monsters, spirits, and myths, the role of historical and cultural accuracy, and the importance of respecting and understanding different folklore traditions.

 Saturday, May 6, 22:15 GMT | 18:15 EST 2023

VaesenCon presents :
Sweden Rolls Live Show

with Mattias Redbo, Andreas Lundström, Ingela Lundh & Amanda Stenback
”EXCURSION on the magnificent and safe steamer S/S Waterwitch to the beautiful OUTER ARCHIPELAGO of Stockholm. You can’t afford to miss it. Seats for everybody. No liquors sold on boat. Remember the day - 7th of May.”

The steam boat S/S Waterwitch has had some strange mishaps lately. What was supposed to be a new and profitable luxury cruise line in Stockholm’s beautiful archipelago has turned into an economic disaster. Mysterious damage to the ship, failing engines and reports of crew members falling ill has caused the insurance company to start an investigation. Could this be an elaborate fraud? Well, the PCs have been hired to find out, so let’s see what they can find while on - The Cursed Cruise!

 Sunday, May 7, 08:00 GMT | 04:00 EST 2023

GM Strategies for Vaesen

With Ahimsa, JVC Parry & J.C. Conners

As a game master, there are many strategies and techniques that can be used to create an engaging and immersive Vaesen experience for your players. In this panel discussion, experts will discuss the different strategies that can be used to create a compelling game experience, including the use of sound and music, the importance of pacing and timing, and the use of player agency and choice. Topics will also include the different challenges that game masters may face when running a Vaesen game, and the different ways that they can address these challenges.

 Sunday, May 7, 10:15 GMT | 06:15 EST 2023

Roleplaying in the 19th century

With Ahimsa, Niclas Jareborg & Thomas Bailey

Vaesen is set in the late 19th century, a time of great technological and social change. In this panel discussion, experts will discuss the different ways that players and game masters can engage with this historical setting, including the role of historical accuracy, the importance of understanding the cultural and social norms of the time, and the ways that technology and science can be incorporated into gameplay. Topics will also include the different challenges that come with roleplaying in a historical setting, and the different techniques that can be used to overcome these challenges.

 Sunday, May 7, 16:15 GMT | 12:15 EST 2023