In Vaesen, equipment plays a crucial role in the preparation and execution of mysteries. Here's how it works:
1. Equipment Availability
Equipment is categorized into levels from 1 to 5, which indicate its availability—essentially how easy or difficult it is to acquire.
Before embarking on a mystery, players are expected to acquire the necessary equipment. This is typically done during the mystery's preparation phase.
2. Resources and Procurement
The primary method for obtaining equipment is through your character's Resources value. Each player rolls a number of dice equal to their Resources value to determine how much equipment they can acquire. The number of successes rolled can be used to "purchase" equipment, each piece of equipment has a level that corresponds to how many successes it costs.
Players can combine their successes or donate them to each other to acquire higher-level equipment. Additionally, they may opt to use their free Capital to buy items, though this reduces the money they have for use during the mystery.
3. Shopping During the Mystery
Once the mystery begins, players may need to acquire more equipment. If dealing with reluctant NPCs, an opposed Manipulation roll (modified by the player's living standard, see below table at the end of article) is necessary. For standard purchases, players roll their Resources value to determine the success of the transaction.
Wealthy characters can automatically purchase equipment during the mystery by spending Capital without needing to roll for success.
4. Equipment and Weapons
Various tools, weapons, and items grant bonuses to skill tests. For example, a crowbar provides a +1 bonus to Force tests for breaking locks, while binoculars give a +2 bonus to Vigilance tests from a distance.
Weapons are categorized by their damage, range, and the bonus they provide to attack rolls. Each weapon also has an availability level, indicating how difficult it is to obtain.
This system of equipment and resources encourages strategic planning and collaboration among players, both in the preparation phase and during the unfolding of the mystery.
