KVAD is a VIking storytelling RPG where every hero’s fate becomes a poem.

You begin as ordinary folk, breaking free from the constraints of mundane life to embark on legendary journeys that will define your legacy. Through tough choices, dramatic dice rolls, and the Skald’s vivid narration, your hero’s tale will be immortalized in a KVAD - a Norse poem honoring their deeds.

WHAT MAKES KVAD DIFFERENT?

As the saying goes, “Better to be a wolf for a day than a sheep for a lifetime.” In KVAD, you are the hero, challenging the ordinary and leaving your mark on the world through bold action. Although, the path is fraught with danger and death is inevitable. The only question is: how will you spend the time you’re given?

Are you ready to shape your legacy?

KVAD uses a dice-pool system made for storytelling. It’s fast, dramatic, and keeps the focus on the choices your hero makes. Every roll tells part of the story.  You always roll three dice - one for who you are, one for what you know, and one for what you rely on.

It’s a simple system, but every choice has weight. Success isn’t certain, and even failure moves the story forward. See Action Mechanics below for how it works in play.

KVAD isn’t a glossy, modern fantasy book - it’s designed to feel like a rediscovered Norse manuscript.
Every page is intentionally minimal, with black-and-white artwork, and passages of text with a clear structure, much like the old sagas themselves.

The book draws direct inspiration from the historic editions illustrated by Erik Werenskiold and Christian Krohg — two of Norway’s most celebrated artists — alongside several contemporary illustrators. Their original woodcut-style illustrations have been respectfully re-used in KVAD, not as nostalgia, but as a tribute - bringing players as close as possible to the atmosphere of the ancient Norse manuscripts, while adding a subtle modern touch.

Printed using high-quality matte paper and traditional serif typography, KVAD feels like a crafted object - something between a game and a relic. When you hold it, you’re not just reading rules. You’re opening a saga. When you open KVAD, it should feel like holding a fragment of history - a game forged in tradition.

Step into the world of Norse sagas and prepare to forge your legacy. In KVAD, you are the Saga Hero, embracing a life of courage, adventure, and epic deeds. When your journey ends, will your name echo through the verses of a timeless poem, or vanish into darkness?

Everything in KVAD has been designed for quality and longevity. We’ve chosen materials that feel good in the hands and hold up at the table — the same attention to detail that’s gone into every project we’ve made.

BACKERKIT EXCLUSIVE (LIMITED SUPPLY)
A 350+ page hardcover book bound in faux leather with embossed print. Inside is everything you need to play: the full ruleset, examples, and guidance for both Players and the Skald. Printed on FSC-certified paper with a matte finish.

The Character Sheet and Skald Sheet, illustrated by Yuri Perkowski Domingos, are both included as PDFs with every pledge. Some pledge levels also include a tear-off pad version — glued along the top edge so you can easily remove sheets as you play.

Creating your own stories is at the heart of KVAD, but sometimes you just want to sit down and play. The Vegvísir serves as your guide and inspiration — helping you forge your own sagas through examples, story prompts, and sample poems. It’s a digital companion, allowing us to add new content freely without waiting for print or shipping. Every backer receives all Vegvísir updates automatically. Without any stretch goals, the Vegvísir will include:

The maps bring the setting to life. 

The KVAD Dice Set features engraved Viking-inspired patterns. The set includes:

The Miniature Set design is based on actual Viking game pieces - Namely from a set of Hnefatafl. Each figure is cast in a high-quality resin for weight and detail. There may be design changes to the Miniatures.

You can expand your pledge with a few optional items during checkout. These are small extras and upgrades for players who want a little more at their table.

“KVAD has been played, refined, and sung for over a decade — this book is the final, polished saga, written and illustrated by humans. A BackerKit Exclusive reward in limited supply. Here is a short overview of what the book offers:

Nordveien (=North Way) is the default setting for KVAD — inspired by Norway during the Viking Age, yet intentionally free from strict historical accuracy. It’s designed to let you experience the spirit of that era without the weight of study; add what you like and let the rest become myth.

In the Core Rulebook, you’ll find a thorough look at Nordveien’s society and regions, written to capture the atmosphere and rhythm of the Viking world. The Nordveien map is beautifully illustrated by the German artist Veronica Wunderer.

KVAD has already made its mark in Norway. Now, we’re bringing the English edition to life — and we’d love for you to be part of it. By backing now, you help this Viking saga reach new shores and find its place on tables around the world. Be a part of the shield wall!

SPECIAL RETURNING BACKER REWARD!
If you backed the original Norwegian KVAD campaign or purchased the Norwegian edition later, you’ll receive a 100 NOK discount in the pledge manager, plus all updated materials in Norwegian as a FREE bonus.

Simply select the Returning Backer add-on when you pledge. Proof of purchase will be requested after the campaign to activate the discount.

Some treasures are only found by those who set out early. Our campaign offers unique items, bundles, and stretch goals that won’t appear in retail.
 

During the campaign, all rewards and add-ons come at a reduced price. Once the longship sails, the prices rise — so it pays to join the crew early.

Backers will receive their copies before the game reaches stores. You’ll be among the first to tell new sagas in English — dice in hand and destiny waiting.

Secure your pledge now and spread the payment over several months through BackerKit. No rush — your place in the shield wall is safe. 

Karl Otto Kristoffersen  (Photo: May-Helén Mogstad) is the creator and lead designer behind KVAD, bringing years of storytelling and system design to the table. He's also the mind behind the Silverheart and the West Marches Campaign Playstyle Guidebook - and its related guidebooks. 

KVAD is published by Game Forlag, an independent Norwegian publisher of TTRPGs, board games, and trivia books.

The English edition of KVAD was translated by Christoffer Johannessen (left) — an anglophile, lifelong gamer, and proud literature nerd.   With a Master’s in English focused on Shakespeare, and decades of experience as both player and gamemaster, Christoffer brings the spirit of the sagas into vivid, authentic English prose, while keeping its roots intact.

Thomas Flaaten Fredriksen (right) is the editor, typesetter and proofreader for KVAD and in Game Forlag. He had the same position for Tale: the-roleplaying game, the Norwegian version of KVAD, and all other products released by Game Forlag for that matter. His love for language and keen eye for detail helps the finished product shine. 

This campaign, production and manufacturing for it - and some other stuff was done by Hans Olav Ekornrød (middle). He is me and I can't think of something cool to say, except for having designed Tale: the role-playing game and the game Heartstrings.

Illustrations within the book are done by traditional Norwegian artists that are part of our cultural heritage, namely Erik Werenskiold and Christian Krogh.

The Cover Art for the Softcover version and the Boxset illustrations are done by Even Mehl Amundsen. Soft cover art is by Even Mehl Amundsen who has worked for studios like Karakter, Ubisoft, Blizzard, Riot and Wizard of the Coast, just to name some! Norveien map is by Veronika Wunderer. Logo is by Valhyr, his artwork, apparel and jewelry is mainly from the Viking age and Norse mythology. Beautifully illustrated by the artist Yuri Perkowski Domingos, the KVAD character sheet and skald sheet captures both artistry and purpose. Graphic design by Silje Ramleth.

Launch video by Skagerak Film

Music is by Agdir, an ambient nordic folk project from Norway. In KVAD you get direct access to five of their beatiful songs!