The Cosmere RPG brings Brandon Sanderson's universe to life, offering adventures set in worlds like Roshar and Scadrial. It's designed for both newcomers and experienced players, with beginner-friendly adventures that teach the mechanics as you play. Here's a quick rundown of the best starting adventures:
- The First Step: A "level zero" session where players build their characters during gameplay. Set on Roshar, it introduces mechanics like Focus and transitions into the Stonewalkers campaign. Free solo PDF and Foundry VTT options available.
- Bridge Nine Adventure: A 1st-level one-shot on the Shattered Plains. Players survive a chasmfiend attack while learning combat, Conversations, and Endeavors. Pre-generated characters and Foundry VTT module included for $14.99.
- Stonewalkers Story: A full campaign (levels 1–8) co-written by Sanderson and Dan Wells. Players chase an Honorblade across Roshar, facing Odium's forces. Available as a hardcover ($49.99) or PDF ($25.00).
- Beginner's Luck GenCon Adventure: A 4-hour session included in the Stormlight Starter Set. Perfect for newcomers, with pre-generated characters, battlemaps, and a compact rulebook.
- Learn to Play: Cosmere RPG Introduction: A step-by-step tutorial with read-aloud text to ease players into mechanics like Investiture and worldhopping. Digital tools like Demiplane NEXUS enhance gameplay.
These adventures simplify the learning curve and immerse players in Sanderson's lore-rich universe. Whether you're creating characters from scratch or starting with pre-generated ones, there's an option for every group.
Cosmere RPG Beginner Adventures Comparison Guide
Cosmere RPG - The First Step!
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1. The First Step
The First Step introduces a fresh twist to character creation, acting as a "level zero" adventure. Players begin with completely blank character sheets, and their decisions during the session determine their stats, abilities, and future paths. This approach seamlessly immerses players into the story while setting the stage for immediate action.
The adventure throws players into the heart of Roshar, where a convoy is ambushed by a dangerous Shardbearer. As ordinary individuals caught in extraordinary circumstances, players' choices shape the very essence of their characters.
This session works perfectly as a session zero, transitioning smoothly into the Stonewalkers campaign. For groups, the official Party Tracker - a one-page resource - helps Game Masters (GMs) keep tabs on evolving character resources in real time.
For newcomers, there's a free solo edition PDF available for download. Alternatively, the Foundry VTT version offers automated stat tracking and a Stormlight-inspired interface, making it easier to jump into the game.
Unlike the Level 1 Bridge Nine one-shot, The First Step focuses on building characters from the ground up, making it an excellent starting point for players new to the Cosmere RPG or the Stormlight Archive universe.
2. Bridge Nine Adventure
Bridge Nine Adventure thrusts players into the heart of the Shattered Plains during the Alethi-Parshendi conflict. The setup is simple yet gripping: players are part of an expedition from High Prince Sadeas's warcamp, tasked with exploring ancient ruins. However, a sudden chasmfiend attack destroys their bridge, leaving the survivors - bridgemen, soldiers, scouts, and scholars - stranded in the perilous chasms. Their mission? Survive the dangers and find their way back to safety.
Designed as a 1st-level one-shot, this adventure introduces players to the core mechanics of the Cosmere RPG in just 2–4 hours. It covers everything from combat actions and initiative turns (both fast and slow) to the Endeavor system, which replaces straightforward dice rolls with strategic, cinematic decision-making. Players also learn about the plot die, three types of defenses, focus, and roleplaying conversations. With six pre-generated characters, players can jump straight into the action without delay.
"Having Doral the bridgeman as something that slowed the characters down was a great way to give them a moral conundrum." - Ben Lawrance, Creator, Dungeon Mister
The adventure is intentionally structured to guide players through the mechanics, keeping improvisation to a minimum. This makes it an excellent teaching tool for both players and Game Masters (GMs). To prepare, GMs should spend 15–30 minutes reviewing the types of Endeavors and NPC roleplaying notes. Printing out a list of available combat actions can also help players familiar with D&D adapt to the new system more easily.
Priced at $14.99, the adventure is available as a standalone product or as a Foundry VTT module, complete with automated adversaries and Theatre of the Mind backdrops. It’s a fantastic introduction to the world of the Stormlight Archive, offering iconic elements like bridge crews and the dangerous terrain of the Shattered Plains. Up next, we’ll dive into how these introductory adventures equip GMs with the tools they need to run their first sessions successfully.
3. Stonewalkers Story
The Stonewalkers Story is a campaign adventure designed to take characters from level 1 to 8, co-written by Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells. The plot kicks off with the theft of an Honorblade - a weapon tied to a Herald - sending players on a chase across Roshar to confront a corrupted Radiant, all while contending with the forces of Odium. Set during the events of Words of Radiance and concluding with Wind and Truth, the campaign introduces new revelations about the world of the Stormlight Archive.
This 172-page adventure is available as a hardcover for $49.99 or a PDF for $25.00, and it requires the Stormlight Handbook to play. Additionally, a Foundry VTT module is included, which automates 92 adversaries and the Honorblade. Players will face challenges like tracking fallen Heralds, enduring the Everstorm, and deciding whether to swear their own Radiant oaths - offering a chance to dive deeply into the Cosmere's mythology. The campaign balances intense combat mechanics with immersive storytelling, giving players a rich and layered experience.
"The opening session expands the narrative without overwhelming players." – Ben Lawrance, Creator, Dungeon Mister
For GMs, the campaign builds on the mechanics introduced in earlier adventures, raising the stakes with a more complex narrative. It allows for seamless transitions from adventures like Bridge Nine by tying character motivations or NPC missions to the Honorblade's recovery. With a 5.0/5 rating on StartPlaying based on 11 reviews, the campaign has been praised for its emphasis on roleplay and political intrigue. Early sessions are designed to focus on roleplay, gradually introducing tactical combat. NPC Tazo-son-Clutio, a Shin Stone Shaman, serves as a helpful guide to start the initial quest.
Whether you're new to the Stormlight Archive or a longtime fan, the adventure offers what reviewers call a "great hook" to draw in players who might not be familiar with the books. It’s a compelling entry point into the world of Roshar.
4. Beginner's Luck GenCon Adventure
Designed with newcomers in mind, the Beginner's Luck GenCon Adventure - officially called Bridge 9 - is the centerpiece of the Stormlight Starter Set. This 48-page adventure is perfect for players stepping into the world of tabletop RPGs for the first time. It comes fully equipped with everything needed to jump into the action: battlemaps, tokens, a compact 60-page rulebook, pre-generated character sheets, and custom dice to get started right away.
The adventure earned its "Beginner's Luck" nickname after Dragonsteel VP Adam Horne famously rolled five natural 20s during its debut at GenCon in August 2024. True to its name, the session encourages creative thinking, allowing even absolute beginners to succeed with clever strategies - like pretending to "play dead." Game Master Ross Leiser showcased the system's adaptability by rewarding inventive player solutions, making it clear the game values imagination as much as rules.
Over the course of about 4 hours, players are introduced to the core elements of the Cosmere RPG: combat, structured Conversations, and Endeavors (skill challenges such as escaping a chasmfiend or navigating perilous terrain). Set on the Shattered Plains of Roshar, the story casts players as bridgemen embarking on dangerous missions. Along the way, they face tough decisions, such as balancing military orders against moral dilemmas - like whether to risk their lives to save an injured comrade.
The adventure’s structured, "on rails" design ensures that new Game Masters (GMs) can focus on teaching the mechanics without needing to improvise heavily. Pre-generated character sheets and a printed combat actions guide make it easier to keep the session running smoothly. GMs are encouraged to track player decisions regarding "protection" and "freedom" throughout the session, as these choices influence whether a character begins bonding with a spren and starts their journey toward becoming a Radiant.
As an introduction to the Cosmere RPG, this adventure not only teaches the basics but also immerses players in the lore and mechanics of the universe. It’s a well-rounded starting point for both players and GMs looking to explore the world of Roshar and beyond.
5. Learn to Play: Cosmere RPG Introduction
The Learn to Play: Cosmere RPG Introduction is designed as a step-by-step guide for groups diving into the system for the first time. Instead of overwhelming players with too much information at once, this tutorial uses an incremental learning structure. Each scene introduces a few new mechanics alongside key details about the campaign setting, making it easier for players to absorb the basics before tackling more advanced elements. This gradual approach sets the stage for tackling more complex campaigns later in the Cosmere RPG experience.
One standout feature of this adventure is the abundance of read-aloud text boxes and detailed guidance, giving it more structure and support than the average RPG module. Meredith, Partner Marketing Manager at Demiplane, explains:
"The adventure's goal is to provide the GM with tools to jump straight into the Cosmere RPG. It goes into more detail and includes more 'read-aloud' text boxes than a typical adventure".
This extra layer of support is especially helpful for new Game Masters, allowing them to lead sessions confidently without needing extensive system knowledge or advanced improvisation skills.
The introduction also weaves in essential Cosmere elements, such as Investiture, the magical system that powers everything from Mistborn abilities to the Knights Radiant, and worldhopping, which ties into the interconnected nature of the Cosmere. Players are introduced to Roshar's unique features, including its iconic highstorms, blending the lore seamlessly with gameplay.
For groups leaning toward digital play, platforms like Demiplane NEXUS offer tools such as interactive rule lookups and searchable compendiums, allowing Game Masters to find information mid-session without disrupting the flow. A free Starter Set is available through Demiplane for those wanting to explore the digital tools, while groups preferring the physical experience can purchase the Stormlight Bridge Nine Adventure for $14.99.
Why These Adventures Work for New Players
These beginner-friendly adventures succeed by simplifying the often overwhelming mechanics of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Instead of forcing players to dive into a dense rulebook, the adventures teach the system organically through gameplay. Take The First Step, for instance - it allows players to start with a blank character sheet and build their characters as they play. This hands-on approach removes the stress of traditional character creation and makes the learning process feel natural.
Adventures like Bridge Nine are carefully structured to guide players through the game’s key elements: Combat, Conversations, and Endeavors. This design ensures that new players can focus on learning the essentials without feeling lost. As Ben Lawrance from Dungeon Mister puts it:
"For a group brand new to the Cosmere RPG, I think it's a really good introduction to the core mechanics and how it works. It's got a bit of everything, from combat, to roleplaying, to exploration and more".
This structured approach doesn’t just benefit players - it’s also a relief for new Game Masters (GMs), who can follow the adventure’s framework without needing to improvise heavily. These designs have been validated through real-world playtests, proving their effectiveness.
For example, during a GenCon playtest of Bridge Nine, a complete TTRPG novice successfully handled combat rounds and even mastered advanced conversation mechanics - all within a single 4-hour session. Donald, an experienced RPG designer at Dragonsteel, observed:
"I'm not surprised honestly, this game is a unicorn. It's incredibly fun for someone who's played every single TTRPG, plenty crunchy, so much engagement. And, if you've never even looked at a D20 die, you can jump in fast".
What makes these adventures even more appealing is their adaptability to different playstyles. Beginners can choose the adventure that best suits their preferences: The First Step offers a slower, solo-paced introduction; Bridge Nine delivers immediate action with pre-generated characters; and Stonewalkers provides a more expansive, long-term campaign. For GMs, Bridge Nine works as a great one-shot to kick things off, with the option to carry those characters into Stonewalkers for a seamless transition into a deeper campaign.
The adventures also scale complexity thoughtfully. Bridge Nine keeps things tightly controlled, perfect for beginners, while Stonewalkers gradually expands player choices as they grow more comfortable with the system. This progression ensures that players aren’t overwhelmed with too many options early on, giving them the confidence to explore more freely as they master the basics. These insights naturally set the stage for practical tips on running a first session as a Game Master.
Tips for Game Masters Running First Sessions
You don’t need to be a seasoned lore master or an experienced GM to run your first Cosmere RPG session. Start by giving your players a quick mechanical overview before jumping into the story. Take a few minutes to explain key mechanics like the Plot Die, the three defense types (Physical, Cognitive, and Spiritual), and how Focus works. To make combat smoother, hand out action cheat sheets that list available moves - this helps prevent players from freezing up during key moments.
Once the mechanics are clear, shift the spotlight to player choices during gameplay. Keep track of their decisions, especially when they’re faced with moral dilemmas like choosing between protection and freedom. For example, at GenCon in August 2024, GM Ross Leiser ran Bridge Nine for Adam Horne, Dragonsteel’s VP, who had no prior TTRPG experience. Leiser tallied Horne’s moral decisions throughout the session, revealing at the end that his focus on “freedom” placed him on a Radiant path, setting the stage for bonding a spren. This simple tracking method added depth to the narrative without requiring heavy improvisation.
Encourage creative problem-solving by giving players the freedom to approach challenges in unexpected ways. For instance, when Horne’s character faced a chasmfiend attack, Leiser let him “play dead,” resolving the situation with a single roll. Horne’s Natural 20 led to an epic success, keeping the game fun and fast-paced without bogging it down in complex rules. If your group leans more toward roleplay than combat, allow them to bypass fights entirely through Conversations or Endeavors, even if the written adventure suggests a battle.
To deepen immersion, align rewards with the Cosmere’s unique lore. Replace traditional loot like gold with world-specific rewards that feel meaningful, such as bonding a spren or earning freedom for bridgemen. Use vivid sensory details to bring Roshar to life - mention bioluminescent vines, lifespren clustering around happy characters, or the distant rumble of highstorms. Adventures like Stonewalkers, written by Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells, are canonical and directly tie into the novels, giving you a solid narrative framework.
Pace the mechanics gradually, introducing them scene by scene rather than overwhelming players upfront. Starter adventures often include expanded read-aloud text boxes to help maintain narrative flow and ensure key lore details aren’t overlooked. Sessions typically run about four hours, though larger groups or those who dive deep into roleplay might need a bit more time.
"The beauty of RPGs is that you and your players are only limited by your imagination... Remember that fun is the most critical part of any role-playing game, so slightly bending the rules and storylines is okay if it serves everyone's enjoyment".
Conclusion
Starting your Cosmere RPG journey with beginner-friendly adventures is a fantastic way to ease into the game. These introductory scenarios, like The First Step with its open-ended character creation or Bridge Nine with its structured approach to teaching rules, provide a solid foundation. They allow you to explore the mechanics in a manageable setting, building confidence for both players and Game Masters.
This balance between mechanics and storytelling shines through in actual gameplay. For instance, at GenCon, a first-time player quickly grasped the system and made impactful narrative decisions that set their character on the path to becoming a Radiant. This shows how these adventures seamlessly connect roleplaying with mechanical growth.
Whether you're new to tabletop RPGs or a seasoned player trying out the Cosmere system, these starter adventures are designed to ease the transition. They introduce elements like combat, dialogue, and problem-solving at a steady pace, making them approachable for everyone. With a runtime of just two to three hours, they’re perfect for testing the waters before diving into more extensive campaigns like Stonewalkers.
If you're ready to explore Roshar, consider picking up The First Step or the Stormlight Starter Set. While the mechanics might seem complex at first glance, as RPG expert Donald put it:
"This game is a unicorn. It's incredibly fun for someone who's played every single TTRPG, plenty crunchy, so much engagement. And, if you've never even looked at a D20 die, you can jump in fast."
Your journey into the Cosmere - and your path to becoming a Knight Radiant - can begin with just one session.
FAQs
What’s the best starter adventure for total beginners?
The ideal starting adventure for complete beginners is The First Step. This "session zero" experience is crafted to introduce players to the Cosmere RPG with streamlined rules and straightforward character creation. It’s tailored to help newcomers get comfortable with the system while diving into the fundamentals of the Cosmere universe.
What books or rules do I need to run Stonewalkers?
To play Stonewalkers in the Cosmere RPG, you'll need the Stormlight Handbook. This guide includes all the rules and background lore necessary for the adventure.
Can I carry characters from Bridge Nine into Stonewalkers?
Yes, you can bring characters from Bridge Nine into Stonewalkers. Bridge Nine serves as an introductory adventure, perfect for learning the mechanics of the Cosmere RPG. Meanwhile, Stonewalkers is a more extended campaign designed to take characters from level 1 to level 8. This makes it an ideal next step for continuing your existing characters' journey.
