The Cosmere RPG is a tabletop role-playing game set in Brandon Sanderson's universe, designed by Brotherwise Games and Dragonsteel Entertainment. It uses a custom d20-based system, Plotweaver, built specifically for the Cosmere. Released digitally to Kickstarter backers in July 2025, the game raised $15 million during its campaign. With canonical lore and dynamic mechanics, it offers immersive storytelling opportunities for both fans and newcomers.
Key Highlights:
- Setting: Explore iconic worlds like Roshar (The Stormlight Archive). The Mistborn setting launches in late 2026.
- System: Features the Plotweaver system, focusing on character-driven narrative and fast-paced combat.
- Unique Mechanics: Includes the Plot Die for narrative twists and Investiture for magic-based abilities.
- Starter Resources: Free PDFs, character sheets, and quick-start guides available online.
- Radiant Paths: Unlock Surges, Shardblades, and Shardplate as you progress in the game.
Whether you’re creating your first character or running a campaign, this guide walks you through character creation, core mechanics, and tips for gameplay.
How to Play The Cosmere RPG | A Complete Beginners Guide
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Getting Started: What You Need
Ready to dive into the world of the Cosmere RPG? With a solid grasp of its narrative and mechanics, you'll need a few key resources to kick off your first game session. Thankfully, the official website offers free downloads to help you get started right away. These include the Stormlight Starter Rules PDF, form-fillable character sheets, and a Player Quick Reference Sheet that highlights the core mechanics. Game Masters can also access the GM Rules Overview, a guide that compares this system to other d20-based games, making the onboarding process smoother.
Core Rulebooks and PDFs
The Stormlight Handbook is your go-to resource for all things related to character creation and gameplay in the Stormlight Archive setting. As described officially:
This core rulebook for the Cosmere® Roleplaying Game contains everything you need to build characters and tell epic stories in the world of Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series.
You can get this rulebook in both digital and physical formats. For a more condensed option, the Stormlight Starter Set is a great choice. It includes a 60-page rulebook, the Bridge Nine adventure (48 pages), custom dice (including the plot die), and pre-generated characters. These materials are available for purchase through retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or directly from the Dragonsteel store.
If you're more interested in the Mistborn setting on Scadrial, core materials for that are currently available for pre-order, with fulfillment expected in September 2026. Once you've got your rulebooks, you're ready to jump into The First Step Adventure and begin your journey.
The First Step Adventure
The First Step is a perfect introduction for new players, designed as a "session zero" adventure. Its free Solo Edition walks you through the rules and character creation with an interactive narrative. The official description explains:
The First Step is a 'session zero' adventure in which you begin with a blank character sheet. As the story progresses, your choices determine the character you create - and the fate of a convoy ambushed by a vengeful Shardbearer!
This approach eliminates the overwhelm of starting with a blank character sheet. Instead, you'll uncover your character's ancestry, attributes, and skills naturally as the story unfolds.
Using the TTRPG Games Directory
To deepen your understanding of the game, the TTRPG Games Directory is an invaluable resource. It provides clear overviews of the Cosmere RPG's mechanics, themes, and standout features, such as its strategic combat system, character development paths, and storytelling focus. The directory also points you toward additional materials to help you explore the game further. These tools make it easier to transition into the world of character creation and game mechanics, setting you up for an exciting adventure ahead.
Creating Your First Character
Cosmere RPG Character Creation Process - 3 Steps from Ancestry to Skills
Crafting your first character involves three key steps: assigning ancestry and attributes, selecting a starting path, and distributing skills and expertise. You’ll have 12 points to allocate across six core attributes, with no single attribute exceeding 3 at level 1. Additionally, you’ll assign 4 skill ranks (with a max of 2 ranks per skill at creation) and gain expertise equal to your Intellect score, plus 2 base expertise. From there, you can shape your character’s abilities to suit the Cosmere setting.
Choosing Ancestry and Attributes
Your ancestry and attributes lay the groundwork for your character. You can choose between Human or Singer ancestry. Humans gain an extra talent at level 1, which can come from their starting path or the first talent of another path. This makes them flexible early on. Singers, however, have the "Change Form" ability and access to forms like Nimbleform, Workform, or Stormform, each offering distinct mechanical advantages.
The six attributes are divided into three categories: Physical (Strength and Speed), Cognitive (Intellect and Willpower), and Spiritual (Awareness and Presence). Each plays a specific role:
- Strength affects your Health (10 + Strength) and how much you can carry.
- Speed influences movement and defense.
- Intellect determines how many expertise points you start with.
- Willpower increases your Focus pool (2 + Willpower).
When distributing your 12 points, consider your character's role. For instance, Agents or Warriors benefit from higher Speed for better mobility and defense, while Scholars gain an edge with higher Intellect to access more specialized expertise.
Selecting a Starting Path
Your starting path defines your character’s primary abilities and unlocks a core talent with three specialization options. The six paths are: Agent (stealth and investigation), Envoy (social influence and negotiation), Hunter (ranged combat and scouting), Leader (tactics and command), Scholar (technical knowledge and support), and Warrior (frontline combat). Each path grants one automatic skill rank - Warriors get Athletics, Scholars get Lore, and Hunters get Perception.
Choose a path that complements your character’s strongest attributes. For example, Warriors with high Strength excel in Heavy Weapons and Athletics checks, while Scholars with high Intellect shine in Crafting, Deduction, and Medicine. The system allows for multipathing, so your initial choice doesn’t limit future development.
Adding Skills, Expertise, and Proficiencies
Once you’ve chosen your path, you’ll distribute 4 additional skill ranks across the available skills, with a cap of 2 ranks per skill at level 1. Your skill modifier is the sum of your skill ranks and the associated attribute score. For example, if you have 2 ranks in Stealth and a Speed of 3, your Stealth modifier would be +5. Hunters often pair Stealth and Survival with their inherent Perception rank for a well-rounded skill set.
Expertise represents specialized knowledge areas like languages, crafting techniques, or even Shardblade proficiency. You start with 2 base expertise, plus extra points based on your Intellect score. Expertise simplifies tasks by bypassing certain skill checks. For instance, you’ll need at least 1 rank in Medicine to treat injuries, while crafting advanced items requires both Crafting skill ranks and the relevant expertise (like Artifabrian for fabrials). If your character is the group’s crafter or healer, investing in Intellect early on can enhance their capabilities.
How the Game Works: Core Mechanics
The Cosmere RPG relies on a d20-based system where you roll a 20-sided die, add your skill modifiers, and compare the total to a Difficulty Class (DC) set by the Game Master. Your skill modifier is a combination of your skill ranks and the relevant attribute score. For example, if you have 2 ranks in Athletics and a Strength of 3, you’d get a +5 bonus to your roll. This system applies to everything - whether you’re scaling a wall or landing a blow in combat. These modifiers are key to determining success or failure. Let’s dig into how dice rolls and modifiers work in practice.
Dice Rolls and Modifiers
When you attempt a skill test, your goal is to meet or exceed the DC. Rolling a natural 20 on the d20 results in an Opportunity (a positive twist in the story), while rolling a natural 1 triggers a Complication (a negative twist). The game also introduces advantage and disadvantage, where you roll two dice and take either the higher or lower result - this mechanic can apply to any roll, including damage rolls, not just the d20.
Attributes in this system differ from D&D. Here, the attribute score and modifier are the same number. For instance, a Willpower score of 2 gives you a flat +2 bonus to relevant rolls. Armor also works differently - it reduces incoming damage with a deflect score, rather than making you harder to hit. Adding to these mechanics, the Plot Die spices up gameplay with narrative twists.
Plot Die and Narrative Twists
The Plot Die is a custom d6 that introduces dramatic elements to the game. It has 2 Opportunity symbols, 2 Complication symbols (marked as +2 or +4), and 2 blank sides. The Game Master uses this die to heighten tension, typically during critical moments or high-stakes scenes.
"The Plot Die is a mechanic to signal to your players that what they're doing is significant and empower them to take advantage of the situation." - Tom, Invested in the Cosmere
If you roll a Complication, it adds +2 or +4 to your roll, increasing your chance of success but introducing a narrative setback. For instance, you might successfully sneak past a guard but inadvertently alert someone else. Opportunities, on the other hand, allow you to choose benefits like recovering 1 Focus, giving an ally advantage, maximizing damage, or creating a positive story twist. If you don’t have a specialized Plot Die, you can use a regular d6: 1-2 represents Complications, 3-4 is blank, and 5-6 counts as an Opportunity. With dice rolls shaping the action, magic resources add even more depth to the game.
Investiture and Magic Pools
Investiture powers magical abilities in the Cosmere RPG. Each ability costs at least 1 point of Investiture, though larger effects may require more, as determined by the Game Master. For Radiant characters, this resource takes the form of Stormlight - a gaseous substance stored in gemstones that you inhale to activate your powers.
"Once you run out of Stormlight, your powers stop working." - Ben Lawrance, Creator of Dungeon Mister
Investiture isn’t just for magical abilities - it also provides passive perks like health regeneration and enhanced physical stats. This resource is distinct from Focus, which fuels standard talents and actions like dodging or assisting teammates. Focus can be replenished by using two actions once per scene, but Investiture typically requires an external source, such as gemstones, to recharge. Managing your Investiture is critical, as running out leaves you without your most powerful tools for both combat and storytelling.
Radiant Paths and Magic Systems
The Radiant Paths add an exciting, story-driven layer of magic to the Cosmere RPG, building on its core mechanics.
Once you've got the basics down, Radiant Paths open up incredible magical abilities. They allow you to harness Surges and summon Shardblades. The game includes nine Radiant Paths to choose from, each pairing two of the ten Surge specialties available. Mastering these abilities is key to unlocking your character’s full potential.
How to Unlock Radiant Paths
To become a Knight Radiant, your character must reach level 2. At this point, you choose the First Ideal talent of your Radiant order. This grants you three key abilities - Breathe Stormlight, Enhance, and Regenerate - all powered by Investiture.
"Starting on a Radiant Path also gives the character a new goal - to prove their commitment to this Ideal and 'speak' it - that they must complete before they can unlock the Radiant Path's most unique feature [Surges]." - Mollie Russell, D&D and guides specialist
After selecting your path, you’ll need to complete a narrative goal tied to your order's Ideal. This step unlocks the Surges, the defining magical abilities of each Radiant order. Each Radiant Path includes three specialty trees: two focus on specific Surges, while the third strengthens your bond with a spren. If you're aiming to unlock a Radiant Path at level 2, it's wise to prioritize Awareness or Presence during character creation. These spiritual attributes determine the size of your Investiture pool and influence how effective you are in Surge-related tests. With your path chosen, your journey into the deeper magic of the Cosmere RPG begins.
Surges and Attributes
Surges are magical effects tied to specific skills, allowing you to manipulate your surroundings and dominate in combat. Each Surge is linked to an attribute that affects your success when using it. For instance, Gravitation (used for flight and altering gravity) depends on Awareness, while Adhesion (used to stick objects or enemies to surfaces) relies on Presence. Activating a Surge typically costs 1 Investiture, though more potent effects may demand additional points.
| Radiant Path | Surges Provided |
|---|---|
| Windrunners | Adhesion, Gravitation |
| Skybreakers | Gravitation, Division |
| Dustbringers | Division, Abrasion |
| Edgedancers | Abrasion, Progression |
| Truthwatchers | Progression, Illumination |
| Lightweavers | Illumination, Transformation |
| Elsecallers | Transformation, Transportation |
| Willshapers | Transportation, Cohesion |
| Stonewards | Cohesion, Tension |
| Bondsmiths | Tension, Adhesion |
Surges can also be used creatively beyond their standard abilities, with Game Master approval. For example, spending 1 Investiture might let a Windrunner use Gravitation to reduce their weight and gain an advantage on an Athletics check for a jump. To maximize your effectiveness, align your highest attributes with your order's Surges. A Windrunner should focus on Awareness and Presence, while a Dustbringer benefits from high Intellect for Division-based attacks.
Using Shardblades and Shardplate
Shardblades become available once you reach the Third Ideal (Level 3 of the Radiant Path). These weapons significantly enhance melee combat with increased damage. Radiant Shardblades can be summoned instantly and reshaped into forms like spears, shields, or hammers. They cut through inanimate objects with ease but "fuzz" through living flesh, severing the soul rather than causing physical harm.
Shardplate unlocks at the Fourth Ideal (Level 4 of the Radiant Path). This magical armor provides a base Deflect value of 5, along with a +2 bonus to both Strength and Speed. Despite weighing around 1,400 pounds, the armor doesn’t hinder movement thanks to its magical properties. Radiant Plate is crafted from lesser spren, like windspren for Windrunners, and draws power from your connection to the Spiritual Realm instead of gemstones. However, the armor is not invincible - sustained damage causes it to crack, leaking Stormlight and eventually exploding. Keeping track of your Stormlight reserves is crucial to avoid being immobilized if the armor freezes.
Tips for Running and Playing Games
Now that you’ve got a handle on the core mechanics, let’s dive into some practical advice for running and playing Cosmere RPG games.
The Cosmere RPG is flexible enough to accommodate both quick, self-contained one-shots and sprawling, story-driven campaigns. For instance, one-shots like Bridge 9 are perfect for newcomers, offering a roughly 4-hour session that introduces key mechanics like the Plot Die and combat actions. These short sessions are streamlined, ensuring players can jump into the action without being bogged down by complex rules.
Campaigns, on the other hand, such as Stonewalkers, offer a deeper and more immersive experience. These longer adventures emphasize character development, narrative arcs, and unique elements like Oaths and worldhopping. Game Masters (GMs) play a crucial role here, managing resources and weaving narrative elements into the story - whether it’s providing gemstones for fabrials, creating moments for Oath fulfillment, or integrating spren bonds into the plot. Campaigns require a more adaptable approach, with plenty of improvisation and collaborative storytelling compared to the more structured nature of one-shots.
One-Shots vs Campaigns
One-shots are all about simplicity and quick engagement. They require minimal narrative setup but rely on clear mechanics to keep the session flowing. For example, Bridge 9 is designed for Level 1 characters and works as a standalone experience. Campaigns, like Stonewalkers, are built for long-term play, where characters face ongoing challenges, unlock Radiant abilities, and pursue meaningful goals. Custom character creation fits best in campaigns, where players can explore their characters’ arcs over time.
Understanding these differences helps set the stage for both players and GMs, ensuring everyone is on the same page when it comes to the type of experience they want.
Session Zero and Character Building
Before diving into the action, a Session Zero is a must. This initial session is where players and the GM establish group expectations and set the tone for the game. It’s also the perfect time to decide whether your group wants a lore-faithful campaign - possibly interacting with iconic figures like Kaladin - or a more open-ended, sandbox-style experience that allows for greater creative freedom.
During Session Zero, players should collaborate with the GM to define their character goals. This not only adds depth to the story but also opens the door to in-game rewards. For groups just starting out, running The First Step adventure can serve as an excellent introduction. It allows players to build their characters organically through story-driven choices while getting familiar with the game’s mechanics.
"If you want to keep things canonical, it becomes very easy to then railroad players when they deviate from what is 'supposed' to happen."
– Ben Lawrance, Creator of Dungeon Mister
Conclusion
The Cosmere RPG offers a compact, lore-packed tabletop experience designed with care and attention to detail. Featuring the unique Plot Die mechanic, a versatile Path system, and seamless integration with Brandon Sanderson's universe, it caters to both seasoned players and those new to the world of tabletop gaming. Fans have praised its faithful depiction of Cosmere lore and the variety of character-building options.
You can download free quick-start guides, character sheets, and pregenerated characters directly from the official Cosmere RPG website to try the system before committing to the core books. For those ready to dive in, The Stormlight Handbook covers all the essential rules, making it a great starting point for exploring Sanderson's richly imagined universe.
For more options, check out the TTRPG Games Directory, where you can find detailed descriptions of the Cosmere RPG alongside other tabletop systems. The directory also connects you with resources to suit your gaming style and preferences. With its growing community and evolving content, the Cosmere RPG continues to expand, offering new settings and adventures.
Whether you're eager to master Surgebinding on Roshar or looking forward to exploring the Mistborn setting when it launches in September 2026, now is the perfect time to gather your group, plan a Session Zero, and step into one of the most celebrated fantasy worlds.
FAQs
What books do I need to start playing?
To dive into the Cosmere RPG, you'll need a few essentials. Start with the core rulebooks, including the main rulebook and the Stormlight Campaign Setting. If you're new to the game, the Stormlight Starter Set is a great resource. It simplifies the basics, making it easier to jump into the action.
How can I quickly make a level 1 character?
To get started with a level 1 character in the Cosmere RPG, begin by selecting your ancestry - options like human or singer set the foundation for your character. Next, pick two cultures that shape your background and personal story.
For a faster setup, take advantage of pre-made tools like the "First Step" adventure and ready-to-use character sheets. These resources simplify the process, allowing you to focus on the essentials. Keep a quick reference sheet handy to navigate the core mechanics easily, so you can dive into gameplay without getting bogged down by complex rules.
How do Plot Die, Focus, and Investiture differ?
In the Cosmere RPG, three core mechanics - Plot Die, Focus, and Investiture - play key roles in shaping the game experience:
- Plot Die: This six-sided die spices up skill tests by introducing unexpected twists. It can create new opportunities or throw in complications, keeping the narrative dynamic.
- Focus: This represents a character’s mental discipline, influencing how effectively they can channel magical energy or use special abilities.
- Investiture: The magical force that powers the Cosmere universe, allowing characters to perform extraordinary feats.
These elements work together to drive both gameplay and storytelling, blending strategy with immersive narrative moments.
