Cosmere RPG
At-a-glance: d20 mechanics • Talent trees • Skill-based magic • Plot die narrative system • Stormlight & Mistborn settings • Worldhopping campaigns • Official Brandon Sanderson collaboration
Theme and Setting
The Cosmere RPG brings Brandon Sanderson's interconnected fantasy universe to the tabletop, spanning the storm-swept world of Roshar (Stormlight Archive) and the ash-covered realm of Scadrial (Mistborn). Players inhabit a galaxy where unique magic systems operate on distinct worlds, connected by the mysterious Cognitive Realm that allows worldhopping between planets.
On Roshar, players can become Knights Radiant, forming bonds with spren to wield Shardblades and harness Stormlight. On Scadrial, characters might be Allomancers burning metals for power, Feruchemists storing attributes in metalminds, or Hemalurgists wielding stolen abilities. The setting embraces Sanderson's signature hard magic systems—powers with clear rules, costs, and limitations that drive storytelling.
Core Mechanics
The Cosmere RPG utilizes a familiar d20-based resolution system while introducing purpose-built innovations that distinguish it from traditional fantasy RPGs:
The Plot Die
A special d6 mechanic that activates during critical story moments. When the GM calls to "raise the stakes," players roll the plot die alongside their d20. Results can grant Opportunities (resources for dramatic turns), introduce complications, or escalate the narrative tension. This mechanic directly ties mechanical outcomes to story development.
Talent Trees
Character progression uses branching talent trees rather than rigid classes. Players customize their abilities by selecting talents that reflect their character's unique path—whether developing Surgebinding powers as a Knight Radiant or mastering different Allomantic metals as a Mistborn.
Skill-Based Magic
Magic isn't automatic—it requires skill checks to activate. This creates risk and drama around using powers, with consequences for failure that vary by magic system. Stormlight users might leak precious light; Allomancers might burn metals inefficiently.
Action Economy
Combat uses an action point system where players have 2-3 points per turn to spend on Actions (1-3 points each), Reactions, or Free Actions. This creates tactical depth without grid-based complexity.
What Makes It Unique
Several elements distinguish the Cosmere RPG from other licensed properties:
- Living RPG: Designed to expand as Sanderson releases new novels, with content planned for future Cosmere worlds.
- Authentic Magic Systems: Faithfully recreates Sanderson's scientifically-grounded magic with proper limitations, costs, and interactions.
- Worldhopping Campaigns: Rules support campaigns that move between different worlds and magic systems—a feature rare in tabletop RPGs.
- Narrative Integration: The plot die mechanic ensures story consequences matter mechanically, not just narratively.
- Official Collaboration: Developed with direct input from Brandon Sanderson and Dragonsteel Entertainment.
Target Audience
The Cosmere RPG appeals to:
- Sanderson Fans: Readers eager to roleplay in worlds they love with authentic mechanics.
- d20 Players: Those seeking familiar mechanics with fresh narrative innovations.
- Magic System Enthusiasts: Players who enjoy hard magic with clear rules and creative applications.
- Narrative-Driven Groups: Those wanting mechanics that reinforce story development.
- Setting Hoppers: GMs interested in multi-world campaigns with distinct magical cultures.
The game requires investment in learning its systems, but rewards players with deep, lore-authentic experiences in one of fantasy's most meticulously constructed universes.
