Cosmere RPG
Stormlight HandbookCore Mechanic
Roll d20 + skill vs. difficulty. The GM can raise the stakes on key rolls by adding the plot die — a custom d6 with Opportunity, Complication, and blank faces. Opportunities grant bonus effects chosen by the player; Complications introduce narrative twists chosen by the GM but also add a bonus to the roll. Each combat round, characters choose a fast turn (2 actions, act first) or slow turn (3 actions, act later). Characters advance through branching talent trees across 6 heroic paths and 9 Radiant paths.
Best For
Brandon Sanderson fans who want deep character customization and hard-magic systems brought to the table — groups who enjoy Pathfinder-level build depth in a richly detailed setting.
Highlights
Deep lore integration with the Cosmere setting, extensive character customization rivals Pathfinder, plot die adds dramatic tension, fast/slow turn initiative lets players trade actions for turn order, Foundry VTT support
Considerations
Plot die adds a layer of opportunity/complication outcomes on top of pass/fail increasing cognitive overhead per roll, rulebook organization is poor and unclear in places, large barrier to entry for non-Sanderson fans, social encounters can feel repetitive