COSMERE RPG REVIEW - Eat, Pray, Stormlight: Rolling Dice in the Sandersonverse

Can You Survive a Highstorm with Just a Character Sheet and Poor Life Choices? We Tried the Cosmere RPG.

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Show Notes:

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the hosts crack open the covers of Brotherwise Games' Cosmere RPG, diving headfirst into the Stormlight Handbook and World Guide. From spren to highstorms, the episode is packed with crunchy mechanics, deep lore, and just enough existential dread to make Brandon Sanderson proud.

The gang begins with a brief height-based tangent (because no TTRPG is complete without weirdly tall characters), before delving into the key mechanical and narrative innovations of the system. Topics include:

• The Plot Die, a unique mechanic that lets narrative tension escalate like a Shardbearer duel.
• A look at the Personal Goals system, designed to reward character growth beyond "I punch it harder now."
• The complexity curve compared to D&D 5e and Pathfinder—spoiler alert: this one's for the lore nerds and narrative junkies.
• Character creation as a journey through Roshar's cultures, forms, talents, and Radiant oaths.
• Magic systems in the Cosmere—ambitious to adapt, but steeped in storytelling potential.
• The fear of breaking someone else's toys when homebrewing in a tightly structured setting like the Cosmere.

From audience engagement to the challenge of niche game design, the episode hits on what makes this RPG exciting, where it might fall flat for some players, and how deeply it leans into the lore-rich worlds of Brandon Sanderson's imagination.

• Cosmere RPG
• Way of Kings (affiliate link)
• Wu Chang

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• CRAFTING THE COSMERE w/ Andrew Fischer and Lydia Suen: Adapting Brandon Sanderson's Fantasy World into an Epic RPG

Key Takeaways:

• The Cosmere RPG is rich in narrative design, rewarding players who invest deeply in character goals and world lore.
• Understanding the Cosmere is essential—newcomers may feel lost, while superfans will feel right at home.
• The Plot Die is an innovative mechanic that injects narrative control and surprise into gameplay.
• The system's mechanics echo other RPGs, but with enough unique twists to stand out.
• Character progression is closely tied to personal goals, not just combat or loot.
• The game leans hard into world-building, making Roshar feel alive and immersive.
• Homebrewing in the Cosmere can be intimidating, especially for GMs concerned about canon.
• This TTRPG is ideal for dedicated Sanderson fans, narrative-focused groups, and players who want an experience that feels emotionally and thematically weighty.

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Ready to explore more RPG deep dives, mechanics breakdowns, and ridiculous tangents? Head to RPGBOT.net for optimization guides, homebrew inspiration, and every episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast. Whether you're storming Roshar or surviving a tavern brawl, we've got your back.

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Meet the Hosts:

• Tyler Kamstra – The tactical mind behind RPGBOT.net, Tyler sees the Pathfinder action economy like Neo sees the Matrix.
• Randall James – Technologist, lore enthusiast, and fully prepared to duel Peter Jackson over which LotR edition reigns supreme.
• Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare. Fueled by sarcasm and sweet, sweet table-flipping energy.

How to Find Us:

In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net

Tyler Kamstra

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

Ash Ely

• Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
• BlueSky: @GravenAshes
• YouTube: @ashravenmedia

Randall James

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati