The Cosmere RPG Handbook has arrived, and in this post I’m giving it a closer look. As part of the growing line of Cosmere RPG books, this beautifully produced Handbook lets players and game masters get right into the game. Below I’ll take you through its standout features. For a look at everything included in the first release of the Cosmere RPG Kickstarter (GM pledge level + add-ons) check out my Cosmere RPG Unboxing & First Impressions.
Watch the full flip-through video at the bottom of this post!
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What Is the Cosmere RPG Stormlight Handbook?
The Cosmere RPG Stormlight Handbook is one of the first major releases for the Cosmere RPG. Packed with game mechanics, character creation rules, equipment, and game master tools, it has everything you need to play as a player or game master.
The production quality stands out immediately; the colours are vibrant, the paper is high quality, and the page edges feature stunning gold leafing. It’s a beautiful piece to display on a bookshelf durable enough to bring to your next game night.
Creating Your Character
One of the biggest draws of the Cosmere RPG is its flexible character creation system. Here’s a taste of what’s inside:
Origins: Start by choosing your character’s origin. You can play as a Singer (who can change their forms) or one of the many human nationalities such as Alethi or Azish.
Heroic Paths: After picking an origin, select a Heroic Path. For example, the Agent path lets you specialize into a Thief, Spy, or Investigator. The Warrior path lets you become a Soldier, Shardbearer, or Duelist.
Radiant Paths: As your character levels up, you may want to start a radiant path by joining a Radiant Order, swearing the Ideals from first to fourth. Each order grants a unique set of 2 Surges (powers that can shape the world around you), and unique abilities based on the Order's spren type. For instance, Windrunners wield the Gravitation and Adhesion surges, and gain abilities based on their bond with an Honorspren.
This system makes it easy to build exactly the character you imagine, while still feeling true to Brandon Sanderson’s world.
Stay tuned for future posts and videos all about character creation.
Equipment and Adventuring Gear
Once your character is ready, you’ll need the right gear. The Stormlight Handbook includes a comprehensive list of weapons and equipment to outfit your adventurer. From Shardblades to everyday tools, everything is laid out clearly so you can back your bags and jump straight into your adventure.
Scenes and Game Master Resources
The handbook also covers how to run different types of scenes: combats, conversations, and endeavors. This gives both players and game masters a strong framework for storytelling. Some of my favorite art appears in this section, including an incredible depiction of the Assassin in White.
The last section of the Handbook contains guidance and resources for GMs, making it easy to plan and run sessions in the Cosmere.
Why Fans Will Love It
Whether you’re preparing to play the Cosmere RPG or you’re simply a Brandon Sanderson fan who loves the Stormlight Archive, this handbook is a fantastic addition to your collection. It’s both a practical game guide and a stunning showcase of artwork from Roshar.
If you’re interested in other Cosmere RPG books, keep an eye on this site. I’ll be reviewing the other Stormlight products from the Kickstarter and addition content as it's released, including the upcoming Mistborn release.
Watch the Flip-Through Video
Want to see the Cosmere RPG Stormlight Handbook up close? In the video below, I flip through the pages and show some artwork, character options, and more:
Want to watch this directly on YouTube? Click here to see the Stormlight handbook flip-through.
Final Thoughts
The Cosmere RPG Stormlight Handbook delivers on every front: rich lore, flexible character creation, gorgeous art, and comprehensive tools for both players and game masters. If you’ve ever dreamed of adventuring in the Cosmere, this book gives you everything you need to begin.
Even if you're not planning on playing the game, but are a fan of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, I recommend you pick up this book as it will be a great addition to your collection.
If you’d like to see more from the Cosmere RPG series, check out my post about The Stormlight World Guide & Welcome to Roshar Books.
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