The recent launch of the Cosmere RPG on Kickstarter has set new records, capturing the attention of tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) enthusiasts & fans of fantasy author Brandon Sanderson alike. Within the first 24 hours of its campaign, the Cosmere RPG raised over $4 million, marking it as the most successful TTRPG launch on the crowdfunding platform to date.
This impressive feat underscores the widespread appeal & anticipation surrounding the game, which is based on the expansive universe created by renowned fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. Known for his intricate world-building & innovative magic systems, Sanderson’s works have captivated readers worldwide, & now, his Cosmere universe is set to enchant tabletop role-playing game enthusiasts as well.
A Record-Breaking Launch
The Cosmere RPG’s Kickstarter campaign has not only broken records but also highlighted the growing popularity of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). This success is reminiscent of Sanderson’s previous Kickstarter triumph, where he raised over $41.7 million for self-publishing several books written during the pandemic. The new RPG aims to adapt the magic systems from Sanderson’s novels into a cohesive gaming experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in the rich & diverse worlds of the Cosmere.
The Cosmere Universe
Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe is a unique literary creation where different series, while standing alone, share an overarching meta-story & interconnected magic systems. This universe includes popular series like “The Stormlight Archive” & “Mistborn,” each with its own distinct setting & narrative. The new RPG will initially launch with two phases: a set of Stormlight RPG books in 2025 & a Mistborn RPG book set in 2026. Both will utilize the same underlying game system, enabling players to mix & match magic abilities across different settings.
Innovative Game Mechanics
The Cosmere RPG is designed by a team of experienced RPG professionals, including Andrew Fischer, Lydia Suen, Max Brooke, & Laura Hirsbrunner. The game combines traditional d20-based mechanics with innovative elements like talent trees, skill-based magic, & the “plot die.” The plot die introduces a dynamic element to gameplay, allowing for opportunities or complications during skill tests, adding depth & excitement to the narrative. This system is crafted to support a wide range of players, from novices to seasoned RPG enthusiasts, & encourages creative problem-solving & storytelling.
Expanding the Cosmere
Each release in the Cosmere RPG will expand on existing lore with new canonical content, offering richly illustrated world guides for fans of the novels. These guides double as the first official art books for the Stormlight & Mistborn worlds, providing detailed insights into the history & cultures of these settings. The RPG is designed to be a living system that will grow alongside Sanderson’s expanding universe, accommodating new stories & settings as they are introduced in future novels.
Combat & Storytelling
The Cosmere RPG places equal emphasis on combat, interpersonal drama, & exploration, reflecting the diverse storytelling elements found in Sanderson’s books. The game features a dynamic initiative order in combat, allowing players to choose between “fast turns” & “slow turns,” & offers unique actions like “Gain Advantage” to outwit enemies. Conversations & endeavors are supported with mechanics that allow players to engage in meaningful interactions & creative scene types, from exploration to infiltration.
Character Development
Character advancement in the Cosmere RPG is flexible & talent-based, allowing players to specialize or diversify their characters’ abilities. Players can choose from various heroic paths, such as Agent, Envoy, Hunter, Leader, Scholar, or Warrior, & unlock invested paths with powerful abilities. The system encourages improvisation & creativity, enabling players to use their magic skills in innovative ways, much like the protagonists in Sanderson’s novels.
The Cosmere RPG offers players the opportunity to explore a universe of adventure, from Shardblades to firearms, airships to starships, & simple fabrials to Awakened technology. The game’s shared DNA with Sanderson’s novels ensures that the system is ready for worlds to collide, providing a framework for any story within the Cosmere. As Sanderson continues to expand his literary universe, the Cosmere RPG is poised to grow alongside it, offering endless possibilities for storytelling & exploration.In summary, the Cosmere RPG’s record-breaking Kickstarter launch is a testament to the enduring appeal of Brandon Sanderson’s works & the growing popularity of tabletop role-playing games. With its innovative mechanics, rich lore, & expansive universe, the Cosmere RPG promises to be a captivating experience for both fans of the novels & RPG enthusiasts alike.
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