Now that our big secret is out, let's dive deeper into the Cosmere RPG! At GenCon, we got to pull Ruvaid Virk, one of the writers and designers for the Mistborn RPG, aside and ask him about this exciting expansion.
The Cosmere RPG is now live on Kickstarter. Go and back it now!
Journey to the Mistborn RPG
Q: How did you get started in game design?
Ruvaid Virk: I've been on this path for a while. I started with Paizo on Pathfinder and Starfinder, and one of my works even won an Ennie.
Q: How long have you been a fan of Brandon Sanderson?
Ruvaid Virk: As far back as I can remember! I’m a huge Cosmere fan. I picked up "The Way of Kings" as a free ebook on my phone and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Adapting Mistborn to a Tabletop Roleplaying Game
Q: What was your role in the development of the Mistborn RPG?
Ruvaid Virk: I was one of the lucky few who got to work on the character options. I worked on the new paths for Allomancy and Feruchemy, the new talent trees for those Allomantic powers, and more. The Mistborn RPG will be similar to the Stormlight RPG as an add-on book, but it will introduce new Allomantic and Feruchemical paths, among others.
Q: How did you integrate these systems so they’re playable together?
Ruvaid Virk: The base is the same; you still have the plot die, the action system, and the narrative elements. It all meshes well. There are new guns, armor, and options that fit well for balance, usability, and synergy. The new Radiant paths and Allomantic paths are designed to be exciting and offer new ways to use focus and abilities.
Balancing Powers
Q: How do you balance powers between Roshar and Scadrial?
Ruvaid Virk: Although both have Invested powers, they are different. On Roshar, you have Surges, while on Scadrial, you have Allomantic and Feruchemical powers. We wanted to be consistent across both, ensuring players feel powerful and integrated into the world. The goal was to allow players to recreate their favorite scenes from the books while ensuring unique, fun, and engaging gameplay.
World Interaction
Q: How do the worlds of Roshar and Scadrial interact with players in the Mistborn RPG?
Ruvaid Virk: There are two eras in Mistborn: Era 1, with its ash and darkness, and Era 2, with its more modern setting. Players can choose which era to play in. Guns are more prevalent in Era 2, and you can be a Twinborn, working with your GM to find a balance.
Power Systems
Q: How do the three different power systems in Mistborn work in the RPG?
Ruvaid Virk: If it’s in the books, it’s in the game. Hemalurgy spikes, for example, are special rewards that work across Investiture systems. The powers cooperate and interact just like in the books. You can boost not only your metallic arts but also your Investiture abilities.
Dual Investiture
Q: Are there options for dual Investiture?
Ruvaid Virk: Yes, there’s liquid amber from Era 2 and Breaths. We plan to allow for mixing these powers. Although Mistborn doesn’t have the complete Breath system yet, we’re considering it for future eras. Players and GMs will have access to these fun elements, but they must be earned.
GM Tools
Q: What tools are available for GMs to manage both worlds together?
Ruvaid Virk: The limits of your game are only bounded by your GM and imagination. If GMs want to go from Scadrial to Roshar and maybe Nalthis eventually, they can. It’s built into the system.
Crunchy Questions
Q: How do you ensure each metallic art feels unique?
Ruvaid Virk: Each power is designed with immersive gameplay in mind. You can be a Pewterarm or explore other options not fully detailed in the books. Even seemingly less useful powers like gold Allomancy can have exciting applications. GMs can spice things up, and players can explore uncharted abilities within the scope of their powers.
Going Off Script
Q: What options are there for characters without powers?
Ruvaid Virk: There are new heroic paths, like the Mastermind, inspired by characters like Kelsier or Steris. These paths focus on meticulous planning and offer unique reactions both in and out of combat. They emphasize diverse skillsets needed for complex scenarios like heists.
Q: Can I be the Lord Ruler?
Ruvaid Virk: The powers and rules are there. If you can dream it, you can do it.
Will You Become a Mistborn?
Run—don’t walk—to back the Cosmere RPG Kickstarter! Whether you’re most looking forward to becoming a Knights Radiant or an Allomancer, this game has everything you need to tell your own cosmere story.
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