Stormlight RPG Unveiled at GenCon 2024

Roshar is a diverse, fascinating, and violent world that pioneered the evolution of high fantasy. It's a world where characters must adapt to survive in a hostile environment—a world torn by war and storms. 

The landscape is as breathtaking as it is dangerous, with our heroes frequently backed into corners by both natural elements and cosmic forces. If you've read the books and wondered how you would handle these perilous situations, it's time to step beyond the pages and get your feet on the cracked ground.

The Stormlight Archive® RPG is a canonical, tabletop gaming experience. It’s unique in its game mechanics, rich lore, and exclusive content. Our team is at GenCon right now with our first players, and this blog will be your window into that experience. 

What Is GenCon?

As the largest and longest-running gaming convention in North America, GenCon is the ultimate destination for gamers, fantasy lovers. This year, it’s going to be a highlight for fans of the Stormlight Archive as well. Dragonsteel is partnering with Brotherwise Games to make your GenCon experience unforgettable.

You can find us at Booth #339 in the Exhibit Hall and in Room 126 with Brotherwise Games, where we’ll be showcasing our latest projects, hosting special events, and connecting with fans.

(Pro tip: If you’re at GenCon and find one of our team members, ask them for a pin or a sticker!)

We’re going to take you along with us on our journey over the next four days. We’ll be covering the first playthroughs of the game, teasing exclusive content, and giving you a window into the electric energy of this convention.

What Is The Stormlight Archive RPG?

From the team that brought you the Stormlight premium miniatures, Brotherwise Games partnered closely with Brandon Sanderson to create a canonical tabletop role playing game for fans of the series and RPG players alike. 

If you haven’t heard of The Stormlight Archive, it’s a fantasy epic unlike any other. Learn more about the series and how it came to be in the video below.

On August 6th, 2024, the Kickstarter for this RPG will go live! While we do have to keep some things secret, since the adventures are being revealed at this convention, you’ll get some exclusive insights from us over the next four days. Here’s what we can tell you so far:

• The Stormlight RPG features a unique system that incorporates familiar elements for seasoned players.
• Brotherwise collaborated closely with Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells to develop this RPG, including creating new lore.
• The game offers various paths, enabling players to create characters ranging from Scholars to Surgebinders, blending heroic and Radiant abilities.
• Designed to be accessible to newcomers, the game does not require prior knowledge of the setting.
• Our exceptional creative team includes designers with experience on some of the most acclaimed and well-designed RPGs in the industry.

For D&D fans and tabletop role playing enthusiasts, this game will be unlike anything you’ve played before and will make for an extremely unique experience.

Who Is Brandon Sanderson?

Brandon Sanderson is the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Stormlight Archive, Mistborn, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and more. He had the most successful Kickstarter of all time, which shattered records by raising more than $42 million.

Brandon is also a professor of creative writing and a legend in the field of epic worldbuilding. Translating Brandon’s impressive worlds into a playable game, inviting fans to step inside the story and tell their own inspired by the original was a massive undertaking. Brotherwise Games and Dragonsteel worked closely to pull off the impossible. 

Let’s dive into the results of those efforts!

What Makes the Stormlight RPG So Special?

The Stormlight RPG boasts a unique blend of mechanics that capture the essence of the Stormlight Archive. From intricate magic systems to deep character progression, every element is designed to immerse you in the world of Roshar. 

The Stormlight Archive broke the mold when it came to epic fantasy—pushing beyond the Tolkien-inspired worlds that dominated the genre for years and challenging conventionality. You can expect the RPG to do the exact same thing to tabletop gaming. 

Here are just three of the many reasons you should be excited:

1. Unique Game Mechanics: While many of the mechanics will be reminiscent of popular role playing games, everything has a unique spin that will allow for a challenging and thrilling experience for new players and veteran game masters alike.
2. Masterful Worldbuilding: Developed in close collaboration with Brandon Sanderson, you’ll fall into a world torn by storm and war. Roshar offers a dynamic landscape for players to explore and interact with.
3. An In-World Guide to Roshar: Fans of the Cosmere have been asking for this for ages—a complete guide to Sanderson’s epic world. (It makes a perfect coffee table book!)

What to Expect from Dragonsteel’s GenCon Coverage

We’re going to bring the first playthrough experiences to you at home! Expect previews of the pre-made adventures for you to play with before the game sets you free to create any story you want within the epic world of The Stormlight Archive.

Brandon said of his hope for this experience, “I hope [players] have just as much fun as I do when I’m playing in the Cosmere. I get to do this every day.”

We can’t wait to be your eyes and ears at this event and share exclusive content such as: 

• Interviews with the Brotherwise and Dragonsteel teams
• Sneak peeks of the game and it’s unique mechanics
• Highlights from panels and Q&As
• Fan reactions to the Stormlight RPG
• And more!

Get Ready to Live Your Stormlight Story

This is your chance to explore the vast landscapes of Roshar, from the Shattered Plains to the hidden city of Urithiru. Our campaign settings offer a variety of adventures, whether you're looking to uncover ancient secrets or fight in epic battles. 

Join the pre-launch and be among the first to embark on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes insights from GenCon 2024!