Strap on your Shardplate and call your Spren—Episode 2 of our How to Play Stormlight Archive RPG series takes a lore-heavy dive into the Cosmere, exploring worldbuilding, Knights Radiant, and everything you need to roleplay in Roshar’s storm-tossed setting.
Our archive episodes of the RPGBOT.Podcast are now available on YouTube! Relive every tangent, deep dive, and Shardblade-sharpened insight while YouTube autoplay keeps you binging.
Show Notes
In this second episode of the Stormlight Archive RPG series, the RPGBOT crew explores the lore of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere and how it translates into tabletop roleplaying games. If Episode 1 was about concepts and themes, Episode 2 is all about the deep cuts—ancient oaths, cosmic forces, and worldbuilding that makes campaigns shine.
We discuss the Knights Radiant, their broken history, and the role of Heralds in shaping the moral landscape of the world. From the caste system of Alethi culture to the gender-based taboos that define everyday life, players will discover how to use social structures as storytelling tools.
The conversation covers iconic magical elements like Shardblades and Shardplate, how Spren bonds give Radiants their powers, and the dangers of the Everstorm. We also dive into Shadesmere—the Cognitive Realm—and how it offers surreal roleplaying opportunities. Finally, we examine the influence of Honor, Cultivation, and Odium, and the shocking revelation that the Parshendi are the Voidbringers, reframing the conflict of Roshar in ways ripe for campaign drama.
This is your guide to using Stormlight Archive lore in tabletop RPGs—whether you’re designing your own system, adapting 5E, or just looking for inspiration to roleplay in the Cosmere.
Key Takeaways
- Cosmere lore fuels storytelling: Stormlight Archive’s worldbuilding is more than flavor—it’s a blueprint for RPG campaigns.
- Alethi society and caste systems: Lighteyes vs. darkeyes and cultural taboos create ready-made roleplaying conflict.
- Heralds and Radiants in RPGs: Legendary figures and broken oaths inspire both heroic arcs and tragic backstories.
- Shardblades & Shardplate explained: More than magic gear—they’re political, cultural, and narrative game-changers.
- Spren bonds in roleplaying: Spren are like emotional support familiars with snark—perfect for deep roleplay dynamics.
- Shadesmere and the Cognitive Realm: A surreal alternate plane for campaigns, complete with “dead-eyed” Shardblades.
- The Everstorm as a narrative clock: A looming apocal
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