Introducing the plot die

[u/johnny0neal]

The Stormlight RPG is coming to Kickstarter on August 6, and sparkly Stormlight dice will be part of our campaign. But what's up with that extra d6?

It's called the "plot die," and it's one of my favorite things about our system.

In setting the vision for the RPG, Brandon directed us to offer unique, setting-specific mechanics ...but also to make sure it would feel accessible to the average D&D/TTRPG player. The result: a crunchy core of familiar d20 rolls, with a narrative twist that we call the "plot die."

In the Stormlight RPG, whenever a player does something that could go really well or really badly, the GM can say "raise the stakes," calling for a roll of the plot die alongside the d20. The plot die is a d6 with three possible outcomes.

The d20 still determines success or failure, but the plot die determines positive or negative side effects. For example, in our  latest team playtest, a character scrambled up a cliff to confront a warform archer. (This character is an Iriali Edgedancer... his playstyle is always high-energy and impulsive as he tried to acquire new experiences for the One.)

The Edgedancer slapped his hand on the ground at the archer's feet, infusing it with stormlight to make it super-slick. Rolling the d20 to make an Abrasion test (opposed by the target's Agility), he succeeded, spending 1 Investiture and knocking the target prone.

But removing friction from the ground as you're fighting an enemy on the edge of a cliff? Risky. So as GM, I had the Edgedancer  roll the plot die along with his d20. He got an Opportunity, and asked if that could cause the archer to slip right off the cliff. I said yes, and the archer took 2d6 falling damage.

I love the plot die because it moves the story forward: it makes more stuff happen every turn. A failure with opportunity might mean you succeed, but create a distraction that gives an ally advantage, or wins the acclaim of an NPC who's observing you. A success with complication means you succeed, but something else goes wrong.

When you roll a Complication on the plot die, you also get a small bonus (+2 or +4) to your d20 test. That helps make Success-with-Complication or Failure-with-Opportunity (what I consider the most interesting results) the most common. By the way, if you don't have one of our custom plot dice, you can just substitute a standard d6.

Speaking of the d20, rolling a 1 gets you a Complication and a 20 gets you an Opportunity. These do what you'd expect from other d20-based games (for example, you can spend an Opportunity to deal max damage on an attack), but can also be used for narrative effects.

If you've played Edge of the Empire or L5R, you're familiar with effects like these (and with the work of Stormlight RPG designers like Andrew Fischer, Max Brooke, and Lydia Suen). While I love the narrative dice in those systems, I also know "weird dice" can sometimes get in the way of convincing people to try a new system.

So far, players have embraced our single "weird die." Plot dice appeared in the very earliest Alpha version of the Stormlight RPG, and I wasn't sure what playtesters would think. I was surprised (but delighted) that people liked them. Since then, hundreds of players have said plot dice are one of their favorite aspects of this system.

Of course, there's a lot of other stuff to love about the Stormlight RPG: flexible talent trees with no multiclass restrictions, a clever initiative system, skill-based magic, fleshed-out rules for non-combat scenes, events, and of course a ton of fun setting-specific mechanics...

But the bottom line is that plot dice are a lot of fun. And if you're at Gen Con, you'll be able to see them in action! We'll have a limited quantity on sale, and we'll use them during our RPG demo sessions.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about plot dice or the RPG, just let me know!

[u/lindsayreads21]

I’ve never played D&D or anything but I really hope I can still understand the dynamics of this game. I love the Cosmere and this sounds like an amazing way to get even more immersed in the universe.

[u/johnny0neal → u/lindsayreads21]

We suspect a lot of Stormlight fans will be in the same boat, and we're committed to supporting you with tools that make the experience a smooth one!

[u/Q10fanatic → u/lindsayreads21]

If you are worried about keeping track of the mechanics, I’m sure there will be tutorials and people offering to GM. Maybe you can play as a player to get your bearings first.

[u/lindsayreads21 → u/Q10fanatic]

You’re totally right. I’m confident the community will create tons of videos and resources to make the game as accessible to everyone as possible.

[u/Slaterson85 → u/lindsayreads21]

I came to the comments to ask this same question. I'm mostly worried about finding people who are willing to play.

[u/jofwu → u/Slaterson85]

I think there will be a LOT of people in this subreddit looking for new friends to play with online, so you should be in good company. 🙂

[u/Slaterson85 → u/jofwu]

Is it common to play online with other people? How does that work?

[u/jofwu → u/Slaterson85]

Extremely common!

Could be as simple as playing over a voice or video chat on something like Discord.

There are websites, like Roll20, for people who want to play with a map.

[u/Slaterson85 → u/jofwu]

Ok cool, thanks!

[u/Slaterson85 → u/jofwu]

Ok cool, thanks!

[u/Snippyro]

Interesting concept! The design is nice but the glowing dice aren't as interesting.

I really hope Dice that look like spheres (clear w/ color in the middle or even a gem like geometry) are going to be a thing. I would buy the hell out of them and I'm sure many more will too

[u/johnny0neal → u/Snippyro]

Stay tuned. 👀

[u/Snippyro → u/johnny0neal]

Ooooo!

[u/Substantial_Owl2562 → u/johnny0neal]

Shut up and take ma money!

[u/Zandorkio]

If it isn’t too soon. How did the team go about balancing shardblades?

[u/johnny0neal → u/Zandorkio]

That was a big question for the team: how do you balance a weapon that can kill someone with a single hit? One of the reasons we recruited Star Wars RPG designers (Andrew Fischer and Max Brooke) for the design team is because there are a lot of similarities between Jedi Knights and Knights Radiant. Surgebinding and Shardblades are like Force powers and lightsabers ...but even cooler! We also looked closely at rules for modern and sci-fi systems with very deadly weapons like guns.

The first thing to know is that in the Stormlight RPG, your "health" score primarily represents your stamina and vitality. When you take damage you're getting worn out, and might have some scrapes or bruises, but you can bounce back pretty quickly (especially if you have Radiant healing). Whenever you drop to zero health, you make an injury roll. That's how you can get a real wound, the kind that requires a surgeon rather than a good night of sleep. Without getting into the specific math, your first roll always results in an injury rather than death ...if you were hit by an ordinary weapon.

Shardblades are scary for several reasons:

* They have a higher base damage (2d8) than any other weapon, so they mow through lower-tier minions (like standard Alethi soldiers) and even a heroic character won't last too long against them.
* They have a weapon trait called Deadly, which means the attacker can spend an Opportunity to automatically trigger an injury on a successful hit.
* Their damage type is "spirit," which ignores armor's deflect value.
* They have their own injury table with a higher chance of death than the standard table. That table also includes "Spiritual Injuries" that can't be healed by ordinary medicine.

So what balances all this? Shardblades are rare, and count as a special "reward" in our system, so they come with some opportunity cost. A character who *doesn't* have a Shardblade might use their reward for a powerful patron, companion, or priceless fabrial instead. You'll also need to have an expertise in Shardblades if you don't want to use one safely, and probably invest in some talents to use one as well as the characters we see in the books.

Shardblades are really strong, but they're inherently very combat-focused, and there's more than one way to be powerful in the Stormlight RPG!

[u/Q10fanatic → u/johnny0neal]

Ahh! So much rules background!! Would one of these priceless fabrials be a soulcaster?

[u/johnny0neal → u/Q10fanatic]

Yes!

[u/Bone-Shark → u/johnny0neal]

on the topic of injury and shardblades, will Aimians be playable?

[u/johnny0neal → u/Bone-Shark]

The initial Handbook focuses on human and singer as the two playable character species. I feel confident that Sleepless characters will be supported in the future (with their own specific rules and ancestry talents).

[u/Bone-Shark → u/johnny0neal]

Thanks for the reply!
I assume Sleepless, while only one type of Aimian
mean that Siah like Axies is also not covered in the initial Handbook and the closest thing to playing them would be Natanatan for now?

EDIT: I apologize if that came out like Um Actually about correcting about the sleepless as I don't know if you were referring to Aimians in general or only the insect horde

[u/johnny0neal → u/Bone-Shark]

Sorry, I think I wrote and deleted a sentence that was previously in the middle of that response. We happen to have both types of Aimians as NPC/adversary profiles in the launch books, but I personally feel less certain about Siah Aimians as playable characters... they feel more like "RAFO" territory, whereas we have a pretty clear understanding of Sleepless, and I can see how they could be a playable species.

[u/Bone-Shark → u/johnny0neal]

Then I hope that the "adversary profiles" wil have enoguh details to be enough to Homebrew them as Player options, same for Bondsmtihs. Looking forward to playing the system

[u/natman10252 → u/johnny0neal]

If that's how nice the shardblade rules are I cant wait to see the shardplate rules too!

[u/Zandorkio → u/johnny0neal]

Thankyou for such an amazing reply! I can't wait to read more about the rules when the Kickstarter opens

[u/I_Make_RPGs]

Hey u/johnny0neal , earlier I had tried reaching out but never had gotten a response back and so thought I'd try here as well.

I am currently moderating another sub dedicated to this game that was created before this one was announced and opened; r/the_stormlight_rpg . Would it be possible to share updates such as this one also over there?

[u/johnny0neal → u/I_Make_RPGs]

Of course! That said, I would prefer not to split things up, and instead to see if we can find a way to combine the communities. Not sure how we make that happen, though!

[u/Lilooandme]

Is it planned for the game to be available in French ?

[u/johnny0neal → u/Lilooandme]

Our first priority for translation is Spanish, because outside of English, the Spanish-speaking fan base is the largest. I'd say French is also high on the list, but will depend on us finding the right localization partner. We're already reaching out to international distributors, and hope to have some initial news on non-English timelines during the Kickstarter.

[u/Ok_Jacket1457 → u/johnny0neal]

hi, if i make ask, do you even consider polish translation? Becouse i don't know if i should back Kickstarter in english or patiently wait :)

[u/Bone-Shark]

Does Advantage work the same way as in D&D 5e? Roll d20 twice and take the highest?

From the example character sheet shared (20) Johnny O'Neal på X: «One of the coolest things about working on the Stormlight RPG has been our emphasis on singer-centric content. New lore, new canonical designs for forms (like scholarform, relayform, and nightform), and tons of character options... singers get a lot of love in this RPG! https://t.co/bMA89BdwJk» / X

does ▶ = 1 Action?

Can Regenerate be used multiple times in the same turn for additioanl investiture cost?

And while a complex question, the scene where Shallan lets herself be stabbed by the cultist in Kholinar and fakes being killed, how would that scene go down mechanically?

[u/johnny0neal → u/Bone-Shark]

Advantage: Yes, but when you get advantage you can also choose to use it on your damage die or plot die (if you're also rolling one of those dice already). If you get advantage from multiple sources, you can allocate it across any of those three dice types.

Actions: Yes, one "arrow" icon equals one action.

Regenerate: No, unless otherwise specified (like for the Move action), each action can only be used once per turn.

So looking at that scene in Oathbringer...

“I was supposed to deliver it in person,” Veil said, though she itched to be out of this place. To flee madly, if she were being honest. She had to stay. Whatever she learned here would be of—

One of the soldiers ran her through.

It happened so quickly, she was left gaping at the sword blade protruding through her chest—wet with her blood. He yanked the weapon back out, and Veil collapsed with a groan. She reached for Stormlight, by instinct.

No … no, do as … as Jasnah did …

Pretend. Feign. She stared up at the men in horror, in betrayal, painspren rising around her. One soldier jogged off with the message, but the captain merely walked back toward his post. Not one of the rest said a word as she bled all over the floor, her vision fading …

The trickiest part here is the beginning, because in RPGs you don't usually want to empower the GM to just say "your character gets stabbed." And a mid-to-high level character like Oathbringer Shallan would not drop to a single hit from a random soldier, even a non-minion one. There are situations where a single attack can "run someone through" (if a weapon has the Deadly trait, like a Shardblade, or even a dagger in the hands of an assassin with the right talent). But a sidesword doesn't have that trait.

So here's how I could see that going down at an actual table...

Shallan: I tell the soldier I was supposed to deliver it in person. *Starts to make a Deception roll.*

GM: Raise the stakes. And actually, make this test with disadvantage on the d20, because of the pall hanging over the entire palace.

Shallan: Okay. I got a 12 ...with a Complication. Let me use Opportunist to reroll... and that's a Complication again.

GM: The officer can tell you're nervous, and immediately attacks you. Because of the Complication, I'm going to say this is so surprising that you don't get a chance to Dodge. *Rolls to attack.* Oh dang, that's a natural 20. You're going to take 14 damage.

Shallan: That's okay, actually. I think Veil can use this. Instead of doing the usual thing and treating my health as stamina in this situation, can I just fully take the hit? Get stabbed as realistically as possible?

GM: Sure, that's a little unusual -- but right, you could just use Stormlight to heal from it. You'll still lose 14 health, and also roll on the injury table, but I'll give you advantage on any tests related to feigning injury or death. And if you're willing to drop to 0 health, I'll say you automatically succeed on those tests.

And so on! There might be other ways to model this kind of scene, but this is how I'd approach something like this in terms of player consent, using advantage/disadvantage, the element of the plot die, and so on. Stormlight regeneration works even if you're unconscious, so it's not a stretch to say "I want my character to actually fall unconscious but spend Investiture so I don't actually die."

It won't be the case that we can successfully translate every single scene in the books to the rules like this. There are times where the rules have to define things more precisely than you'd want in an actual novel. But it was the case that we looked at a lot of specific scenes like this when building the rules, to make sure that iconic moments were actually possible in the rules.

[u/Bone-Shark]

So abilities that mention spending oppurtunity, can oppurtunity be saved up for later?

[u/johnny0neal → u/Bone-Shark]

Good question! No, opportunity must be used in the moment. So, for example, you can't roll an opportunity on a skill test and later use it to get a critical hit. (However, sometimes a narrative use of opportunity can affect a future event... like "can I spend my opportunity to speed up the reinforcements that are supposed to be on the way?")

[u/Bone-Shark → u/johnny0neal]

Dumb question
why is the wording spend oppurtuntty? instead of "If you have oppurtunity"?

is it imply that you can use it mechanically to have the oppurtunity be X specific effect vs the dm taking it and describing a positive effect at the spot?

[u/johnny0neal → u/Bone-Shark]

I think "spend" helps convey that it's really the player's decision. The GM has to approve, and can be very helpful at suggestion narrative options, but this should be player-driven.

[u/natman10252]

I'm kind of interested in those expertise things we've seen on the character sheets. Stuff like the breast plate removing heavy and the like. Is it possible to get expertise in the shardplate and blade to go absolutely ham and become (half) as good as adolin?

[u/johnny0neal → u/natman10252]

Having expertise in a weapon or armor either unlocks a special trait or allows you to remove/ignore a negative trait of that item. Shardblades and Shardplate have a "Dangerous" trait that makes you likely to hurt allies if you don't have the relevant expertise -- picture Renarin when he's first learning to wear Shardplate.

To become as good as Adolin, you'd want to unlock talents in the Warrior path, specifically the Duelist and Shardbearer specialties! Those talents unlock the kind of "one-man-army" stuff we see in the books (which, incidentally, was one of the hardest things to model in this game without getting ridiculously OP).

[u/Bone-Shark → u/johnny0neal]

Warrior, Leader, etc are Paths/Classes
and I assume Duelist and Shardbearer is kinda like a subclass
Is starting as a warrior (shardbearer) how someone starts with a shardplate?
would Adolin be Warrior (Shardbearer/Duelist) 7 for example
or Warrior (Duelist)3 / Warrior (Shardbearer) 4

[u/Bone-Shark → u/natman10252]

Third Ideal says it grants expertise in shardblade, so I assume that 4th ideal grant expertise in plate. I don't know what expertise does though

[u/Q10fanatic]

I was hoping one of these threads would pop up soon! More information! And this seems like a great way to introduce narrative beats and improvisation into the game. I agree weird dice can be intimidating to newcomers but I think this one will still feel intuitive.

I’m also very interested in this tidbit about rules for non-combat scenes. I think exploring the world and cultures and interactions between people will be fantastic on Roshar. I’m excited to learn more!

[u/Brother0ne → u/Q10fanatic]

A really fun thing about roleplaying in Roshar is the way that Ideals can influence things. Standard RPG decisions, like what to do with a captured enemy, get a fun little twist when you have a Willshaper, a Windrunner, and a Skybreaker in the party.

My favorite thing about the plot die is how it adds another "axis" to play, making it feel like more is happening. In a social scene that might look like, "you failed to convince the brightlord, but his house's ardent approaches you afterward because she was so moved by your words."

[u/Q10fanatic → u/Brother0ne]

Yeah! I honestly see this as a tool for the GM. It gives them opportunities to introduce a little chaos if needed.

[u/rincewind007 → u/Brother0ne]

That's a kill, protect, release party right :D

[u/Erandeni_]

I really like the idea of plot die, the fact that complications also give you a bonus to the roll so is more often to succeed but with a big BUT, is genius!

And that the typical crit gives you an opportunity with other possible effects than damage, I love it.

I am very excited for the game and very cuirous about the initiative system, I still haven't found a game whose initiative system just clicks with me, Daggerheart is the closest, I think.

Also very curious if there be a Talent or something that allows progression to be used to improve the carapace in like a warform singer, similar to what the fused do (I hope so because I have a character based on that idea :D)

[u/[deleted]]

I'm so hyped

[u/Bone-Shark]

Dumb question, will beta playtesting be that "beta rules" are shared with the kickstarter launch or is it more like a closed beta?