Before the First Storm

Session Zero Primer for Stonewalkers

Read this, think about it, and bring your answers to Session Zero. Half-answers are fine. You can't get any of this wrong.

1 World & Tone

The World: How Close to Canon?

  • 1 Canon is SacredThe books happen exactly as written, and we stay at the edges.
  • 3 Canon is the SpineBig events hold, but the details can bend around us.
  • 5 Our RosharCanon is a backdrop, and we may change it.
  • Question: What do you love most about Roshar? What should be in every session?

The Tone: Lethal or Heroic?

  • LethalAny fight can kill you, and injuries follow you for weeks.
  • HeroicYou will bleed, fail, and lose, but death comes only when it matters and the story has earned it.
  • Questions: What's off the table entirely? What should happen off-screen?

2 Who You Are & The Cracks

Character Foundations

  • Purpose: What drives your character? Why do they get up in the morning?
  • Goals: Name one goal you could achieve soon, one that might take the whole campaign, and one dream your character would never say out loud.
  • On the Road: We open in the Unclaimed Hills. For about a week, you've been traveling toward the Shattered Plains warcamps with each other and with Taszo, an injured Shin monk. Why are you with him, and what are you leaving behind? (See the starting hooks in Section 4.)
  • Beliefs: In this era, most people believe the Knights Radiant betrayed humanity and the Heralds are myth. What does your character believe, and who taught them that?

The Cracks

On Roshar, power enters through the broken places.
  • Obstacle & Flaws: Name two or three real flaws. They should be things that cost your character, not cute quirks. Share them with the group, or only with the GM.
  • Painful Truth: What is a painful truth your character has never said out loud?
  • Sacrifice: What would your character trade a piece of themselves for?

3 Connections & Group Prompts

Someone Else (Secondary Character)

  • A Second Life: Sketch someone tied to your character or the group. Give their name, how they know you, what they want, and where they are right now. They'll grow alongside the story. They may cross your path as someone you meet, or step in as your character if Roshar takes the first one. Keep it light now; we'll flesh them out if they're needed.

Each Other

Answered together at the table. Each player picks at least one question and asks it of another player:

  1. You don't trust me. What suspicious act did you witness me doing?
  2. I had a moment of vulnerability with you on the road. What caused it, and why could you relate?
  3. You've either woken up early with me or stayed up late with me. What have we learned about each other?
  4. By coincidence, I have a friend or family member in common with you. Who is our mutual connection? How did I find this out?
  5. You and I have butted heads. What was our argument about?
  6. I'm fast friends with you. What pastime have we enjoyed together on our travels?
  7. I have a controversial opinion about Taszo. Why do you agree with me? How have we communicated away from the others?
  8. I'm fascinated by something about you or your life. What question of mine were you not ready to answer?
  9. One night over dinner, I shared a cultural practice or family tradition. Did you already know the tradition? If not, what made you join in?
  10. I needed a small favor along the way. Why did I approach you instead of another companion, and what did I ask you for?
  11. I remind you of someone you lost. Who, and what do you do differently around me?
  12. As a group: What happened on the road this week that you still talk about?

Bring a Moment

  • Think of one scene you hope we play, and one thing you'd hate to see.

4 Why You Walk with Taszo (Starting Hooks)

Starting hooks from Stonewalkers. Each suggests the heroic paths it suits best. Take one, bend one, or ignore them all.

The Assassin's Glyphs

Agent or Hunter

Taszo mentioned his companions were killed by agents in green robes, their faces painted with strange glyphs. You can't ignore a mystery like this, so you agreed to help him.

Question: Why do you take a personal interest in the Shin monks' assassination?

Suggested Goal: Solve the mystery of who killed Taszo's companions and why.

Cultural Guide

Envoy or Scholar

You're interested in the people, cultures, or religions of the world. Given the insularity of the Shin, Taszo is one of the few Shin you've met, and you've agreed to aid him and explain local Alethi culture.

Question: How will learning more about the world help you? Why do the Shin matter particularly to you?

Suggested Goal: Learn about the Shin Stone Shamans.

Dreams of the Storm

Agent or Leader

For the last year, you've been plagued by dreams of a dark storm, larger and more terrible than any highstorm. In the eye of the storm is a curly-haired Shin monk. A week ago, you met the monk from your dreams.

Question: Why can't you ignore these strange dreams? Have you shared them with anyone?

Suggested Goal: Discover the meaning of your dreams.

Sacred Relic Guard

Leader or Warrior

You traveled with the retinue of Stone Shamans sent to retrieve a sacred relic. You were there when the assassins attacked, and Taszo saved you, risking his own life. Now the two of you seek to complete the original task.

Question: What's your relationship to Taszo and your role in the retinue?

Suggested Goal: Repay Taszo for saving your life.

Secrets of the Lost Radiants

Scholar or Envoy

Fascinated by myth and lore, your scholarly work concerns the Lost Radiants, Heralds, or Honorblades. You met Taszo while traveling to the Shattered Plains and are intrigued by his vast knowledge of secret histories.

Question: What set you on this path of knowledge? What lively debate have you had with Taszo?

Suggested Goal: Investigate the secrets of the Lost Radiants and Heralds.

Hired Bodyguard

Warrior or Hunter

You met a strange injured Shin monk who was looking for a guide and bodyguard to see him safely to the Shattered Plains. You agreed to help him.

Question: Who were you before becoming a bodyguard? Why did you agree to travel with Taszo?

Suggested Goal: Protect Taszo and help him complete his mission.

5 Reference Guide: Spren, Radiant Orders & The Nahel Bond

Understanding the Nahel Bond

In the Cosmere RPG, becoming a Knight Radiant isn't just leveling up; it is a spiritual commitment to an Ideal and a growing bond with a sapient spren.

Radiant Order, Associated Surges, Core Philosophy / Personality Focus

6 Reference Guide: Scene Types & Game Mechanics

The Cosmere RPG categorizes gameplay into three distinct scene types, each designed for a different style of storytelling:

1. Combats

Fast-paced, tactical physical conflicts where time is measured in 10-second rounds.

2. Conversations

Structured social interactions where dialogue and influence matter.

3. Endeavors

High-stakes narrative challenges focusing on environments, chases, or investigations rather than direct combat.

The Plot Die: Opportunities & Complications

Whenever you raise the stakes on a test, you roll a special 6-sided Plot Die alongside your standard d20: