Cosmere RPG vs D&D 5e: 4 Mechanics Fixed (And Why I'm Passing)

From Short Rest Studios · 00:13:04

Show by Jud Kossum

Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere RPG raised over 15 million dollars on Kickstarter in 2024, making it one of the biggest tabletop RPG launches in history. But how does the Cosmere RPG stack up against Dungeons and Dragons 5e?In this episode, Jud breaks down four major mechanics where the Cosmere RPG improves on 5e design, including tactical turn options, narrative stakes, social systems, and character customization. Plus, stick around to the end to hear why Jud is ultimately passing on the game in favor of rules-light and OSR systems like Nimble and Shadowdark.Four Key Areas Where Cosmere RPG Beats D&D 5e:Dynamic Combat Without Initiative: The Cosmere RPG replaces traditional initiative with Fast and Slow turn options, giving players tactical flexibility and agency without clogging up combat order.The Plot Die: A six-sided die mechanism similar to Hope and Fear in Daggerheart that introduces opportunities and complications to critical narrative rolls, moving beyond 5e's simple pass or fail outcomes.Codified Social Conversations: Structured rules for dialogue and social influence that give non-combat encounters tactical depth and mechanical weight.Deep Class Customization: A flexible path system using talent trees instead of rigid classes, allowing players to mix and match abilities for complete character control.00:00 - Cosmere RPG vs D&D 5e00:40 - 1. Tactical Combat (Fast and Slow Turns)02:30 - 2. The Plot Die (Narrative Stakes)05:25 - Sneak Peek: Riddle of the Veiled Isles06:14 - 3. Social Conversations Rules08:12 - 4. Deep Character Customization (Talent Trees)10:45 - Why Jud Is Passing on the Cosmere RPG12:30 - Final Thoughts and Community DiscussionGet Jud's Nimble Adventure "Riddle of the Veiled Isles" on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/585446/riddle-of-the-veiled-isles-1st-level-adventure-for-nimbleMore ways to support Short Rest Studios!Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.meShort Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shopJoin the Adventurers Guild on Patreon: https://Patreon.com/ShortRestStudiosJoin the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbeMy website: https://shortreststudios.comMy DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793Shop D&D, DCC, the gear I use to make these videos, and more in my Amazon storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudiosGet 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com/shortreststudiosGet 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudiosGet 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrestTimestampsFeatured Links and Support

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