Fantasy Grounds - Mistborn Handbook delivers a digital adaptation of the core rulebook for the Cosmere Roleplaying Game set in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn universe. This PC title functions as a virtual tabletop module that brings the full character creation and campaign tools for the Scadrial setting into Fantasy Grounds sessions. Players and game masters use it to run adventures across two distinct eras of the world, with mechanics centered on the Metallic Arts and narrative-driven progression.
Gameplay
The system relies on a d20 foundation upgraded with talent trees for character advancement and skill-based implementations of magic. Allomancy involves burning ingested metals to produce specific effects, while Feruchemy allows storage of attributes in metal for later retrieval. Twinborn characters combine one ability from each art. The Plot Die introduces variable narrative outcomes during play, adding layers to both combat and social encounters. Character options expand through eight heroic specialties such as hazekiller and rebel, plus dedicated paths for Mistborn, Mistings, Feruchemists, Ferrings, and Twinborn. Ancestries like kandra and koloss-blooded receive dedicated rules alongside firearms and hemalurgy systems. Sessions emphasize personal stakes alongside larger conflicts against divine influences, with support for heists, rebellion, and intrigue in one era or detective work and gunslinging in the other.
Game Modes
Campaigns operate in either Mistborn Era 1 or Era 2. Era 1 focuses on a dark fantasy environment of heists, horror, rebellion, and ballroom politics within the Final Empire. Era 2 shifts to pulp-style adventures featuring secret societies, detective stories, and frontier action with advanced technology. Both eras allow mixed parties of metalborn characters and support long-term stories that can span generations when combined with additional supplements. Fantasy Grounds handles the digital facilitation of these campaigns through shared maps, dice rolls, and character sheets, enabling remote groups to manage the full ruleset without physical books.
Core Mechanics and Character Building
Building a character starts with selecting an ancestry and then layering in paths tied to the Metallic Arts. Talent trees provide branching options that reward specialization or versatility in abilities. The Plot Die mechanic lets players or the game master influence story direction at key moments, integrating chance with narrative control. Skill-based magic means abilities tie directly to character competencies rather than separate spell lists. Additional rules cover setting-specific rewards, firearms handling in Era 2, and expanded options for non-metalborn roles. The module includes everything needed for most supplements and adventures in the Mistborn campaign setting.
Is It Worth Playing?
This module suits players interested in narrative tabletop roleplaying with a focus on unique magic systems and world lore from the Mistborn novels. It provides accessible entry points for newcomers while offering depth for experienced groups through flexible character options and era-spanning campaigns. The digital format on Fantasy Grounds streamlines preparation and play for online tables. Those seeking a d20-based experience with purpose-built innovations like talent trees and the Plot Die will find strong alignment here. Availability requires the free Fantasy Grounds software plus the one-time Cosmere RPG ruleset purchase, after which the Mistborn Handbook content integrates directly into sessions.
