Bridge 9

The Stormlight Archive is the story of Roshar, a world of storms and war. It is a story of growth, of passion, of honor. And today, it is a story that you will tell.

You are not yet heroes. You currently live in a war camp at the edge of the Shattered Plains, a vast expanse of chasms and plateaus. Today, you’re traveling with soldiers and scholars loyal to an Alethi noble named Highprince Sadeas.

That is where our story begins. A few days ago, a highstorm uncovered ruins dating back to the Silver Kingdoms. Now, you’re part of an expedition sent across the barren stone to investigate what’s left of those ruins.

Who are you, and why are you here?

The expedition consists of a twenty-person bridge crew and six soldiers to protect a handful of scholars and scouts. Two chulls—slow, ox-sized crustaceans with stone shells—act as beasts of burden, carrying wagons for the expedition’s scholars. The wagons contain enough food and water for a four-day journey.

Whether you are using pre-generated or original characters, this is your chance to establish your role in the expedition. You may choose from one of the following options, or (with GM approval) come up with your own role:

Ardent.

You’re a servant-priest of the Vorin church, a religion that reveres “the Almighty” and his Ten Heralds. Ardents typically shave their heads and do not adhere to Alethi society’s gender roles. You may be on this expedition to provide spiritual guidance or training in a particular skill you have mastered.

Bridge Crew.

You’re here because you were imprisoned, enslaved "interned", or pressed into service. You might be from any nation in Roshar, from any background, but now you have the deadliest job in the highprince’s army: carrying heavy bridges to move personnel during battles and expeditions.

Guard.

You’re here to defend the expedition from Parshendi warriors or human bandits. You might be an enlisted soldier in the army of Highprince Sadeas, an independent mercenary, or a young noble trying to prove yourself.

Scholar.

You’ve traveled to the warcamps as the ward or assistant to a prominent scholar. In Alethkar, only women traditionally learn to read and write, but you might’ve traveled from a nation like Azir or Iri where people of all genders are trained in history and science.

Scout.

You’re a scout who works for Highprince Sadeas. You’ve been trained as a messenger and outrider for the army, and it’s your job to help this expedition find the ruins.

Plant.

You're a Parshendi who has disguised themselves as a Parshman sla... um... "unpaid intern", and are accompanying the expedition to... do what interns do. More importantly, your people have sent you as a plant into the Alethi warcamps as a spy. You are here to gather information for the war effort. Why you accepted this mission, if you adhere to it or not, and your reasons for doing so are yours to define or discover.