Applied Magic Lore

Memory

Self Discipline

Reasoning

Short Description

Draw on deep, experience-based knowledge of magical creatures, energies, and spell structures to interpret, anticipate, and respond to arcane forces in active environments.

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Success Criteria

Roll d100 vs DR 100

Effects

Success: Understand spell effects, magical creature traits, or arcane interactions and their creation/history etc. Identify risk factors, origins, and likely spell category

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+40 success rate: Reconstruct forgotten enchantments, rituals, or formulas and gain partial access to their use effetively allowing you to learn a spell and it's category (next to you level up) or you learn how to cast the ritual, remake the magic item, glyph etc.

Modifiers and Restrictions

-20 to -40 to DR for Common magical effects, basic glyphs, or well-known spell types (i.e. spells, categories etc. that you already know).

+10 to +60 to DR Forgotten rituals, unstable fields, hybrid tech-magic systems, or ancient enchantments

+20 DR under time pressure or combat conditions

+10 DR if you have at least 1 day to study the phenomena.

Action Examples

Inside a ruined dryad archive, you study a fragmented inscription etched with spiraling glyphs at DR 150. Roll 165 → Success Rate 15 → You deduce that it outlines a Chronology-based stasis seal designed to protect a dormant spell entity.

Long Description

Applied Magic Lore reflects functional, situation-driven knowledge of the magical world: its creatures, forces, traditions, and forgotten systems. It allows you to recognize subtle arcane influences, forecast the behavior of unstable spells, or connect scattered fragments of magical phenomena into coherent insights. From deciphering mystical inscriptions to understanding how ancient enchantments interface with modern tech, this skill empowers adventurers to operate confidently in unknown magical terrain. It is the go-to ability for interpreting danger before it strikes, solving forgotten puzzles, or unlocking ancient arcana under pressure.

Sequencing

Recognize Spell Category: Improve predictions of spell behavior

Potential Counters

No real counters.

How to use this page

All the information above is intended as a guide to help you navigate the many situations that can arise during your game. Since it's both impossible—and frankly uninspiring—to plan for every possible outcome, players are encouraged to think creatively when using their skills. Game Masters, in turn, are encouraged to embrace and support that creativity.

Whenever possible, aim to resolve situations through narrative choices, logical thinking and role playing. If that’s not feasible, agree on a Difficulty Rating (DR) using the provided Success Criteria and Modifiers. These are not rigid rules, but suggestions - starting points to help you find the right level of challenge. The player describes their intended action, and the Game Master proposes a DR. This should be open to brief discussion at the table, ideally resulting in consensus. If not, the Game Master has the final say.

It’s important to emphasize that all suggested effects, modifiers, and action examples are exactly that: suggestions. If you’re unsure how to resolve something, they offer a reliable fallback—but wherever possible, we encourage you to push boundaries. That’s where some of the most memorable and exciting moments in play are born.

Sequencing and Potential Counters are far from exhaustive. With hundreds of skills, spells, and tech modules in the game, the possibilities are too vast to list. You’re encouraged to explore combinations that make sense in your story and setting and in the situations that arise in your game. Sequencing and countering are core to Cosmic Odyssey - they’re where strategic depth meets dramatic flair, and where legendary moments often take shape. Even if no sequencing and counters are mentioned, some certainly exists and can be smartly utilized.

So explore boldly, improvise wisely, and enjoy the game as it unfolds around your choices.