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Body Slam

Brawling
Strength
Quickness
Boldness

Short Description

A high-impact charge where you throw your full weight into an opponent to knock them backward, disrupt their footing, or slam them into walls and obstacles.

Success Criteria

Roll 1d100 vs. DR 100

  • Add attack modifiers
  • Add target’s Base Defense

Effects

- Target is pushed back 2 meters + 1 meter per 10 success rate

- If the target hits an obstacle or creature, both suffer –10 to their next roll

Modifiers and Restrictions

A Body Slam becomes far more effective under the right conditions:

  • +25 if the target is attacked from behind (rear attack)
  • +25 if the attack is unexpected (surprise)
  • +10 when charging from higher ground
  • +10 to +20 if the target is smaller, lighter, or distracted
  • +10 if the target is currently casting, aiming, or otherwise occupied

However, several factors can work against you:

  • –10 to –50 if the target is significantly larger, heavier, or physically stronger
  • –10 when charging uphill or through poor terrain (mud, rubble, etc.)
  • –15 if the target is braced or anchored (using a skill or module)
  • –5 to –15 when charging without enough space to build momentum

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Action Examples

  • You shoulder through a defender, smashing them into a supply crate with enough force to stagger both.
  • You barrel into a scout trying to escape, launching them off their feet and cutting off their route.

    • Long Description

    Body Slam is a brute-force maneuver used to break formations, isolate enemies, and create space through physical collision. It excels in close-quarters combat and can be devastating in tight environments where walls, edges, or terrain hazards amplify the effect. While simple in execution, Body Slam is highly effective when combined with surprise, terrain manipulation, or follow-up control tactics.Larger or heavily armored enemies may resist, while nimble or reactive opponents can sometimes sidestep and counter—making timing and angle critical.

    Sequencing

  • Dash + Body Slam (Charge and crash into target across distance): 2 AP
  • Feint Attack + Body Slam (Distract to avoid attack of opportunity, then overwhelm): 2 AP
  • Block + Body Slam (Stop incoming strike and counter with raw force): 2 AP

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    Potential Counters

  • Side Step – Evade the charge entirely
  • Martial Arts – Throws – Reverse the charge with a redirection roll
  • Reinforced Anchor System (Nanobots) – Prevent forced movement
  • Predictive Combat Overlay (TAS) – Anticipate and deflect direct charge
  • Flickering Ward (Warding) - Grants defense bonus to try to avoid.

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    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.