Bull Rush

Athletics

Strength

Quickness

Boldness

Short Description

Bull Rush is an aggressive charge toward an opponent, intending to push them back.

Success Criteria

Effects

Modifiers and Restrictions

Action Examples

You push the target back 2 meters + 1 meter per 15 success rate.

Modifiers:

- 20 to DR if target is surprised, distracted, or engaged with others
+15 if the target sees you coming, but does not move
+30 to DR if target is bracing, larger than you, or positioned on high ground
Opposed by movement-based defense skills (e.g., Sidestep, Tumbling, or Unflankable)

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Long Description

Bull Rush isn't just brute force—it's tactical disruption. Used correctly, it can break formations, reposition foes, or push them into vulnerable spots. While it doesn’t deal direct damage, its ability to isolate enemies or clear a path is invaluable to aggressive or controlling melee builds.

Pairs well with:

Feinting – Distract or mislead before rushing in
Dirty Tricks – Apply penalties before initiating the charge
Glance – Reduce risk of receiving critical hits when charging into danger
Dash – Build momentum to extend the Bull Rush range
Threat Assessment – Identify weaker enemies for more effective pushes
Running – Improve defensive movement before or after the push
Winner Mentality – Use in challenging moments for a morale-fueled charge

Sequencing

Potential 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.