Climbing

Agility
Boldness
Strength

Short Description

Climbing is the ability to ascend vertical surfaces, requiring physical strength and agility to navigate heights safely and effectively.

Success Criteria

Effects

Modifiers and Restrictions

Action Examples

– Climb a cliff face with handholds – DR 80

– Scale a sheer wall with rope and harness (only if no time limit)– DR 100

– Free climb a wet or crumbling surface – DR 120

– Climb while under enemy fire or carrying equipment – DR +20 to +40

- When rushed: DR +20 - +60

Long Description

Climbing is essential for navigating difficult terrain, scaling ruins, ascending buildings, or escaping through unconventional routes. It becomes especially critical in exploration-heavy campaigns or when verticality is used tactically in combat. The skill pairs well with Parkour (for transitioning between structures), Surefooted (for maintaining grip in tricky terrain), and Spider Climb (spell, for climbing impossible surfaces). Combining it with Feinting or Disengage can create dramatic combat escapes or repositioning on vertical battle maps.

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.