Close-Quarters Fire

Agility
Empathy
Boldness

Short Description

Brace yourself and maintain accuracy while using ranged weapons in melee combat - offsetting the usual vulnerability by keeping threats at bay with discipline and nerve.

Success Criteria

Roll 1d100 + skill bonus vs DR 100

Effects

You gain a defensive bonus (DB) equal to half of your Success Rate against melee attacks for the remainder of the round.

Modifiers and Restrictions

+20 to DR per attacker in melee range.

+20 to DR if you are using a 2-handed ranged weapon.

Action Examples

Roll = 112 → SR 12 → +6 DB

Roll = 140 → SR 40 → +20 DB

Long Description

Close-Quarters Fire represents the specialized training and mental resolve needed to maintain control of a ranged weapon while an enemy closes to striking distance. Normally, attempting to shoot while entangled in melee exposes the shooter to devastating close-range attacks with a +/-25 penalty due to vulnerability. This skill provides a way to mitigate that danger.

With success, the character still suffers from the standard +25 vulnerability bonus granted to melee attackers, but to offset this, they gain a bonus to their Defense Bonus. This is essential for sharpshooters, scouts, and anyone who prefers distance but finds themselves fighting in tight quarters.

Sequencing

Quick Draw – Transition fluidly into your weapon while already under threat

Potential Counters

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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.