Concentration

Self Discipline

Boldness

Reasoning

Short Description

A special meditation technique to shield the mind from external distractions. A useful skill if you need to perform difficult academic or mental tasks in battle or under pressure.

Success Criteria

Effects

Modifiers and Restrictions

Action Examples

Counter attempts from skills etc. to disrupt spellcasting or similar that requires concentration. Will often be an opposed roll against skills, spells and modules atttempting to disrupt spells.

Long Description

Concentration is a skill rooted in self-discipline, bodily control, and mental focus. It is used to shield the mind from external distractions and maintain composure in chaotic or high-pressure situations. This makes it valuable during spellcasting, academic problem-solving, or in battle when sustaining complex abilities over time.

Practically, concentration allows a character to ignore pain, fatigue, or confusion while channeling magic or performing detailed tasks. It is especially important for spells and tech modules that require a continued effort - such as illusions, buffs, or area effects that must be maintained across combat sequences. High concentration enables characters to hold their focus even while wounded or distracted, and it pairs well with skills like Delay Spell, Focus, or Hero’s Breath, which benefit from or require mental resilience.

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.