Delay Spell

Reasoning

Memory

Intuition

Short Description

Hold your spell until a specific trigger occurs - then release it with precision, gaining a significant bonus to hit (if the trigger occurs).

Success Criteria

Roll d100 versus DR 100.

Effects

Enables a held attack spell to be cast as a reaction to a trigger (until the next action phase of the caster).

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The held spell receives an bonus equal to half your Delay Spell success rate

Modifiers and Restrictions

-20 DR: Simple trigger (“when an opponent steps into area”)

Standard DR: Complex but specific trigger (“when opponent attacks ally”)

+20 DR when opponent in melee combat is positioned so my ally will not be hit by the spell.

Action Examples

You anticipate that an opponent that is currenctly in cover will step out to attack. You cast a delayed spell with the trigger, that if an opponent steps into the area next to the cover, then the spell wiill trigger. This gives you time to move, react etc. and not hold your spell as you do not have to keep an eye on the area, but it might also give you a bonus to the spell attack if the trigger happens.

Long Description

Delay Spell allows you to weaponize patience. Rather than casting immediately, you define a clear trigger—when the target exposes a weakness, breaks cover, or begins a specific action. When this trigger occurs, your spell releases with force and precision, backed by your prior preparation and tactical read.

This technique is incredibly effective for battlefield control and ambushes. It is a high risk, high reward skill where the trigger might not happen and the spell is lost, but if it happens, it can be with a large bonus.

Sequencing

Not necessarily great for sequencing.

Potential Counters

You can counter the original spell, but not the skill (except if you avoid the trigger).

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.