Detect Illusions

Intuition

Reasoning

Creativity

Short Description

Detect Illusions is the skill of noticing subtle inconsistencies in light, sound, texture, or logic that suggest something isn’t real. It allows characters to see through magical illusions, holographic projections, or high-tech camouflage by detecting discrepancies in the environment.

Success Criteria

Effects

Modifiers and Restrictions

Action Examples

An opposing skill check is (often) required against the creator of the illusion. The check becomes easier if the illusion is anticipated, contradictory, inconsistent or previously encountered, but more difficult if the conditions prevent a thorough examination.

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Often, you must call that you suspect that an illusion is present. Alternativly it might be the result of a high general perception.

Long Description

Detect Illusions is the awareness skill for piercing false realities - whether magical, holographic, or psychic. It focuses on pattern recognition, perceptual filtering, and cognitive dissonance. When used effectively, it allows a character to question what others accept as real. It doesn't automatically reveal the truth but alerts you that something is wrong—a flicker in the light, an echo that shouldn’t be there, or a shadow misaligned with its source.

The skill becomes more powerful when you’ve encountered the illusion before, or when it contains logical flaws. It’s not about seeing through everything, but about noticing when the world doesn't quite make sense. High rolls or strong pairings may allow you to not only identify the illusion, but to track its origin or dispel its influence.

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.