Detect Lie

Intuition

Empathy

Reasoning

Short Description

Discern dishonesty in conversation by interpreting subtle cues in behavior, tone, and timing - spotting falsehoods others might accept at face value.

Success Criteria

Will always be an Opposed Roll against skills like Deception, Bluff, or Strategic Deception when lies are intentional and skill-based.

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IF target is lying, but not using a skill, roll d100 + Lie Detection Bonus versus target's Presence.

Effects

On success, you detect that the speaker is lying or omitting the truth

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On failure, you accept the statement or miss the deception

Modifiers and Restrictions

–10 DR if the speaker is nervous, inconsistent, or visibly stressed

–20 DR if the lie is clumsy, unsupported, or rushed

+10 DR if the speaker is composed, practiced and the lie is somewhat close to their beliefs

+10 to +40 DR if the lie is plausible and backed by (false) documents, illusions, or social leverage

+30 DR if the speaker is trained in deception or magically enhanced

–10 DR if the observer has relevant background knowledge or suspicion

Action Examples

A merchant claims he’s never heard of your contact: Presence 70 = DR 70 - You roll 110 → Success Rate = +40 → You’re sure he’s lying—he hesitated before answering

Long Description

Detect Lie is the disciplined social skill of sensing when others are twisting the truth—through micro-expressions, changes in cadence, or unconscious body language. While some people lie obviously, trained manipulators wrap falsehoods in charm and confidence. This skill lets you cut through the polish and see what's real.

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You may not know the full truth—but with enough insight, you’ll know when someone is hiding it.

Sequencing

Not optimized for sequencing

Potential Counters

Deception, glibness etc.

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.