Duel Stance

Quickness
Presence
Boldness

Short Description

Assume a poised, reactive stance - delaying your strike until the enemy commits, then responding with precision and speed.

Success Criteria

When your opponent attacks, your main attack is triggered. The one with the highest attack roll attacks first.

Effects

If you roll the higher total attack roll, you get to attack before your opponent.

Modifiers and Restrictions

You cannot attack in your action phase.

+20 to DR per attacker besides 1

Action Examples

You declared Duel Stance at the start of the battle round. An enemy swings their blade at you.

Your Duel Stance skill: 70 - Your roll: 65 → Total: 135

Opponent’s AB: 60 - Opponent’s roll: 60 → Total: 120

Result: You strike first. Your attack resolves before theirs.

Long Description

Duel Stance is the art of poised readiness: a calculated posture in which you delay your attack to capitalize on your opponent’s aggression. Rather than rushing in, you observe their movements, gauge their intent, and deliver your strike at the precise moment they commit. This style rewards calm focus and refined timing.

The skill is ideal for one-on-one duels, defensive champions, or tactical fighters who seek to control combat rhythm. Unlike interrupt mechanics or reactive defense, Duel Stance allows you to meet violence with violence, resolved by precision rather than pure speed. A successful execution can neutralize an opponent's offense before it even begins.

It is not suitable for chaotic or multi-target combat but thrives in structured, focused melee engagements.

Sequencing

Sequence with Riposte for a chance at an extra attack, versatile strike to switch stance when you attack.

Potential Counters

Feints

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.