Eavesdrop

Intuition

Empathy

Self Discipline

Short Description

Listen in on conversations without being noticed, allowing you to extract useful information through subtle observation, positioning, and auditory focus.

Success Criteria

1d100 + Eavesdrop skill bonus vs DR 80 + target's General Perception

Effects

On success, you overhear relevant portions of the conversation or pick up subtle cues, such as:

- Secrets, plans, or important names mentioned

- Confirmation of location, allegiance, or timeline

- Emotional tone or hesitation that could hint at deception

Modifiers and Restrictions

–20 DR if you’re hidden and the targets are loud, distracted, or unaware

–10 DR in crowded environments (tavern, market)

+10 to +30 DR if targets are whispering or use code/slang

+10 to +30 DR if wind, distance, or tech interference makes it harder

–10 DR if aided by Sonic Control, Shadowing, or directional microphones/tech

+10 DR if target is in a sound-proofed or private environment

Action Examples

Trying to pick up whispers from across a stone hall while guests mingle: DR = 100 + 30 (whispers) – 10 (crowd) = 120

‍Roll = 128 → SR = 28 → You are able to get close and hear the conversation without being noticed

Long Description

Eavesdrop is a passive but powerful skill. It lets you silently gather information from those who believe they are unobserved. Whether crouched behind a wall, trailing a mark through an urban zone, or leaning against the right bulkhead on a starship, skilled eavesdroppers collect details, motivations, and secrets that others let slip.

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The skill thrives in social intrigue, stealth operations, and tension-heavy moments. It requires subtlety, timing, and occasionally cover stories if you're caught too close.

Sequencing

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Potential Counters

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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.