Exo-Biology

Memory
Reasoning
Empathy

Short Description

Knowledge of how alien lifeforms evolve, interact, and adapt across different environments—vital for identifying, interpreting, or predicting alien biology.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 against DR 100.

Effects

Success: You identify the creature’s biological structure, environment compatibility, and behavior patterns. This may inform diplomacy, combat tactics, or medical intervention.

Modifiers and Restrictions

+ 20 DR — You are in combat with the creature.

+ 20 DR — Alien species is completely undocumented or classified

+10 DR — Target lifeform is bio-modified, mutated, or hosts symbiotic systems

+10 DR — You are under time pressure or lacking equipment

–10 DR — Species has known biological parallels (e.g., close to known mammals)

–10 DR — Long study period or access to lab/medical data

Action Examples

You dissect a xeno-predator corpse from a jungle moon. Its dual stomachs and layered carapace suggest resistance to acidic environments. You roll Exo-Biology to determine if it’s vulnerable to energy-based attacks.

Long Description

Exo-Biology is the study of non-Earth lifeforms across the galaxy. It blends evolutionary theory, comparative physiology, and alien ecology to interpret life that may function on entirely different principles than known biology. Whether faced with a crystalline lifeform that metabolizes radiation, or a gelatinous organism that communicates chemically, this skill allows a character to identify survival traits, exploit weaknesses, or offer informed responses to unknown beings. It's invaluable for exploration, diplomacy with non-humanoids, interspecies medical research, and combat adaptation.

Sequencing

Not optimized for sequencing, but supports a lot of skills such as medicine skills and some academic skills (Alien Lore).

Potential Counters

No direct 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.