Heraldry

Memory

Reasoning

Empathy

Short Description

Interpret coats of arms, insignias, and symbols to understand lineage, allegiance, and power structures in noble, military, and historical contexts.

Success Criteria

d100 + Heraldry skill vs. DR 100

Effects

Success: You correctly identify the faction or family and its status, alliances, or known actions.‍

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Strong Success (20+): You gain deep context, including rivalries, customs, or recent movements.

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Failure: You misread the symbol or draw incorrect conclusions

Modifiers and Restrictions

–20 DR — The symbol is from a known or modern faction

‍–10 DR — You have encountered similar heraldry before

‍+10 to +30 DR — The symbol is (partially) obscured or altered

‍+20 to +60 DR — The symbol is ancient or from a collapsed civilization

‍+20 DR — The symbol is a deliberate deception

Action Examples

A diplomatic envoy approaches under an unfamiliar flag. You declare Heraldry to assess their origins. The GM sets DR to 100, but grants –10 DR for your previous exposure to the region's military banners.

Long Description

Heraldry allows characters to recognize the visual language of power—banners, family crests, tattoos, emblems, and military colors. This knowledge supports diplomacy, espionage, and command by revealing who a group is, what they value, and how they are viewed by others.

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A skilled herald may identify an enemy force before battle, expose a spy in disguise, or correctly address a noble at court. In tense or ceremonial situations, mistakes can be costly—showing proper deference or invoking historic bonds can be the difference between alliance and war.

Sequencing

Not great for sequencing

Potential Counters

No real 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.