Hidden Strike

Boldness
Creativity
Self Discipline

Short Description

Launch surprise attacks from hidden positions, disrupting the enemy’s response and seizing control of the battlefield from the start.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 + Hidden Strike vs. DR 100 + Target General Perception

Can often end in opposed rolls against Danger Sense and similar.

Effects

On success, target can only react in the first battle round (no attacks)

Additionally, target loses 1 Action Point per 10 success rate during that round.

Provides standard combat modifiers.

Modifiers and Restrictions

–20 to –40 DR with time to prepare and terrain that provides cover

+10 to +40 DR if the target is on alert or terrain offers little concealment

+20 DR if attempting Hidden Strike during active combat

Action Examples

Wait in shadows and strike an unaware sentry: DR = 100 – 30 (excellent hiding and unaware target) → 70

Roll = 105 → Target loses attack and 3 AP in round one

Long Description

Hidden Strike is the art of striking from concealment at just the right moment—ideally before the enemy realizes the battle has begun. It requires patience, terrain awareness, and precise timing. Whether leaping from shadows, attacking from height, or opening fire from camouflage, Hidden Strike gives you a powerful advantage by robbing enemies of their opening moves.

Hidden Strikes are most effective when planned in advance and executed from prepared positions. However, opportunistic players can also trigger an ambush mid-battle if conditions allow. The penalty of losing both an attack and Action Points can be devastating in the first round of combat.

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.