Hide in Shadows

Agility

Intuition

Self Discipline

Short Description

Use shadows and cover to conceal your presence in indoor or urban environments, evading detection from observers or enemies.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 + Hide in Shadows skill bonus versus DR 100 + modifiers + target's General Perception

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Will often end in Opposed rolls versus skills such as Danger Sense and spells like Acute hearing.

Effects

You are hidden and cannot be targeted by normal attacks or detection.

Modifiers and Restrictions

+20 DR penalty when used in a non-familiar settting (including nature) instead of indoors or urban environments

+20 to DR if attempting to hide in a brightly lit area or without shadows

–10 to DR in deep shadow or with effective camouflage clothing

+10 to DR if the target is actively searching

–15 to DR if target is distracted or unaware

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Action Examples

Hiding in a shadowed corridor behind a crate while guards patrol >10 meters away:

DR = 100 – 10 (deep shadow) – 15 (unaware guards) = 75

Roll = 91 → SR = 16 → Hidden

Long Description

Hide in Shadows is the art of vanishing in plain sight using shadow, cover, and body discipline. Designed for use primarily in indoor or urban environments, this skill allows characters to evade notice by slipping into dim alcoves, behind clutter, or blending into surroundings. Bright daylight or outdoor use reduces effectiveness significantly. Clothing that blends into the environment can be crucial, and poorly chosen gear may render this skill nearly useless.

This skill is often used in conjunction with Move Silently, Ambush, or Backstab, forming the basis of stealth-based sequences. In such sequences, its lower value can reduce overall success unless bolstered by supportive bonuses or superior conditions

Sequencing

Move Silently – to reposition while staying hidden

Ambush – increases surprise bonus if hidden successfully

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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.