Higher Ground

Agility

Presence

Reasoning

Short Description

Gain a superior tactical position in combat that improves control, vision, and effectiveness, allowing enhanced offensive and strategic execution.

Success Criteria

Roll 1d100 + Higher Ground skill vs. DR 100

Effects

You gain a +5 bonus to your attack rolls for one round. For each additional 15 Success Rate, increase the bonus by +5

Modifiers and Restrictions

+10 DR per additional ally (must be within 5 meters from you)

Action Examples

Sliding across cover to seize a clear vantage with enemy fire incoming and providing the bonus to 1 ally:

DR = 100 + 10 = DR 110 → Roll = 125 → SR = 15→ +10 bonus to attack rolls

Long Description

Higher Ground represents the ability to seize the most tactically advantageous position in a dynamic battlefield -whether through quick thinking, calculated movement, or commanding presence. It might be a raised platform, a cleared corridor, a well-protected corner, or a decisive angle—what matters is that the user has gained the edge over their opponents. The skill channels combat intuition and situational awareness to shift momentum at a critical moment.

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Mechanically, the user gains a boost to both attacks rolls for one round, with the potential to extend this benefit to nearby allies. The greater the Success Rate, the stronger the bonus and the wider the impact. This encourages bold tactical positioning and rewards those who prepare routes, read the field, or act decisively. While straightforward, the skill carries thematic weight: the one who holds the superior position dictates the flow of battle - and in many cases, determines its outcome.

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.