Identify Item

Memory

Reasoning

Intuition

Short Description

Discern the magical properties, uses, and potential dangers of an item through focused examination and arcane intuition.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 versus DR 100

Effects

On success, you learn the magical properties of the item, but not how to activate them/use item

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Success rate +20 learns you how to use/activate etc. the item

Modifiers and Restrictions

+10 to +40 DR if item is old, alien, cursed, powerful, "weird" etc.

+30 to DR if trying to identify during combat or similar situations

+10 to DR per magic property of the item

-10 to DR if item is from a known culture or school of magic

-10 to DR per extra hour spent examining the item

Action Examples

You study a shimmering dagger inscribed with runes.You roll 123 → SR 23 → You learn that it dds +5 DB when held, and has a keyword trigger which you learn.

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You examine a strange Rune-Etched Blade with visible flame runes.DR: 100 +20 (unique/elemental)You roll 121 → SR = 1 → You learn it’s a Fire-aligned weapon, but don’t yet know how to trigger its flame burst effect.

Long Description

Identify Item gives trained arcane users and scholars the tools to analyze enchanted objects without relying on trial and error. However, uncovering a magical item’s use or activation method is harder than recognizing its nature. The deeper the item's secrets—be they alien glyphs, nanite circuits, cursed auras, or planar bindings—the higher the DR climbs.

The skill is best employed in controlled, calm environments with time and resources. Trying to identify powerful or layered items mid-combat is rarely effective, but essential when handling unknown gear from ancient or experimental origins.

Sequencing

Not optimized for sequencing, but certain skills might help identifying more rare items (Magic Lore for example).

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.