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Identify Tech

Technological Sciences
Memory
Reasoning
Intuition

Short Description

Analyze and deduce the purpose, function, and potential weaknesses of any technology - even alien or unknown - by observing its design, behavior, and context.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 vs. DR 90

Effects

  • You identify the primary function and intended use of an unknown device or system.
  • You recognize potential weaknesses, vulnerabilities, or limitations in its design. With a success you gain +10 to any attempts to hack or counter the specific technology. For each Succes Rate of 10 you gain another +5 bonus.
  • You estimate the technological level and possible origin (e.g., alien, ancient, experimental).
  • You suggest safe handling procedures or potential countermeasures.

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Modifiers and Restrictions

  • DR +10 – Limited time to study the technology (for example in a combat situation - skill use cost 1 AP)
  • DR +15 – The technology is damaged or incomplete
  • DR +20 – The technology is highly advanced or alien
  • DR +30 – The technology is actively concealed or disguised
  • DR -10 – Access to reference materials or a database of known technologies
  • DR -15 – Assistance from an expert or AI with relevant knowledge

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Action Examples

During a mission, you encounter an unknown security drone. By observing its movement patterns and sensor array, you determine it relies on thermal imaging and can be fooled by heat signatures. DR 90.

You find a strange device in an ancient ruin. With access to a historical tech database, you identify it as a data storage unit and figure out how to safely activate it. DR 80 (base DR 90 - 10 for reference materials).

A hostile Cybermancer activates an implant in battle. You use the Identify Tech skill to guess the basic functionality and purpose of the tech module (spend 1 AP) and roll d100 + your skill bonus against DR 100 (base of 90 + 10 for skill use in battle).

Long Description

In a universe filled with diverse and often mysterious technologies, the ability to Identify Tech is invaluable. This skill allows you to analyze and understand the purpose, mechanics, and potential flaws of any device or system, whether it’s a salvaged alien weapon, an ancient relic, or a prototype from a rival faction.

Your keen observation and analytical mind let you piece together clues from a technology’s design, energy signatures, and behavior. You can guess how it operates, what it was designed for, and—crucially—where it might fail. This knowledge can turn the tide in combat, exploration, or negotiation, giving you and your team a critical advantage.

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Sequencing

Can be sequenced with many knowledge skills like Alien Lore, Military Warfare or similar.

Potential Counters

Identify Tech can be countered by diverse forms of misleading or camouflage, or for example by the use of the tech module Neural Disruptor Swarm.

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.