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Mechanical Repair

Piloting
Memory
Self Discipline
Creativity

Short Description

Restore functionality to damaged or malfunctioning machines, vehicles and vessels - ranging from cars and boats to complex starship systems.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 + Mechanical Repair skill vs. DR 100

Effects

On success, you restore full function to the target system.

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You can boost the output of a system (i.e. speed, fuel efficiency or lifetime) by 1 percent per 1 in success rate. Failure result in damage of 1 percent per 1 in fail rate.

Modifiers and Restrictions

+30 DR for high-tier, unfamiliar, or encrypted technology

+20 DR if working without proper tools

+20 DR for vehicles that are severely damaged.

–10 DR for well-known or previously maintained machines

-20 DR with access to a mechanical workshop

Action Examples

In spite of your excellent driving skills you happened to drive your jeep into a chasm - totally damaging its motor functions. You grab your toolbox from the trunc and set out to get the car running again. Roll against DR 110 (severely damaged - familiar vehicle) to get the motor back up and running.

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An alien spaceship crash lands in a forest. You head out to the site and drag the small spacecraft back to your workshop and attempt to fix the core systems. Roll against DR 130 (unfamiliar technology, severe damage - access to workshop).

Long Description

Mechanical Repair is the essential skill for any pilot or driver in need of restoring damaged machinery. The skill is focused on vehicles, vessels and mobile machines. With this skill you know how to properly maintain, fix and repair any type of mobile unit.

This skill is most effective in controlled or semi-safe environments but may also be used under pressure with increased difficulty. With the right tools and experience, a skilled user can turn disabled gear back into functional tech—or even begin studying its internal structure for later integration or use.

Sequencing

Not optimized for sequencing

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.