Neurohacking Defense

Intuition

Empathy

Memory

Short Description

Resist or disrupt technological or psionic attempts to control or manipulate the mind - whether defending yourself or helping others under active neural assault.

Success Criteria

Opposed Roll vs. Attack Roll

Effects

On success, gain +5 to resilience against the attack + 5 per 10 success rate.

Modifiers and Restrictions

Skill must be used as a reaction to an attack and only works on attacks to the mind.

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+20 to your skill roll if you know the opposed module or spell yourself.

Action Examples

An enemy casts Dominate on an ally. You step forward with a few select words to help against the attack. The attack roll is 110 and your opposed skill check is 125. Thus, your ally gain +10 to resilience against the attack.

Long Description

Neurohacking Defense is the trained ability to resist or interrupt hostile influence targeting the mind—whether delivered via spells, nanobots, or implants. It can be used on yourself or an ally, offering an immediate resilience boost against effects like domination, emotional control, implanted compulsions, or psionic shutdown. The skill is especially valuable when the attack is already underway, helping to break or delay control and regain mental autonomy.

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The skill is most effective when used against effects such as Dominate, Mind Blast, Pulse of Fear, or Neural Override. Success grants a scaling Resilience bonus, allowing the target to either shake off or resist further intrusion. In high-tech battlefields or psionically charged environments, Neurohacking Defense can mean the difference between a compromised ally and one who stands their ground.

Sequencing

Sequence with spells like Clear Mind, Psychic Guard that also enhance Resilience

Or sequence with Memory Expansion Matrix that provides a bonus to skills, spells and modules that rely on memory

Potential Counters

Can be countered by skills, spells and modules that lowers Resilience - such as Biochemical Warfare

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.