Open Locks

Agility

Creativity

Reasoning

Short Description

Hack electronic locks with a combination of theoretic knowledge of cryptography and electronics as well as costomized tools.

Success Criteria

Roll 1d100 + Open Locks skill bonus vs. DR 100

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Effects

You successfully unlock an access card protected door, open and start a locked vehicle or hack your way into an alarm system.

Modifiers and Restrictions

+10 DR for complex or advanced locks

+20 DR if under time pressure

+30 DR if lock includes biometric or failsafe mechanisms

-10 DR for simple locks

–10 DR with access to engineer's workshop or similar

Action Examples

Your group is under attack in an alley in Louktu. You spend a round (5 AP) to hack and open a locked door to a basement in the alley. DR 120 (DR 100 +20 for time pressure).

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You hack your way into a military helicopter on a DR 100, and afterwards try to bypass the security system to start the machine on a DR 130 (DR 100 + 30 for biometric).

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Long Description

Open Locks allows a character to bypass tech-based physical security without resorting to brute force or access codes. The skill allows for the manipulation of digital or hybrid locks through deft, hands-on techniques. But the skill can also be used on more classical, mechanical locks with a +40 to DR. Success depends not only on technical know-how but also on creative strategies and leveraging the right equipment.

This skill can be used during stealth missions, infiltration scenarios, or to access restricted areas without drawing attention. Some modern locks may include digital countermeasures or biometric systems that make them more difficult to crack without assistance from related skills like System Bypass. However, Open Locks focuses on swift, physical manipulation - ideal for doors, containers, or concealed compartments encountered in the field.

Sequencing

Not normally sequenced.

Potential Counters

Not normally countered.

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.