Operate Machine

Agility

Quickness

Reasoning

Short Description

Control unfamiliar, complex, or industrial machines - and identify how to safely activate or interact with technological items, devices, and support systems.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 + Operate Machine skill vs. DR 100

Effects

On success, you take control of the machine / tech item and operate it effectively for its intended purpose

Modifiers and Restrictions

+10 to +50 DR for alien, experimental, or extremely complex machines

–10 DR if the machine is commonly used within your field or culture

Additional penalties or bonuses may apply based on environment (e.g., under fire, low visibility, etc.)

Requires a degree of physical proximity and interface access

Action Examples

Using an Unknown Tactical Device: You find a device on a fallen enemy → DR 110, Roll 140 → SR 30

You identify it as a sensor disruptor and trigger it correctly - you now know how to use it and can add it to your inventory (or give it to an ally).

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Excavator Maneuver to Clear Rubble: You fire up a mining excavator to dig through a collapsed tunnel

Long Description

Operate Machine is the hands-on skill for using complex or unfamiliar technology. While it often applies to large-scale systems like industrial drills, gates, consoles, or support drones, it also covers interacting with unfamiliar tech items—determining how they function, how to use them safely, and how to get them working under pressure.

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Whether flipping the right switches on an alien generator, engaging an automated turret, or figuring out how to activate a field emitter, this skill helps you bridge the gap between knowing what a device is and actually using it. It’s often paired with Repair Machine or Computer Science when more than physical control is required.

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.