Physics

Reasoning
Intuition
Memory

Short Description

Use scientific principles to solve mechanical and environmental challenges - and amplify the effects of elemental spells through applied force understanding.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 versus DR 100

Effects

Success: You understand the key forces at play—this may include structural weak points, predicted collapse timing, object trajectories, or mechanical balance.

Failure:You misunderstand the dynamics. You may misjudge timing, load, or direction

Combat: +5 bonus to your next spell from the following categories: Electromancy, Pyromancy, Cryomancy, and Magnetism. This increase by +5 per 15 success rate.

Modifiers and Restrictions

–10 DR — Environment or materials are familiar, well-documented, or previously studied

–10 DR — You have access to tools, stable footing, or time for precise observation

–10 DR — You're enhancing a spell cast in a favorable environment (e.g., Electromancy on metal terrain, Pyromancy near flammable gas)

+10 DR — Target system or terrain is unstable, in motion, or partially obscured

+15 DR — Situation involves interacting forces (e.g., gravity shifts, collapse timing, pressure differentials)

+20 DR — Spell interacts with unfavorable terrain (e.g., ice over lava, electric field in a storm)

+30 DR — Conditions involve magical anomalies, exotic physics, or alien interactions beyond standard models

Action Examples

You’re exploring an ancient facility built into a cliffside. You roll Physics to determine if the cantilevered walkway is still structurally safe to cross. DR 100.

You’re aboard a space station experiencing orbital drift. You roll Physics to calculate when and where the station will destabilize so the crew can evacuate in time. DR 120

Long Description

Physics is the study of motion, force, energy, and matter—applied to both natural environments and technological systems. Outside of combat, this skill is essential for analyzing unstable structures, predicting mechanical failures, solving physical puzzles, or understanding gravitational anomalies.

I

n combat, Physics can enhance the effectiveness of elemental spells that rely on natural laws. Specifically, you may support spellcasting in Electromancy, Pyromancy, Cryomancy, and Magnetism, improving their targeting, timing, or environmental impact when conditions align. A successful Physics roll may grant bonus effects, mitigate friendly fire, or extend the spell's utility based on field interactions.

Sequencing

Sequence with spells from the supported spell categories

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.