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Shield/Pommel Bash

Brawling
Strength
Agility

Short Description

Strike with the edge of your shield or weapon pommel to disorient and stagger your opponent.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 versus DR 100 + target's Base Defense

Effects

  • On success, target loses 1 Action Point (effective this round if they have not had their action phase yet, or next round if they have.)
  • On 140+, target loses 2 Action Points

    • Modifiers and Restrictions

    Standard combat modifiers

    Action Examples

    You slam your shield into your enemy’s helmet to throw them off

    You strike the side of their head with your pommel to break their focus

    You catch them mid-swing and throw their stance off balance

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    Long Description

    This skill leverages the tactical edge of a melee encounter. A well-timed bash can cost an opponent their flow, forcing hesitation or missed opportunities. However, as opponents become used to the tactic, its effectiveness rapidly diminishes, making it best when applied opportunistically. Useful in sequencing to stagger opponents and prepare for finishing strikes.

    Sequencing

    Defensive Stance (1 AP) → Shield Bash (1 AP) – Set up disruption while staying guarded

    Potential Counters

    Disengage – Avoids the bash entirely if successful

    Tumbling – Can break line of attack and reposition before follow-up

    Riposte – Can punish a failed bash with an immediate counter

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    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.