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Social Engineering

Social
Creativity
Empathy

Short Description

Manipulate individuals or groups over time through carefully planned influence and indirect psychological tactics.

Success Criteria

Roll 1d100 + Social Engineering bonus vs DR 100, or
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Opposed Roll vs:

  • Insight
  • Sense Motive
  • Lie Detection
  • Detect Pressure
  • Diplomatic Pressure (in complex political/social conflicts)

Effects

On success, you subtly shift an individual’s behavior, stance, or decision over time. This may manifest as:

  • Gaining access to protected social networks or roles
  • Creating trust between factions
  • Softening attitudes toward controversial actions or alliances
  • Influencing votes, orders, or moral perspectives

Social Engineering does not yield immediate obedience but establishes long-term influence through indirect persuasion.

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Modifiers and Restrictions

–20 DR if plan aligns with recipient's worldview, needs, or fears

–10 DR if supported by earlier gossip, rumors, or groundwork

-10 / +10 DR If a supportive social/diplomatic skill is used (max. 1 per day)

+10 to +30 DR if target is suspicious, high-ranking, or emotionally guarded

+30 to +40 DR if manipulating someone in power or making them act against their faction

+15 DR if target has previously been manipulated or is expecting manipulation

–10 DR if player has supporting documentation, leverage, or known credibility

-5 DR per day spent preparing (max +50)

Action Examples

You attempt to sway a regional leader to support rebel causes under diplomatic cover:

DR = 100 + 40 (high-ranking, risky) = 140

Roll = 134 → Failure → They suspect your intent and take defensive measures

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You slowly build a rapport with a cautious mercenary commander to turn him neutral:

DR = 100 + 20 (guarded figure, indirect contact) = 120

Roll = 121 → Success → He agrees not to interfere in the coming conflict

Long Description

Social Engineering is not about a single conversation—it’s about orchestrated psychological influence. You operate subtly, sowing seeds of doubt or trust, spreading strategic misinformation, or gently redirecting beliefs and behaviors without overt threats or promises.

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It’s a skill of long-term manipulation, perfect for spies, diplomats, rebels, corporate tacticians, or anyone seeking to win control of people through patience rather than confrontation.

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Because it can alter the social fabric of a campaign, this skill often complements espionage, diplomacy, propaganda, or infiltration arcs.

Sequencing

Not optimized for sequencing, but a lot of skills can support such as Public Speaking, Bluff, Disguise / Forgery, Glibness, Persuasion etc. - see Modifiers

Potential Counters

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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.