Spellcraft

Magic Insights

Reasoning

Memory

Intuition

Short Description

Understand the nuances of spellcasting, enabling you to identify spells as they are being cast.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 versus DR 100

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Will often end in an opposite roll against skills that mask spellcasting.

Effects

On success, you correctly identify the specific spell being cast. This knowledge can be used to trigger countermeasures, coordinate party actions, or select the most appropriate defense.

Modifiers and Restrictions

-20 to DR for spell you can cast yourself

-10 to DR for spell in a category you have learned

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Action Examples

You see an enemy caster raise a hand toward your ally and chant rapidly. You spend 1 AP to roll Spellcraft and identify the spell as Siren's Call, warning your team and preparing to use Counterspell.

Long Description

Spellcraft represents the caster’s deep understanding of the patterns, manifestations, and signatures of magical energy. With this skill, characters can determine what spell is being cast in the heat of combat, often before it’s fully released. This makes Spellcraft essential for reacting in time—whether to disrupt the magic, brace for its effect, or guide allies accordingly.

The skill is particularly vital in groups without universal magical literacy. Having one character able to quickly identify threats or buffs can be the difference between life and death. Recognizing repeated casting patterns, uncommon enhancements, or distinct spell visuals can turn the tide of a magical skirmish.

Sequencing

Not optimized for sequencing

Potential Counters

No direct counters, but skills like Spell Feint will end in a opposed roll.

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.