Spot Habit

Intuition
Empathy
Memory

Short Description

Spot Habit involves noticing behavioral patterns or signals that reveal a person's true intentions, particularly in situations involving deception or negotiation. Classically known from poker, but very useful in other stressing situations.

Success Criteria

Effects

Modifiers and Restrictions

Action Examples

Opposed roll: 1d100 against target's d100 + presence.

In combat, Spot Habit lets you predict if an opponent will reuse a previously seen attack or skill. For each prior use of that maneuver, add +20 to your roll. If successful, you are forewarned and can prepare defenses or reactions accordingly.

+/- 10 DR – Target is calm or well-trained - bonus if opppsiite.

+/- 15 DR – You’re in a time-constrained or high-pressure situation - bonus if opposite

+/- 20 DR – You have little or no prior exposure to the target - bonus if opposite

Long Description

When used correctly, Spot Habit allows you to connect subtle cues with likely actions or intentions. You can apply the success rate from this roll as a bonus to related skill checks like Detect Lie, Insight, or even Combat Prediction in a tense scenario. This makes it powerful in interrogation, negotiation, and psychological duels.

Sequencing

Potential 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.