Surgery

Medical

Reasoning

Memory

Self Discipline

Short Description

Use advanced medical procedures to reverse permanent damage to a target’s skills caused by critical injuries.

Success Criteria

Roll: d100 + Surgery skill versus 2 × the current score of the affected skill to attempt reversal

Effects

Success: The affected skill is restored to its original value before the injury.

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Modifiers and Restrictions

Cannot be performed in combat situations.

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-20 DR bonus if performed with access to proper tools and area.

+10 to +30 penalty to DR if no access to proper tools and in poor conditions.

+10 penalty to DR per day the trauma goes untreated.

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Action Examples

Reversing ability loss from critical hit (Dex reduced from 70 to 65) Required roll: 2 × 65 = 130. Player rolls 133 → Success: Dexterity restored to 70.

Long Description

Surgery is used to reverse long-term or permanent skill loss caused by critical hits, typically involving nerve damage, internal trauma, or systemic breakdowns. Unlike standard healing, this procedure restores functionality to a previously diminished ability score.

The process is precise and demanding, requiring a roll against twice the current (reduced) value of the skill being restored. It may involve delicate reconnection of neural pathways, reconstructive biotech procedures, or high-risk invasive work depending on the injury type.

This is the only skill capable of undoing skill score loss directly, making it a rare and valuable option in post-battle recovery.

Sequencing

Cannot be sequenced

Potential Counters

Cannot be countered

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.