System Bypass

Creativity
Memory
Reasoning

Short Description

Illegally gain access to secured systems, bypassing firewalls, locks, alarms, surveillance, and other protective protocols without leaving a trace.

Success Criteria

Roll 1d100 + System Bypass skill vs. DR 100 + the security system’s level or threat rating

Effects

If successful, you gain access to the secured system or bypass the protective measure (door, camera, AI gate, etc.) without triggering alarms or traces.

On failure, security may escalate, log your attempt, or activate defensive countermeasures (at GM discretion).

Modifiers and Restrictions

+10 to +60 DR on complex systems (multi-layered encryption, AI defense, adaptive locks)

-10 to -30 on simple system.

–10 to –30 DR if the user has insider knowledge, physical access, or a backdoor

+10 DR if system has been recently updated or rerouted

+20 DR if performed while under pressure (combat, countdowns, alerts)

Action Examples

Bypassing a biometric door lock in a corporate lab: DR = 100 + 30 (complex multi-check system) = 130

Roll = 142 → SR = 12→ Access granted; logs wiped. No alert triggered.

Disabling motion sensors via a concealed terminal:

DR = 100 – 20 (has blueprint) – 10 (old system) = 70

Roll = 105 → SR = 35→ Sensors disabled cleanly. Team proceeds undetected.

Long Description

System Bypass is the rogue’s answer to modern security. It involves slicing through digital locks, fooling surveillance software, disrupting alarm protocols, and exploiting backdoors to access restricted areas or data. Success depends on your knowledge of system architecture, your reflexes under pressure, and your ability to think creatively under the radar.

Whether sneaking through a research station, infiltrating a criminal databank, or disabling a sentry network, System Bypass allows you to act fast and quiet - usually with no one ever knowing you were there. The more complex the system, the greater the risk and reward. But the best thieves never trip an alarm, and never leave a trace.

Sequencing

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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.