Theology

Memory

Presence

Empathy

Short Description

Intellectual skill focusing on the study, analysis, and debate of religious and ethical ideas. It involves interpreting sacred texts, comparing different belief systems, and exploring metaphysical questions about existence, morality, and the divine.

Success Criteria

Effects

Modifiers and Restrictions

Action Examples

Analyze a religious situation or conflict to identify the core beliefs, sacred symbols, or theological principles involved. On a successful roll against DR 100, you correctly interpret the spiritual framework at play. For every 20 points above the DR, you gain additional insight—such as key rituals, doctrinal divisions, or culturally significant practices that may influence the outcome.

Long Description

Theology is the intellectual examination of religious systems, sacred texts, rituals, and moral frameworks. Characters with this skill can interpret the doctrines of various faiths, compare theological principles, and understand the role of belief in shaping societies and individual behavior.

It becomes essential in situations involving divine politics, sacred traditions, or when gaining favor with spiritual authorities. Theology pairs well with skills like Religion (to perform rites or navigate institutions), Philosophy (to debate ethical interpretations), and Diplomacy (to mediate between conflicting faiths or align religious factions). It’s especially useful when belief systems intersect with political or moral decision-making.

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.