Trap Awareness

Self Discipline
Agility
Intuition

Short Description

Identify and interpret the signs of hidden traps through a blend of instinct, experience, and focused scanning—especially those concealed with magic, tech, or clever camouflage.

Success Criteria

Roll 1d100 + skill bonus vs DR 100 + Trap Complexity Rating

Effects

On success, the character identifies the trap before triggering it and can take appropriate precautions.

Modifiers and Restrictions

–20 DR if the trap is crude, exposed, or improperly installed

–10 DR if the character has encountered similar trap types before

+10 to +40 DR if the trap is:

- Embedded in magic or high-tech systems

- Embedded in high-pressure environments (e.g., alarms, explosive fail-safes)

+10 to +30 DR if time is limited or distraction is present

+10 to +30 DR if moving at normal pace or faster

-10 to -20 DR if moving at half normal pace or slower.

Action Examples

Disarming a crate after noticing a strange humming beneath it: DR = 100 + 25 –20 (obvious install) = 105

You roll 124 → Success → Trap is detected and can potentially bypassed

Long Description

Trap Awareness is the skill used when subtlety and concealment go beyond physical clues. It’s less about spotting the glint of a tripwire and more about knowing something is wrong—from inconsistent dust patterns to suspicious panel placement or hums in the environment.

This skill shines in high-tech or magical areas where traps are seamlessly integrated. While it overlaps with traditional Detect Traps, Trap Awareness goes further: it interprets layered concealment, hybrid traps, or those that use indirect methods to mislead intruders.

Essential in ruins, enemy compounds, heist environments, and exploration scenarios.

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.