Trick Shots

Creativity

Agility

Presence

Short Description

Perform precise and unconventional shots to achieve non-damaging but impressive or useful results—like cutting a rope, hitting a trigger, or splitting an arrow.

Success Criteria

Roll 1d100 + skill bonus vs DR set by GM

Effects

On success, you accomplish the intended precision shot (non-damaging)

Examples:

- Cut a tight rope

- Trigger a pressure plate

- Hit a button behind cover

- Split an arrow

- Activate a door release

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Modifiers and Restrictions

–10 to –40 DR if target is large, still, and close

+10 to +50 DR if target is small, moving, far away, or obscured

+20 DR for ricochet or indirect line-of-sight shots

+10 DR in wind, rain, smoke, or dynamic lighting

–10 DR if attempting a previously rehearsed or repeated trick

Action Examples

Shoot a lantern off a rope to cause a distraction: DR 110

Trigger a hidden mechanism by ricocheting a bullet off a pipe: DR 130

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Long Description

Trick Shots embody flair, control, and a deep understanding of angles, timing, and environmental interaction. Unlike combat-focused shooting skills, Trick Shots are used to solve problems creatively—such as disarming traps from afar, triggering mechanisms, or manipulating objects in clever ways.

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Because no damage is dealt, this skill is favored by entertainers, snipers showing off, or tactical experts trying to solve situations with precision rather than brute force. This skill allows you to impress allies - or opponents - with cinematic mastery of your weapon and it is a skill that rewards creative gameplay.

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.