Vitality Spike

Reasoning
Empathy

Short Description

Trigger a short-lived surge of vitality in an ally, helping them push through pain - but the effect is strongest if applied before injuries are sustained.

Success Criteria

Roll d100 versus DR 100

Effects

Success grants 3 Health + 3 health per 10 points of Success Rate: Success 0-9 Success rate: +3 health, Success Rate +10 = +6 Health, Success Rate +20= +9 Health.

Duration is 1d6 rounds.

Modifiers and Restrictions

+20 to DR if target is already injured.

+10 to DR per target.

You must touch the target.

Action Examples

Supporting a wounded ally mid-combat: DR 100 + 20. Roll = 138 → SR = 18 → +6 Health for 1d6 rounds

Before entering combat, you quickly give an ally a supportive boost. DR 100. Roll 130 -> SR 30 -> +12 health for 1d6 rounds.

Long Description

Vitality Spike taps into an ally’s latent physical reserves, activating a burst of temporary Health through focused intervention, stimulants, or psychological triggers. It’s designed to keep someone going for a few critical rounds—long enough to act, escape, or survive—but it's not a substitute for real healing.

Importantly, the skill works best when used preemptively. If the target is already wounded or unconscious, penalties apply and the effectiveness drops. By contrast, when triggered before combat, Vitality Spike can provide a powerful buffer that absorbs the first blows and gives the team a vital edge.

After 1d6 rounds, the borrowed Health fades unless followed up with actual healing. Vitality Spike is a tactical tool—ideal for frontline allies, last stands, or sudden ambushes—but only if timed wisely.

Sequencing

Sequence with skills, magic or modules that can boost skills.

Potential Counters

No direct 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.