Magic - Curses

Compatible with Basic Roleplaying System

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Work in progress!

Slightly NSFW!

FEATURED

Curses are a more potent and lingering form of malevolent magic when compared to Hexes. Warlocks, dark sorcerers, and those with a grudge often cast them to inflict lasting harm - whether physical, psychological, or spiritual. Curses are usually saved for situations of deep enmity or as severe punishments, entailing more intricate casting methods and carrying greater peril for both the caster and the victim.

Curse List

This is not a comprehensive list of curses; many more exist. A character may create a new curse at any time, with the GM’s approval. CN: Casting Number Notes:

The personal item must be something regularly used and deeply personal, like a frequently worn ring or hat. A simple utensil like a fork is insufficient.
All curses can be overcast. Overcast: +1 Time Unit for every +2 SL.

Spells are sorted by CN cost and then by name.

Lingering Misfortune

The curse dooms the target to a string of ill luck, making even simple tasks perilous.

CN: 4 Effect: For 1d10 hours, the target takes a -10 penalty on all Skill and Opposed Tests. Each time they fail, they must pass a Willpower Test or gain 1 Fatigue. Miscast: The caster ties their own fate to the target, suffering the same penalty whenever they are within 10 yards.

Intellect Cost: 4 Effect: For the next day, the target's non-combat rolls (or all rolls, if the GM wishes) are hindered by one step. If they fail a roll, they become disheartened, losing 1 point from their Intellect Pool. GM Intrusion: The curse latches onto a second, unintended individual, creating chaotic misfortune for multiple characters.

Malevolent Reflection

A twisted curse that causes the victim's image - reflected in mirrors or still water - to shift into a mocking, tormenting visage.

CN: 4 Effect: For 1d10 weeks, whenever the target sees their reflection, it appears as a hideous or accusatory version of themselves. This constant psychological torment imposes -10 on Willpower Tests to resist fear or corruption. Miscast: The caster briefly glimpses their own monstrous reflection, suffering 1 Corruption point.

Intellect Cost: 4 Effect: The target's reflection distorts into an unsettling entity that saps confidence, adding +1 difficulty to resisting mental effects or fear for 1 week. GM Intrusion: The reflection occasionally speaks to others, spreading rumors or mocking the target, causing social complications.

Blood of Betrayal

A potent malediction that makes the target's own blood turn against them, symbolizing treachery or guilt.

CN: 5 Effect: Whenever the target suffers a Wound (even a minor cut) for 1d10 days, the wound bleeds profusely. They lose an additional Wound per instance of damage unless they pass a Toughness Test. Miscast: The caster briefly shares this affliction, bleeding more easily from any wound for 1 day.

Intellect Cost: 5 Effect: For up to one week, each time the target is damaged, they lose an extra 2 points from their Might Pool unless they succeed on a Might defense roll. GM Intrusion: The curse leaks into nearby allies' wounds, causing them mild bleeding if they are injured in the same scene, spreading a sense of doomed fate.

Nightmare Shroud

The target is plagued by haunting visions in their sleep, preventing restful recovery.

CN: 5 Effect: For 3 nights, the target cannot recover Wounds or resolve by sleeping. They are tormented by nightmares each evening, causing them to wake exhausted. If they do not receive help or break the curse, they risk further penalties or Insanity Points. Miscast: The nightmares partially affect the caster too, losing half their normal night's recovery for 1 night.

Intellect Cost: 5 Effect: The target suffers terrible dreams for the next 3 days. They gain no benefit from recovery rolls made by sleeping and lose 1 Intellect point each morning from mental fatigue. GM Intrusion: The nightmares bleed into daytime, occasionally imposing a +1 difficulty on random tasks as hallucinations creep in.

Tethers of the Grave

A vile curse that slowly saps vitality, tethering the target to an impending demise.

CN: 5 Effect: Over 1d10 days, the target's Toughness Bonus counts as 1 point lower (cumulative each day) for resisting disease, poison, and injuries. If this reaches 0, the target collapses in a near-death state until the curse is broken. Miscast: The tether partly ensnares the caster, lowering their Toughness Bonus by 1 for the duration.

Intellect Cost: 5 Effect: Each day for up to 1d6 days, the target's Might Edge is effectively lowered by 1 step, or they lose 1 point of Might at dawn. If it hits 0, they become Incapacitated. A remove curse effect or intense healing can break it early. GM Intrusion: The tether forms a psychic link, letting the caster drain 1 Might from the target each dawn while boosting the caster's own Might Pool by 1 (up to a limit set by the GM).

Ghastly Wail

A supernatural howl or scream haunts the target, audible only to them, draining courage and breaking resolve.

CN: 5 Effect: For 2d10 hours, the target periodically hears an eerie moaning that undermines their morale. They suffer a -10 penalty on Cool and Fear Tests, and if they fail a Fear test, they also lose 1 Advantage. Miscast: The wail echoes back to the caster, causing them to lose 1 Resolve if they fail an Intelligence Test.

Intellect Cost: 5 Effect: For up to one day, the target is plagued by a personal haunting - a spectral cry that imposes +1 difficulty on Fear checks or any attempts to remain calm. GM Intrusion: The wail momentarily manifests in the real world, frightening nearby NPCs or allies, causing social friction or panic.

Withering Gaze

A sinister curse that saps the target's vitality whenever they meet another's eyes.

CN: 5 Effect: For 1d10 days, each time the target engages in eye contact, they lose 1 Wound (ignoring armor) as an invisible draining force gnaws at them. If their Wounds reach 0 from this effect, they gain a Critical Wound. Miscast: The curse partially reflects upon the caster, causing them to lose 1 Wound the next time they make eye contact with anyone.

Intellect Cost: 5 Effect: For up to one week, each time the target meets someone's gaze (e.g., during a conversation or confrontation), they take 2 points of Might damage. Avoiding eye contact is socially difficult but can mitigate the effect. GM Intrusion: The target's attempts to avert their eyes cause them to appear deceptive or suspicious, sparking rumors or hostility.

Curse of the Unruly Garb

CN: 6 Effect: Whenever the cursed character attempts the chosen Trigger Action, roll 1d40 on the Cursed Wardrobe Mishap Table. Apply the listed narrative effect plus the corresponding rule effect. Duration: Until lifted via Cleansing or Remove Curse ritual, or by appeasing the original source (GM discretion). Typical Consequence: Beyond the listed penalties, prolonged exposure to the humiliation grants 1 Corruption Point every time a Major Embarrassment result (33-40) is rolled. Miscast: The caster becomes the target of the curse for 1d6 hours.

Level: 4 GM intrusion effect (can be overridden like a level 4 hazard). Effect: Each time the cursed PC performs the Trigger Action, the GM rolls randomly on the Mishap Table. Apply effects narratively; if a result lists a mechanic, treat it as a level 4 task modifier (hindered by 1 step unless otherwise stated). Optional XP Hook: Each time the PC suffers a Major Embarrassment mishap (33-40), the GM may grant 1 XP - but another character must receive 1 XP too, to highlight how everyone witnesses the embarrassment. Duration: Until countered by expending a GM Intrusion as a "Remove Curse" effect, or an in‑world ritual/device of equal Tier 4 power.

d40	Name	Description	Escalation Level	Fulfillment/Effect	WFRP4e Rule Effect	Cypher Rule Effect
1	Tangled Boots	Bootlaces knot themselves, causing a clumsy stumble.	Minor Nuisance	You stumble briefly.	Must take an Agility test to avoid Prone	GM Intrusion: lose a turn repositioning
2	Dramatic Cloak	Cloak flares dramatically and catches on something.	Minor Nuisance	Slows movement momentarily.	Lose 1 movement in combat	Rolled task treated as hindered
3	Unraveling Cuff	Thread pulls loose making you fuss at sleeve.	Minor Nuisance	Distracts wearer.	-10 on next Fellowship test	1 step harder on next Persuasion
4	Vanishing Glove	One glove slips away and reappears nearby.	Minor Nuisance	Forces you to pick up clothing.	Lose next action to retrieve item	Spend 1 Intellect or drop an item
5	Hat Flip	Hat spins to obscure vision.	Minor Nuisance	Vision blocked briefly.	-10 to Perception until removed	Next roll hindered by 1 step
6	Laced Together	Bootlaces tie themselves together.	Minor Nuisance	Tripped for one step.	Agility Test or fall Prone	GM Intrusion: Target falls
7	Straining Buttons	Buttons noisily strain.	Minor Nuisance	Distracting noise.	-10 to Stealth	Automatic GM Intrusion during stealth
8	Dusty Knees	Dust or flour clings to trousers.	Minor Nuisance	Appearance spoiled.	-10 to Charm	Social check 1 step harder
9	Loose Belt	Belt unlatches itself.	Minor Nuisance	Clothes slip slightly.	Lose Resilience to resist Embarrassment	1 Might Pool to quickly fix
10	Dragging Sleeves	Sleeves dip into dirt or food.	Minor Nuisance	Cause mess or distraction.	-10 to Etiquette/Charm	Task hindered vs nobles
11	Unraveling Thread	Hemline unravels under its own will.	Minor Nuisance	Visibly messy.	-10 evaluate Skill Test using Clothing (like Courtly)	Appearance asset lost
12	Folding Collar	Collar folds to frame face foolishly.	Minor Nuisance	Appearance odd.	-10 to Charm	1 step harder public rolls
13	Twitching Ribbons	Ribbons untie themselves.	Minor Nuisance	Forces retie.	Lose 1 action to retie	Fumble if not fixed in 1 round
14	Hem Snag	Hem catches on obstacles.	Minor Nuisance	Stops quick move.	Lose 1 Move	Task hindered if moving
15	Anchor Cloak	Cloak sticks to ground like magnet.	Annoying Trouble	Trips movement.	Agility Test or lose full round	Spend 2 Speed or lose move
16	Suspicious Rip	Loud rip sound, no damage yet.	Annoying Trouble	Embarrasses character.	Opposed Cool Test or gain 1 Stress	Intellect defense to avoid asset loss
17	Emptying Pockets	Pocket spills contents in public.	Annoying Trouble	Lose or embarrass item.	Lose 1d10 brass/coins	GM Intrusion item falls
18	Sagging Stocking	Sock droops constantly.	Annoying Trouble	Looks foolish, distracts.	-10 Charm	1 step harder persuasion
19	Blooming Stain	Bright stain appears.	Annoying Trouble	Damage to status.	-10 Etiquette Tests	Social asset lost
20	Gusty Cloak	Clothes flap wildly in wind.	Annoying Trouble	Draws attention.	-10 Stealth	GM Intrusion: Stealth broken
21	Squeaky Boots	Shoes squeak loudly.	Annoying Trouble	Draws notice.	Stealth auto-fail in silence	All stealth hindered
22	Clinging Scarf	Scarf coils about your neck.	Annoying Trouble	Restricts actions.	-10 Weapon Skill until freed	Spend 1 Speed to free self
23	Stitch Shower	Loose stitches rain down.	Annoying Trouble	Messy distraction.	Gain 1 Fatigue from effort	Fumble risk rises by 5%
24	Tightening Clothes	Fabric feels tighter each mishap.	Annoying Trouble	Restricts mobility.	-10 Agility	All Speed tasks hindered
25	Inside‑Out Gloves	Gloves reverse themselves.	Annoying Trouble	Discomfort and fuss.	-10 Charm	Spend 1 Intellect to adjust
26	Snapping Strap	One strap bursts at random.	Annoying Trouble	Startling noise.	Gain 1 Stress	GM Intrusion: reveal weakness
27	Selective Rain	Rain soaks only you.	Annoying Trouble	Damp clothes discomfort.	-10 Endurance	Speed tasks hindered
28	Chair Snare	Clothing catches when sitting.	Annoying Trouble	Causes clumsy moment.	Lose 1 action to free	1 Speed Pool loss
29	Ghostly Perfume	Strange scent clings to you.	Annoying Trouble	Suspicious attention.	-10 Fellowship in subtle work	Social asset flips negative
30	Chattering Boots	Shoes chatter mockingly.	Annoying Trouble	Distracts others.	-10 Stealth	Automatic GM Intrusion when quiet
31	Backwards Hat	Hat spins itself backwards.	Annoying Trouble	Silly look.	-10 Charm	1 Intellect asset flipped negative
32	Glitter Patch	Glitter sticks magically.	Annoying Trouble	Draws too much notice.	-10 Stealth	Stealth hindered 2 steps
33	Phantom Tug	Skirt/Trousers tug a little lower (or higher).	Major Embarrassment	Visibly awkward shift.	Cool Test to avoid Embarrassment	GM Intrusion: Public stumble
34	Mocking Shadow	Shadow shows loose clothes.	Major Embarrassment	People laugh at shadow.	-10 Fellowship	Reputation hit asset
35	Blooming Fabric	Flower sprouts from clothes.	Major Embarrassment	Target mocked.	-10 Social Influence	GM Intrusion: Foolish rumor spreads
36	Spark Cloak	Clothes flare with harmless sparks.	Major Embarrassment	Draws huge crowd notice.	Fear Test (minor)	Lights reveal position to foes
37	Kneeling Groan	Clothes stretch noisily when you kneel.	Major Embarrassment	Crowd laughter.	Lose 1 Initiative	GM Intrusion when kneeling
38	Clinging Fabric	Clothes stick like static.	Major Embarrassment	Uncomfortable cling.	Gain 1 Fatigue	Intellect task hindered due to distraction
39	Trailing Scrap	Cloth scrap detaches and trails.	Major Embarrassment	Public ridicule.	-10 Fellowship	Intrusion: NPC mocks you
40	Treasonous Seams	Clothing rips at peak dramatic moment.	Major Embarrassment	Seam bursts, public spectacle!	Check Cool or gain 1 Stress	GM Intrusion: Clothes fail catastrophically

Endless Appetite

Afflicts the target with insatiable hunger or thirst that can never be fully quenched.

CN: 6 Effect: For 1d10 days, the target must consume twice the normal amount of food and drink. Failure to do so each day causes a -10 penalty to all Tests due to gnawing hunger. Additionally, they cannot recover from Fatigue or Stress as normal, always feeling a hollow ache. Miscast: The curse partially rebounds - if the caster fails a Willpower Test, they too feel a fraction of this hunger for 1 day.

Intellect Cost: 6 Effect: For up to one week, the target requires double rations daily. If they fail to consume this, they suffer +1 difficulty on all tasks for the next 24 hours. They also cannot benefit from Recovery rolls as efficiently, reducing each by 1 point. GM Intrusion: The cursed hunger distracts them at critical moments (like mid-fight), forcing them to lose a round rummaging for sustenance or making them devour something inadvisable.

Dread Oath

Binds the target to a foreboding promise or doom, shaping their fate until certain conditions are met.

CN: 6 Effect: The caster sets an ultimatum (e.g., "You shall not speak a lie under this moon!"). If the target violates this condition, they immediately suffer a Critical Wound or face 1d5 Corruption points, GM's choice. The effect lasts up to one lunar cycle or until dispelled. Miscast: The curse inverts, binding the caster to a random condition, or causing them a Critical Wound if they break it.

Intellect Cost: 6 Effect: The target must refrain from a specified action for a set time (e.g., lying, harming a certain person). Breaking this vow triggers a powerful backlash - losing 5 points from any Pool or suffering a potent Debilitated condition. GM Intrusion: The vow morphs into a more stringent condition unknown to the caster, causing confusion or conflict between them and the target.

Shackles of Remorse

Binds the target's conscience so that every past wrongdoing weighs heavily on them, impeding actions and eroding confidence.

Casting Number: 6 Effect: For 2d10 days, the target must pass a Willpower Test before performing any violent or morally questionable act. Failure means they hesitate, losing an Action or being unable to proceed as regret gnaws at them. Miscast: The curse intensifies on the caster, dredging up their own guilts. For 1d5 days, the caster suffers -10 to Willpower.

Intellect Cost: 6 Effect: For up to two weeks, the target must succeed on an Intellect defense roll to undertake harmful or dubious actions. Failure renders them unable to act for one round due to paralyzing guilt. GM Intrusion: The curse spreads, momentarily pulling an ally or the caster into a shared remorse, hindering them as well.

Curse Miscast Consequences

For curse users who critically fail a casting roll. Roll 1d20 or assign by GM fiat.

General

#	Title	Consequence	Consequence
1	Forgotten Candle	Protective circle candle snuffs; ritual must restart (lose 1 hr).	Lose 1 hour of downtime; 2 Intellect damage from strain.
2	Backlash Guilt	Feel weight of curse; gain 1 Sin Point or equivalent.	Take 3 Intellect damage; GM intrusion of remorse.
3	Broken Talisman	Focus item cracks, value halves; CN +1 on future curses.	Next curse costs +1 Intellect; artifact depletes 1 step.
4	Sworn Enemy	Spirit hints target’s name wrong; you curse innocent - social fallout.	Mistake NPC; GM intrusion causing conflict, 1 XP cost to fix.
5	Whisper Trail	Curse leaves detectable aura; Witch Hunters gain +10 Track.	Tracking you eased; next stealth/social roll hindered (GM).
6	Eerie Chill	Room temperature drops; allies uneasy (-5 Fellowship for scene).	NPCs unsettled; social tasks hindered this scene.
7	Unquiet Sleep	Caster plagued by nightmares; recover 0 Wounds next rest.	Lose next recovery roll; 2 Intellect damage.
8	Withered Bloom	Plants within 1 yd wilt; superstitious townsfolk fearful.	Reputation hindered in rural area; +1 difficulty social tests.
9	Spirit Toll	Caster loses 1 Resolve point.	Lose 2 Intellect Pool permanently until quest atones.
10	Ill Omen Ravens	Flock appears above home; local gossip turns sour.	GM intrusion: rumor spreads; pay coin or social penalty.
11	Cracked Mirror	Any mirror shows fleeting skull; -10 Cool next day.	Fear checks hindered for 24h; 3 Intellect damage if alone.
12	Blood Price	Nosebleed stains grimoire; -1 Advantage on next ritual.	Take 3 Might damage; item damaged (needs repair).
13	Fading Shadows	Caster casts no shadow at dawn; priests suspicious.	Religious NPCs hostile; tasks vs clergy hindered for day.
14	Debt of Voice	Lose normal speaking voice for d4 hours.	Cannot use verbal abilities for 2 hours; social hindered.
15	Soured Milk	Food spoils around you; pay double upkeep.	Lose 1 XP or coin equivalent for extra supplies.
16	Hexed Quill	Future scrolls written by caster have 10% chance misworded.	Next contract or spell text glitch GM intrusion.
17	Rotten Luck	Next time caster spends Fortune/XP, benefit reduced by half.	Next XP spend costs +1 XP; Effort costs +1.
18	Haunted Ink	Invisible script appears on book: -10 Research until cleansed.	All knowledge tasks hindered until day spent cleansing.
19	Drifting Soul	Brief out-of-body; lose 1 Fate or similar resource.	Lose 1 Cypher slot until next rest, as spirit unstable.
20	Mark of the Damned	Shadow forms horns; cannot hide taint: +2 difficulty Charm until removed.	Permanent descriptor (Damned social tasks hindered until major quest lifts mark.

Combat

Higher results are increasingly disastrous.

#	Title	Consequence	Consequence
1	Dark Echo	Caster gains -10 to next WP Test; eerie whisper heard.	Hindered on next Intellect defense; faint whispers (flavor).
2	Malice Rebound	Caster suffers their own curse for 1 hour at half potency.	Caster suffers curse effect (scaled) for 1 hour.
3	Blood Price	Lose 1d5 Wounds ignoring armour.	Take 5 Might damage ignoring Armor.
4	Gloom Veil	-10 to Perception tests for rest of encounter.	Perception tasks hindered for 10 minutes.
5	Shivering Chill	Gain 1 Fatigue; -10 to Toughness tests for 1 hour.	Lose 3 Speed points; Speed defense hindered 1 hour.
6	Broken Sigil	Curse auto-fails; CN increases by 2 on next attempt.	Ability fails; next use costs +2 Intellect.
7	Backlash Fear	Must pass Cool or gain Broken Condition for one Round.	Make Intellect defense; failure: flee 1 round.
8	Wild Corruption	Gain 1d5 Corruption and minor mutation (GM).	Gain 2 Intellect damage and a temporary GM-chosen quirk.
9	Nightmare Spike	Suffer 1d10+2 WP damage during next sleep.	Lose a recovery roll tonight; take 3 Intellect damage.
10	Shadow Lash	Caster takes a Major Wound to the arm (critical).	Lose use of one arm 10 minutes; 4 Might damage.
11	Friend Turned Foe	Nearest ally views caster with suspicion (Opposed Charm to calm).	Nearest ally’s next social roll with caster hindered; GM intrusion possible betrayal.
12	Doomed Footing	Slip; prone and stunned for Round; lose 1 Advantage.	Fall prone; lose next action and 2 Speed damage.
13	Temporal Drain	Lose 1 Fortune Point or one Resilience if none left.	Lose 2 XP or spend 1 Recovery roll immediately (no benefit).
14	Creeping Rot	TB counts as 1 lower for resist disease until next dawn.	Armor reduced by 1 for 24 hours; Might tasks hindered if diseased.
15	Curse Cascade	Another random prepared curse misfires immediately (GM).	Random cypher/ability activates unexpectedly (GM Intrusion).
16	Haunting Vision	-10 to Fellowship tests for 24 h due to ghostly aura.	Social tasks hindered all day; gain 2 Intellect damage on failures.
17	Life-Leech	Lose 1 Toughness bonus for rest of session.	Maximum Might Pool -2 until next recovery roll.
18	Soul Shock	Must pass Very Hard (-30) Endurance or drop to 0 Wounds.	Take 6 Intellect damage; become debilitated for 10 minutes.
19	Rending Rift	All within 3 yd take 1d10 Wounds ignoring armour; caster +1 Corruption.	All within immediate range take 5 damage (any Pool caster suffers +1 permanent Intellect loss until cured.
20	Eternal Mark	Permanent Minor Mutation & 1d10 Corruption; curse imprinted on soul.	Gain a permanent descriptor (GM) and -1 Edge of chosen Pool; this cannot be healed without major quest.

Curse Removal

For removing curses, here are actionable mechanics and narrative options suitable for both WFRP4e and the Cypher System:

Curse Removal in WFRP4e

Remove Curse Spell or Ritual:
The primary method to end a curse in WFRP4e is through the Remove Curse spell or a suitably powerful ritual. The dispelling caster must possess an equal or higher Magick Level than the original curse’s caster (or the curse’s equivalent difficulty). If the original source is unknown, assume the curse counts as being cast by a Magick Level 2 or higher caster. Casting Test:
The caster performs a Language (Magick) Test, usually at Hard (-20) difficulty, modified by the curse’s potency or complexity. The GM may require an Extended Channelling Test beforehand to gather sufficient magical energy. Each Success Level (SL) gained over the difficulty weakens the curse’s hold. Success:
If the caster achieves 2 or more SLs beyond the required threshold, the curse is broken, and all its effects end immediately. Particularly powerful or ancient curses may require 4 or more SLs or additional ritual components to fully remove. Failure Means Continued Curse:
Failure leaves the curse intact. A Fumbled Test may worsen the situation - either strengthening the curse, causing a magical backlash, or transferring a fragment of the curse’s effect to the would-be dispeller. Repeated attempts are possible after a suitable interval (usually one day), though each failed attempt risks magical miscasts or fatigue. Alternative Solutions: Not all curses can be lifted by magic alone. Some demand alternate or narrative means of resolution:

Undertaking a pilgrimage or divine rite to appease the gods.
Crafting or acquiring rare alchemical ingredients for a purifying potion.
Performing symbolic acts of atonement or balance to realign the curse’s energy.
Seeking help from a more powerful wizard, priest, or spirit medium.

Curse Removal in Cypher System

Pool Spend for Suppression:
A cursed character may spend points from the most appropriate Pool - usually Intellect (mental fortitude), Might (physical endurance), or Speed (reflexive resistance) - to suppress the curse’s influence for a short time. Each point spent suppresses minor effects (such as pain, trembling, or misfortune) for roughly ten minutes or one narrative scene, at the GM’s discretion. Applying Effort can extend the duration or reduce the curse’s potency further, though this does not remove it entirely. Ritual or Artifact Removal:
To remove a curse completely, characters must perform a ritual, use a special artifact, or undergo a story-based trial. These methods depend on the tone and lore of the setting.

Rituals usually require several rolls or tasks (such as research, gathering components, or invoking divine aid).
Magical artifacts may provide a one-use solution or impose a dangerous side effect upon success.
A GM may also allow a community or divine NPC intervention to end a curse, often at a steep cost or risk.

GM Discretion and Difficulty:
At the GM’s discretion, attempting to remove a curse requires a single task or an extended challenge, typically at Difficulty 6-8 (18-24 target number), depending on the curse’s severity or source.

Success: The curse is removed or drastically weakened.
Failure: The curse persists, possibly growing stronger or transferring a partial effect to another creature or object.
GM Intrusion: On a failed or near-success roll, the GM may introduce complications such as spiritual backlash, misfired ritual effects, or the attention of hostile supernatural forces.

Narrative Flexibility:
Curses in the Cypher System are best handled as evolving story elements rather than static effects. Their removal should feel like the culmination of character effort, creative thinking, and resource sacrifice - not just a single roll. A GM is encouraged to tie curse removal into character arcs, discoveries, or moral choices rather than a purely mechanical resolution.

Curse Removal Props

The following are examples of magical items, artifacts, and rituals that may be discovered or sought out to cleanse the afflicted from clothing-based curses - those particularly embarrassing or humiliating enchantments that prey on pride and dignity. Each includes mechanical effects and narrative hooks suitable for WFRP4e and the Cypher System.

Magical Items for Curse Removal

Silver Thread of Purification

Description: A fine silver filament spun by moonlight, shimmering faintly with celestial energy. Tailors and witches alike believe it to carry the blessing of purity and renewal. WFRP4e: When incorporated into a ritual or carefully sewn into the cursed garment (taking 1 hour), the caster or wearer may attempt a Willpower Test (+10 bonus) to resist or dispel the curse. Success with 2+ SL immediately lifts the curse; failure allows another attempt after 24 hours. The thread loses its potency afterward. Cypher System: The user may spend 3 Intellect points and make an Intellect-based task (Difficulty 6) to weave or mend the cursed garment. Success suppresses or removes the curse for 24 hours. Applying Effort can extend the duration or remove the curse entirely, depending on narrative context.

Amulet of the Blessed Vestment

Description: A simple pendant blessed by a temple devoted to protective gods. Its faint warmth reassures the wearer, muting the touch of malignant enchantments. WFRP4e: Once per day, the wearer may call upon the amulet’s divine protection to gain a +20 bonus on an Opposed Willpower Test against any curse that specifically affects clothing, garments, or personal dignity. Cypher System: While worn, the amulet provides a constant Asset (+1 bonus) on all Social interaction tasks and reduces penalties from clothing-related curses or debuffs by one level. If invoked during a cleansing ritual, it grants an additional +1 step easing to the roll.

Cleansing Waters of the Sacred Stream

Description: Water collected from a mountain spring blessed by ancient spirits. Said to dissolve magical corruption, it must be used under moonlight to retain potency. Narrative Use (both systems): To end the curse, the afflicted garment must be washed in these waters during a ritual that lasts at least one full hour, preferably with the assistance of a priest or spellcaster. This process may form the centerpiece of a side quest, involving travel to the sacred site or bartering for the rare water with a temple order. WFRP4e: The ritual provides a +20 bonus to the Language (Magick) or Pray Test used in the curse removal. Cypher System: Performing the ritual with these waters eases the curse removal task by two steps.

Enchanted Thread of Reversal

Description: A shimmering golden thread infused with restorative magic. It is believed to “sew back the story” of a cursed garment, undoing enchantments stitched into the weave. WFRP4e: Requires a Difficult (–10) Craft (Tailoring) or Language (Magick) Test as part of a one-hour ritual. Success restores the garment’s original condition and permanently negates all curse effects. Failure inflicts 1 Fatigue from the strain of magical backlash. Cypher System: Requires a Difficulty 5 Intellect task (or Crafting-related skill). On success, the curse is neutralized. A failure means the garment regains its cursed properties after one day unless reinforced by a second ritual.

Artifact-Level Cleansing

Ritual of the Silver Moon

Description: A grand arcane rite invoking the light of the silver moon - a celestial force said to cleanse corruption. The ritual is often performed by both a magician and a cleric, using silver-threaded cloth, incense, and moon-charged water. Mechanics: WFRP4e: The ritual takes 1d4 hours. The leading caster must succeed on a series of Extended Willpower or Language (Magick) Tests, accumulating 6 SL total before accruing 3 Fumbles. Success fully lifts the curse; failure may worsen it, causing increased magical instability or an embarrassing flare-up. Cypher System: The ritual requires one or more Intellect-based rolls (Difficulty 7). Each successful roll contributes toward the cleansing; failure means the curse lingers or transforms. GM Intrusions can introduce additional side effects - perhaps attracting unwanted spirits or lunar attention.

Narrative and Design Notes

Curses as Quests: Removing a curse should rarely be instantaneous. It may require collecting rare ingredients, traveling to holy places, or earning divine favor, providing a natural framework for side adventures. Tactical Preparation: Items such as the Silver Thread or Blessed Amulet encourage planning and cooperation, letting characters offset the risk of magical mishaps or rituals gone wrong. Visual and Roleplay Elements: Washing garments in sacred water or sewing enchanted thread into a cursed robe adds tangible roleplay moments and humor to what could otherwise be a simple mechanic. Scaling Challenge: Particularly cruel or ancient curses (like The Garment’s Torment) may demand multiple steps - combining ritual, item use, and possibly divine intervention - before they can be fully broken.