Magic - Curses

Compatible with Basic Roleplaying System

GM-Info!

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.

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.