About Curses

The Curses of Itheria

"Every curse demands a price, but every price grants power."

Overview

Curses are supernatural afflictions that permanently alter the course of a character's journey. Unlike temporary status effects, curses evolve over time and often become defining aspects of a character's identity.

Each curse carries a unique balance of maluses (debuffs) and boons (passives and abilities). Depending on a player's preferred playstyle and long-term goals, embracing a curse may be either a blessing or a burden.

Some curses spread through combat or exposure, while others require ancient rituals or deliberate acceptance. Once contracted, many curses undergo a gestation period before reaching full maturity.

Curse Types

😈Infernal Taint😈

The corruption of the Lower Realms.

The lingering corruption of infernal forces twists both body and soul. Those afflicted gradually become vessels for demonic influence, trading pieces of their humanity for dark power.

Status: In Development

🐍Gorgon's Kiss🐍

The gaze that turns courage into stone.

Upon reaching full maturity, the afflicted transforms into a Gorgon.

Characteristics

Opponents who attack the Gorgon suffer increased cooldowns as they struggle against its petrifying gaze.
Unlocks unique Gorgon-themed passive effects and abilities.
Additional abilities are planned as development progresses.

Status: In Development

🐺Lycanthropy🐺

The ancient curse of the beast.

Lycanthropy transforms its host into a creature forever caught between civilization and primal instinct.

The curse grants enhanced physical prowess, heightened senses, and beastly abilities while introducing weaknesses unique to the afflicted.

Status: In Development

🦇Vampirism🦇

The eternal thirst.

Vampirism may be contracted through:

Ritual transformation.
Combat with a player already afflicted by Vampirism.

After infection, the curse enters a 3-day gestation period before the transformation is complete.

Planned Features

Passive Benefits

Enhanced vampiric abilities.
Increased survivability.
Unique vampire passives.

Active Abilities

Vampiric Drain
Mist Form
Swarm of Bats

Progression

Vampirism is planned to feature multiple stages of evolution. As the curse deepens, stronger abilities become available—but so do increasingly severe drawbacks.

The more power a vampire gains, the greater the curse's hold upon them.

Curse Philosophy

Curses are not intended to be simple upgrades or punishments.

Instead, each curse represents a distinct playstyle with meaningful strengths and weaknesses. Players are encouraged to decide whether the advantages of embracing a curse outweigh the sacrifices it demands.

No curse is meant to be universally superior; each offers a different path through the world of Itheria.