Cursed Magic

Cursed Magic is a very prominent and detrimental type of magic. Most of the magic comes from a place of darkness and has been proven to be corruptive by nature. Cursed Magic is very versatile but is considered immoral and a vessel for evil. Not only that, but some of Starr's worst oppressors wielded it.

## Description

This form of magic can be manifested in many ways depending on the sub-magic used. Dark Magic is a soft, black and red, comforting cloud-like mass. Shadow Magic is a thin and fleeting purple mist but is sometimes even shaped like a shadow. Black Magic consists of harsh lines and shapes that resemble the marks one would draw to place hexes or commence a ritual. The combination of these techniques make the practice of Cursed Magic an extremely versatile and imaginative resource.

Cursed Magic focuses less on raw power and more on deception and the dark arts: forbidden techniques and abilities that some may consider to be unnatural. A large part of this stems from the aspects of contorting the body, mind, or life-force of an individual in ways that tamper with the natural order of life, creating an imbalance that seeks to correct itself. Cursed Magic can be difficult to fight against unless you wield its antithesis, Blessed Magic.

## Branches

Cursed Magic has three types of sub-magics that branch off into different categories: Dark, Black, and Shadow magic. There are big differences between the three. Using any of them on their own is easy enough while combining them to form true cursed magic is extremely arduous and taxing. The only individuals known to have successfully done this are Gohdumsin and the Demon King.

### Dark Magic

Starting with Dark Magic, it is, ultimately, about sacrificing your normal life. This doesn't just mean Life-force, but your daily life in general. The deeper you get into dark magic, the more your life alters for what some may consider the worse. This can include the manipulation of life-force, necromancy, and much more. Dark Magic is the most versatile and can be used to conjure many different types of magic.

### Shadow Magic

The magic of shadows is all about breaking the boundaries of what is possible with your body, hence the name "shadow" being a symbol for another body. Teleportation, shifting your body, hiding, with Shadow Magic, one can contort themselves in all sorts of ways. This also includes Voodoo Magic, the control of one's vessel. The combination of Dark and Shadow is called "Umbra Magic."

### Black Magic

The weakest of the three, Black Magic is focused on curses, hexes, and other forms of trickery. It is the smallest of the three magics and is primarily used by the Vikkins. Black Magic is typically used for mental purposes such as mind-control and persuasion. Voodoo Magic can be included in both this and Shadow Magic.

## History

Cursed Magic was originally a byproduct of Starr's creation and existed through the Ever-Umbra, a vessel of ancient power that was swiftly hidden aboard the Astral Tortoise. Even at the beginning, the ancient magic was quite popular, and was used by powerful individuals such as the God of Darkness Gohdumsin and the Demon King. The king taught his greatest enforcer, the 1st Tormentor, in the ways of his magic, as well as created the Shadow Sash for his guardsman Vetril. Meanwhile, Gohdumsin used the magic for nefarious purposes, such as the creation of the Martyr Ten curses that would continue for millennia.

Nurmor, too, would dabble in cursed magic. He used Dark Magic to create the creature Oblivion and its deadly life-force absorption technique. Oblivion was a failsafe that would activate in the far future. Nurmor and Gohdumsin were both sealed away by the Chaos Core. Light's Bane was also a mighty vessel of cursed magic that was known for corrupting its users while the Land of Fear was a dimension born purely from cursed magic.

In the 5th dusk the Ever-Umbra was finally found and stolen. Umbraya would use its boundless quantities of Dark and Shadow magic to create a vast empire on Senothia known as the Umbrayan Shadow Empire. During this time period, known as the "Reign of Shadows", evil magics ran wild. Xirros and Zashrir the Voodoo Master aided Umbraya and received great powers in return. Xirros injected shadow magic into the lands and created the Shadow Dimension, sentient skeletons and Vampires, both of which created a lineage. Tools like the Shadow Dragon's Nightmare and Shadow Cookie's were also developed. Fortunately, Ivory Forthlander and the Kin of Law defeated the empire and regained the Ever-Umbra. Forthlander sealed it away and ended centuries of dark tyranny.

Cursed Magic kept a low profile for the next few millennia. Vikkins such as Venorane practiced basic Black Magic while the entity Tajan used darkness to create sentient mummies. Only in the 12th dawn did it begin to resurface. The age of the Heralds of Retha brought out a lot of slowly-developing darkness. The heroes encountered villains like the black magic-wielding Jester, the cursed Mummy Lord and Lamia, necromancers Vice Theranit and Master Anrun, and the vampiric Victor Jack. The Heralds also obtained items like the Animated Sword and the Cloak of Displacement which used imbued shadow magic. Oblivion awoke and gained destructive powers by absorbing all of Retha. Fortunately, he was destroyed.

Somehow Zashrir returned. But first, the demon Quassiccordon briefly rose to power in Lorisin before being banished to a crumbling Hell. Then, the Voodoo Master trained a new apprentice, Modithrimus, and created a multitude of Magma-Husks. All threats were neutralized by the Heralds. It was around this time that Pagranor Boquilak managed to unlock Dark Magic and used it for benevolent purposes. During this myriad of events the Chaos Core was destroyed; a freed Gohdumsin plagued the heroes and plunged Starr into darkness once again.

Gohdumsin created The Gifted, a group of individuals with different abilities. Optin Eil used shadow magic to temporarily defeat the Angel King, Gehennuhl used dark magic to assault the Demon King, and Narcilis used black magic to hypnotize the Kin of Law. They were defeated one by one at the hands of the Heralds who had also been using their Enemy Essence Collector along the way to create new items with the powers of their fallen foes. Many of which involved cursed magic, such as the Puppeteer's Gage, Artifex Spectacles, Umbran Helm, and the Eclipsing Hook. The Martyr Ten also returned and had multiple confrontations with the Heralds.

The Heralds of Retha briefly joined forces with Dimiourgia in order to defeat Gohdumsin. The alliance resulted in the destruction of Gohdumsin, his Martyr Ten, and his dark Orcish armies. Starr was freed from any heavy cursed magic for centuries.

## Applications

Cursed Magic covers a vast array of potential magical abilities, from universal-wide curses and world-conquering might to minor trickery and manipulation. The language "Umbra-Speak" may be required for many incantations. Each branch of magic has a distinguished style that can become exponentially deadly with skill and practice. First, there is a single spell that perfectly combines all three branches into a terrifying eclipse.

* **Crimson Eclipse-** This spell is the ultimate culmination of Gohdumsin's cursed magic techniques. When the spell is cast it creates a solar eclipse wherever Gohdumsin would like. This phenomenon has many benefits, such as blinding the Overseer until the dark magic subsides, cast any dimension in red darkness and put himself in his natural habitat, convert any dimension into a fragment of the Mirror World for a set period of time, slowly melt anyone in its presence, and curse those who wander into its red light. It is nearly impossible to replicate.

### Dark Magic

* **Life-force Manipulation-** Manipulating the life-force of an individual, most commonly oneself, is not a difficult task for dark magic users. Many exotic spells and effects could be achieved through it. Ordinary specimens may experience side effects, such as the decay of their own life-force.
	+ **Life-force Absorption-** Oblivion is the greatest example of what might be the most powerful dark ability. Oblivion was able to absorb the life-force of any living creature into himself, augmenting his powers, intelligence, and all physical properties. It is possible to regain the stolen life-force and restore whatever it was taken from even long after their death. It is extremely difficult to learn; Pappen Vafaran attempted but ultimately failed at learning the technique.
	+ **Lifesteal-** Stealing life-force like this is comparable to healing by damaging another, taking some of their life-force for yourself. This is not the same as absorption due to the fact that the stolen life does not cause an overall change in either individual, just regeneration.
		- **Dark Revive-** Pagranor Boquilak developed an advanced spell that would allow him to siphon health from his allies into himself after death. This would result in Pagranor's immediate resurrection, but the spell is not perfect, as some of the health is lost during the transfer.
	+ **Life-force Balancing-** Master Anrun possessed the unique technique that involved balancing out his life-force with that of another. If done successfully, by holding his fingers to the others head for a sufficient amount of time, it would have restored Anrun's decaying life-force. The spell can be interrupted by killing either participant, which results in the death of both.
	+ **Life Vacuum-** Originally created by Gohdumsin, this is a powerful technique that involves creating a physical vacuum of life-force inside the user. From this point on the user will not perish unless the vacuum is filled with the life-force of someone else, killing them both. It was specifically designed for maximum death.
	+ **Life Lock-** A purely supportive skill, Pagranor could focus his dark magic on a single ally. During this state of focus, his ally became unable to die. However, the user loses health at an exponential rate, is unable to do any other sort of action, and is prone to attack.
* **Necromancy-** Summoning the dead is one of the most popular and well-known applications of dark magic. Necromancers can invoke the dead to rise once more as necrotic beings through a partial, limited resurrection. Number and duration of summons depends on the skill of the necromancer.
	+ **Skeleton Summoning-** Most common of the summons, skeletons can be risen from the ground in order to serve its summoner. Skeletons are weak and fragile but are easier to mass-produce. Very few can be created with intelligence.
	+ **Zombie Summoning-** The rarest of the summons, zombies are more difficult to create. Unlike skeletons, however, zombies are more durable and partially retain the appearance and powers of deceased individuals in the area.
	+ **Mummy Summoning-** Tajan's dark scroll, when read out-loud in Umbra-Speak, would invoke the dead to rise as mummies. These beings have a mind of their own, plus immortality, but they weaken over time. Some, like the Mummy Lord, can develop unique abilities and dominance over others of his kind.
* **Vampiric Magic-** Vampires were originally created through complex cursed magic and retained a large portion of it afterwards. They can employ the use of dark magic, and while specific vampires develop specific powers, they all have similar base powers.
	+ **Fear Glare-** Using their vampiric eyes, Vampires can briefly paralyze their foe, rendering them unable to move or fight.
	+ **Binding Magic-** Vampires can focus their magic on one individual to keep that target fixated onto their current spot.
	+ **Regeneration-** Vampiric bodies can constantly regenerate themselves over time, and depending on the level of magic, some like Gehennuhl could potentially become physically immortal to natural causes. They can also increase their regeneration by ingesting the blood of others.
		- **Skeletal Resurrection-** If someone were to kill Gehennuhl, the demon could survive by having his skeleton leave his body. Unlike other vampires, Gehennuhl's flesh body could just regrow once again.
* **Body Contortion-** A very rare aspect of dark magic is the ability to contort and apply magic to change your body. Shadow magic is better suited for this but dark has more powerful techniques. The most notable being capable of doing this was Oblivion.
	+ **Body Division-** Oblivion could use dark magic to split himself into two equal halves, dividing all aspects of himself. If one were to perish the other would eventually recover his other half.
	+ **Self-Cloning-** Oblivion could grab blobs from his body and turn them into semi-strong clones of himself that fight with him on the battlefield. They lack his intelligence but retain a portion of his power.
	+ **Fusion-** Oblivion had the power to forcefully merge with someone weaker than him, and become stronger by adding their powers to his own. This ability was transferred onto the Lestrik Artifacts. Fusion physically combines both individuals and merges their abilities; the result is greater than the sum of their parts: the best of both worlds.
	+ **Body Creation-** Creating a fully-functioning spare body is a very advanced dark ability. Venorane was able to create spare duplicates of his own body that he would inhabit shortly before death. However, creating a spare body of someone else is even more complex.
* **Decay Magic-** Not a rare technique, dark magic users can physically decay anything that their magic comes into contact with, swiftly turning people or objects into dust. They can also create decay projectiles to destroy things at a distance.
	+ **Curse of Decay-** When placed on an individual, decay magic will plague the target, slowly harming and eventually killing them. There have been many variations of the original curse. Some act fast, some take longer, others are weaker, and one creates a damaging dark bomb upon completion. It is imperative to dispel the curse before death.
* **Negative Emotion Empowerment-** Although black magic can also do this, dark is the most common example. Extremely skilled users can indulge in raw negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and hatred to use them as a source of power. The user would become more powerful and potentially gain new abilities depending on the emotion used.
	+ **Martyr Curse-** Gohdumsin used a complex version of this technique, along with some Void Magic, to create the Martyr Curses, ten powerful curses that resulted in the Martyr Ten. Their curse allowed each rider to harness a different negative emotion for power at the cost of feeling that emotion forever. The curse was nearly unbreakable and turned its victim into Gohdumsin's loyal slave, unable to deviate from his commands. The curse was always transferred through death.
* **Light Sensing-** Dark Magic could also be used to develop a sixth sense that detected any sort of light magic in the vicinity, sometimes even through overlapping dimensions. A similar technique was used by Gehennuhl which allowed him to directly smell any Paladin blood.
* **Death Incantation-** Master Anrun created an incantation, that if repeated by another individual, would cause that individual to instantly perish. It was a difficult spell to learn but the result was reliable.

### Shadow Magic

* **Teleportation-** Using shadows to move from one location to another is a very common shadow ability. Venorane, someone who was not very deep into shadow magic, was able to teleport himself and others across continental distances through pure shadow alone. Other shadow items may have similar sight-based teleportation with a set range.
	+ **Shadow Traverse-** Similarly to teleportation, traversing shadows allows the user to move through literal shadows as a form of stealth and transportation. The 1st Tormentor used it for stalking his victims and escaping unpleasant situations.
	+ **Shadow Vanish-** The Disappearing Man developed a unique spell that would automatically teleport him behind anyone who attacked him. It wasn't a powerful ability as it could be easily bypassed and weakened its user after every use.
* **Bodily Manipulation-** Shadow Magic is most prominently known for allowing shadowmancers to bend and shift their own body with more ease than dark magic users. This could potentially result in bodily transformations and alterations.
	+ **Shadow Transformation-** Certain items or abilities, like the Shadow Cookie recipe, will allow their users to transform into their own shadow. This form grants several defensive powers such as greatly enhanced speed, limited flight, and phasing.
		- **Shadow Dodge-** Preemptively dodging an incoming attack is a sub-skill of becoming a shadow, The probability to dodge or phase through attacks depends on preparation and reflexes. The Umbran Helm was able to do this quite well.
		- **Shadow Immunity-** Becoming a shadow can sometimes grant immunity to any form of shadow attack at the cost of of being more susceptible to regular attacks.
	+ **Body Dispersal-** Experienced shadow manipulators are able to use shadow magic to disperse their bodies through shadows. To do this, however, you must be within a shadow-enhanced environment.
		- **Shadow Constructs-** Optin Eil was able to manipulate his own shadows in order to create a large floating head with a set of large floating hands. These constructs reflect any damage back to their user but have high destructive capabilities.
		- **Shadow Clones-** Many forms of shadow duplicates can be created but they most commonly reflect the appearance of their creator. Some duplicates can only attack after being attacked while others can use the abilities of their creators. It can be expected for them to lack durability and intelligence.
	+ **Tendril Manifestation-** Gohdumsin was able to manifest several black tendrils out of his mouth. They could be used to inflict curses through damage or simply serve as extra appendages.
	+ **Shadow Taking-** A very draining ability, weak and unwise opponents are briefly absorbed into their shadow and reappear without it. The equally-powerful shadow begins to fight its former host. If defeated it returns to normal.
	+ **Blinding-** Certain shadow attacks can be hand-tailored to temporarily blind the target. The Animated Sword had a weak blinding effect woven into its highly accurate attacks.
	+ **Invisibility-** Becoming invisible is a rare but surprisingly simple technique that is incredibly useful for stealth and reconnaissance. Gohdumsin and the Bliss Rider mastered it but weaker versions can be seen throughout the realms.
* **Voodoo Magic-** Achievable through black but more commonly shadow, Voodoo Magic is an incredibly powerful yet taxing type of magic. It is not an understatement to say that voodoo revolves around control over life and death, which similarly to dark magic, places a great strain on the user. Zashrir's proficiency over voodoo magic ultimately aged him into a physically weak husk.
	+ **Voodoo Doll Creation-** It is difficult to perform voodoo magic on its own so most users are aided through enchanted dolls. There are three types: Vitality Dolls that only determine one's life or death; Physical Dolls, the host mirrors the doll's movements perfectly, and can include dressing and items as they can all be interacted with; and Soul Dolls, cannot hurt the host, but slowly start absorbing his soul. These voodoo dolls have the same size and abilities of the host.
		- **Physical Possession-** Physical Dolls can be used to manipulate the direct actions and movements of the host. Additionally, any damage taken by the doll will reflect back on the host. This could potentially be done without a doll, although it would be extremely difficult. The Puppeteer's Gage could do something similar but required permission from a host.
		- **Power Duplication-** Soul Dolls are very difficult to create but they have a hidden sinister purpose. The creator of the dolls will gain the powers of the doll, which are copied from the host. Zashrir used this to duplicate the powers of countless individuals, including the Heralds of Retha, making him one of the strongest individuals on Senothia. Any upper limit is unknown.
	+ **Resurrection-** Reviving oneself or others is a powerful yet common voodoo technique. The resurrection can be automatic or somewhat delayed depending on the specifics. Not only that, but some resurrections only partially restore the user's health. One of the only ways to stop the chain of revival is to destroy the voodoo user's body before it fully resurrects.
		- **Reanimation-** Reanimating a body as a husk is also possible through voodoo magic. The reanimated corpse is much weaker than it was before death but follows every command. The effect only lasts until the husk takes enough damage and is then reverted back into a corpse. The Artifex Spectacles required that the body must be complete and could only create one husk at a time.
		- **Power Augmentation-** Experienced users of voodoo magic could use additional magic to augment the power and durability of the revived individual, whether it be themselves or others. The effect may increase through multiple resurrections but is ultimately temporary.
	+ **Shadow Sight-** Optin Eil and Zashrir had the ability to carve a specific marking resembling a third eye onto surfaces, allowing the voodoo users to see through it. The user is rendered vulnerable while using this ability but serves as a reliable method of observation from a distance.
* **Telekinesis-** Using shadow mist to telekinetically lift objects into the air is a basic but rare skill. More experienced users can likely increase their limit of weight and number of items lifted.
* **Shadow Fire-** Shadow magic can be used to harness a special type of flame that is imbued with cursed properties. This shadow fire is often more deadly and magical than regular fire. Shadow Dragons were notorious for breathing these cursed flames while the Shadow Dragon's Nightmare specialized in shadow fire attacks.
* **Secret Revelation-** A fairly advanced technique, it involves filling an area with a shadow mist and using it to reveal hidden enemies or structures. If the spell is used properly or imbued into an item, like the Phantom Shadow Lantern, it may occasionally even reveal secrets themselves.

### Black Magic

* **Mental Manipulation-** Black magic is infamous for specializing in mental-based forms of trickery. Black magic users, such as the Vikkins, can become quite proficient in manipulating the mental state of any individuals in order to induce various spells and effects. A contributing factor involves black magic users commonly accessing the mind-realm through unnatural means as a way to invade the minds of others.
	+ **Hypnosis-** Forcefully taking control of someone else's mind is a varying process. Powerful users such as Narcilis were able to hijack the minds of several deities with little to no delay after activation, while weaker versions like Light's Bane twist their host's mind over time. The result is usually the same: full control over the target's mind or body.
		- **Telepathic Influence-** Over time, Light's Bane was able telepathically talk with its host. The user is typically influenced by black magic and corrupted to do evil deeds and fulfill chaotic commands.
		- **Host Control-** Light's Bane and other individuals had the ability to control their host by spreading their black magic into the target's mind at varying speeds. Once control has set in the host is left with little to no options other than hoping for outside assistance. In certain cases the host will have no previous recollection of the possession.
	+ **Consciousness Transfer-** Advanced users of black magic are able to fully transfer their mind onto another body, as was the case with Venorane. More powerful users like Narcilis are able to transfer their mind onto the body of another individual. This would suppress the consciousness of the invaded body. These spells even allow their users to survive after their original body has been destroyed.
	+ **Consciousness Division-** Narcilis was able to use extremely advanced black magic as a way to divide his consciousness up to ten fragments in order to invade and pilot multiple other bodies simultaneously. This is a very straining spell that may begin to cause mental damage and is more likely to break with each new division.
	+ **Memory Manifestation-** A very dangerous and unpredictable technique, certain individuals like the Jester are able to manifest memories into the physical world, whether it be those of others or his own. This can include people, items, and possibly locations. All creations are temporary.
		- **Avatar Conjuration-** The Jester was proficient in creating a powerful avatar of himself that was taken from his own memories. This avatar was capable of using its own items and near-replicating the powers of his creator.
	+ **Charm-** There is a special black incantation, that when spoken to a being, charms the individual. This could influence a person's general opinion about something or cause them to slightly think otherwise than what they thought before.
	+ **Mind-Reading-** If properly handled, black magic users can read the minds of others through the mind-realm, an ever-expanding space that contains everyone's thoughts. Inhabiting a body is another method that slowly gives you the knowledge of the host.
	+ **Mind Protection-** Black magic can be used to fortify the mind, blocking out other black magic users and shielding oneself from any mental intrusions or invasions. Whether this can be done passively or not is dependent on the specific spell and caster.
* **Curse Creation-** Curses can be crafted with all branches of cursed magic but black is the most notorious one of the three. Many of the curses aren't directly destructive but rather hide their true intentions and harbor more insidious side effects. Naturally, curses linger over long periods of time unless the victim finds a way to dispel them himself.
	+ **Distrust Curse-** This curse is completely harmless. It is a curse of pure distrust, meant to create conflict within a group through blame, anger, and fear. A small illusion of the curse caster appears within the victim's mind for those who can see it.
	+ **Spectator Curse-** An advanced spell created by Gohdumsin, the curse manifests itself in the form of a subtle red light in each of the target's eyes which allows Gohdumsin to see and hear everything the target is seeing and hearing. The curse could be inflicted upon multiple people and has a near-infinite range. The red light can be hidden.
	+ **Universal Curse-** Possibly the most powerful curse in existence, Gohdumsin's universal curse was placed upon almost every individual in Starr. It was fully undetectable and would only activate if the victim knew the whereabouts of the Ever-Umbra, immediately alerting Gohdumsin to the information. Recreating a curse of this magnitude would be near impossible.
* **Bad Luck Hex-** Hexes are a small part of black magic and are essentially the short-term version of curses. Hexes are much weaker and less commonly used, but the most prominent one is the bad luck hex. This spell causes the target to experience unnatural amounts of bad luck for a small period of time. Results can be seen as extra luck for the victim's enemies, damage to the victim, and others.
* **Pact Creation-** Practitioners of black magic are able to form common magical pacts with others. Pacts through black magic are more effective mind-to-mind, and while the caster can cancel them at will, it would damage or even kill either person if they didn't follow the agreement.
* **Self-Disguise-** Using black magic, Narcilis could copy the appearance of someone he's seen before. The user does not gain additional powers as the spell is purely appearance-based and is prone to breaking if the illusion is not realistic.
* **Condition Immunity-** Black magic can be used to provide immunity to all forms of magically-induced conditions. These include magically inflicted burns, freezing, blinding, paralyzation, and others. It can also be imbued onto items, like the Vikkin Necklace.

## Locations

Cursed Magic has been present since the early days of Starr. As such, it has corrupted several locations across the realms. Most cases, like the Umbrayan Shadow Empire injecting shadow onto Senothia, were only temporary and have been forgotten. However, certain dimensions remain flooded with vast amounts of cursed magic to the point that they are comprised of darkness.

* **Shadow Dimension-** An artificial realm, it was first created by the shadowmancer Xirros during the Reign of Shadows. It was created to be a somewhat overlaying dimension, meaning changes on Senothia would affect the dimension as well. It's reach is just a small part of Dirloc and the area surrounding it. The shadow-enhanced environment later became a rampant hub for those who need a place to hide.
* **Land of Fear-** This dimension lies on the western edges of Starr and is comprised entirely of cursed and illusory magic. The "God of Fear" has made it his domain and recreates the worst fears of any adventurer brave enough to enter.

## Trivia

* Cursed Magic is one of the most overused magics in the campaign, especially through villains.