Defiling Touch...

[Hunter]

For some reason, I could have sworn I'd seen a list of the various curses, their effects at different levels of Dark Gifts, and the way they worked when wearing multiple items with the same/different curses. But searching the forae and the wiki has come up empty. Since my character just got the Cursed Aura tree from the graveyard, I'm looking to make the best of the situation. Can anyone lay out the details for me, please?

[lukep]

From data/timed_effects/other.lua:
(includes secondary timed effects from curses)

Code: Select all

newEffect{
	name = "CURSE_OF_CORPSES",
	desc = "Curse of Corpses",
	short_desc = "Corpses",
	type = "other",
	subtype = { curse=true },
	status = "beneficial",
	no_stop_enter_worlmap = true,
	decrease = 0,
	no_remove = true,
	cancel_on_level_change = true,
	parameters = {},
	getResistsUndead = function(level) return -2 * level end,
	getIncDamageUndead = function(level) return 2 + level * 2 end,
	getLckChange = function(eff, level)
		if eff.unlockLevel >= 5 or level <= 2 then return -1 end
		if level <= 3 then return -2 else return -3 end
	end,
	getStrChange = function(level) return level end,
	getMagChange = function(level) return level end,
	getCorpselightRadius = function(level) return level + 1 end,
	getReprieveChance = function(level) return 35 + (level - 4) * 15 end,
	display_desc = function(self, eff)
		return ([[Curse of Corpses %d]]):format(eff.level)
	end,
	long_desc = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_CORPSES], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		return ([[An aura of death surrounds you. #LIGHT_BLUE#Level %d%s#WHITE#
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Fear of Death: %+d%% resistance against damage from the undead.
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sPower over Death: %+d%% damage against the undead.
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Strength, %+d Magic
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sCorpselight: Each death you cause leaves behind a trace of itself, an eerie light of radius %d.
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sReprieve from Death: Humanoids you slay have a %d%% chance to rise to fight beside you as ghouls for 6 turns.]]):format(
		level, self.cursed_aura == self.EFF_CURSE_OF_CORPSES and ", Cursed Aura" or "",
		def.getResistsUndead(level),
		bonusLevel >= 1 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getIncDamageUndead(math.max(level, 1)),
		bonusLevel >= 2 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getLckChange(eff, math.max(level, 2)), def.getStrChange(math.max(level, 2)), def.getMagChange(math.max(level, 2)),
		bonusLevel >= 3 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getCorpselightRadius(math.max(level, 3)),
		bonusLevel >= 4 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getReprieveChance(math.max(level, 4)))
	end,
	activate = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_CORPSES], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		-- penalty: Fear of Death
		eff.resistsUndeadId = self:addTemporaryValue("resists_actor_type", { ["undead"] = def.getResistsUndead(level) })

		-- level 1: Power over Death
		if bonusLevel < 1 then return end
		eff.incDamageUndeadId = self:addTemporaryValue("inc_damage_actor_type", { ["undead"] = def.getIncDamageUndead(level) })

		-- level 2: stats
		if bonusLevel < 2 then return end
		eff.incStatsId = self:addTemporaryValue("inc_stats", {
			[Stats.STAT_LCK] = def.getLckChange(eff, level),
			[Stats.STAT_STR] = def.getStrChange(level),
			[Stats.STAT_MAG] = def.getMagChange(level),
		})

		-- level 3: Corpselight
		-- level 4: Reprieve from Death
	end,
	deactivate = function(self, eff)
		if eff.resistsUndeadId then self:removeTemporaryValue("resists_actor_type", eff.resistsUndeadId) end
		if eff.incDamageUndeadId then self:removeTemporaryValue("inc_damage_actor_type", eff.incDamageUndeadId) end
		if eff.incStatsId then self:removeTemporaryValue("inc_stats", eff.incStatsId) end
	end,
	on_merge = function(self, old_eff, new_eff) return old_eff end,
	doCorpselight = function(self, eff, target)
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) >= 3 then
			local def = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_CORPSES]
			local tg = {type="ball", 10, radius=def.getCorpselightRadius(eff.level), talent=t}
			self:project(tg, target.x, target.y, DamageType.LITE, 1)
			game.logSeen(target, "#F53CBE#%s's remains glow with a strange light.", target.name:capitalize())
		end
	end,
	npcWalkingCorpse = {
		name = "walking corpse",
		display = "z", color=colors.GREY, image="npc/undead_ghoul_ghoul.png",
		type = "undead", subtype = "ghoul",
		desc = [[This corpse was recently alive but moves as though it is just learning to use its body.]],
		body = { INVEN = 10, MAINHAND=1, OFFHAND=1, BODY=1 },
		no_drops = true,
		autolevel = "ghoul",
		level_range = {1, nil}, exp_worth = 0,
		ai = "summoned", ai_real = "dumb_talented_simple", ai_state = { talent_in=2, ai_move="move_ghoul", },
		stats = { str=14, dex=12, mag=10, con=12 },
		rank = 2,
		size_category = 3,
		infravision = 10,
		resolvers.racial(),
		resolvers.tmasteries{ ["technique/other"]=1, },
		open_door = true,
		blind_immune = 1,
		see_invisible = 2,
		undead = 1,
		max_life = resolvers.rngavg(90,100),
		combat_armor = 2, combat_def = 7,
		resolvers.talents{
			T_STUN={base=1, every=10, max=5},
			T_BITE_POISON={base=1, every=10, max=5},
			T_ROTTING_DISEASE={base=1, every=10, max=5},
		},
		combat = { dam=resolvers.levelup(10, 1, 1), atk=resolvers.levelup(5, 1, 1), apr=3, dammod={str=0.6} },
	},
	doReprieveFromDeath = function(self, eff, target)
		local def = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_CORPSES]
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) >= 4 and target.type == "humanoid" and rng.percent(def.getReprieveChance(eff.level)) then
			if not self:canBe("summon") then return end

			local x, y = target.x, target.y
			local m = require("mod.class.NPC").new(def.npcWalkingCorpse)
			m.faction = self.faction
			m.summoner = self
			m.summoner_gain_exp = true
			m.summon_time = 6
			m:resolve() m:resolve(nil, true)
			m:forceLevelup(math.max(1, self.level - 2))
			game.zone:addEntity(game.level, m, "actor", x, y)

			-- Add to the party
			if self.player then
				m.remove_from_party_on_death = true
				game.party:addMember(m, {control="no", type="summon", title="Summon"})
			end

			game.level.map:particleEmitter(x, y, 1, "slime")

			game.logSeen(target, "#F53CBE#The corpse of the %s pulls itself up to fight for you.", target.name)
			game:playSoundNear(who, "talents/slime")

			return true
		else
			return false
		end
	end,
}

newEffect{
	name = "CURSE_OF_MADNESS",
	desc = "Curse of Madness",
	short_desc = "Madness",
	type = "other",
	subtype = { curse=true },
	status = "beneficial",
	no_stop_enter_worlmap = true,
	decrease = 0,
	no_remove = true,
	cancel_on_level_change = true,
	parameters = {},
	getMindResistChange = function(level) return -level * 3 end,
	getConfusionImmuneChange = function(level) return -level * 0.04 end,
	getCombatCriticalPowerChange = function(level) return level * 3 end,
	getOffHandMultChange = function(level) return level * 4 end,
	getLckChange = function(eff, level)
		if eff.unlockLevel >= 5 or level <= 2 then return -1 end
		if level <= 3 then return -2 else return -3 end
	end,
	getDexChange = function(level) return -1 + level * 2 end,
	getManiaDamagePercent = function(level) return 16 - (level - 4) * 3 end,
	display_desc = function(self, eff)
		return ([[Curse of Madness %d]]):format(eff.level)
	end,
	long_desc = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_MADNESS], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		return ([[You feel your grip on reality slipping. #LIGHT_BLUE#Level %d%s#WHITE#
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Fractured Sanity: %+d%% Mind Resistance, %+d%% Confusion Immunity
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sUnleashed: %+d%% critical damage, %+d%% off-hand weapon damage
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Dexterity
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sConspirator: When you are confused, any foe that hits you or that you hit in melee becomes confused.
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sMania: Any time you take more than %d%% damage during a single turn, the remaining cooldown of one of your talents is reduced by 1.]]):format(
		level, self.cursed_aura == self.EFF_CURSE_OF_MADNESS and ", Cursed Aura" or "",
		def.getMindResistChange(level), def.getConfusionImmuneChange(level) * 100,
		bonusLevel >= 1 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getCombatCriticalPowerChange(math.max(level, 1)), def.getOffHandMultChange(math.max(level, 1)),
		bonusLevel >= 2 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getLckChange(eff, math.max(level, 2)), def.getDexChange(math.max(level, 2)),
		bonusLevel >= 3 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#",
		bonusLevel >= 4 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getManiaDamagePercent(math.max(level, 4)))
	end,
	activate = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_MADNESS], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		-- reset stored values
		eff.last_life = self.life

		-- penalty: Fractured Sanity
		eff.mindResistId = self:addTemporaryValue("resists", { [DamageType.MIND] = def.getMindResistChange(level) })
		eff.confusionImmuneId = self:addTemporaryValue("confusion_immune", def.getConfusionImmuneChange(level) )

		-- level 1: Twisted Mind
		if bonusLevel < 1 then return end
		eff.getCombatCriticalPowerChangeId = self:addTemporaryValue("combat_critical_power", def.getCombatCriticalPowerChange(level) )

		-- level 2: stats
		if bonusLevel < 2 then return end
		eff.incStatsId = self:addTemporaryValue("inc_stats", {
			[Stats.STAT_LCK] = def.getLckChange(eff, level),
			[Stats.STAT_DEX] = def.getDexChange(level),
		})

		-- level 3: Conspirator
		-- level 4: Mania
	end,
	deactivate = function(self, eff)
		if eff.mindResistId then self:removeTemporaryValue("resists", eff.mindResistId) end
		if eff.confusionImmuneId then self:removeTemporaryValue("confusion_immune", eff.confusionImmuneId) end
		if eff.getCombatCriticalPowerChangeId then self:removeTemporaryValue("combat_critical_power", eff.getCombatCriticalPowerChangeId) end
		if eff.incStatsId then self:removeTemporaryValue("inc_stats", eff.incStatsId) end
	end,
	on_timeout = function(self, eff)
		-- mania
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) >= 4 and eff.life ~= eff.last_life then
			-- occurs pretty close to actual cooldowns in Actor.Act
			local def = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_MADNESS]
			if not self:attr("stunned") and eff.last_life and 100 * (eff.last_life - self.life) / self.max_life >= def.getManiaDamagePercent(eff.level) then
				-- perform mania
				local list = {}
				for tid, cd in pairs(self.talents_cd) do
					if cd and cd > 0 then
						list[#list + 1] = tid
					end
				end
				if #list == 0 then return end

				local tid = rng.table(list)
				local t = self:getTalentFromId(tid)

				self.changed = true
				self.talents_cd[tid] = self.talents_cd[tid] - 1
				if self.talents_cd[tid] <= 0 then
					self.talents_cd[tid] = nil
					if self.onTalentCooledDown then self:onTalentCooledDown(tid) end
				end
				game.logSeen(self, "#F53CBE#%s's mania hastens %s.", self.name:capitalize(), t.name)
			end
			eff.last_life = self.life
		end
	end,
	on_merge = function(self, old_eff, new_eff) return old_eff end,
	doConspirator = function(self, eff, target)
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) >= 3 and self:attr("confused") and target:canBe("confusion") then
			target:setEffect(target.EFF_CONFUSED, 3, {power=60})
			game.logSeen(self, "#F53CBE#%s spreads confusion to %s.", self.name:capitalize(), target.name)
		end
	end,
}

newEffect{
	name = "CURSE_OF_SHROUDS",
	desc = "Curse of Shrouds",
	short_desc = "Shrouds",
	type = "other",
	subtype = { curse=true },
	status = "beneficial",
	no_stop_enter_worlmap = true,
	decrease = 0,
	no_remove = true,
	cancel_on_level_change = true,
	parameters = {},
	getShroudIncDamageChange = function(level) return -(4 + level * 2) end,
	getResistsDarknessChange = function(level) return level * 4 end,
	getResistsCapDarknessChange = function(level) return level * 4 end,
	getSeeInvisible = function(level) return 2 + level * 2 end,
	getLckChange = function(eff, level)
		if eff.unlockLevel >= 5 or level <= 2 then return -1 end
		if level <= 3 then return -2 else return -3 end
	end,
	getConChange = function(level) return -1 + level * 2 end,
	getShroudResistsAllChange = function(level) return (level - 1) * 5 end,
	display_desc = function(self, eff)
		return ([[Curse of Shrouds %d]]):format(eff.level)
	end,
	long_desc = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_SHROUDS], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		return ([[A shroud of darkness seems to fall across your path. #LIGHT_BLUE#Level %d%s#WHITE#
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Shroud of Weakness: Small chance of becoming enveloped in a Shroud of Weakness (reduces damage dealt by %d%%) for 4 turns.
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sNightwalker: %+d Darkness Resistance, %+d%% Max Darkness Resistance, %+d See Invisible
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Constitution
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sShroud of Passing: Your form seems to fade as you move, reducing all damage taken by %d%% for 1 turn after movement.
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sShroud of Death: The power of every kill seems to envelop you like a shroud, reducing all damage taken by %d%% for 3 turns.]]):format(
		level, self.cursed_aura == self.EFF_CURSE_OF_SHROUDS and ", Cursed Aura" or "",
		-def.getShroudIncDamageChange(level),
		bonusLevel >= 1 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getResistsDarknessChange(math.max(level, 1)), def.getResistsCapDarknessChange(math.max(level, 1)), def.getSeeInvisible(math.max(level, 1)),
		bonusLevel >= 2 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getLckChange(eff, math.max(level, 2)), def.getConChange(math.max(level, 2)),
		bonusLevel >= 3 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getShroudResistsAllChange(math.max(level, 3)),
		bonusLevel >= 4 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getShroudResistsAllChange(math.max(level, 4)))
	end,
	activate = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_SHROUDS], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		-- penalty: Shroud of Weakness

		-- level 1: Nightwalker
		if bonusLevel < 1 then return end
		eff.resistsDarknessId = self:addTemporaryValue("resists", { [DamageType.DARKNESS] = def.getResistsDarknessChange(level) })
		eff.resistsCapDarknessId = self:addTemporaryValue("resists_cap", { [DamageType.DARKNESS]= def.getResistsCapDarknessChange(level) })
		eff.seeInvisibleId = self:addTemporaryValue("see_invisible", def.getSeeInvisible(level))

		-- level 2: stats
		if bonusLevel < 2 then return end
		eff.incStatsId = self:addTemporaryValue("inc_stats", {
			[Stats.STAT_LCK] = def.getLckChange(eff, level),
			[Stats.STAT_CON] = def.getConChange(level),
		})

		-- level 3: Shroud of Passing
		-- level 4: Shroud of Death
	end,
	deactivate = function(self, eff)
		if eff.resistsDarknessId then self:removeTemporaryValue("resists", eff.resistsDarknessId) end
		if eff.resistsCapDarknessId then self:removeTemporaryValue("resists_cap", eff.resistsCapDarknessId) end
		if eff.seeInvisibleId then self:removeTemporaryValue("see_invisible", eff.seeInvisibleId) end
		if eff.incStatsId then self:removeTemporaryValue("inc_stats", eff.incStatsId) end

		if self:hasEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_WEAKNESS) then self:removeEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_WEAKNESS) end
		if self:hasEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_PASSING) then self:removeEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_PASSING) end
		if self:hasEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_DEATH) then self:removeEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_DEATH) end
	end,
	on_merge = function(self, old_eff, new_eff) return old_eff end,
	on_timeout = function(self, eff)
		-- Shroud of Weakness
		if rng.chance(100) then
			local def = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_SHROUDS]
			self:setEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_WEAKNESS, 4, { power=def.getShroudIncDamageChange(eff.level) })
		end
	end,
	doShroudOfPassing = function(self, eff)
		-- called after energy is used; eff.moved may be set from movement
		local effShroud = self:hasEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_PASSING)
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) >= 3 and eff.moved then
			local def = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_SHROUDS]
			if not effShroud then self:setEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_PASSING, 1, { power=def.getShroudResistsAllChange(eff.level) }) end
		else
			if effShroud then self:removeEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_PASSING) end
		end
		eff.moved = false
	end,
	doShroudOfDeath = function(self, eff)
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) >= 4 and not self:hasEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_DEATH) then
			local def = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_SHROUDS]
			self:setEffect(self.EFF_SHROUD_OF_DEATH, 3, { power=def.getShroudResistsAllChange(eff.level) })
		end
	end,
}

newEffect{
	name = "SHROUD_OF_WEAKNESS",
	desc = "Shroud of Weakness",
	long_desc = function(self, eff) return ("The target is enveloped in a shroud that seems to hang upon it like a heavy burden. (reduces damage dealt by %d%%)."):format(-eff.power) end,
	type = "other",
	subtype = { time=true },
	status = "detrimental",
	no_stop_resting = true,
	parameters = { power=10 },
	activate = function(self, eff)
		eff.incDamageId = self:addTemporaryValue("inc_damage", {all = eff.power})
	end,
	deactivate = function(self, eff)
		self:removeTemporaryValue("inc_damage", eff.incDamageId)
	end,
}

newEffect{
	name = "SHROUD_OF_PASSING",
	desc = "Shroud of Passing",
	long_desc = function(self, eff) return ("The target is enveloped in a shroud that seems to not only obscure it but also to fade it's form (+%d%% resist all)."):format(eff.power) end,
	type = "other",
	subtype = { time=true },
	status = "beneficial",
	decrease = 0,
	parameters = { power=10 },
	activate = function(self, eff)
		eff.resistsId = self:addTemporaryValue("resists", { all = eff.power })
	end,
	deactivate = function(self, eff)
		self:removeTemporaryValue("resists", eff.resistsId)
	end,
}

newEffect{
	name = "SHROUD_OF_DEATH",
	desc = "Shroud of Death",
	long_desc = function(self, eff) return ("The target is enveloped in a shroud that seems to not only obscure it but also to fade it's form (+%d%% resist all)."):format(eff.power) end,
	type = "other",
	subtype = { time=true },
	status = "beneficial",
	parameters = { power=10 },
	activate = function(self, eff)
		eff.resistsId = self:addTemporaryValue("resists", { all = eff.power })
	end,
	deactivate = function(self, eff)
		self:removeTemporaryValue("resists", eff.resistsId)
	end,
}

newEffect{
	name = "CURSE_OF_NIGHTMARES",
	desc = "Curse of Nightmares",
	short_desc = "Nightmares",
	type = "other",
	subtype = { curse=true },
	status = "beneficial",
	no_stop_enter_worlmap = true,
	decrease = 0,
	no_remove = true,
	cancel_on_level_change = true,
	parameters = {},
	getVisionsReduction = function(level) return 5 + level * 4 end,
	getResistsPhysicalChange = function(level) return 1 + level end,
	getResistsCapPhysicalChange = function(level) return 1 + level end,
	getLckChange = function(eff, level)
		if eff.unlockLevel >= 5 or level <= 2 then return -1 end
		if level <= 3 then return -2 else return -3 end
	end,
	getWilChange = function(level) return -1 + level * 2 end,
	getBaseSuffocateAirChange = function(level) return 10 + (level - 3) * 3 end,
	getSuffocateAirChange = function(level) return 3 + (level - 3) * 2 end,
	getNightmareChance = function(level) return 0.1 + (level -4) * 0.05 end,
	getNightmareRadius = function(level) return 5 + (level - 4) * 2 end,
	display_desc = function(self, eff)
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) >= 4 then
			return ([[Curse of Nightmares %d: %d%%]]):format(eff.level, eff.nightmareChance or 0)
		else
			return ([[Curse of Nightmares %d]]):format(eff.level)
		end
	end,
	long_desc = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_NIGHTMARES], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		return ([[Horrible visions fill you mind. #LIGHT_BLUE#Level %d%s#WHITE#
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Plagued by Visions: Your mental save has a 20%% chance to be reduced by %d%% when tested,
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sRemoved from Reality: %+d Physical Resistance, %+d Maximum Physical Resistance
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Willpower
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sSuffocate: Your touch instills a horror that suffocates any weak, non-elite foe that hits you or that you hit in melee. At 3 levels below yours they loose %d air and an additional %d air for each level below that.
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sNightmare: Each time you are damaged by a foe there is %d%% chance of triggering a radius %d nightmare (slow effects, hateful whispers, and summoned Terrors) for 8 turns. This chance grows each time you are struck.]]):format(
		level, self.cursed_aura == self.EFF_CURSE_OF_NIGHTMARES and ", Cursed Aura" or "",
		def.getVisionsReduction(level),
		bonusLevel >= 1 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getResistsPhysicalChange(math.max(level, 1)), def.getResistsCapPhysicalChange(math.max(level, 1)),
		bonusLevel >= 2 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getLckChange(eff, math.max(level, 2)), def.getWilChange(math.max(level, 2)),
		bonusLevel >= 3 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getBaseSuffocateAirChange(math.max(level, 3)), def.getSuffocateAirChange(math.max(level, 3)),
		bonusLevel >= 4 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", eff.nightmareChance or 0, def.getNightmareRadius(math.max(level, 4)), def.getNightmareChance(math.max(level, 4)))
	end,
	activate = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_NIGHTMARES], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		-- penalty: Plagued by Visions

		-- level 1: Removed from Reality
		if bonusLevel < 1 then return end
		eff.resistsPhysicalId = self:addTemporaryValue("resists", { [DamageType.PHYSICAL]= def.getResistsPhysicalChange(level) })
		eff.resistsCapPhysicalId = self:addTemporaryValue("resists_cap", { [DamageType.PHYSICAL]= def.getResistsCapPhysicalChange(level) })

		-- level 2: stats
		if bonusLevel < 2 then return end
		eff.incStatsId = self:addTemporaryValue("inc_stats", {
			[Stats.STAT_LCK] = def.getLckChange(eff, level),
			[Stats.STAT_WIL] = def.getWilChange(level),
		})

		-- level 3: Suffocate
		-- level 4: Nightmare
	end,
	deactivate = function(self, eff)
		if eff.resistsPhysicalId then self:removeTemporaryValue("resists", eff.resistsPhysicalId); end
		if eff.resistsCapPhysicalId then self:removeTemporaryValue("resists_cap", eff.resistsCapPhysicalId) end
		if eff.incStatsId then self:removeTemporaryValue("inc_stats", eff.incStatsId) end
	end,
	on_merge = function(self, old_eff, new_eff) return old_eff end,
	doSuffocate = function(self, eff, target)
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) >= 3 then
			if target and target.rank <= 2 and target.level <= self.level - 3 and not target:attr("no_breath") and not target:attr("invulnerable") then
				local def = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_NIGHTMARES]
				local airLoss = def.getBaseSuffocateAirChange(eff.level) + (self.level - target.level - 3) * def.getSuffocateAirChange(eff.level)
				game.logSeen(self, "#F53CBE#%s begins to choke from a suffocating curse. (-%d air)", target.name, airLoss)
				target:suffocate(airLoss, self, "suffocated from a curse")
			end
		end
	end,
	npcTerror = {
		name = "terror",
		display = "h", color=colors.DARK_GREY, image="npc/horror_eldritch_nightmare_horror.png",
		blood_color = colors.BLUE,
		desc = "A formless terror that seems to cut through the air, and its victims, like a knife.",
		type = "horror", subtype = "eldritch",
		rank = 2,
		size_category = 2,
		body = { INVEN = 10 },
		no_drops = true,
		autolevel = "warrior",
		level_range = {1, nil}, exp_worth = 0,
		ai = "summoned", ai_real = "dumb_talented_simple", ai_state = { talent_in=2, ai_move="move_ghoul", },
		stats = { str=16, dex=20, wil=15, con=15 },
		infravision = 10,
		can_pass = {pass_wall=20},
		resists = {[DamageType.LIGHT] = -50, [DamageType.DARKNESS] = 100},
		silent_levelup = true,
		no_breath = 1,
		fear_immune = 1,
		blind_immune = 1,
		infravision = 10,
		see_invisible = 80,
		max_life = resolvers.rngavg(50, 80),
		combat_armor = 1, combat_def = 10,
		combat = { dam=resolvers.levelup(resolvers.rngavg(15,20), 1, 1.1), atk=resolvers.rngavg(5,15), apr=5, dammod={str=1} },
		resolvers.talents{
		},
	},
	doNightmare = function(self, eff)
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) >= 4 then
			-- build chance for a nightmare
			local def = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_NIGHTMARES]
			eff.nightmareChance = (eff.nightmareChance or 0) + def.getNightmareChance(eff.level)

			-- invoke the nightmare
			if rng.percent(eff.nightmareChance) then
				local radius = def.getNightmareRadius(eff.level)

				-- make sure there is at least one creature to torment
				local seen = false
				core.fov.calc_circle(self.x, self.y, game.level.map.w, game.level.map.h, radius,
					function(_, x, y) return game.level.map:opaque(x, y) end,
					function(_, x, y)
						local actor = game.level.map(x, y, game.level.map.ACTOR)
						if actor and actor ~= self and self:reactionToward(actor) < 0 then seen = true end
					end, nil)
				if not seen then return false end

				-- start the nightmare: slow, hateful whisper, random Terrors (minor horrors)
				eff.nightmareChance = 0
				game.level.map:addEffect(self,
					self.x, self.y, 8,
					DamageType.NIGHTMARE, 1,
					radius,
					5, nil,
					engine.Entity.new{alpha=80, display='', color_br=134, color_bg=60, color_bb=134},
					function(e)
						-- attempt one summon per turn
						if not e.src:canBe("summon") then return end

						local def = e.src.tempeffect_def[e.src.EFF_CURSE_OF_NIGHTMARES]

						-- random location nearby..not too picky and these things can move through walls but won't start there
						local locations = {}
						local grids = core.fov.circle_grids(e.x, e.y, e.radius, true)
						for lx, yy in pairs(grids) do for ly, _ in pairs(grids[lx]) do
							if not game.level.map:checkAllEntities(lx, ly, "block_move") then
								locations[#locations+1] = {lx, ly}
							end
						end end
						if #locations == 0 then return true end
						local location = rng.table(locations)

						local m = require("mod.class.NPC").new(def.npcTerror)
						m.faction = e.src.faction
						m.summoner = e.src
						m.summoner_gain_exp = true
						m.summon_time = 3
						m:resolve() m:resolve(nil, true)
						m:forceLevelup(e.src.level)

						-- Add to the party
						if e.src.player then
							m.remove_from_party_on_death = true
							game.party:addMember(m, {control="no", type="nightmare", title="Nightmare"})
						end

						game.zone:addEntity(game.level, m, "actor", location[1], location[2])

						return true
					end,
					false, false)

				game.logSeen(self, "#F53CBE#The air around %s grows cold and terrifying shapes begin to coalesce. A nightmare has begun.", self.name:capitalize())
				game:playSoundNear(self, "talents/cloud")
			end
		end
	end,
}

newEffect{
	name = "CURSE_OF_MISFORTUNE",
	desc = "Curse of Misfortune",
	short_desc = "Misfortune",
	type = "other",
	subtype = { curse=true },
	status = "beneficial",
	no_stop_enter_worlmap = true,
	decrease = 0,
	no_remove = true,
	cancel_on_level_change = true,
	parameters = {},
	getCombatDefChange = function(level) return level * 2 end,
	getCombatDefRangedChange = function(level) return level end,
	getLckChange = function(eff, level)
		if eff.unlockLevel >= 5 or level <= 2 then return -1 end
		if level <= 3 then return -2 else return -3 end
	end,
	getCunChange = function(level) return -1 + level * 2 end,
	getDeviousMindChange = function(level) return 20 + 15 * (level - 3) end,
	getUnfortunateEndChance = function(level) return 30 + (level - 4) * 10 end,
	getUnfortunateEndIncrease = function(level) return 40 + (level - 4) * 20 end,
	display_desc = function(self, eff)
		return ([[Curse of Misfortune %d]]):format(eff.level)
	end,
	long_desc = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_MISFORTUNE], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		return ([[Mayhem and destruction seem to follow you. #LIGHT_BLUE#Level %d%s#WHITE#
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Lost Fortune: You seem to find less gold in your journeys.
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sMissed Opportunities: %+d Defense, +%d Ranged Defense
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Cunning
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sDevious Mind: You have an affinity for seeing the devious plans of others (+%d%% chance to avoid traps).
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sUnfortunate End: There is a %d%% chance that the damage you deal will increase by %d%% if it is enough to kill your opponent.]]):format(
		level, self.cursed_aura == self.EFF_CURSE_OF_MISFORTUNE and ", Cursed Aura" or "",
		bonusLevel >= 1 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getCombatDefChange(math.max(level, 1)), def.getCombatDefRangedChange(math.max(level, 1)),
		bonusLevel >= 2 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getLckChange(eff, math.max(level, 2)), def.getCunChange(math.max(level, 2)),
		bonusLevel >= 3 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getDeviousMindChange(math.max(level, 3)),
		bonusLevel >= 4 and "#WHITE#" or "#GREY#", def.getUnfortunateEndChance(math.max(level, 4)), def.getUnfortunateEndIncrease(math.max(level, 4)))
	end,
	activate = function(self, eff)
		local def, level, bonusLevel = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_MISFORTUNE], eff.level, math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level)

		-- penalty: Lost Fortune
		eff.moneyValueMultiplierId = self:addTemporaryValue("money_value_multiplier", 0.5 - level * 0.05)

		-- level 1: Missed Shot
		if bonusLevel < 1 then return end
		eff.combatDefId = self:addTemporaryValue("combat_def", def.getCombatDefChange(level))
		eff.combatDefRangedId = self:addTemporaryValue("combat_def_ranged", def.getCombatDefRangedChange(level))

		-- level 2: stats
		if bonusLevel < 2 then return end
		eff.incStatsId = self:addTemporaryValue("inc_stats", {
			[Stats.STAT_LCK] = def.getLckChange(eff, level),
			[Stats.STAT_CUN] = def.getCunChange(level),
		})

		-- level 3: Devious Mind
		if bonusLevel < 3 then return end
		eff.trapAvoidanceId = self:addTemporaryValue("trap_avoidance", 50)

		-- level 4: Unfortunate End
	end,
	deactivate = function(self, eff)
		if eff.moneyValueMultiplierId then self:removeTemporaryValue("money_value_multiplier", eff.moneyValueMultiplierId) end
		if eff.combatDefId then self:removeTemporaryValue("combat_def", eff.combatDefId) end
		if eff.combatDefRangedId then self:removeTemporaryValue("combat_def_ranged", eff.combatDefRangedId) end
		if eff.incStatsId then self:removeTemporaryValue("inc_stats", eff.incStatsId) end
		if eff.trapAvoidanceId then self:removeTemporaryValue("trap_avoidance", eff.trapAvoidanceId) end
	end,
	on_merge = function(self, old_eff, new_eff) return old_eff end,
	doUnfortunateEnd = function(self, eff, target, dam)
		if math.min(eff.unlockLevel, eff.level) then
			local def = self.tempeffect_def[self.EFF_CURSE_OF_MISFORTUNE]
			if target.life - dam > 0 and rng.percent(def.getUnfortunateEndChance(eff.level)) then
				local multiplier = 1 + def.getUnfortunateEndIncrease(eff.level) / 100
				if target.life - dam * multiplier <= 0 then
					-- unfortunate end! note that this does not kill if target.die_at < 0
					dam = dam * multiplier
					if target.life - dam <= target.die_at then
						game.logSeen(target, "#F53CBE#%s suffers an unfortunate end.", target.name:capitalize())
					else
						game.logSeen(target, "#F53CBE#%s suffers an unfortunate blow.", target.name:capitalize())
					end
				end
			end
		end

		return dam
	end,
}

[Hunter]

From data/timed_effects/other.lua:
(includes secondary timed effects from curses)

CURSE_OF_CORPSES",
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Fear of Death: %+d%% resistance against damage from the undead.
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sPower over Death: %+d%% damage against the undead.
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Strength, %+d Magic
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sCorpselight: Each death you cause leaves behind a trace of itself, an eerie light of radius %d.
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sReprieve from Death: Humanoids you slay have a %d%% chance to rise to fight beside you as ghouls for 6 turns.]])

"CURSE_OF_MADNESS",
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Fractured Sanity: %+d%% Mind Resistance, %+d%% Confusion Immunity
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sUnleashed: %+d%% critical damage, %+d%% off-hand weapon damage
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Dexterity
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sConspirator: When you are confused, any foe that hits you or that you hit in melee becomes confused.
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sMania: Any time you take more than %d%% damage during a single turn, the remaining cooldown of one of your talents is reduced by 1.]])

"CURSE_OF_SHROUDS",
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Shroud of Weakness: Small chance of becoming enveloped in a Shroud of Weakness (reduces damage dealt by %d%%) for 4 turns.
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sNightwalker: %+d Darkness Resistance, %+d%% Max Darkness Resistance, %+d See Invisible
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Constitution
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sShroud of Passing: Your form seems to fade as you move, reducing all damage taken by %d%% for 1 turn after movement.
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sShroud of Death: The power of every kill seems to envelop you like a shroud, reducing all damage taken by %d%% for 3 turns.]])

"CURSE_OF_NIGHTMARES",
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Plagued by Visions: Your mental save has a 20%% chance to be reduced by %d%% when tested,
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sRemoved from Reality: %+d Physical Resistance, %+d Maximum Physical Resistance
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Willpower
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sSuffocate: Your touch instills a horror that suffocates any weak, non-elite foe that hits you or that you hit in melee. At 3 levels below yours they loose %d air and an additional %d air for each level below that.
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sNightmare: Each time you are damaged by a foe there is %d%% chance of triggering a radius %d nightmare (slow effects, hateful whispers, and summoned Terrors) for 8 turns. This chance grows each time you are struck.]])

"CURSE_OF_MISFORTUNE",
#CRIMSON#Penalty: #WHITE#Lost Fortune: You seem to find less gold in your journeys.
#CRIMSON#Level 1: %sMissed Opportunities: %+d Defense, +%d Ranged Defense
#CRIMSON#Level 2: %s%+d Luck, %+d Cunning
#CRIMSON#Level 3: %sDevious Mind: You have an affinity for seeing the devious plans of others (+%d%% chance to avoid traps).
#CRIMSON#Level 4: %sUnfortunate End: There is a %d%% chance that the damage you deal will increase by %d%% if it is enough to kill your opponent.]])

Okay, thanks. Since I don't know programming, I isolated the parts that seemed (relatively) straightforward. How do they work, exactly? Four points in Fateful aura gets you the maximum benefits, with the fifth affecting Luck levels? Does the number of items worn with each Curse affect any of this?

[PureQuestion]

you need at least many items of the curse to reach the level of benefits. Ie, level 4 of the benefits skill only gives as many levels of benefits as levels of curse.

So you need 4 items of the same curse to reach max benefits.

[Hunter]

Thanks. As it turns out, I don't find it worth developing -- the loss in the optimum equipment set isn't really covered by the gains from the cursed items.

[Dervic]

you need at least many items of the curse to reach the level of benefits. Ie, level 4 of the benefits skill only gives as many levels of benefits as levels of curse.

So you need 4 items of the same curse to reach max benefits.

This isn't true... Curses keep gaining benefits past level 4. All of the 4 benefits numbers keep improving as the curse level increases. Getting a curse over level 6 might have dramatic bonuses... a level 8 or 10 of the right curse might be amazing.