Building the Arcanum Immortalis

The air was thick with smoke, and the screams of the citizens echoed through the burning city. Aria, a young seer, stood helplessly watching the carnage. She had seen this day coming, yet her desperate warnings fell on deaf ears. As the fire raged around her, she wondered if her cursed gift was more a burden than a blessing.

Cursed magic is one of the sources of magical power in Arcanum Immortalis. Unlike other sources, which draw their power from intellectual pursuits, bloodlines, or pacts with otherworldly beings, cursed magic arises from traumatic or transformative events. These experiences leave an indelible mark on the mages, granting them unique abilities that come with their own set of challenges. By choosing a cursed magic source for their character, players have the opportunity to explore complex and compelling personal narratives that are deeply intertwined with their magical abilities. The five cursed mage archetypes discussed here are just the beginning of the many possibilities that await those who dare to embrace the power of the curse.

1. Haunted: Haunted mages are constantly surrounded by the spirits of the dead. Some seek justice, others offer guidance, but all are drawn to the mage like moths to a flame. This unique connection to the spirit world grants haunted mages unparalleled expertise in the art of necromancy. They can summon and control undead creatures, making them formidable allies or fearsome enemies. However, this constant exposure to the dead can be emotionally draining, as the mage is never truly alone.

2. Possessed: Possessed mages harbor a dangerous secret: they share their body with a parasitic entity. These parasites can be alien beings, spirits, demons, or something else entirely. While this symbiotic relationship may grant the mage access to unique abilities and knowledge, it also leaves them vulnerable to the whims of their parasitic partner. Possessed mages must strike a delicate balance between harnessing the power of their parasite and maintaining control over their own body and mind.

3. Eldritch: Eldritch mages have glimpsed the unimaginable, their minds forever altered by the arcane secrets they've uncovered. These experiences leave them with an uncanny understanding of magic, enabling them to decipher runes and decipher hidden knowledge that remains inaccessible to others. But this arcane insight comes at a price: a permanent penalty to their Awareness. Eldritch mages may be brilliant, but they are also prone to madness, forever haunted by the unfathomable truths they've discovered.

4. Monstrosity: The Monstrosity mage has undergone a terrible transformation, their once-human appearance twisted into a hideous, bestial form. Though this change has stripped them of their beauty, it has also granted them incredible physical prowess and heightened senses. Monstrosity mages excel at using magic to augment their already impressive abilities, making them formidable opponents in any combat situation. Yet their monstrous visage often inspires fear and mistrust, leaving these mages isolated and misunderstood.

5. Seer: Plagued by visions of impending doom, seer mages bear the heavy burden of foresight. Their prophetic glimpses of the future can be both a blessing and a curse, as they struggle to convince others of the catastrophes awaiting them. While their ability to predict danger may save lives, seer mages often find themselves ignored or dismissed, their dire warnings falling on deaf ears. Living with the knowledge of what's to come, these mages must find a way to navigate a world that refuses to heed their cautionary tales.

Cursed magic may bring immense power, but it also carries a heavy burden. Those who wield it must navigate the delicate balance between harnessing their abilities and succumbing to the darker aspects of their curse. For players in Arcanum Immortalis, exploring the world as one of these five cursed mage archetypes offers a rich and unique roleplaying experience.

Embrace the curse, and let your character's story unfold.