The Curses Five is a Raid Event scheduled to start on November 1, 2016 at 8:00 PM (PST) and end on November 7, 2016 at 7:59 PM (PST). It is the fifteenth episode of the Dark Stigma story and eighth in the Malice Canon storyline.
Half-time Reward Calculation Period is from November 3rd 7:00 PM to 7:59 PM (PST).
Feature Changes[]
- Anti-Raid Boss Skill Card with a stronger Skill. Now deals up to 12x Front Line damage instead of 10x.
- Main Boss with 30% to 50% more HP.
- End Boss with more HP (1.4 / 1.7 Million to 1.8 / 2.2 Million).
- Costume Change Card Pack Ticket as Ranking Reward.
- Reduced Card Rewards in Guild Ranking
Raid Bosses Skill Cards[]
- Raptor-Borne Selleck (UR) Anti-Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
- Laylanne of the Crystal Keep (UR) Anti-Hidden Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
- Aorai, Creature Collector (UR) Anti-Secret Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
- Netherworld Cinderella (UR) Special Evolution Card, Skill against all Raid Bosses of the event, obtained from the Master of Fate Card Pack
Prologue[]
You left the chill of Frostvale, grateful for your acquisition in the war against Ildanev. However, the journey was far from concluded...
......
"Pretty lively city you got. And here I was thinkin' it was duller than a rusty sword."
Salvador remarked from atop the stone bridge at the burg's center where you stood. He had been the one to suggest hiding from the Lightholders in a large city once more, displeased with the lonely wilderness. The nearest such place was called Mournia, famed for its somber, dreary populace. For that reason, you suspected you had lost your way when you arrived to see the lights, music, and mass jubilation that filled the main thoroughfare.
"Of course, because today is Halloween. You might think it doesn't fit our reputation, but we celebrate holidays just like they would anywhere else."
A young woman beside you, her eyes sparkling to see the disguised revelers and decorated shops, replied to Salvador's comment. She was the princess of Mournia, Fennika. You had met her amidst the festivities, guided by the ethereal golden butterfly fluttering by her side. Yet otherwise, she was utterly unescorted. Surprised that a royal figure was walking about lacking supervision, you followed her both out of curiosity and in hopes to learn more about her domain.
"As you've probably guessed, I'm not supposed to leave the castle. The princesses of this land are cursed, but the castle has a protective barrier that prevents anything from happening to them... meaning me."
According to her, a fallen goddess by the name of Morgundy had placed a deadly spell upon the kingdom's princesses at her execution some centuries ago.
"Doesn't that mean you're in grave danger right now?!"
"I don't care! I was so bored, I'd die if I had to spend another day in that awful room they've confined me in anyway. There weren't even any windows!"
Elimval was clearly more concerned about Fennika's well-being than she herself was.
"B-but..."
"Besides, I'm not alone. My guardian spirit Ivistaroth follows me everywhere."
At its mention, the golden butterfly flapped its wings.
"For as long as I can remember, it's always been watching over me. Not only that, but it's told me all kinds of things about the city and its people."
"So you have fun little chats with that butterfly, huh?"
"Yes, but it only talks with me."
The tone of voice in her reply announced her dislike of Salvador's brusqueness. Provided her secluded upbringing within the bosom of royalty, it seemed natural she would only take to those who had acquired a certain level of tact and grace, such as Elimval.
Suddenly, Ivistaroth began to glow brighter, eliciting a short gasp from Fennika. It then burst into a cloud of light particles and reformed before your eyes. As the four of you had encircled it, no one else in the crowd noticed the beads of luminescence gradually arrange themselves into the figure of a woman...
"It's her!"
You, Salvador, and Elimval froze to see the familiar visage of the mysterious enemy you had confronted in Frostvale.
"Greetings, Your Highness. I believe this is the first time you've seen me like this."
Ivistaroth gave Fennika a warm smile, ignoring your shock.
"Oh, so is this what you really look like? Wow! I never thought we'd be able to talk like this!"
"Hold on, princess! Don't you know who this is?"
"Ah, allow me to apologize for troubling you earlier. You see, I was seeking warriors who could help fight the Curses, so my challenges were how I was testing your strength. Please forgive me."
You were bewildered both by her apology and its reason.
"What's this about fighting the Curses?"
"So you, and all princesses after you, will truly be free to enjoy the world."
She gestured to the festival around you. People cavorted in their vivid costumes and masks, eating, laughing, and dancing.
"As you know, Halloween is the time when various evil-sealing borders thin. Although the danger is greater than usual, it also provides us with the best opportunity to rid us of the Curses..."
"Whoa, hold on there."
Salvador raised his voice.
"Do we look like clerics or magicians to you? How are we supposed to fight curses?"
"These Curses that plague the princess -- five in all -- have physical forms."
During her explanation, you felt a fearsome presence approaching from behind. You whipped around and drew your sword only for a scream to erupt from a short distance away. In moments, the people scattered in fright from the crowded bridge, revealing the appearance of two creatures each bearing a single, massive eye connected to a woman with unsettling features and a mask across her face. Ivistaroth spoke somberly.
"That's Balamra, the First Curse."
"Th-that's one of the Curses after me?"
Fennika swallowed hard. It seemed she found Balamra's appearance far more ghastly than her existence. The monsters' eyeballs quivered as they darted back and forth. At last, they located the princess and fixated their gaze upon her. Balamra smiled and slithered forward.
"I am the light in the darkness. I have the power to connect everything, but I cannot be detected by any of the five senses. What am I?"
"Wh-what is she going on about?"
"Balamra asks her victims riddles and kills them if they cannot provide the correct answer."
"I would've liked to know that sooner!"
Upon hearing Fennika's flustered voice, Balamra's wicked grin widened.
"If you cannot respond, your life is mine!"
She reached out with a blackened arm, but before it could reach the princess, it was halted by a piercing flash of light. You had leapt in front of Fennika to defend her, and immediately followed with a slash that dug deep into the Curse's chest. An expression of both shock and pain contorted her face.
"Who are you, interloper?! Few have the power to wound a Curse!"
You refused to answer, instead glaring at her eye-bearing servants until...
"...I will retreat for the moment. But you are now in our sights, princess, and we will pursue you to the furthest reaches of the land until your life is ours!"
Balamra cackled as she faded into the ether.
"Is she gone?"
"She was just surprised by her injury. She'll certainly be back..."
Relieved but still pale, the princess then turned to her guardian spirit.
"How are we supposed to defeat that Curse?"
"There is no need to worry. I know where we can undo their powers for good."
"And where is that?"
"The execution grounds where Morgundy was beheaded. I will guide you there."
Ivistaroth then looked at you with pleading eyes. "Please protect us until we reach the appointed place."
Before you could respond, Salvador huffed with discontent.
"Hey, don't just assume we'll give you a hand, especially after you went and butt into our business."
"It's far too late to decline now. The moment Balamra was struck, you were all marked as the Curses' enemies. And they will plague those around the princess to further torment her as well. If you let your guard down, you may not live to see the dawn..."
"Oh, for the love of..."
Fennika was dismayed by Salvador's unwillingness, but then Elimval whispered into her ear.
"He seems selfish, but I noticed he reached for his bow when you were attacked."
"Really?"
"Yes, it's true. He's merely grousing because the Hero attacked first."
"Who's grousin'?"
Salvador had caught Elimval's remark, but Fennika's expression was brightened by the exchange.
"Then, shall we be off?"
You followed Ivistaroth along the emptied main street and into a desolate road. The illumination of the city behind you, there was nothing to distract from the oppressive atmosphere. A new festival was about to commence -- one of death.
Epilogue[]
After fighting through Mournia and scaling the walls protecting the main city, you trekked through an abandoned township where Morgundy had been put to death. That appeared to have consequences more dire than expected, for many believed the very ground became cursed due to the prevalence of plagues and fires that followed, forcing the populace to move into the new city. You were presently the only living beings amongst the deathly silence and rotted houses. At last, the remnants of a wooded platform before an old fortress came into view.
"Is this the execution ground?"
Fennika's question was answered by Ivistaroth.
"Yes, this was where the evil sorceress was killed... and where the Five Curses were born with her final breath, dooming this kingdom to their eternal torment."
"So she's why I've been kept in the castle for so long."
"Each one of the Curses represents the loss of Morgundy's senses as she died."
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a familiar, unnerving voice.
"That is correct. We all lack a different sense."
Emerging from the shadows, Balamra and her two servants drew near, followed by the remaining Curses.
"Balamra, the First Curse, is incapable of seeing."
"Myrksion, the Second Curse, cannot taste."
"Sartonias, the Third Curse, can't feel a thing."
"Krigsh, the Fourth Curse, is unable to smell."
With amused expressions, they surrounded you. Then, as you were wondering about the Fifth Curse, another voice came from within your group.
"Ivistaroth, the Fifth Curse, lacks hearing."
"Wh-what's the meanin' of this?!"
Salvador reflexively aimed his arrow in its direction -- towards the princess -- but the guardian spirit had already left Fennika's side to join her actual comrades.
"You... you were a Curse?"
Balamra sneered at the shocked Fennika.
"Princess, you are not so naive to think you were able to escape under your own power, I hope..."
"Does that mean... you had Ivistaroth earn the princess' trust and aid her escape?! Unbelievable!"
Elimval could not hide her alarm, but Ivistaroth's expression was utterly blank.
"We waited for a long time until this very day when we could at last remove the princess of Mournia from the castle's protection. However, that alone would be insufficient..."
Myrksion elaborated further.
"Even if we killed the princess, we would not be free so long as there was the potential for more princesses to be born."
Sartonias then spoke.
"We're sick and tired of this whole cursing game. Do you know what it's like being forced to do the same thing for hundreds of years? We might be Curses, but we have minds of our own!"
"If we are to be released from this unending duty, you cannot simply die... You must die here, where we came into being, where the one who created us can witness the fulfillment of our task..."
Fennika was left wordless by her former guardian's words while the other Curses continued to mock her.
"If we are released, your subjects will never have to worry about us again, you realize."
"You might even be able to change the name of your country to something more fitting than 'Mourn'-ia."
However, amid the Curses' taunting, you heard Ivistaroth again.
"There is one more way..."
She was not addressing the princess, but you. From her gaze, you could guess her intention.
"Answer Balamra's riddle. Should you do that, both us and the princess will be freed."
"That is, if you have the mental capacity to do so."
With a smirk, Balamra repeated her riddle from earlier.
"I am the light in the darkness. I have the power to connect everything, but I cannot be detected by any of the five senses. What am I?"
"Light in the darkness? Umm..."
"Oh, we're doin' that again...?"
As both Elimval and Salvador wracked their minds, Fennika announced her answer with clarity and confidence.
"That'd be my friendship with Ivistaroth!"
The Curses gasped at the smiling princess... only to burst into raucous laughter.
"Fool! You sincerely believed that to be the correct solution?"
"You better accept it anyway!"
Salvador immediately drew back his bowstring, but the princess remained calm.
"You don't have to; it's what I truly believe."
She smiled warmly at Ivistaroth.
"Thank you for keeping me company, and for telling me all about the world. It meant much more to me than you can imagine, so I would gladly give up my life for your release."
"Princess..."
Despite her stony face, tears rolled down Ivistaroth's cheeks as she turned away out of shame.
D%5D+%3Cspan+style%3D%22color%3Argb(186%2C85%2C211)%3B%22%3E(UR)%3C%2Fspan%3E+x+1%0A*%5B%5BGenius+Young+Dragon%5D%5D++%3Cspan+style%3D%22color%3Argb(186%2C85%2C211)%3B%22%3E(UR)%3C%2Fspan%3E+x+1%0A*%5B%5B19-PWR+%26+Up+UR+Ticket%5D%5D++x+2%0A*%5B%5BPower+Potion+(Bound)%5D%5D+x+20%0A*%5B%5BCrystal+Exchange%7CCrysta Fifth Curse|Ivistaroth]], speaking as if directly into your mind. It was then you realized it was more than her voice, but her very thoughts. Moments ago, it had been made known she could not hear, so the only other method of communication that would mask her disability was telepathy.
"Cut the Curses' source..."
"Now, let us grant the wishes of both the princess and us!"
No sooner had Balamra given the command than you felt a new, mightier presence swell. You turned to see a pillar of black smoke leap from a crack in the ground, thick and putrid. As it dissipated, a feminine figure formed of mud was unveiled. It was Morgundy. The grudge of the fallen goddess had indeed lingered in the ground, and the arrival of the target of her hatred had given form to her once more. She reached out to take hold of the princess, revealing a small silver medallion placed in the sorceress' chest. Its glint reminded you of the riddle: "light in the darkness."
That was the source of the Curses' power.
Shaking off your nausea, you leapt forward and swung your sword with all of your might at the silver charm. Your edge struck it squarely in the center, splintering it into countless fragments of light.
"Urrrrooooooooogh!"
Morgundy gave a wordless moan and the shattered medallion unleashed a torrent of magic and light. It was indeed the source, for the Curses also began to wail with pain and joy as they melted into the air.
"Ivistaroth!"
Fennika reached out to the Fifth Curse, but it was too late. Already she had changed into drops of light that evaporated as the morning dew...
"...Princess, now you are no longer threatened by the scourge of the Curses and have no need to be locked within the castle."
"So you really wanted me to be free...?"
"I cannot deny that I became close to you for our own ends, but over time, I came to see you as a true friend..."
"I've always seen you as a friend, Ivistaroth! And I'll remember you forever!"
With their teary farewells exchanged, Ivistaroth smiled one last time before fading entirely.
......
Halloween had passed, but the celebration in Mournia continued in observation of the princess' freedom from the Curses, now and evermore.
"Hero, what's that?"
While parting with Fennika, she noticed a silver light reflecting from your chest. It was the same medallion as Morgundy's, attached to a string. You could not explain why, but even after destroying it, you found yourself holding a similar article when you awoke that morning and heard a familiar murmuring in your head. You could only conclude that you now controlled the Five Curses. Despite their defeat, their powers could still be manifested in alternate ways, but there could be no guessing how until the chance arose.
"And what is that?!"
Elimval's eyes grew wide to see a bright blue butterfly flutter down and land upon Fennika's shoulder.
"Is that... Ivistaroth?"
She had departed from the world, but the symbol of Ivistaroth friendship with the princess would remain. Although it could neither talk nor transform, it clearly possessed the same loyalty. You could only grin to imagine how that which meant to do her harm ultimately brought her release while you watched it flap its luminescent wings.
Chapters/Quests[]
* Energy
| Chapter | Zone | En* | EXP | Coins | Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Winged Pests | 1-5 | -1 | +1 | +20~24 | Chobla, Young Mage |
| 2: Winged Pests | 6-10 | -2 | +2 | +40~48 | Chobla, Young Mage |
| 3: Winged Pets | 11-15 | -3 | +3 | +60~72 | (Flying Gems) Chobla, Young Mage |
| 4: Merciless Cleaver | 16-20 | -4 | +4 | +60~72 | Grandaxe Elite Andyra |
| 5: Merciless Cleaver | 21-25 | -5 | +5 | +80~96 | Grandaxe Elite Andyra |
| 6: Merciless Cleaver | 26-30 | -6 | +6 | +80~96 | (Crusher) Grandaxe Elite Andyra |
| 7: Graceful Combat | 31-35 | -7 | +7 | +100~120 | Prudent Major Fili |
| 8: Graceful Combat | 36-40 | -8 | +8 | +100~120 | Prudent Major Fili |
| 9: Flawless Sheen | 41-45 | -8 | +8 | +120~144 | Momorch the Silvercoat |
| 10: Flawless Sheen | 46-50 | -8 | +8 | +120~144 | Momorch the Silvercoat |
| 11: The Curses Five | 51+ | -12 | +12 | +240~288 | None |
Raid Bosses[]
| Type | Name | Level | Hit Points | + HP | Time Allotted | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 1 | 100 | - | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 2 | 900 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 3 | 1,350 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 4 | 1,500 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 5 | 2,250 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 6 | 4,500 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 7 | 9,000 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 8 | 15,000 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 9 | 22,500 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 10 | 30,000 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 11 | 45,000 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 12 | 60,000 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 13 | 75,000 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 14 | 78,400 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | Bloodlimb Cobofie | 15 | 86,800 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 1 | 95,200 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 2 | 103,600 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 3 | 112,000 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 4 | 120,400 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 5 | 128,800 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 6 | 127,400 | +30% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 7 | 143,000 | +30% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 8 | 169,000 | +30% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 9 | 208,000 | +30% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 10 | 234,000 | +30% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 11 | 350,000 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 12 | 448,000 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 13 | 560,000 | +40% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 14 | 750,000 | +50% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Main | (Skewer) Bloodlimb Cobofie | 15 | 1,600,000 | - | 2 hours | 1 x |
| End | Flasroi of Hexed | 1 | 1,800,000 | +21% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| End | Rune Circle) Flasroi of Hexed | 1 | 2,200,000 | +22% | 2 hours | 1 x |
| Special | Chobla, Young Mage | 1 | 35,000 | - | 20 minutes | 2 x |
| Special | Grandaxe Elite Andyra | 1 | 110,000 | - | 20 minutes | 2 x |
| Special | Prudent Major Fili | 1 | 600,000 | - | 20 minutes | 2 x |
| Hidden | Krigsh the Fourth Curse | 1 | 15,000,000 | - | 2 hours | 2 x |
| Hidden | (Toxcense) Krigsh the Fourth Curse | 1 | 21,600,000 | - | 2 hours | 2 x |
| Secret | Unfulfilled Shaol'ha | 1 | 32,400,000 | - | 2 hours | 2 x |
| Secret | (Searching) Unfulfilled Shaol'ha | 1 | 42,000,000 | - | 2 hours | 2 x |
Rewards[]
| Rank | Reward |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 - 10 | |
| 11 - 20 | |
| 21 - 50 | |
| 51 - 100 | |
| 101 - 400 | |
| 401 - 1,000 | |
| 1,001 - 5,000 | |
| 5,001 - 10,000 | |
| 10,001 - 15,000 |
| Rank | Reward |
|---|---|
| 1 - 2 |
|
| 3 - 6 |
|
| 7 - 15 |
|
| 16 - 30 |
|
| 31 - 60 |
|
| 61 - 150 | |
| 151 - 250 | |
| 251 - 350 |
|
| 351 - 700 | |
| 701 - 2,000 |
|
| 2,001 - 6,000 | |
| 6,001 - 10,000 | |
| 10,001 - 30,000 |
| Rank | Reward | |
| Mega Lucky | 777 | Krigsh the Fourth Curse (UR) x 2 |
| Lucky | 222, 333, 444, 555, 666, 888, 999, 1111, 1500, 2500, 5000, 7500 | Krigsh the Fourth Curse (UR) x 1 |
| Rank | Damage Req. | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15,000,000 |
|
| 2 - 3 | 15,000,000 |
|
| 4 - 10 | 10,000,000 |
|
| 11 - 20 | 5,000,000 |
|
| 21 - 50 | 1,000,000 | |
| 51 - 100 | 500,000 | |
| 101 - 250 | 100,000 | |
| 251 - 500 | 100,000 | |
| 501 - 1,000 | 100,000 | |
| 1,001 - 1,500 | 100,000 |
| Guild Repel Count | Damage Req. | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| 50 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Energy Drink (Bound) x 1 |
| 100 Bosses | 1,000,000 | LCP Claim Ticket x 1 |
| 200 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Energy Drink (Bound) x 2 |
| 300 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Costume Change Card Pack Ticket x 1 |
| 500 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Power Potion (Bound) x 2 |
| 800 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Energy Drink (Bound) x 2 |
| 1,200 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Power Potion (Bound) x 2 |
| 2,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | LCP Claim Ticket x 1 |
| 3,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Costume Change Card Pack Ticket x 1 |
| 5,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Energy Drink (Bound) x 2 |
| 8,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | 50% UR Ticket x 1 |
| 10,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Energy Drink (Bound) x 2 |
| 12,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | UR Guaranteed Ticket x 1 |
| 14,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Energy Drink (Bound) x 3 |
| 20,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Crystals x 500 |
| 22,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Crystals x 750 |
| 24,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Crystals x 1,000 |
| 26,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Crystals x 1,000 |
| 28,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Crystals x 1,250 |
| 30,000 Bosses | 1,000,000 | Crystals x 1,500 |