Curses in Dungeons & Dragons aren't always as scary as they sound. Sure, things can get scary when the user has a curse that requires them to destroy their friends and party members, but is there anything too scary about a laughing curse or a sneezing fit?
Well, you'd be surprised to know that a minor, mundane curse can actually cause some major problems throughout your campaign. A minor curse gone wrong, no matter how simple it may seem, can cause unexpected and sometimes insurmountable problems in the long run. Here are a few minor curses you should definitely watch out for.
greedy curse
Material wealth comes first
This simple minor curse makes all player characters obsessed with material wealth. It feels trivial, as most players won't even know that their character covets the substance. Since advanced players are used to being motivated by gold or magic weapons, this curse seems unnecessary.
As soon as it overwhelms them and their greed changes their disposition, you will see a major problem here. In addition to being potentially evil, this could derail the entire campaign in search of the next prize.
cackling fever
A magical plague that will make you smile
Similar to Tasha's hideous laugh, this curse causes a fever but also causes you to laugh uncontrollably. Of course, the fever is severe, but it can be easily treated. What you still have to deal with is uncontrollable laughter.
Do not consider stealth missions, serious conversations, or serious moments of intimacy with NPCs. Because you'll be laughing uncontrollably in the NPC's face. You can't talk your way out of any situation because you can laugh at everything, even in the face of death.
Curse of sneezing and suffocation
Don't Accidentally Choke
Similar to sneezing and choking dust, the curse it would bestow seems simple. At random intervals, or at specific times determined by you, players affected by the curse will eventually sneeze and suffocate at intervals.
This curse is minor until it happens at the wrong moment. In big boss fights, caves, or underwater scenes, sneezing and suffocation can mean death. This issue is all about timing, which causes great pain in the end.
The Glutton's Curse
you can't stop yourself
This curse forces those afflicted to eat every food in sight. Whether the food is good or bad, whether you like it or not, you have no choice but to eat whatever is put in front of you.
Whether the food and drink is cursed or poisoned, or you're too full to eat a single bite, you have no choice but to keep going as long as it's nearby. The drama continues as people eat food they shouldn't eat.
curse of disappearance
Where did you go?
Of course, being invisible is a huge benefit. In most cases, being able to be transparent when needed to accomplish a specific task is not a bad thing. What happens when that transparency disappears? This curse will cause players to randomly disappear, most likely at the most inopportune times.
Since we don't know when they will disappear or for how long they will disappear, this can cause some major issues as to where or under what conditions they have disappeared. Can't you see it? Are they on a different plane? Who knows?
a clumsy curse
Don't walk the tightrope
Similar to the Ring of Clumsiness, the Curse of Clumsiness will give the player a penalty on Dexterity checks, especially Acrobatics and Athletics. It's a minor thing, but most players who don't rely on Dexterity make this a significant issue in high-stakes situations, as it affects their initiative at worst.
There are so many things you can fail at, including grabbing legendary items without dropping them, crossing falling bridges, and grabbing precious gems. Especially if you have to deal with another cursed item in addition to this one.
Sensory Enhancement Curse
Benefits and Banes
At first, you might think that the sensory enhancement curse is a blessing in disguise. The curse itself enhances the character's senses, granting advantage on rolls made with the senses.
Of course, the curse will also double other sensations, including pain. You will take additional damage with each attack. It's as if someone always lands a critical success on you, doubles your damage, and continues to inflict pain despite your advantage.
Curse of Forgetfulness
What were you doing again?
This curse feels self-evident, but it doesn't mean much until you realize how much your character will lose. Depending on the severity of the curse, you may also forget important information at the perfect time.
It's up to the DM whether the curse will return the memories when it's too late, or keep them permanently until the curse is removed. However, failing to remember important information at the right time can derail your campaign.
- original release date
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1974
- number of players
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2+
- Age Recommendations
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Ages 12 and above (young children can also play and enjoy)
- length per game
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It lasts from 60 minutes to several hours.
- franchise name
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dungeons and dragons
- publisher
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Wizard of the Coast
