Portal:Handbook/Exploration/Selected article/3
The Cursed Isles are the demesne of Vargas the Mad and his crew of cultists and Enlightened followers.
It is a type of Sea Monster Lair, suited for smaller ships. Upon entering the lair the ship is placed on a sea battle board and faces with Vargas' crew, consisting of rafts, sinsister sloops and cursed cutters. Cursed Islanders on the rafts will try to board invading vessels, challenging players to rumble fights and hindering the station they work on. If an overwhelming number of Islanders have boarded the vessel, they will even begin a ship wide battle, in an attempt to seize control of the vessel. Another obstacle at reaching the cursed isle itself, at the far end of the board is the Fog of Chaos surrounding the isle, which has been known to have a debilitating effect on sailors aboard the ship.
But dodging these dangers and making it to the Island is only half the battle.
The true treasures of the Cursed Isles are stored in the middens the Islanders have accumulated around their realm. To seize these abandoned treasures, pirates must make their way to the Islander's village and fend off ferocious attacks. After each attack, the crew will have the opportunity to forage treasure from the abandoned middens. But beware, each successive attack by the Islanders will be stronger.
The crew will need to make a decision during their time on the Cursed Isles. Just before each successive attack, they will have to choose whether they should retire with their winnings or stay and face another Islander onslaught. It should be a tough decision! The Islanders will be sure to take as much of their treasure back as they can.
Among the treasure to be gained are clothes and furniture in the Cursed Isle-exclusive color, indigo. But other unique items like Enlightened Masks can be won too.
