Cursed Dragon

"Not even these stray wyrms are free from the pestilence of this accursed place. I've seen that putrid breath drive Pawns mad and reduce Arisen to foul puddles, armor and all...never thought I'd miss the flame." -Barroch's Notes

Description
Cursed Dragons come from origins unknown and bear a striking visual similarity to the Ur-Dragon, however there are a few notable differences. Cursed Dragons are smaller and less brutal than the Ur-Dragon. Cursed Dragons do not have multiple hearts; instead, they have a single purple crystal in their chest.

Cursed Dragons are undead dragonkin, brought back to life by foul magick. Instead of breathing fire, they breath a vile and foul gas, which rots any time-sensitive items in the Arisen's inventory. The Cursed Dragon uses a combination of Ur-Dragon-like abilities and has 11 bars of health like most other boss monsters found on Bitterblack Isle.

Also, like the Ur-Dragon, the Cursed Dragon can indeed be slain by a Pawn if one strikes the final blow to its heart.

Rewards

 * Bitterblack Armor Lv.1 / Lv.2 / Lv.3
 * Bitterblack Weapon Lv.1 / Lv.2 / Lv.3
 * Bitterblack Gear Lv.1 / Lv.2 / Lv.3
 * Bitterblack Novelty Lv.1 / Lv.2 / Lv.3
 * Cursed Dragon Scale
 * Cursed Dragon Horn
 * Great Dragon Alula (This drop is much rarer on the Cursed Dragon than on other dragonkin)
 * Netherstone (looks like a Wyrm's Tear but is only used for upgrading equipment and has no passive loot rewards)
 * Greatwyrm Stone
 * Rift Crystals
 * High chance of dragon forging equipment regardless of enhancement level.

Tactics (Offensive)

 * Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen Screenshot 31.jpgDragon's Dogma Dark Arisen Screenshot CD.jpg heart crystal on the chest is its weak spot, though blows and arrows to the head can stagger it.
 * Vulnerable to Fire (High Comestion, Dragon's Ire, Sapfire Daggers, etc). Highly susceptible to Burning.
 * Vulnerable to Torpor (slow). Use a Gold Rarefied Rusted weapon if possible. The higher the enhancement of the Rusted weapon, the greater chance it will inflict Torpor with each strike. A Torpor-inflicted Dragon is much easier to climb, attack and shoot at when it is moving in slow motion. Obviously, one should switch back to a more powerful weapon after Torpor is inflicted. The Torpor debilitation on the Cursed Dragon will last approximately 25 seconds before it must be re-inflicted.
 * To increase the chance of successful debilitation, use multi-strike skills like Fivefold/Tenfold Flurry, Thousand Kisses, Brainsplitter, Corkscrew Arrow, Sheltered Assault, Cymbal Onslaught, or Great Windmill.
 * Vulnerable to the Lowered Strength debilitation with the Dragon's Roost shield (usable only by Fighters and Assassins). The Lowered Strength debilitation will reduce the Cursed Dragon's physical damage on the party by 30% as long as the debilitation persists. Use Cymbal Onslaught or Shield Storm to strike with the shield. Normal blocks can also inflict the debilitation.
 * All melee vocations: Simply climb it and attack the heart! Since it is bigger than other Dragons, it is also easier to grab on by standing in front of the chest and jumping up to grab it. It may be necessary to carry stamina restoratives (like Sour Ambrosial Meat, Large Mushrooms, Giant Rank Fish, etc) since climbing quickly depletes stamina.
 * CLIMBING TIPS: When climbing enemies like a Cursed Dragon, equip the augments Adhesion (for grip), Arm Strength (for stamina), Opportunism (+20% attack), and Dexterity (for climbing speed), as well as Gloves of Might (for even more grip and climbing speed) for best results.
 * Fighters:
 * Attacking the heart at close quarters makes it difficult for the Dragon to retaliate. The Cursed Dragon's only effective attack at this point is trying to grab its attacker or performing a spin attack or biting which can all be easily blocked or dodged.
 * Sheltered Assault will protect the Arisen while using a Rusted sword to inflict Torpor. Then switch to a more powerful sword and continue using Sheltered Assault (or Dragon's Maw) to the heart.
 * Dragon's Maw makes the Arisen temporarily invincible during the animation, preventing knockdown from tail whips or claw attacks from the Cursed Dragon.
 * Warriors:
 * The best attack for the Warrior against all Dragons is the simple jumping downward heavy slash (aimed for the heart) with the Ferocity, Clout, Vehemence and Eminence augments.  The downward heavy slash is also perfect for inflicting debilitations (like Torpor) since it is a multi-strike attack, hitting a Cursed Dragon up to 5 times per slash.
 * Indomitable Lash can inflict considerable damage to a downed Cursed Dragon. Fiery Talon and Ardent Will are two Fire enchanted weapons ideal against this enemy.
 * Striders :
 * Follow the above climbing tips and use Thousand Kisses to the heart. Fivefold Flurry using Blast Arrows can inflict significant damage from relative safety.
 * Brain Splitter (with the Eminence augment) to the heart can fell a Cursed Dragon in as few as four jumping attacks.
 * Downpour volley is an excellent way to bring down a hovering Cursed Dragon.
 * If attacking with Thousand Kisses from a standing position, use Instant Reset to interrupt and re-position when the Cursed Dragon moves away.
 * Rangers:
 * Tenfold Flurry with Blast Arrows straight to the heart makes very short work of this dragon. Alternatively, follow the above climbing tips and use Thousand Kisses to the heart.
 * If attacking with Thousand Kisses from a standing position, use Instant Reset to interrupt and re-position when the Cursed Dragon moves away.
 * Assassins:
 * Follow the above climbing tips and apply Thousand Kisses/Dire Gouge to the heart.
 * Since the Cursed Dragon almost exclusively uses brute force and bites over poison breath and magic, it is vulnerable to the Masterful Kill and Clairvoyance counterattacks. These skills can knock down the beast when used against its head during its bite attacks.
 * If attacking with Thousand Kisses from a standing position, use Instant Reset to interrupt and re-position when the Cursed Dragon moves away.
 * Mystic Knights:
 * Stone Forest/Stone Jungle skill is a very effective Fire-based skill against the Cursed Dragon ideally cast near the Dragon's groin area, safe from its backhand swings and spin attack.
 * Great Cannon with Fire or Holy enchantment works very well from long range, too. Setting traps with a Ruinous Sigil/Great Cannon pair of sigils for the Cursed Dragon to move into is extremely effective.
 * Perfect Blocking a blow with a Great Cannon already on the field will not only throw the Cursed Dragon's damage back at it, but fire the Great Cannon for an extra attack. Damage is increased from a Perfect Block when the Mystic Knight's Magick Shield is charged with an elemental Riposte. Perfect Block the tail whip and the snapping-turtle bite attacks.
 * Consider switching to a staff and using Comestion under its heart to set it ablaze.
 * Magick Archers:
 * Explosive Volley followed by Cutting Wind to detonate the rivets will shred a Cursed Dragon. Pawns can also strike the explosive rivets in order to detonate them, inflicting considerable damage.
 * Hunter Bolt can deal considerable damage to the Cursed Dragon itself without even hitting the heart as well as staggering him.
 * If attacking with Thousand Kisses from a standing position, use Instant Reset to interrupt and re-position when the Cursed Dragon moves away.
 * Consider switching to a staff and using Comestion under its heart to set it ablaze.
 * Mages and Sorcerers:
 * Fire and Holy spells are highly effective. Spells like High Comestion and High Bolide can inflict large amounts of damage.
 * Equipping the augment Emphasis will increase Comestion's ability to stun and knock down the Cursed Dragon.
 * Wait for the Cursed Dragon to commit to an attack before casting, or the Arisen risks being a stationary target after releasing the spell.
 * Use High Ingle on the heart to bring it down when it hovers overhead. Use High Lassitude to inflict Torpor on the Dragon to slow it down dramatically.
 * Holy enchanted Focused Bolts are extremely effective at knocking down & damaging a Cursed Dragon. Sorcerers can use the jumping heavy palm strike to the heart.
 * Cast spells either from the Dragon's flanks (out of range of its bite and tail whips) or stand directly underneath the heart.
 * When the dragon is staggered, it will clutch its heart in pain and rear up prior to toppling over onto the ground. The dragon will always fall onto its right side while writhing on the ground, vulnerable to follow up attacks. Physically position the Arisen accordingly and prepare to attack the heart with the most powerful skill available (Stone Forest, Dragon's Maw, Indomitable Lunge, High Comestion, etc).
 * When the dragon stands on its hind legs for a roar or breath attack, there is a large window of opportunity to climb its chest and hit the heart crystal directly with melee attacks.  The chest heart is also easy to target with a bow of any kind.
 * Explosive barrels can be thrown at the Cursed Dragon to set it alight.

Tactics (Defensive)

 * The most important defensive strategy in Dragon's Dogma is to first eliminate all lesser, distracting enemies before engaging the biggest threat. From the start of the battle, shoot down the flying creatures, snipe the magic users from afar, chase down the wolf packs, and defeat the small, weak enemies that can weaken or debilitate the Arisen and pawns while they engage the large, strong enemies. Even if the Arisen has to run all the way up and down the map to accomplish this objective, KILL THE SUPPORT ENEMIES FIRST, TACKLE THE BIGGEST THREAT LAST.
 * The safest places to be against a Cursed Dragon is either grabbing onto its chest or standing directly underneath its heart. Spellcasting from a distance is best accomplished from the Dragon's flanks, out of reach of its sweeping backhands. Even ranged vocations may find it easier to simply climb the Cursed Dragon and slash at the heart from close range rather than shooting it from a distance.
 * Learn to predict the Cursed Dragon's attack patterns. Its primary attacks are physical, so they will come from four predictable vectors: Its forward-biting neck sweep, its lateral-sweeping backhands, and its rear tail whip. Pre-determine the range of these four vectors, and either stand clear of them or stand directly underneath the Dragon.
 * Nullify the Dragon's speed advantage by inflicting it with Torpor (see Offensive Tactics above). Observing the Cursed Dragon's attack patterns in slow motion is an effective technique to learn its predictable behavior. Torpor will last approximately 25 seconds on the Cursed Dragon before it must be re-inflicted. The player must wait until the Torpor condition fully elapses before the Dragon may be re-inflicted.
 * To defend against its powerful breath attack, determine in advance the "safe" areas of the battlefield. For example, in the Duskmoon Tower the Arisen can run behind the large tree, behind rock formations, around corners, or into any opened treasure chest chambers. Knowing an escape route in advance can save valuable seconds to avoid the breath attack. Be sure to wait a few seconds after the initial blast for the Poisonous dust to settle before re-engaging the Cursed Dragon.  Alternately, grabbing onto the Cursed Dragon's chest is a generally safe position from the breath attack. Take the opportunity to reposition while the dragon is rearing up.
 * The most dangerous place to stand is directly in front of the Dragon, as its Bite is its single most powerful attack. The Cursed Dragon has a long, craning neck and a far reaching forward lunge, so avoid frontal assaults. Run towards (not away from) the Dragon's underbelly when it begins its biting lunges.
 * When the Cursed Dragon is writhing in pain after being knocked down (and its health is past the halfway point), it will eventually stand back up and initiate its massive breath attack. Once the Dragon has fully reared up onto its hind legs, there appears to be no technique capable of interrupting the breath attack. The breath attack will predictably be followed by its Possession roar.  This attack has significant stagger.
 * The Cursed Dragon in The Fallen City can cast High Lassitude to slow the party down. Come prepared with Torpor-resistant armor or Silence it with Silentium or "Golden" weapons (like Golden Bastard or Snags of Gold).
 * The Cursed Dragon's breath can inflict multiple debilitations simultaneously, including Cursed, Poison, and Torpor. Arisen and Pawns may become debilitated even while climbing onto the Dragon's chest during its breath attack.

Tactics (Pawn specific)

 * Like the online/offline Ur-Dragon, pawns can land the final killing blow on a Cursed Dragon.  However, this is not true of all other Dragonkin, which must be slain by the Arisen. 
 * Unlike other Dragonkin, the roar of the Cursed Dragon can inflict Possession, forcing pawns to attack the Arisen. Pawns with low Possession resistance who climb the Cursed Dragon's back can also become Possessed but they typically remain helpless on the Cursed Dragon's back until either restored to sanity, forfeited, or the fight ends.
 * High level pawns can potentially annihilate the entire party if they become Possessed, so look for pawns with a 100% resistance to Possession (such as the Hellfire Cloak). Alternately, distribute Nostalgia Dust or Placative Brews among the party to cure Possession. One Sobering Wine will clear all debilitations from the party, including Possession, and provide party immunity to all debilitations for the next 90 seconds.
 * Consider hiring a Mage pawn with the Legion's Might staff equipped. It auto-resurrects the pawn wielding it when they run out of Health Points. This will allow the Arisen to focus on attack and not running around reviving a pawn with this staff.  Legion's Might staff is best for support Mages to heal allies, enchant weapons, inflict debilitations, and distract powerful enemies since the staff has a very low magick stat.
 * Mage pawns can hold the Cursed Dragon in place with High Grapnel, temporarily nullifying the physical attacks upon which it relies.
 * Mage and Sorcerer pawns can contribute to the party's offense with Comestion. The Emphasis augment will increase Comestion's ability to stun and knock down the Cursed Dragon.
 * High Ingle is effective at knocking the Cursed Dragon out of the sky.
 * Light regular bolt attacks from a (preferably Rarified) Rusted Staff or Rusted Archistaff can inflict Torpor.
 * Pawns equipped with (preferably Rarified) Rusted Weapons can be very helpful while battling Cursed Dragons, in order to inflict Torpor. Any part of the dragon's body can be struck to inflict Torpor, which lasts 25 seconds during each instance of debilitation. Pawns can continually inflict Torpor while the Arisen focuses on attacking the heart. A Torpor-debilitated Cursed Dragon is easier to climb, evade, Perfect Block and will remain vulnerable on the ground for longer periods.
 * Melee pawns can be more helpful when their weapons are enchanted with Fire. Mystic Knights may simultaneously buff the entire party with Flame Trance, Mages and Sorcerers can buff individuals with Fire Affinity (only one at a time).

Pawn Bestiary Knowledge
For full information, refer to the Pawn Bestiary Knowledge page or the according section on the Drake page.

Enemy Specific : In addition to witnessing these techniques, it is necessary for Pawns to participate in killing 50 or fewer Cursed Dragons either with their own Arisen or while travelling with others. This number has been verified with a Private, never-rented pawn.
 * Weak to Holy
 * Weak to Fire
 * Let the poison breath attack hit you making time-sensitive items rot instantly. (This may have to happen several times). Pawn's comment, "Augh...our meat and vegetables rot" or "His putrid breath spoils our belongings" is not an indication that they learned this already.
 * Let the Dark Bishop in the Forsaken Cathedral revive his pet Cursed Dragon after it dies. (May need to be witnessed a few times)
 * Let the Dark Bishop possess its pet Cursed Dragon. (May also need to be witnessed a few times)
 * Avoid head-on rushes
 * Perfect Block a lunge/bite attack
 * Witness the Cursed Dragon in The Fallen City cast spells like Lassitude (Torpor).

It is suspected that the actual kill count is 15 like all other Dragonkin, however, this has not been verified to date as there are several knowledge flags for this enemy whose specific acquisition can be difficult to determine. That said, it is useful to know that the Cursed Dragon accompanying the Dark Bishop and the Cursed Dragon appearing in the Fallen City each generate unique knowledge flags that the standard Cursed Dragon spawning as a necrophagous beast does not.

Dragonforging equipment with The Cursed Dragon

 * Slaying Cursed Dragons offers the highest odds to Dragonforge equipment, capable of Dragonforging all the Arisen's equipped weapons and armor in a single battle. The only battles which offer better odds of Dragonforging are The Dragon, Grigori, at The Tainted Mountain during The Final Battle and the online Ur-Dragon, both of which will invariably Dragonforge all equipment worn by the Arisen upon victory regardless of reinforcement level.
 * The best places to farm the Cursed Dragon are at The Pilgrim's Gauntlet (Pre-Daimon only), at the Duskmoon Tower, or in Midnight Helix by using Rancid Bait Meat. Lay it down, leave the area, and re-enter if the Cursed Dragon does not spawn immediately.Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen Screenshot 23.jpg
 * A Cursed Dragon will spawn immediately in the Duskmoon Tower Pre-Daimon, and in Post-Daimon killing the Dire Dragon which spawns in the area is required. If one does not place a Rancid Bait Meat, then the Cursed Dragon will spawn only after the corpse of the Dire Dragon has decomposed. If one places the Meat before killing the Dire Dragon then as soon as it is killed the Cursed Dragon will spawn before the corpse even decomposes.


 * In the Midnight Helix, a Cursed Dragon can spawn in mid-battle while the Arisen is engaging other enemies whether or not a Rancid Meat Bait is used. In other words, a Cursed Dragon can spawn alongside the chained up Gorecyclops (Condemned) in Pre-Daimon and alongside the Frostwyrm in Post-Daimon. However, if the already freed Gorecyclops (Condemned) appears in Post-Daimon then Death will spawn instead of the Cursed Dragon.
 * Cursed Dragons spawn in the area as long as the Rancid Bait Meat persists. This means that killing the Cursed Dragon and re-entering the area will immediately spawn another Cursed Dragon. This can be done multiple times as long as the Rancid Bait Meat persists.
 * Post-Daimon, a Cursed Dragon is likely to appear in the Tower of Treasons Repaid when Banshees are present and can be farmed conveniently using the method described above.

Videos








Trivia

 * The Cursed Dragon is more supple than might be supposed. It is able to enter areas that appear impossibly small. For example, it can climb all the way to the top of the stairs in the Midnight Helix leading to the Ward of Regret. It will immediately slide down unless it is staggered by a critical blow that causes it to writhe. In that case, it will remain at the top of the stairs.



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