"Our people respect us, and fear us for what we are."
Salaki is an intelligence-based support hero with Buffer role from the Mauler faction who delays the HP damage allies suffer.
Background[]
Chapter 1
When Sivi was taken to the huge obsidian obelisk, he felt that the magical edifice before him seemed just like his father: solid and strong.
He wasn’t Sivi’s birth father, however. Both of his biological parents had died many years before, in inter-clan conflict. He, and other orphaned children from his clan, had fled here from the invaders like lambs from the slaughterhouse.
Even when the one known as the most gifted of the Cursebearers took his hand and led him the whole way across Devotee Square, Sivi couldn’t understand why his ‘father’ had picked him- unexceptional amongst his peers, yet still chosen for his honor.
The Cursebearers had always given him the impression of being the most mysterious of the Maulers. They dressed soberly, faces hidden under their cowls, and lived aloof and apart from their own communities in forbidden areas deep within Mauler’s Enclave.
He also couldn’t remember when he first heard the rumor of the curse that flowed through them.
His father, however, preferred to call this his ‘guardian curse’.
Plaintive, struggling cries seemed carried indistinctly on the wind which whistled past his ears.
Sivi watched as his father turned around and, with a dull thud, struck the ground with his staff. The powerful eaves which emanated from the chunk of obsidian set into the tip of the staff seemed to resonate with the huge obelisk before him.
The earth trembled beneath his feet and, while the wind still screamed around him, the other screams subsided.
“You should know everything about this place, before choosing to become a Cursebearer.”
Chapter 2
Salaki had chosen this boy to be his successor for no other reason than that his eyes blazed with more determination than the others. This was the most important trait to possess, once one became a Cursebearer, and was the only thing that could protect you in this place.
Here is the very centre of Giant’s Jaw, which serves as both the dwelling place of the Cursebearers and the cage which keeps their fate entrapped.
Salaki gripped his staff, took the boy’s hand, and slowly descended the steps behind the guardian obelisk.
Beneath the earth, in ancient pits long since filled, lies buried the cause and source of everything- the mysterious orb known as the ‘Ancient Sphere’.
It has existed a long time, so long that the precise year it first appeared is lost in the mists of time.
Damaged, incomplete records tell of its arrival after travelling the vastness of the universe. They tell how it fell, flaming, from the heavens, and slammed into the primordial plains of Giant’s Jaw. Its impact transformed the plains into a valley, flames blazing fiercely for several days before finally subsiding.
Salaki turned his attention from the meticulously crafted, mysterious Sphere. His gaze settled on the boy, whose natural wonder at the ancient object, and whose eyes burned with a thirst for knowledge, caused the corners of Salaki’s mouth to curve almost imperceptibly.
Its craftmanship and style were truly unlike anything seen before but, even so, it was difficult to trace through known history, even with all the Mauler elder’s records.
Before the Sphere was completely sealed, Mauler warriors who ventured deep within emerged with items of profound artistry one by one. These were things never before encountered, technology which left them all speechless and which, to this day, have yet to be fully understood.
However, opening the Sphere also brought disaster.
The warriors who entered the maze inside the Sphere soon began to suffer from hallucinations, even as their bodies withered. Many perished in agony before they could be helped, seemingly similar to the remains of the unknown creatures they had encountered inside.
But this was just the beginning. It was only when the general population started displaying the same symptoms that people discovered that the curse, once confined within the Sphere was now unleashed and spreading through the outside world.
To prevent transmission of this viral curse, those who survived buried the Ancient Sphere under earth and stone, and erected a huge magic obelisk of special obsidian to suppress the strange force and hinder the curse from spreading.
These individuals volunteered to remain behind, to ensure the safety of all Maulers. As they watched over and maintained the protective obelisk, they absorbed incredible knowledge from within the Sphere, hoping that learning would help them achieve mastery over the curse.
Eventually, however, the terrible curse seeped into their bodies, their souls, and even their magic, imbuing it with a corrosive force.
Thus were the Cursebearers born.
Chapter 3
They had journeyed halfway by the time Sivi took his father’s hand and walked through Standfast Hall.
His gaze wandered curiously over the crowd. As well as small groups of Cursebearers who were studying or chatting, he saw other children who had already changed into the robes worn by Cursebearers. Others, like him, were following their adoptive parents on the same journey.
It was only when he happened to catch the eye of one of his peers that there would be a moment of shared empathy between the children, where they’d smile shyly at each other before looking away. Then Sivi’s gaze fell upon a corner of the Hall, where a pale-faced Cursebearer stood alone in the shadows. It was the young woman who had fed and cared for him and his companions when they had first arrived in those lands.
She had pulled down the hood which had been covering her face, and was muttering while scanning the crowd. She seemed like she was trying to control some great pain, but a second later her whole face twisted as she began uttering incomprehensible gibberish. Myriad dark curses wrapped around her body before seeping into the ground beneath her feet, spreading out in mottled black streaks. She struggled violently, trying to free herself, but her body was withering at an unimaginable speed. Just as the curse was poised to burn away the last of her life, her eyes flashed with a sudden clarity: “I saw it…I saw that city…”
That sentence was her last before she fell deeply into the abyss of madness, screaming hysterically in an ear-splitting howl: “Save me! SAVE MEE! You cannot escape, oh no no no, there’s no escape!”
Sivi shrank behind his father, holding tightly into his robes. His father said nothing, but merely touched his head in reassurance.
The surrounding Cursebearers appeared unperturbed, as if used to such sights. Obsidian-tipped staffs shone brightly in unison as they brought the manic Cursebearer under control before escorting her away.
The Hall soon became peaceful once more, as if nothing untoward had just happened, but Sivi couldn’t get her deranged expression out of his head.
She wasn’t that much older than he was, but had become a Cursebearer young, saying she wished to suppress the curse here, to protect her clan thousands of miles away. Back when she looked after him, she’d often look at him with smiling eyes, and he felt that something deep inside him had been touched by the now frenzied Cursebearer.
His father explained that insanity and screaming were commonplace, whenever the curse they bore grew strong within them. There were even more indescribable things eating away at their bodies, and even their brains, so that those lost control were a real danger to themselves and others.
Sivi’s father also said that this was the price of being blessed with the power and wisdom of the ancients: to endure the sudden torments of the curse, and those unknown whispers which sounded softly in your ear.
It was as if they were all walking a tightrope above the abyss, where a moment’s carelessness would be your undoing.
Chapter 4
In the land where the Ancient Sphere slumbers, those driven mad by the curse journey to a city within their own consciousness.
A remote and unfamiliar city.
A magnificent corner of that city seeps out, in which are verdant trees, broad streets, and a variety of exquisite buildings. Colorful lights flash during the day, while airships fly fast or slow in the sky, powered by some kind of unknown energy…
This novel, flourishing city scene combines with gentle, cascading sunshine and peaceful, carefree laughter to make all those who see it yearn to join in.
However, this lively, joyous scene is actually the curse, penetrating deep into the blood. This is the tragic fate that awaits most Cursebearers, for when they see the city, death is not far off.
“Will this happen to you too, father?”
The boy looks up as he asks this of Salaki, as they proceed to the final stop of their journey.
Once again, Salaki just pats him on the head, but remains silent.
They climb the stairs and enter the memorial hall. Here were countless candles burning brightly, as well as wooden alcoves holding many small soul vessels.
After the boy had completed the rites of succession, Salaki handed him the Staff of Sacrifice, symbol of the Cursebearers, and hung one of the soul vessels from the wooden alcove around his body.
Each vessel represented hope and power, as each contained the indomitable essence of a Cursebearer. Those who had fought against the curse to the very end had transformed their final, flickering light of life into a vital spark, which was then hidden within a soul vessel to await their successors.
Watching the boy caress the vessel solemnly, but with reverence, Salaki was reminded of the time when he was still the child named Sivi. After their journey had finished, he couldn’t get the images of the young woman and the group of brave, self-sacrificing Cursebearers out of his mind. He decided he wasn’t really very good at goodbyes, and that if he had the chance, he would at least try to drag the people he cared about out from their abyss of suffering.
His father, whom he respected more than anything, had also delightedly hung the soul vessel from him, the soft words he murmured seeming to contain all his hope for him:
“I grant unto you a new name. Henceforth, constancy and integrity will ever be by your side.”
Chapter 5
Now, it is Salaki’s turn to stand before the gates of that city.
Hailed as the greatest Cursebearer ever to live, he possessed power far beyond what his father could have ever dreamed of. Yet of them all, he is also closest to the city.
With a deep breath, Salaki pushed upon the great main gate of the city with both hands.
The magnificent scene within vanished like a phantom of the past, while a vast and nameless shadow loomed in the sky. Sunlight became an impenetrable black fog, which completely enveloped the city.
Abominable tentacles emerged from the clouds and twisted around the tops of the buildings. What was once the joyous sound of happiness and laughter became broken but tireless chanting, which mingled in the sudden squall that arose on all sides…
“Why us…? Why even we cannot escape…? You’re the same, you must be the same as us…!”
The unknown curse writhed about him, while the fetid gale hindered his approach. Yet still, with steady steps did he advance. He was as resolute as when he had become a Cursebearer long ago, swearing to be a guardian and protector, and all the countless days thereafter, as he sought life beyond the curse.
“We are the guardians of our people, and torchbearers seeking a way out of the abyss.”
Skills[]
| Unlock Level (Hero) | Name | Icon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flagellant’s Flame | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | Salaki sacrifices 20% of his current health to increase all allied heroes’ life-leech by 20 and Haste by 15 for 7 seconds. The lower a target’s health percentage, the greater the increase of their Life Leech and Haste value, up to 1.5 times. The increase is the highest when the health percentage is 50%. |
| 11 | Withering Winds | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | Upon entering a battle, Salaki casts a spell that unleashes Withering Winds across the whole battlefield that lasts for up to 30 seconds. While Withering Winds are in effect, all allied heroes take and deal 30% and 20% less damage respectively. The effect of lower received damage will start diminishing 5 seconds after Withering Winds are cast; while the effect of lower inflicted damage will diminish immediately after Withering Winds are cast. These effects will diminish to 0% within 10 seconds. While using the skill, Salaki is immune to control. If he dies, Withering Winds will disappear after 5 seconds. |
| 21 | Withering Winds | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | Permanently increases damage caused by allied heroes by 1% every second after Withering Winds have been generated for 15 seconds and as long as they have not disappeared. |
| 41 | Frightening Forcefield | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | Salaki grants a shield to the allied hero with the lowest health percentage lasting 5 seconds, which offsets damage equaling up to 20% of Salaki’s max health, and also terrifies the latest enemy who has attacked such allied hero, for 2.5 seconds. |
| 61 | Death Defferred | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | Passive. When Salaki is alive, 25% of the direct damage received by allies will take effect in the form of loss of health every 1 seconds over the next 4 seconds.
When using this skill actively, Salaki assembles a dark flame and attacks the enemy who has dealt the most damage, inflicting damage equal to 200% of Salaki’s Attack Rating on the target and all enemies in the path of the flame. |
| 81 | Flagellant’s Flame | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | Salaki recovers 3% of his lost health every second during the effect of his Ultimate. |
| 101 | Withering Winds | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | While Withering Winds are in effect, damage caused by enemies’ Normal Attacks is reduced by 20%. |
| 121 | Frightening Forcefield | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | When the shield breaks or its duration ends, Salaki deals AoE damage equaling 140% of his Attack Rating and a Knock-back effect from where the ally is standing. |
| 141 | Death Defferred | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | When dealing damage, Salaki heals the allied hero with the lowest health percentage, with a healing equal to 50% of the damage caused.
Lvl 3: When dealing damage, Salaki reduces the target’s Attack Rating by 12% and Accuracy by 50 points for 4 seconds. |
| 161 | Flagellant’s Flame | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | After using his Ultimate, Salaki permanently increases his allied heroes’ Attack Rating by 4% and Life Leech by 4 points. This effect can be stacked up to 3 times. |
| 181 | Withering Winds | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | Permanently reduces enemies “Defense Rating by 1% every second after Withering Winds have been generated for 15 seconds and as long as they have not disappeared. |
| 201 | Frightening Forcefield | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | When the shield breaks or its duration ends, Salaki deals AoE damage equaling 140% of his Attack Rating and a Knock-back effect from where the ally is standing. |
| 221 | Death Defferred | [[|left|thumb|100x100px]] | Reduces delayed damage by 15%. If an enemy dies, all delayed damage caused by them will be removed. |
Engraving Abilities[]
| Unlock Level (Eternal Engravings) | Name | Icon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Withering Winds | [[File:|center|78px]] |
Permanently reduces enemies “Defense Rating by 1% every second after Withering Winds have been generated for 15 seconds and as long as they have not disappeared.
Reach 3 star Ascended with this hero to gain: HASTE +3 |
| 60 | Death Defferred | [[File:|center|78px]] |
Enhance the skill Death Defferred: Reduces delayed damage by 15%. If an enemy dies, all delayed damage caused by them will be removed.
Reach 5 Star Ascended with this hero to gain: HASTE +3 |
| 80 | Endeavor | [[File:|center|78px]] | Arena of Heroes, Legend's Challenger Tournament, Legends' Championship, Treasure Scramble, Heroes of Esperia: HP +13.7% ATK: +10% |
Signature Item[]
Item: Staff of Sacrifice[]
A staff inlaid with obsidian which serves as its core energy. It is considered a symbol of the self-sacrifice of the Cursebearers. They are able to keep the guardian obelisk functioning through the obsidian, a medium that supresses the curse of the Ancient Sphere. It is only in the hands of the Cursebearers that the Staff of Sacrifice can exert amazing power.
Skill: Inheritance[]
When Salaki’s Ultimate ends, all allied heroes receive a shield. The shield’s value is equal to 10% of the total damage caused by allied heroes for the duration of the Ultimate, and lasts for 5 seconds. The shield’s value cannot exceed 10% of Salaki’s max health.
- [+10 Unlocks] The increased shield value is equal to 15% of the total damage caused by allied heroes for the duration of the Ultimate for 5 seconds, and cannot exceed 15% of Salaki’s max health.
- [+20 Unlocks] The increased shield value is equal to 20% of the total damage caused by allied heroes for the duration of the Ultimate for 5 seconds, and cannot exceed 20% of Salaki’s max health.
- [+30 Unlocks] If Salaki receives damage that exceeds of 30% of his current health, the damage will be negated at the cost of one soul vessel. Has a cooldown of 4 seconds, and can only be triggered up to 3 times.
Furniture Set Bonuses[]
Last Breath[]
- [3/9 Mythic Pieces] When Flagellant’s Flame is used and an allied hero is being controlled, most of the control effect over the target will be lifted. The effect can be triggered by each allied hero up to 3 times per battle.
- [9/9 Mythic Pieces] Using Frightening Forcefield will clear all delayed damage received by the target.
Voice Lines[]
"Our people respect us, and fear us for what we are."
"Protecting my people is my duty."
"Don't worry, you're doing great."
"Your fate is in my hands!"
"I place my curse upon you!"
"By breaking my curse, I will be reborn."
"My curse gives me pain but also strength."
"Feel the power of the ancient sphere."
Official Art[]
Icons[]
