Fireball

Lore & Background

The Plague Doctor's alchemical expertise is a double-edged sword: her brews can turn the tide of battle, but they demand precise handling. Unlike the mythical 'Fireball', her skills are grounded in corrosive toxins and choking gases—no self-inflicted harm is part of their cost. Each vial thrown is a calculated risk, a testament to the fine line between healing and harm in the Hamlet's desperate struggle.

In Their Own Story

The air in the Weald was thick with spores and silence. The Leper adjusted his mask, coughing into his gloved hand before pulling a vial from his belt. With a practiced flick of his wrist, he hurled the glass sphere at the approaching Rotting Beast. It shattered on impact, erupting into a chemical inferno that screamed as it consumed the monster's rotting hide.

Reader's Guide

The Fireball requires two Action Points to activate, making it a significant investment in any given turn. It deals immediate damage to a single target and applies the Burn status effect, which inflicts additional damage over time. This lingering damage is crucial for finishing off weakened enemies before they can recover. Strategically, this skill is best used against high-health targets where sustained pressure is needed. Because it does not require melee proximity, the Leper can maintain distance from dangerous foes while dealing consistent harm. However, its single-target nature means it should be balanced with area-of-effect options like Plague Bomb when facing groups. Synergies exist with classes that can amplify damage or manage stress, as the Leper is prone to mental strain under pressure. Ensuring the Burn ticks off before an enemy heals maximizes efficiency. Players must weigh the cost of two Action Points against the need for healing or defensive actions during critical moments.

Did You Know?

• The Plague Doctor's offensive skills include 'Noxious Blast', 'Plague Grenade', 'Blinding Gas', and 'Incision'—none of which are named 'Fireball'.
• No Plague Doctor skill in the base game damages the user as part of its effect.
• Blight damage from skills like 'Plague Grenade' continues even if the target uses defensive stances or moves away.
• These skills reflect the historical use of alchemy and medicine by plague doctors, not fire-based magic.