diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/sceptre/lifestealbeam.ron b/assets/common/abilities/sceptre/lifestealbeam.ron
index a1456f1021..62d68c8729 100644
--- a/assets/common/abilities/sceptre/lifestealbeam.ron
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/sceptre/lifestealbeam.ron
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ BasicBeam(
     tick_rate: 2.0,
     range: 25.0,
     max_angle: 1.0,
-    lifesteal_eff: 0.15,
+    damage_effect: Some(Lifesteal(0.15)),
     energy_regen: 50,
     energy_drain: 0,
     orientation_behavior: Normal,
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/staff/flamethrower.ron b/assets/common/abilities/staff/flamethrower.ron
index 060c23f821..9ea6a41c73 100644
--- a/assets/common/abilities/staff/flamethrower.ron
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/staff/flamethrower.ron
@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ BasicBeam(
     damage: 50,
     tick_rate: 3.0,
     range: 20.0,
-    max_angle: 10.0,
-    lifesteal_eff: 0.0,
+    max_angle: 15.0,
+    damage_effect: None,
     energy_regen: 0,
     energy_drain: 350,
     orientation_behavior: Normal,
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/staffsimple/flamethrower.ron b/assets/common/abilities/staffsimple/flamethrower.ron
index bbf0ce6783..b6c65fc6d4 100644
--- a/assets/common/abilities/staffsimple/flamethrower.ron
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/staffsimple/flamethrower.ron
@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ BasicBeam(
     damage: 50,
     tick_rate: 3.0,
     range: 20.0,
-    max_angle: 0.1,
-    lifesteal_eff: 0.0,
+    max_angle: 15.0,
+    damage_effect: None,
     energy_regen: 0,
     energy_drain: 350,
     orientation_behavior: Normal,
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/cursedflames.ron b/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/cursedflames.ron
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..0fdf731d35
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/cursedflames.ron
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+BasicBeam(
+    buildup_duration: 0.50,
+    recover_duration: 0.50,
+    beam_duration: 0.5,
+    damage: 200,
+    tick_rate: 2.0,
+    range: 10.0,
+    max_angle: 15.0,
+    damage_effect: Some(Buff((
+        kind: Cursed,
+        dur_secs: 15.0,
+        strength: Value(0.5),
+        chance: 1.0,
+    ))),
+    energy_regen: 0,
+    energy_drain: 0,
+    orientation_behavior: Normal,
+    specifier: Cultist,
+)
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/dimensionaldoor.ron b/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/dimensionaldoor.ron
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ca0309ede7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/dimensionaldoor.ron
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+BasicBlock
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/necroticvortex.ron b/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/necroticvortex.ron
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ca0309ede7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/necroticvortex.ron
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+BasicBlock
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/raiseundead.ron b/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/raiseundead.ron
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ca0309ede7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/unique/mindflayer/raiseundead.ron
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+BasicBlock
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/unique/quadlowbeam/healingbeam.ron b/assets/common/abilities/unique/quadlowbeam/healingbeam.ron
index b3b5755ebf..6776a79944 100644
--- a/assets/common/abilities/unique/quadlowbeam/healingbeam.ron
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/unique/quadlowbeam/healingbeam.ron
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ BasicBeam(
     tick_rate: 2.0,
     range: 25.0,
     max_angle: 1.0,
-    lifesteal_eff: 0.15,
+    damage_effect: Some(Lifesteal(0.15)),
     energy_regen: 25,
     energy_drain: 0,
     orientation_behavior: Normal,
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/unique/quadlowbreathe/flamethrower.ron b/assets/common/abilities/unique/quadlowbreathe/flamethrower.ron
index 8d81986e27..4bf507fa86 100644
--- a/assets/common/abilities/unique/quadlowbreathe/flamethrower.ron
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/unique/quadlowbreathe/flamethrower.ron
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ BasicBeam(
     tick_rate: 3.0,
     range: 15.0,
     max_angle: 22.5,
-    lifesteal_eff: 0.0,
+    damage_effect: None,
     energy_regen: 0,
     energy_drain: 0,
     orientation_behavior: Normal,
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/unique/tidalclaws/bubbles.ron b/assets/common/abilities/unique/tidalclaws/bubbles.ron
index f8df4454c5..b51aab85a9 100644
--- a/assets/common/abilities/unique/tidalclaws/bubbles.ron
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/unique/tidalclaws/bubbles.ron
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ BasicBeam(
     tick_rate: 3.0,
     range: 15.0,
     max_angle: 22.5,
-    lifesteal_eff: 0.0,
+    damage_effect: None,
     energy_regen: 0,
     energy_cost: 0,
     energy_drain: 0,
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/unique/turret/flamethrower.ron b/assets/common/abilities/unique/turret/flamethrower.ron
index 6b865f8bfa..ef422619c1 100644
--- a/assets/common/abilities/unique/turret/flamethrower.ron
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/unique/turret/flamethrower.ron
@@ -5,8 +5,8 @@ BasicBeam(
     damage: 3000,
     tick_rate: 3.0,
     range: 30.0,
-    max_angle: 1.0,
-    lifesteal_eff: 0.0,
+    max_angle: 15.0,
+    damage_effect: None,
     energy_regen: 0,
     energy_drain: 0,
     orientation_behavior: Turret,
diff --git a/assets/common/abilities/weapon_ability_manifest.ron b/assets/common/abilities/weapon_ability_manifest.ron
index 336023513d..d34b8651e0 100644
--- a/assets/common/abilities/weapon_ability_manifest.ron
+++ b/assets/common/abilities/weapon_ability_manifest.ron
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
         primary: "common.abilities.unique.quadlowbeam.healingbeam",
         secondary: "common.abilities.unique.quadlowbreathe.triplestrike",
         abilities: [
-    (None, "common.abilities.unique.quadlowbreathe.dash"),
+            (None, "common.abilities.unique.quadlowbreathe.dash"),
         ],
     ),
     Unique(QuadSmallBasic): (
@@ -194,6 +194,14 @@
         secondary: "common.abilities.unique.turret.arrows",
         abilities: [],
     ),
+    Unique(MindflayerStaff): (
+        primary: "common.abilities.unique.mindflayer.cursedflames",
+        secondary: "common.abilities.unique.mindflayer.necroticvortex",
+        abilities: [
+            (None, "common.abilities.unique.mindflayer.dimensionaldoor"),
+            (None, "common.abilities.unique.mindflayer.raiseundead"),
+        ],
+    ),
     Debug: (
         primary: "common.abilities.debug.forwardboost",
         secondary: "common.abilities.debug.upboost",
diff --git a/assets/common/items/npc_weapons/staff/mindflayer_staff.ron b/assets/common/items/npc_weapons/staff/mindflayer_staff.ron
index 64c5c01a1f..de96e3ecd7 100644
--- a/assets/common/items/npc_weapons/staff/mindflayer_staff.ron
+++ b/assets/common/items/npc_weapons/staff/mindflayer_staff.ron
@@ -2,15 +2,15 @@ ItemDef(
     name: "Mindflayer Staff",
     description: "Placeholder",
     kind: Tool((
-        kind: StaffSimple,
+        kind: Unique(MindflayerStaff),
         hands: Two,
         stats: Direct((
-            equip_time_secs: 0.001,
-            power: 3.0,
+            equip_time_secs: 0.01,
+            power: 1.0,
             poise_strength: 1.0,
-            speed: 1.5,
-            crit_chance: 0.15,
-            crit_mult: 1.2539682,
+            speed: 1.0,
+            crit_chance: 0.0,
+            crit_mult: 1.0,
         )),
     )),
     quality: Legendary,
diff --git a/assets/voxygen/shaders/particle-vert.glsl b/assets/voxygen/shaders/particle-vert.glsl
index a7b6dfcd3a..0d747368f4 100644
--- a/assets/voxygen/shaders/particle-vert.glsl
+++ b/assets/voxygen/shaders/particle-vert.glsl
@@ -61,6 +61,7 @@ const int SNOW = 19;
 const int EXPLOSION = 20;
 const int ICE = 21;
 const int LIFESTEAL_BEAM = 22;
+const int CULTIST_FLAME = 23;
 
 // meters per second squared (acceleration)
 const float earth_gravity = 9.807;
@@ -363,8 +364,8 @@ void main() {
     } else if (inst_mode == FLAMETHROWER) {
         f_reflect = 0.0; // Fire doesn't reflect light, it emits it
         attr = Attr(
-            (inst_dir * slow_end(1.5)) + vec3(rand0, rand1, rand2) * (lifetime * 5 + 0.25),
-            vec3((2.5 * (1 - slow_start(0.3)))),
+            (inst_dir * slow_end(1.5)) + vec3(rand0, rand1, rand2) * (percent() + 2) * 0.1,
+            vec3((2.5 * (1 - slow_start(0.2)))),
             vec4(3, 1.6 + rand5 * 0.3 - 0.4 * percent(), 0.2, 1),
             spin_in_axis(vec3(rand6, rand7, rand8), percent() * 10 + 3 * rand9)
         );
@@ -392,6 +393,15 @@ void main() {
             vec4(3, 1.6 + rand5 * 0.3 - 0.4 * percent(), 0.2, 1),
             spin_in_axis(vec3(rand3, rand4, rand5), rand6)
         );
+    } else if (inst_mode == CULTIST_FLAME) {
+        f_reflect = 0.0; // Fire doesn't reflect light, it emits it
+        float purp_color = 0.8 + 0.5 * rand3;
+        attr = Attr(
+            (inst_dir * slow_end(1.5)) + vec3(rand0, rand1, rand2) * (percent() + 2) * 0.1,
+            vec3((2.5 * (1 - slow_start(0.2)))),
+            vec4(purp_color, 0.0, purp_color, 1),
+            spin_in_axis(vec3(rand6, rand7, rand8), percent() * 10 + 3 * rand9)
+        );
     } else {
         attr = Attr(
             linear_motion(
diff --git a/common/src/combat.rs b/common/src/combat.rs
index 230e09776e..6a4fcf21fa 100644
--- a/common/src/combat.rs
+++ b/common/src/combat.rs
@@ -411,7 +411,7 @@ impl AttackEffect {
 }
 
 #[cfg(not(target_arch = "wasm32"))]
-#[derive(Clone, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize, PartialEq)]
 pub enum CombatEffect {
     Heal(f32),
     Buff(CombatBuff),
@@ -647,7 +647,7 @@ impl Knockback {
 }
 
 #[cfg(not(target_arch = "wasm32"))]
-#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize, PartialEq)]
 pub struct CombatBuff {
     pub kind: BuffKind,
     pub dur_secs: f32,
@@ -656,7 +656,7 @@ pub struct CombatBuff {
 }
 
 #[cfg(not(target_arch = "wasm32"))]
-#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize, PartialEq)]
 pub enum CombatBuffStrength {
     DamageFraction(f32),
     Value(f32),
diff --git a/common/src/comp/ability.rs b/common/src/comp/ability.rs
index 038da4ac05..b0da9b5097 100644
--- a/common/src/comp/ability.rs
+++ b/common/src/comp/ability.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 use crate::{
     assets::{self, Asset},
-    combat,
+    combat::{self, CombatEffect},
     comp::{
         aura, beam, inventory::item::tool::ToolKind, projectile::ProjectileConstructor, skills,
         Body, CharacterState, EnergySource, Gravity, LightEmitter, StateUpdate,
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ pub enum CharacterAbility {
         tick_rate: f32,
         range: f32,
         max_angle: f32,
-        lifesteal_eff: f32,
+        damage_effect: Option<CombatEffect>,
         energy_regen: f32,
         energy_drain: f32,
         orientation_behavior: basic_beam::MovementBehavior,
@@ -1008,7 +1008,7 @@ impl CharacterAbility {
                         ref mut damage,
                         ref mut range,
                         ref mut beam_duration,
-                        ref mut lifesteal_eff,
+                        ref mut damage_effect,
                         ref mut energy_regen,
                         ..
                     } => {
@@ -1024,8 +1024,10 @@ impl CharacterAbility {
                         if let Ok(Some(level)) = skillset.skill_level(Sceptre(LRegen)) {
                             *energy_regen *= 1.25_f32.powi(level.into());
                         }
-                        if let Ok(Some(level)) = skillset.skill_level(Sceptre(LLifesteal)) {
-                            *lifesteal_eff *= 1.3_f32.powi(level.into());
+                        if let (Ok(Some(level)), Some(CombatEffect::Lifesteal(ref mut lifesteal))) =
+                            (skillset.skill_level(Sceptre(LLifesteal)), damage_effect)
+                        {
+                            *lifesteal *= 1.3_f32.powi(level.into());
                         }
                     },
                     HealingBeam {
@@ -1479,7 +1481,7 @@ impl From<(&CharacterAbility, AbilityInfo)> for CharacterState {
                 tick_rate,
                 range,
                 max_angle,
-                lifesteal_eff,
+                damage_effect,
                 energy_regen,
                 energy_drain,
                 orientation_behavior,
@@ -1493,7 +1495,7 @@ impl From<(&CharacterAbility, AbilityInfo)> for CharacterState {
                     tick_rate: *tick_rate,
                     range: *range,
                     max_angle: *max_angle,
-                    lifesteal_eff: *lifesteal_eff,
+                    damage_effect: *damage_effect,
                     energy_regen: *energy_regen,
                     energy_drain: *energy_drain,
                     ability_info,
diff --git a/common/src/comp/beam.rs b/common/src/comp/beam.rs
index 2ad006672f..da888d03d0 100644
--- a/common/src/comp/beam.rs
+++ b/common/src/comp/beam.rs
@@ -51,4 +51,5 @@ pub enum FrontendSpecifier {
     Flamethrower,
     LifestealBeam,
     HealingBeam,
+    Cultist,
 }
diff --git a/common/src/comp/buff.rs b/common/src/comp/buff.rs
index 91a103e918..5d5f76a187 100644
--- a/common/src/comp/buff.rs
+++ b/common/src/comp/buff.rs
@@ -20,8 +20,7 @@ pub enum BuffKind {
     Saturation,
     /// Lowers health over time for some duration
     Bleeding,
-    /// Lower a creature's max health
-    /// Currently placeholder buff to show other stuff is possible
+    /// Lower a creature's max health over time
     Cursed,
     /// Applied when drinking a potion
     Potion,
@@ -109,6 +108,13 @@ pub enum BuffEffect {
     MaxEnergyModifier { value: f32, kind: ModifierKind },
     /// Reduces damage after armor is accounted for by this fraction
     DamageReduction(f32),
+    /// Gradually changes an entities max health over time
+    MaxHealthChangeOverTime {
+        rate: f32,
+        accumulated: f32,
+        kind: ModifierKind,
+        target_fraction: f32,
+    },
 }
 
 /// Actual de/buff.
@@ -191,10 +197,19 @@ impl Buff {
                 data.duration,
             ),
             BuffKind::Cursed => (
-                vec![BuffEffect::MaxHealthModifier {
-                    value: -100. * data.strength,
-                    kind: ModifierKind::Additive,
-                }],
+                vec![
+                    BuffEffect::MaxHealthChangeOverTime {
+                        rate: -10.0,
+                        accumulated: 0.0,
+                        kind: ModifierKind::Additive,
+                        target_fraction: 1.0 - data.strength,
+                    },
+                    BuffEffect::HealthChangeOverTime {
+                        rate: -10.0,
+                        accumulated: 0.0,
+                        kind: ModifierKind::Additive,
+                    },
+                ],
                 data.duration,
             ),
             BuffKind::IncreaseMaxEnergy => (
diff --git a/common/src/comp/health.rs b/common/src/comp/health.rs
index d32e9b7228..d13e612844 100644
--- a/common/src/comp/health.rs
+++ b/common/src/comp/health.rs
@@ -36,10 +36,9 @@ pub enum HealthSource {
 
 #[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct Health {
-    base_max: u32,
     current: u32,
+    base_max: u32,
     maximum: u32,
-    last_max: u32,
     pub last_change: (f64, HealthChange),
     pub is_dead: bool,
 }
@@ -58,9 +57,8 @@ impl Health {
     pub fn empty() -> Self {
         Health {
             current: 0,
-            maximum: 0,
             base_max: 0,
-            last_max: 0,
+            maximum: 0,
             last_change: (0.0, HealthChange {
                 amount: 0,
                 cause: HealthSource::Revive,
@@ -73,6 +71,8 @@ impl Health {
 
     pub fn maximum(&self) -> u32 { self.maximum }
 
+    pub fn base_max(&self) -> u32 { self.base_max }
+
     #[cfg(not(target_arch = "wasm32"))]
     pub fn set_to(&mut self, amount: u32, cause: HealthSource) {
         let amount = amount.min(self.maximum);
@@ -97,6 +97,12 @@ impl Health {
         self.current = self.current.min(self.maximum);
     }
 
+    // Scales the temporary max health by a modifier.
+    pub fn scale_maximum(&mut self, scaled: f32) {
+        let scaled_max = (self.base_max as f32 * scaled) as u32;
+        self.set_maximum(scaled_max);
+    }
+
     // This is private because max hp is based on the level
     #[cfg(not(target_arch = "wasm32"))]
     fn set_base_max(&mut self, amount: u32) {
@@ -124,26 +130,6 @@ impl Health {
             });
         }
     }
-
-    #[cfg(not(target_arch = "wasm32"))]
-    pub fn with_max_health(mut self, amount: u32) -> Self {
-        self.maximum = amount;
-        self.current = amount;
-        self
-    }
-
-    #[cfg(not(target_arch = "wasm32"))]
-    pub fn last_set(&mut self) { self.last_max = self.maximum }
-
-    #[cfg(not(target_arch = "wasm32"))]
-    pub fn reset_max(&mut self) {
-        self.maximum = self.base_max;
-        if self.current > self.last_max {
-            self.current = self.last_max;
-
-            self.last_max = self.base_max;
-        }
-    }
 }
 
 #[cfg(not(target_arch = "wasm32"))]
diff --git a/common/src/comp/inventory/item/tool.rs b/common/src/comp/inventory/item/tool.rs
index c17c904399..8c4fa2c9f4 100644
--- a/common/src/comp/inventory/item/tool.rs
+++ b/common/src/comp/inventory/item/tool.rs
@@ -426,4 +426,5 @@ pub enum UniqueKind {
     TheropodCharge,
     ObjectTurret,
     WoodenSpear,
+    MindflayerStaff,
 }
diff --git a/common/src/comp/stats.rs b/common/src/comp/stats.rs
index 365c0d40bf..84893fe7ee 100644
--- a/common/src/comp/stats.rs
+++ b/common/src/comp/stats.rs
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ pub struct Stats {
     // potentially be updated every tick (especially as more buffs are added)
     pub skill_set: SkillSet,
     pub damage_reduction: f32,
+    pub max_health_modifier: f32,
 }
 
 impl Stats {
@@ -36,6 +37,7 @@ impl Stats {
             name,
             skill_set: SkillSet::default(),
             damage_reduction: 0.0,
+            max_health_modifier: 1.0,
         }
     }
 
@@ -46,8 +48,15 @@ impl Stats {
             name: "".to_owned(),
             skill_set: SkillSet::default(),
             damage_reduction: 0.0,
+            max_health_modifier: 1.0,
         }
     }
+
+    /// Resets temporary modifiers to default values
+    pub fn reset_temp_modifiers(&mut self) {
+        self.damage_reduction = 0.0;
+        self.max_health_modifier = 1.0;
+    }
 }
 
 impl Component for Stats {
diff --git a/common/src/states/basic_beam.rs b/common/src/states/basic_beam.rs
index 567340cf27..766959470f 100644
--- a/common/src/states/basic_beam.rs
+++ b/common/src/states/basic_beam.rs
@@ -32,9 +32,8 @@ pub struct StaticData {
     pub range: f32,
     /// Max angle (45.0 will give you a 90.0 angle window)
     pub max_angle: f32,
-    /// Lifesteal efficiency (0 gives 0% conversion of damage to health, 1 gives
-    /// 100% conversion of damage to health)
-    pub lifesteal_eff: f32,
+    /// Adds an effect onto the main damage of the attack
+    pub damage_effect: Option<CombatEffect>,
     /// Energy regenerated per tick
     pub energy_regen: f32,
     /// Energy drained per second
@@ -111,15 +110,16 @@ impl CharacterBehavior for Data {
                         CombatEffect::EnergyReward(self.static_data.energy_regen),
                     )
                     .with_requirement(CombatRequirement::AnyDamage);
-                    let lifesteal = CombatEffect::Lifesteal(self.static_data.lifesteal_eff);
-                    let damage = AttackDamage::new(
+                    let mut damage = AttackDamage::new(
                         Damage {
                             source: DamageSource::Energy,
                             value: self.static_data.damage,
                         },
                         Some(GroupTarget::OutOfGroup),
-                    )
-                    .with_effect(lifesteal);
+                    );
+                    if let Some(effect) = self.static_data.damage_effect {
+                        damage = damage.with_effect(effect);
+                    }
                     let (crit_chance, crit_mult) =
                         get_crit_data(data, self.static_data.ability_info);
                     let attack = Attack::default()
@@ -138,8 +138,8 @@ impl CharacterBehavior for Data {
                     };
                     // Gets offsets
                     let body_offsets = Vec3::new(
-                        (data.body.radius() + 1.0) * data.inputs.look_dir.x,
-                        (data.body.radius() + 1.0) * data.inputs.look_dir.y,
+                        (data.body.radius() + 0.2) * data.inputs.look_dir.x,
+                        (data.body.radius() + 0.2) * data.inputs.look_dir.y,
                         data.body.eye_height() * 0.6,
                     );
                     let pos = Pos(data.pos.0 + body_offsets);
diff --git a/common/src/states/healing_beam.rs b/common/src/states/healing_beam.rs
index 96ca50b7b5..23caaded52 100644
--- a/common/src/states/healing_beam.rs
+++ b/common/src/states/healing_beam.rs
@@ -103,8 +103,8 @@ impl CharacterBehavior for Data {
                     };
                     // Gets offsets
                     let body_offsets = Vec3::new(
-                        (data.body.radius() + 1.0) * data.inputs.look_dir.x,
-                        (data.body.radius() + 1.0) * data.inputs.look_dir.y,
+                        (data.body.radius() + 0.2) * data.inputs.look_dir.x,
+                        (data.body.radius() + 0.2) * data.inputs.look_dir.y,
                         data.body.eye_height() * 0.6,
                     );
                     let pos = Pos(data.pos.0 + body_offsets);
diff --git a/common/sys/src/buff.rs b/common/sys/src/buff.rs
index a701ea8aca..9d379af810 100644
--- a/common/sys/src/buff.rs
+++ b/common/sys/src/buff.rs
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ pub struct ReadData<'a> {
     dt: Read<'a, DeltaTime>,
     server_bus: Read<'a, EventBus<ServerEvent>>,
     inventories: ReadStorage<'a, Inventory>,
+    healths: ReadStorage<'a, Health>,
 }
 
 #[derive(Default)]
@@ -26,7 +27,6 @@ pub struct Sys;
 impl<'a> System<'a> for Sys {
     type SystemData = (
         ReadData<'a>,
-        WriteStorage<'a, Health>,
         WriteStorage<'a, Energy>,
         WriteStorage<'a, Buffs>,
         WriteStorage<'a, Stats>,
@@ -38,22 +38,20 @@ impl<'a> System<'a> for Sys {
 
     fn run(
         _job: &mut Job<Self>,
-        (read_data, mut healths, mut energies, mut buffs, mut stats): Self::SystemData,
+        (read_data, mut energies, mut buffs, mut stats): Self::SystemData,
     ) {
         let mut server_emitter = read_data.server_bus.emitter();
         let dt = read_data.dt.0;
         // Set to false to avoid spamming server
         buffs.set_event_emission(false);
-        healths.set_event_emission(false);
         energies.set_event_emission(false);
-        healths.set_event_emission(false);
         stats.set_event_emission(false);
-        for (entity, mut buff_comp, mut health, mut energy, mut stat) in (
+        for (entity, mut buff_comp, mut energy, mut stat, health) in (
             &read_data.entities,
             &mut buffs,
-            &mut healths,
             &mut energies,
             &mut stats,
+            &read_data.healths,
         )
             .join()
         {
@@ -89,12 +87,10 @@ impl<'a> System<'a> for Sys {
                 }
             }
 
-            // Call to reset health and energy to base values
-            health.last_set();
+            // Call to reset energy and stats to base values
             energy.last_set();
-            health.reset_max();
             energy.reset_max();
-            stat.damage_reduction = 0.0;
+            stat.reset_temp_modifiers();
 
             // Iterator over the lists of buffs by kind
             let buff_comp = &mut *buff_comp;
@@ -117,9 +113,9 @@ impl<'a> System<'a> for Sys {
                                 kind,
                             } => {
                                 *accumulated += *rate * dt;
-                                // Apply health change only once a second or
+                                // Apply health change only once per second, per health, or
                                 // when a buff is removed
-                                if accumulated.abs() > rate.abs()
+                                if accumulated.abs() > rate.abs().min(10.0)
                                     || buff.time.map_or(false, |dur| dur == Duration::default())
                                 {
                                     let cause = if *accumulated > 0.0 {
@@ -145,14 +141,10 @@ impl<'a> System<'a> for Sys {
                             },
                             BuffEffect::MaxHealthModifier { value, kind } => match kind {
                                 ModifierKind::Additive => {
-                                    let health = &mut *health;
-                                    let buffed_health_max =
-                                        (health.maximum() as f32 + *value) as u32;
-                                    health.set_maximum(buffed_health_max);
+                                    stat.max_health_modifier += *value / (health.maximum() as f32);
                                 },
                                 ModifierKind::Fractional => {
-                                    let health = &mut *health;
-                                    health.set_maximum((health.maximum() as f32 * *value) as u32);
+                                    stat.max_health_modifier *= *value;
                                 },
                             },
                             BuffEffect::MaxEnergyModifier { value, kind } => match kind {
@@ -168,6 +160,35 @@ impl<'a> System<'a> for Sys {
                             BuffEffect::DamageReduction(dr) => {
                                 stat.damage_reduction = stat.damage_reduction.max(*dr).min(1.0);
                             },
+                            BuffEffect::MaxHealthChangeOverTime {
+                                rate,
+                                accumulated,
+                                kind,
+                                target_fraction,
+                            } => {
+                                *accumulated += *rate * dt;
+                                let current_fraction = health.maximum() as f32
+                                    / (health.base_max() as f32 * stat.max_health_modifier);
+                                let progress = (1.0 - current_fraction) / (1.0 - *target_fraction);
+                                if progress > 1.0 {
+                                    stat.max_health_modifier *= *target_fraction;
+                                } else if accumulated.abs() > rate.abs() {
+                                    match kind {
+                                        ModifierKind::Additive => {
+                                            stat.max_health_modifier = stat.max_health_modifier
+                                                * current_fraction
+                                                + *accumulated / health.maximum() as f32;
+                                        },
+                                        ModifierKind::Fractional => {
+                                            stat.max_health_modifier *=
+                                                current_fraction * (1.0 - *accumulated);
+                                        },
+                                    }
+                                    *accumulated = 0.0;
+                                } else {
+                                    stat.max_health_modifier *= current_fraction;
+                                }
+                            },
                         };
                     }
                 }
@@ -195,7 +216,6 @@ impl<'a> System<'a> for Sys {
         }
         // Turned back to true
         buffs.set_event_emission(true);
-        healths.set_event_emission(true);
         energies.set_event_emission(true);
         stats.set_event_emission(true);
     }
diff --git a/common/sys/src/stats.rs b/common/sys/src/stats.rs
index b42c7af872..2304691d95 100644
--- a/common/sys/src/stats.rs
+++ b/common/sys/src/stats.rs
@@ -104,6 +104,18 @@ impl<'a> System<'a> for Sys {
             }
 
             let stat = stats.get_unchecked();
+
+            let update_max_hp = {
+                let health = health.get_unchecked();
+                (stat.max_health_modifier - 1.0).abs() > f32::EPSILON
+                    || health.base_max() != health.maximum()
+            };
+
+            if update_max_hp {
+                let mut health = health.get_mut_unchecked();
+                health.scale_maximum(stat.max_health_modifier);
+            }
+
             let skills_to_level = stat
                 .skill_set
                 .skill_groups
diff --git a/voxygen/src/audio/sfx/mod.rs b/voxygen/src/audio/sfx/mod.rs
index b86acfa1b6..2900ef4559 100644
--- a/voxygen/src/audio/sfx/mod.rs
+++ b/voxygen/src/audio/sfx/mod.rs
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ impl SfxMgr {
                     let file_ref = "voxygen.audio.sfx.abilities.staff_channeling";
                     audio.play_sfx(file_ref, *pos, None);
                 },
-                beam::FrontendSpecifier::Flamethrower => {
+                beam::FrontendSpecifier::Flamethrower | beam::FrontendSpecifier::Cultist => {
                     let file_ref = "voxygen.audio.sfx.abilities.flame_thrower";
                     audio.play_sfx(file_ref, *pos, None);
                 },
diff --git a/voxygen/src/render/pipelines/particle.rs b/voxygen/src/render/pipelines/particle.rs
index d798bde320..d24f8a8a57 100644
--- a/voxygen/src/render/pipelines/particle.rs
+++ b/voxygen/src/render/pipelines/particle.rs
@@ -119,6 +119,7 @@ pub enum ParticleMode {
     Explosion = 20,
     Ice = 21,
     LifestealBeam = 22,
+    CultistFlame = 23,
 }
 
 impl ParticleMode {
diff --git a/voxygen/src/scene/particle.rs b/voxygen/src/scene/particle.rs
index 1fa34f5f2b..20c5d6a2dd 100644
--- a/voxygen/src/scene/particle.rs
+++ b/voxygen/src/scene/particle.rs
@@ -194,6 +194,7 @@ impl ParticleMgr {
             self.maintain_block_particles(scene_data, terrain);
             self.maintain_shockwave_particles(scene_data);
             self.maintain_aura_particles(scene_data);
+            self.maintain_buff_particles(scene_data);
         } else {
             // remove all particle lifespans
             self.particles.clear();
@@ -477,7 +478,7 @@ impl ParticleMgr {
                         2.0,
                     ));
                     self.particles.resize_with(
-                        self.particles.len() + 2 * usize::from(beam_tick_count),
+                        self.particles.len() + usize::from(beam_tick_count) / 2,
                         || {
                             let phi: f32 = rng.gen_range(0.0..beam.properties.angle);
                             let theta: f32 = rng.gen_range(0.0..2.0 * PI);
@@ -497,6 +498,37 @@ impl ParticleMgr {
                         },
                     );
                 },
+                beam::FrontendSpecifier::Cultist => {
+                    let mut rng = thread_rng();
+                    let (from, to) = (Vec3::<f32>::unit_z(), *ori.look_dir());
+                    let m = Mat3::<f32>::rotation_from_to_3d(from, to);
+                    // Emit a light when using flames
+                    lights.push(Light::new(
+                        pos.0,
+                        Rgb::new(1.0, 0.0, 1.0).map(|e| e * rng.gen_range(0.5..1.0)),
+                        2.0,
+                    ));
+                    self.particles.resize_with(
+                        self.particles.len() + usize::from(beam_tick_count) / 2,
+                        || {
+                            let phi: f32 = rng.gen_range(0.0..beam.properties.angle);
+                            let theta: f32 = rng.gen_range(0.0..2.0 * PI);
+                            let offset_z = Vec3::new(
+                                phi.sin() * theta.cos(),
+                                phi.sin() * theta.sin(),
+                                phi.cos(),
+                            );
+                            let random_ori = offset_z * m * Vec3::new(-1.0, -1.0, 1.0);
+                            Particle::new_directed(
+                                beam.properties.duration,
+                                time,
+                                ParticleMode::CultistFlame,
+                                pos.0,
+                                pos.0 + random_ori * range,
+                            )
+                        },
+                    );
+                },
                 beam::FrontendSpecifier::HealingBeam => {
                     // Emit a light when using healing
                     lights.push(Light::new(pos.0, Rgb::new(0.1, 1.0, 0.15), 1.0));
@@ -570,6 +602,54 @@ impl ParticleMgr {
         }
     }
 
+    fn maintain_buff_particles(&mut self, scene_data: &SceneData) {
+        let state = scene_data.state;
+        let ecs = state.ecs();
+        let time = state.get_time();
+        let mut rng = rand::thread_rng();
+
+        for (pos, buffs, body) in (
+            &ecs.read_storage::<Pos>(),
+            &ecs.read_storage::<comp::Buffs>(),
+            &ecs.read_storage::<comp::Body>(),
+        )
+            .join()
+        {
+            for (buff_kind, _) in buffs.kinds.iter() {
+                #[allow(clippy::single_match)]
+                match buff_kind {
+                    buff::BuffKind::Cursed => {
+                        self.particles.resize_with(
+                            self.particles.len()
+                                + usize::from(self.scheduler.heartbeats(Duration::from_millis(15))),
+                            || {
+                                let start_pos = pos.0
+                                    + Vec3::unit_z() * body.height() * 0.25
+                                    + Vec3::<f32>::zero()
+                                        .map(|_| rng.gen_range(-1.0..1.0))
+                                        .normalized()
+                                        * 0.25;
+                                let end_pos = start_pos
+                                    + Vec3::unit_z() * body.height()
+                                    + Vec3::<f32>::zero()
+                                        .map(|_| rng.gen_range(-1.0..1.0))
+                                        .normalized();
+                                Particle::new_directed(
+                                    Duration::from_secs(1),
+                                    time,
+                                    ParticleMode::CultistFlame,
+                                    start_pos,
+                                    end_pos,
+                                )
+                            },
+                        );
+                    },
+                    _ => {},
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     #[allow(clippy::same_item_push)] // TODO: Pending review in #587
     fn maintain_block_particles(
         &mut self,