Orokin Defixios are unique pickups that can be acquired within the Abyssal Zone near Ceres. Picking one up will apply a random curse to the Tenno until they drop it.
They constantly emit a harsh screeching sound and an aura of red smoke, which aids in their location.
General[]
Defixios are Orokin-Era curse tablets that were presumably created by Corphel and Irilia, a powerful and debaucherous Orokin couple. They are coveted for their unique ability to generate powerful, but unpredictable curses.
The Defixios' curses are extremely potent, as just the relic's presence alone can elicit fear and terror from anyone nearby. Currently, Warframes are the only known things that are able to handle Defixios, but they are still not fully immune to the curse.
Vainthorns are a vital component in Defixio construction, and can be extracted from the relics without damage.
Lore & History[]
Discovery[]
The Defixios were first discovered byGrineer raiders in an archaeological dig site on Ceres known as Villa Irillia: the former home of the aforementioned Orokin couple. Plundered from the Villa, these relics were shipped offworld aboard a Grineer Galleon.
The Abyssal Zone[]
The power of the Defixios would ultimately cause the Galleon to break down and be set adrift outside Ceres' orbit, with the region becoming known as the Abyssal Zone.
In a rare showing of solidarity, the six Syndicates (Steel Meridian, Arbiters of Hexis, Cephalon Suda, The Perrin Sequence ,Red Veil, and New Loka) would all send out a convert squad of Operatives to recover the relics from the ship. However, due to the curses' pervading animosity, their morale would ultimately break down, and they would be stranded on the Galleon.
The Tenno is then tasked with clearing the Galleon of the Grineer, and recovering the remaining Defixios, as well as the stranded operatives. When approaching a nearby operative, they will offer the Tenno their targeting telemetry, marking the location of a nearby Defixio on their map before leaving.
Curses[]
Carrying a Defixio causes a randomly selected debuff to take effect. Dropping the Defixio will remove the debuff until it is picked up again.
Debuff
Effect
Phantom Curse
Gravity is reduced.
Scarcity Curse
Your Ammo depletes steadily. Battery weapons recharge slowly.
Echo Curse
Take damage when you cast Abilities.
Hunter Curse
Take damage as you move. Land jumps for a brief reprieve from this curse.
Exposure Curse
Your Shields get removed.
Blood Curse
Your Health drains steadily. Killing enemies restores it.
Weariness Curse
Your energy drains steadily.
Shadow Curse
Your light source dims steadily. Melee kills brighten it.
Trivia[]
A defixio (Greek: κατάδεσμος) is a real-life tablet with a curse written on it, the name originating from the Greek and Latin words for "pierce" and "bind."
Tenno until they drop it.
Orokin-Era curse tablets that were presumably created by Corphel and Irilia, a powerful and debaucherous Orokin couple. They are coveted for their unique ability to generate powerful, but unpredictable curses.
Vainthorns are a vital component in Defixio construction, and can be extracted from the relics without damage.
Grineer raiders in an archaeological dig site on Ceres known as Villa Irillia: the former home of the aforementioned Orokin couple. Plundered from the Villa, these relics were shipped offworld aboard a Grineer Galleon.
Steel Meridian, 
Arbiters of Hexis, 
Cephalon Suda, 
The Perrin Sequence ,
Red Veil, and 
New Loka) would all send out a convert squad of Operatives to recover the relics from the ship. However, due to the curses' pervading animosity, their morale would ultimately break down, and they would be stranded on the Galleon.
