Is the only way to do this through the temple? I'm in the second town (Erliquin, #5) and just realized the large shield +1 my knight has is cursed. I went to the temple but it cost 1500 gold to remove it! I don't have anything like that. There doesn't seem to be a cleric spell in the instructions either. Do I just have to wait til end game when I can afford that?

Also what exactly does the cursed item do? I get that it's bad, but the instructions don't say how.

A cursed item doesn't do anything, but it takes up a slot that could otherwise be used by a good item. The only bad effect is that you won't be able to wear a good shield.

If I remember correctly there is a Remove Curse cleric spell, but you'll be able to afford 1.5k gold way before you reach it.

My advice is just keep playing till you can pay the temple. It's not a dealbreaker.

There is no Remove Curse spell (you are probably thinking Remove Quest). For most of them, the only bad thing is they suck, shields no AC bonus and tie up a spot. One cursed item increases your age 10 years (Mace of Undead) and there are a couple items that have a Use power which Dispels Magic which generally is bad for you.

There is actually one cursed item that has a possible use, the Obsidian Bow. It is the only ranged weapon equippable by Clerics and Sorcerers, granted for a base 1-3 damage.

Well that's not as bad as I thought, I was afraid it lowered my might or something. I didn't make a note of my stats before I equipped it so I wasn't sure.

I guess I'll just have to hold onto it til later then! Thanks or the info you two.

Ah yes looks like my memory failed me. it's MM2 which has Uncurse Item as a high level spell. Ironically it's useless, since there are no cursed items in that game.