diff --git a/res/core/common/items.xml b/res/core/common/items.xml
index 0e1505205..8f2bbabf8 100644
--- a/res/core/common/items.xml
+++ b/res/core/common/items.xml
@@ -110,20 +110,16 @@
 <!-- xmas items -->
   <resource name="mistletoe">
     <!-- Sets the chance of escape in a fight to 100 percent -->
-    <item notlost="yes" weight="0">
-      <function name="use" value="usemistletoe"/>
-    </item>
+    <item notlost="yes" weight="0" use="yes" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="speedsail">
-    <item weight="0">
-      <function name="use" value="use_speedsail"/>
-    </item>
+    <item weight="0" use="yes" />
   </resource>
 
 <!-- items -->
   <resource name="antimagic" appearance="amulet">
-	  <item weight="0" score="2000" use="yes" />
+    <item weight="0" score="2000" use="yes" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="catapultammo">
diff --git a/res/eressea/artrewards.xml b/res/eressea/artrewards.xml
index 2a3c09950..b18fd5b20 100644
--- a/res/eressea/artrewards.xml
+++ b/res/eressea/artrewards.xml
@@ -3,16 +3,12 @@
 
   <resource name="aurapotion50">
     <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
-    <item weight="0">
-      <function name="use" value="use_aurapotion50"/>
-    </item>
+    <item weight="0" use="yes" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="bagpipeoffear">
     <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
-    <item weight="0">
-      <function name="use" value="use_bagpipeoffear"/>
-    </item>
+    <item weight="0" use="yes"/>
   </resource>
 
 </resources>
diff --git a/scripts/tests/e2/items.lua b/scripts/tests/e2/items.lua
index da72bdbbc..9bc747650 100644
--- a/scripts/tests/e2/items.lua
+++ b/scripts/tests/e2/items.lua
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 require "lunit"
 
-module("tests.items", package.seeall, lunit.testcase )
+module("tests.e2.items", package.seeall, lunit.testcase )
 
 function setup()
     eressea.free_game()
@@ -18,9 +18,11 @@ function test_meow()
     u:add_item("aoc", 1)
     u:clear_orders()
     u:add_order("BENUTZEN 1 Katzenamulett")
-    process_orders()
+    turn_begin()
+    turn_process()
     assert_equal(1, u:get_item("aoc"))
     assert_equal(1, r:count_msg_type('meow'))
+    turn_end()
 end
 
 function test_aurapotion50()
@@ -33,10 +35,12 @@ function test_aurapotion50()
     u.aura = 0
     u:clear_orders()
     u:add_order("BENUTZEN 1 Auratrank")
-    process_orders()
+    turn_begin()
+    turn_process()
     assert_equal(0, u:get_item("aurapotion50"))
     assert_equal(1, f:count_msg_type('aurapotion50'))
     assert_equal(50, u.aura)
+    turn_end()
 end
 
 function test_bagpipe()
@@ -69,24 +73,26 @@ function test_foolpotion()
     local r = region.create(0, 0, "plain")
     local f = faction.create("noreply@eressea.de", "human", "de")
     local u = unit.create(f, r, 1)
+    turn_begin()
     u:add_item("p7", 1)
     u:clear_orders()
     u:add_order("BENUTZEN 1 Dumpfbackenbrot 4242")
-    process_orders()
+    turn_process()
     assert_equal(1, u:get_item("p7"))
     assert_equal(1, f:count_msg_type('feedback_unit_not_found'))
     local u2 = unit.create(f, r, 1)
     
     u:clear_orders()
     u:add_order("BENUTZEN 1 Dumpfbackenbrot " .. itoa36(u2.id))
-    process_orders()
+    turn_process()
     assert_equal(1, u:get_item("p7"))
     assert_equal(1, f:count_msg_type('error64'))
 
     u:set_skill("stealth", 1);
-    process_orders()
+    turn_process()
     assert_equal(0, u:get_item("p7"))
     assert_equal(1, f:count_msg_type('givedumb'))
+    turn_end()
 end
 
 function test_snowman()
diff --git a/scripts/tests/items.lua b/scripts/tests/items.lua
index ff292b4cb..48f466409 100644
--- a/scripts/tests/items.lua
+++ b/scripts/tests/items.lua
@@ -11,6 +11,22 @@ function setup()
     eressea.settings.set("magic.regeneration.enable", "0")
 end
 
+function test_mistletoe()
+    local r = region.create(0, 0, "plain")
+    local f = faction.create("noreply@eressea.de", "human", "de")
+    local u = unit.create(f, r, 1)
+    u:add_item('mistletoe', 2)
+    u:clear_orders()
+    u:add_order("BENUTZEN 1 Mistelzweig")
+    process_orders()
+    assert_equal(1, u:get_item('mistletoe'))
+    assert_equal(1, f:count_msg_type('use_item'))
+    u.number = 2
+    process_orders()
+    assert_equal(1, u:get_item('mistletoe'))
+    assert_equal(1, f:count_msg_type('use_singleperson'))
+end
+
 function test_dreameye()
     local r = region.create(0, 0, "plain")
     local f = faction.create("noreply@eressea.de", "human", "de")
@@ -18,9 +34,14 @@ function test_dreameye()
     u:add_item("dreameye", 2)
     u:clear_orders()
     u:add_order("BENUTZEN 1 Traumauge")
-    process_orders()
+    assert_false(u:is_cursed('skillmod'))
+    turn_begin()
+    turn_process()
+    assert_true(u:is_cursed('skillmod'))
     assert_equal(1, u:get_item("dreameye"))
     assert_equal(1, f:count_msg_type('use_tacticcrystal'))
+    turn_end()
+    assert_false(u:is_cursed('skillmod'))
 end
 
 function test_manacrystal()
@@ -33,10 +54,12 @@ function test_manacrystal()
     u:set_skill('magic', 1)
     u.aura = 0
     u:add_order("BENUTZEN 1 Astralkristall")
-    process_orders()
+    turn_begin()
+    turn_process()
     assert_equal(1, u:get_item("manacrystal"))
     assert_equal(25, u.aura)
     assert_equal(1, f:count_msg_type('manacrystal_use'))
+    turn_end()
 end
 
 function test_skillpotion()
diff --git a/src/bind_unit.c b/src/bind_unit.c
index c8ac2b362..0358e1938 100755
--- a/src/bind_unit.c
+++ b/src/bind_unit.c
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ without prior permission by the authors of Eressea.
 /*  kernel includes */
 #include <kernel/building.h>
 #include <kernel/config.h>
+#include <kernel/curse.h>
 #include <kernel/faction.h>
 #include <kernel/group.h>
 #include <kernel/item.h>
@@ -770,6 +771,21 @@ static int tolua_unit_get_orders(lua_State * L)
     return 1;
 }
 
+static int tolua_unit_is_cursed(lua_State *L) {
+    unit *self = (unit *)tolua_tousertype(L, 1, 0);
+    const char *name = tolua_tostring(L, 2, 0);
+    lua_pushboolean(L, self->attribs && curse_active(get_curse(self->attribs, ct_find(name))));
+    return 1;
+}
+
+static int tolua_unit_has_attrib(lua_State *L) {
+    unit *self = (unit *)tolua_tousertype(L, 1, 0);
+    const char *name = tolua_tostring(L, 2, 0);
+    attrib * a = a_find(self->attribs, at_find(name));
+    lua_pushboolean(L, a != NULL);
+    return 1;
+}
+
 static int tolua_unit_get_flag(lua_State * L)
 {
     unit *self = (unit *)tolua_tousertype(L, 1, 0);
@@ -956,6 +972,9 @@ void tolua_unit_open(lua_State * L)
             tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "clear_orders", &tolua_unit_clear_orders);
             tolua_variable(L, TOLUA_CAST "orders", &tolua_unit_get_orders, 0);
 
+            tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "is_cursed", &tolua_unit_is_cursed);
+            tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "has_attrib", &tolua_unit_has_attrib);
+
             /*  key-attributes for named flags: */
             tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "set_flag", &tolua_unit_set_flag);
             tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "get_flag", &tolua_unit_get_flag);
diff --git a/src/bindings.c b/src/bindings.c
index 18261a507..1d6270b35 100755
--- a/src/bindings.c
+++ b/src/bindings.c
@@ -480,44 +480,30 @@ static int tolua_write_reports(lua_State * L)
     return 1;
 }
 
-static void reset_game(void)
-{
-    region *r;
-    faction *f;
-    for (r = regions; r; r = r->next) {
-        unit *u;
-        building *b;
-        r->flags &= RF_SAVEMASK;
-        for (u = r->units; u; u = u->next) {
-            u->flags &= UFL_SAVEMASK;
-        }
-        for (b = r->buildings; b; b = b->next) {
-            b->flags &= BLD_SAVEMASK;
-        }
-        if (r->land && r->land->ownership && r->land->ownership->owner) {
-            faction *owner = r->land->ownership->owner;
-            if (owner == get_monsters()) {
-                /* some compat-fix, i believe. */
-                owner = update_owners(r);
-            }
-            if (owner) {
-                fset(r, RF_GUARDED);
-            }
-        }
-    }
-    for (f = factions; f; f = f->next) {
-        f->flags &= FFL_SAVEMASK;
-    }
-}
-
 static int tolua_process_orders(lua_State * L)
 {
-    ++turn;
-    reset_game();
     processorders();
     return 0;
 }
 
+static int tolua_turn_begin(lua_State * L)
+{
+    turn_begin();
+    return 0;
+}
+
+static int tolua_turn_process(lua_State * L)
+{
+    turn_process();
+    return 0;
+}
+
+static int tolua_turn_end(lua_State * L)
+{
+    turn_end();
+    return 0;
+}
+
 static int tolua_write_passwords(lua_State * L)
 {
     int result = writepasswd();
@@ -1063,6 +1049,9 @@ int tolua_bindings_open(lua_State * L, const dictionary *inifile)
         tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "factions", tolua_get_factions);
         tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "regions", tolua_get_regions);
         tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "read_turn", tolua_read_turn);
+        tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "turn_begin", tolua_turn_begin);
+        tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "turn_process", tolua_turn_process);
+        tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "turn_end", tolua_turn_end);
         tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "process_orders", tolua_process_orders);
         tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "init_reports", tolua_init_reports);
         tolua_function(L, TOLUA_CAST "write_reports", tolua_write_reports);
diff --git a/src/items.c b/src/items.c
index ccba7ae7f..192bb111d 100644
--- a/src/items.c
+++ b/src/items.c
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@
 #include <kernel/spell.h>
 #include <kernel/unit.h>
 
+#include <attributes/fleechance.h>
+
 /* triggers includes */
 #include <triggers/changerace.h>
 #include <triggers/timeout.h>
@@ -347,7 +349,7 @@ use_tacticcrystal(unit * u, const struct item_type *itype, int amount,
 {
     int i;
     for (i = 0; i != amount; ++i) {
-        int duration = 1;           /* wirkt nur eine Runde */
+        int duration = 1;           /* wirkt nur in dieser Runde */
         curse *c;
         float effect;
         float power = 5;            /* Widerstand gegen Antimagiesprueche, ist in diesem
@@ -366,9 +368,32 @@ use_tacticcrystal(unit * u, const struct item_type *itype, int amount,
     return 0;
 }
 
+static int
+use_mistletoe(struct unit *user, const struct item_type *itype, int amount,
+    struct order *ord)
+{
+    int mtoes =
+        get_pooled(user, itype->rtype, GET_SLACK | GET_RESERVE | GET_POOLED_SLACK,
+            user->number);
+
+    if (user->number > mtoes) {
+        ADDMSG(&user->faction->msgs, msg_message("use_singleperson",
+            "unit item region command", user, itype->rtype, user->region, ord));
+        return -1;
+    }
+    use_pooled(user, itype->rtype, GET_SLACK | GET_RESERVE | GET_POOLED_SLACK,
+        user->number);
+    a_add(&user->attribs, make_fleechance((float)1.0));
+    ADDMSG(&user->faction->msgs,
+        msg_message("use_item", "unit item", user, itype->rtype));
+
+    return 0;
+}
+
 void register_itemfunctions(void)
 {
     /* have tests: */
+    register_item_use(use_mistletoe, "use_mistletoe");
     register_item_use(use_tacticcrystal, "use_dreameye");
     register_item_use(use_studypotion, "use_studypotion");
     register_item_use(use_antimagiccrystal, "use_antimagic");
diff --git a/src/kernel/item.c b/src/kernel/item.c
index adfddf6f4..1692ed706 100644
--- a/src/kernel/item.c
+++ b/src/kernel/item.c
@@ -746,29 +746,6 @@ static int use_warmthpotion(unit *u, const item_type *itype,
     return 0;
 }
 
-#include <attributes/fleechance.h>
-static int
-use_mistletoe(struct unit *user, const struct item_type *itype, int amount,
-struct order *ord)
-{
-    int mtoes =
-        get_pooled(user, itype->rtype, GET_SLACK | GET_RESERVE | GET_POOLED_SLACK,
-        user->number);
-
-    if (user->number > mtoes) {
-        ADDMSG(&user->faction->msgs, msg_message("use_singleperson",
-            "unit item region command", user, itype->rtype, user->region, ord));
-        return -1;
-    }
-    use_pooled(user, itype->rtype, GET_SLACK | GET_RESERVE | GET_POOLED_SLACK,
-        user->number);
-    a_add(&user->attribs, make_fleechance((float)1.0));
-    ADDMSG(&user->faction->msgs,
-        msg_message("use_item", "unit item", user, itype->rtype));
-
-    return 0;
-}
-
 static int
 use_magicboost(struct unit *user, const struct item_type *itype, int amount,
 struct order *ord)
@@ -1137,7 +1114,6 @@ void register_resources(void)
 
     register_item_use(use_potion_delayed, "use_p2");
     register_item_use(use_warmthpotion, "use_nestwarmth");
-    register_item_use(use_mistletoe, "usemistletoe");
     register_item_use(use_magicboost, "usemagicboost");
     register_item_use(use_snowball, "usesnowball");
 
diff --git a/src/laws.c b/src/laws.c
index 0d0e53110..cc10baeb5 100644
--- a/src/laws.c
+++ b/src/laws.c
@@ -4186,16 +4186,54 @@ void init_processor(void)
     }
 }
 
-void processorders(void)
+static void reset_game(void)
+{
+    region *r;
+    faction *f;
+    for (r = regions; r; r = r->next) {
+        unit *u;
+        building *b;
+        r->flags &= RF_SAVEMASK;
+        for (u = r->units; u; u = u->next) {
+            u->flags &= UFL_SAVEMASK;
+        }
+        for (b = r->buildings; b; b = b->next) {
+            b->flags &= BLD_SAVEMASK;
+        }
+        if (r->land && r->land->ownership && r->land->ownership->owner) {
+            faction *owner = r->land->ownership->owner;
+            if (owner == get_monsters()) {
+                /* some compat-fix, i believe. */
+                owner = update_owners(r);
+            }
+            if (owner) {
+                fset(r, RF_GUARDED);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    for (f = factions; f; f = f->next) {
+        f->flags &= FFL_SAVEMASK;
+    }
+}
+
+void turn_begin(void)
+{
+    ++turn;
+    reset_game();
+}
+
+void turn_process(void)
 {
     init_processor();
     process();
-    /*************************************************/
 
     if (config_get_int("modules.markets", 0)) {
         do_markets();
     }
+}
 
+void turn_end(void)
+{
     log_info(" - Attribute altern");
     ageing();
     remove_empty_units();
@@ -4210,6 +4248,13 @@ void processorders(void)
     update_spells();
 }
 
+void processorders(void)
+{
+    turn_begin();
+    turn_process();
+    turn_end();
+}
+
 void update_subscriptions(void)
 {
     FILE *F;
diff --git a/src/laws.h b/src/laws.h
index f05c11ab4..090d2b978 100755
--- a/src/laws.h
+++ b/src/laws.h
@@ -53,8 +53,10 @@ extern "C" {
     int enter_building(struct unit *u, struct order *ord, int id, bool report);
     int enter_ship(struct unit *u, struct order *ord, int id, bool report);
 
-    /* eressea-specific. put somewhere else, please. */
     void processorders(void);
+    void turn_begin(void);
+    void turn_process(void);
+    void turn_end(void);
 
     void new_units(void);
     void defaultorders(void);
diff --git a/src/util/attrib.c b/src/util/attrib.c
index fda143168..993f634d2 100644
--- a/src/util/attrib.c
+++ b/src/util/attrib.c
@@ -179,7 +179,17 @@ void at_register(attrib_type * at)
     at_hash[at->hashkey % MAXATHASH] = at;
 }
 
-static attrib_type *at_find(unsigned int hk)
+struct attrib_type *at_find(const char *name) {
+    attrib_type *find;
+    unsigned int hash = __at_hashkey(name);
+    find = at_hash[hash % MAXATHASH];
+    while (find && hash != find->hashkey) {
+        find = find->nexthash;
+    }
+    return find;
+}
+
+static attrib_type *at_find_key(unsigned int hk)
 {
     const char *translate[3][2] = {
         { "zielregion", "targetregion" },     /* remapping: from 'zielregion, heute targetregion */
@@ -193,7 +203,7 @@ static attrib_type *at_find(unsigned int hk)
         int i = 0;
         while (translate[i][0]) {
             if (__at_hashkey(translate[i][0]) == hk)
-                return at_find(__at_hashkey(translate[i][1]));
+                return at_find_key(__at_hashkey(translate[i][1]));
             ++i;
         }
     }
@@ -408,7 +418,7 @@ void at_deprecate(const char * name, int(*reader)(attrib *, void *, struct gamed
 static int a_read_i(gamedata *data, attrib ** attribs, void *owner, unsigned int key) {
     int retval = AT_READ_OK;
     int(*reader)(attrib *, void *, struct gamedata *) = 0;
-    attrib_type *at = at_find(key);
+    attrib_type *at = at_find_key(key);
     attrib * na = 0;
 
     if (at) {
diff --git a/src/util/attrib.h b/src/util/attrib.h
index 601a6f32a..6043a960f 100644
--- a/src/util/attrib.h
+++ b/src/util/attrib.h
@@ -65,19 +65,19 @@ extern "C" {
         unsigned int hashkey;
     } attrib_type;
 
-    extern void at_register(attrib_type * at);
-    extern void at_deprecate(const char * name, int(*reader)(attrib *, void *, struct gamedata *));
+    void at_register(attrib_type * at);
+    void at_deprecate(const char * name, int(*reader)(attrib *, void *, struct gamedata *));
+    struct attrib_type *at_find(const char *name);
 
     void write_attribs(struct storage *store, struct attrib *alist, const void *owner);
     int read_attribs(struct gamedata *store, struct attrib **alist, void *owner);
 
-    extern attrib *a_select(attrib * a, const void *data,
-        bool(*compare) (const attrib *, const void *));
-    extern attrib *a_find(attrib * a, const attrib_type * at);
-    extern attrib *a_add(attrib ** pa, attrib * at);
-    extern int a_remove(attrib ** pa, attrib * at);
-    extern void a_removeall(attrib ** a, const attrib_type * at);
-    extern attrib *a_new(const attrib_type * at);
+    attrib *a_select(attrib * a, const void *data, bool(*compare) (const attrib *, const void *));
+    attrib *a_find(attrib * a, const attrib_type * at);
+    attrib *a_add(attrib ** pa, attrib * at);
+    int a_remove(attrib ** pa, attrib * at);
+    void a_removeall(attrib ** a, const attrib_type * at);
+    attrib *a_new(const attrib_type * at);
     int a_age(attrib ** attribs, void *owner);
 
     int a_read_orig(struct gamedata *data, attrib ** attribs, void *owner);