How An Artifact Works
Functionally, Artifacts are simply extremely powerful devices. Unlike a standard device, the power of an artifact is not tied to the power of the user, it is instead tied to the strength of the legend behind the artifact, so to speak. An artifact that has a long history tends to be more powerful, as does one that has a strong belief behind it. It is difficult to determine the actual mechanism behind ‘belief in an artifact,’ but presumably it has something to do with the nature of spirits themselves and not the actual artifact. It is this reliance on a power source beyond the wielder that gives the artifact its most notable characteristic – anyone can use an artifact, including those without any magical ability at all and those with psionic ability.
Utilizing an artifact is, on the surface, extremely simple – you simply use it. In truth, it is far more difficult then that. Artifacts have a certain amount of sentience, more so then a usual device, and will not function unless the artifact accepts the user.
Like a standard device, an artifact posses the usual un-evoked and evoked modes, and in addition artifacts possess two more modes – activated and dismissed. Activated is a more powerful version of evoked, with additional effects that extend beyond the artifact itself, such as the summoning of armor to go along with the artifact – the abilities of activated mode vary from artifact to artifact, with each one having unique effects. Dismissed is similar to the Change Mode ability of a standard device, only instead of changing the artifact into another form it converts the artifact into an incorporeal state not unlike that of a spirit’s natural state – while in this state it is undetectable except by the proper scanning ritual, and it requires a move action to summon the artifact from dismissed state.
The duration and number of times per day an artifact can be evoked or activated is dependent on the user, not the artifact itself, using standard Device rules.
Every artifact has a unique Device Power and a unique Greater Ability – these are automatically chosen at the first opportunity as the bearer reaches the appropriate levels.
Fragments
Fragments are essentially lesser versions of a ‘true artifact,’ possessing the same abilities as the artifact only on a lesser level. It is through fragments that most artifacts are theorized to exist, though this only gives clues as to their form and abilities, as the location fragments are located in have no correlation with the actual artifact’s location – at least going by the case of Tyrfing: Chief Hillmarson has not revealed where she came into possession of the blade, but fragments of Tyrfing have been found scattered far and wide.
Confirmed Artifacts
The existence of the following artifacts is confirmed by public SDA records.
Caledfwlch – Stone-Entombed Blade of Rulers
Of the three artifacts related to the legend of King Arthur’s sword, Caledfwlch stands as an enigma amongst the three. Not only is it the rarest of the three artifacts, but unlike the others it is only known by its True Artifact, and has no known fragments. Caledfwlch‘s owner is listed as <RESTRICTED CHIEFS ONLY> in the public SDA records, leaving this artifact as a further enigma – it is known to exist, but who owns it and where it is stored remains a mystery to those without access to the restricted records.
There are no known fragments of Caledfwlch.
Crowley’s Deck – Harbinger of the Æon of Horus
This True Artifact was kept under the SDA’s radar until 2030 when its bearer chose to inform the SDA as to its existence under the condition that they remain anonymous. On first examination, there is no indication that there is anything magical about this seemingly mundane Thoth-Crowley Tarot deck, however it holds potent abilities regarding divination and magic. It has no known fragments.
Activated – Casting of the Major Arcana – Under Construction
Unique Device Power – Casting of the Minor Arcana – Under Construction
Unique Device Greater Ability – Aiwass’s Predictions – A number of times per day equal to the amount that it can be Evoked, Crowley’s Deck can be used to divine the future. A question is posed to the deck mentally, and a unique 5-card tarot draw is dealt. This has a 70+CharacterLevel% chance of providing useful interpretation, assuming you can interpret a tarot spread. This ability shows no outward signs of being magical in nature, it comes across as just a tarot draw, and it takes a full minute to use this ability.
Tezcatlipoca – Blood-Drinking Obsidian Blade
This artifact was unknown until an incident on May 22nd, 2030. Tezcatlipoca is an obsidian blade which never degrades, it actually seems to be immune to damage and the passage of time. The blade’s powers Activated power summons a ‘copy’ of any person that has been killed by the blade. However, these copies can only be summoned once per victim, requiring the weapon to be ‘fed’ on a regular basis. These copies are not actual duplicates in any way other than physical appearance, and even then their physical form is just an image, since they are actually animated blood – a most gruesome enemy to fight, and one extremely difficult to damage with standard weaponry.
No fragments of Tezcatlipoca are known to exist.
Activated – The Smoking Mirror of Blood – When Tezcatlipoca is used to kill a sentient creature, that creature becomes ‘stored’ by the blade, and all of that creature’s blood is drained in the processing. When activated, the bearer of Tezcatlipoca can summon a copy of one of these creatures that has been killed. The copy is made entirely of blood, and therefore gains Damage Reduction of 10 and takes half damage from piercing and bludgeoning damage. However, it takes double damage from fire and electricity. It can morph into a puddle of blood to gain a climb speed equal to its original base land speed, and it can seep through cracks to pass through walls, doors, and windows. Once summoned, Tezcatlipoca ‘loses’ that stored copy.
Unique Device Power – Blade of Sacrifice – While evoked, Tezcatlipoca deals 2d4 bleed damage with every strike it makes. This bleed damage does not stack with itself, only the highest amount of bleed damage remains after each strike.
Unique Device Greater Ability – Xiuhpohualli – When a sentient, living target is killed by Tezcatlipoca, the bearer of the Blood-Drinking Obsidian Blade can proverbially ‘steal the time’ of the target. This de-ages the wielder by an amount of time of their choice, up to the age of the target. This leaves behind a crimson, blood-like magical array beneath the creature which can be identified as Aztec in nature.
Tyrfing – Fiery Blade of Accuracy
Presently owned by the Chief of the 7th Directorate of the SDA, Tyrfing is a dangerous artifact to use due to the legendary curse which affects the artifact. When Tyrfing is unsheathed, it must defeat its target otherwise it will claim the life of its wielder. According to the spirit entombed within the blade, it was claimed many wielders this way over its existence, and the wielders (more specifically, their knowledge) survive as a part of the intelligence in the weapon.Tyrfing‘s abilities revolve around increasing the sword’s accuracy and sharpness, and inflicting fire-based damage along with the general manipulation of fire.
Nine fragments of Tyrfing have been found across the globe with no distinguishable pattern.
Activated – Accursed Perfect Blade – While activated, the bearer of Tyrfing chooses a specific enemy they are fighting. Against this enemy, Tyrfing threatens a critical hit on a roll of 10 through 20. However, if this foe is not slain before Tyrfing is sheathed again, the bearer of Tyrfing suffers 5d10 Constitution damage.
Unique Device Power – Flaming Blade – When evoked, Tyrfing deals an additional amount of fire damage equal to the damage dealt by an attack.
Unique Device Greater Ability – Blade of Accuracy – Tyrfing’s critical threat range is improved by 2. Once this Ability is unlocked, Tyrfing threatens a critical hit on a roll of 8 through 20 while activated.
Non-Confirmed Artifacts
The following artifacts are rumored to exist, or are known to exist (due to the discovery of Fragments) but no True Artifact has been located yet.
Ashkelon – Lance of Dragon’s End
While deemed a lance, this object is actually much closer to a spear. It is a potent weapon against dragon-like foes, especially the spirit beasts who take the form of such mythological creatures.
Twelve fragments of Ashkelon are known to the SDA, but the majority of them are in storage as there are not many people who have proven able to bear them.
Activated – Legend of St George – The legend of the soldier acting as cavalry while fighting a foe is present in many mythologies. Activating Ashkelon summons a class-0 spirit beast that takes the form of an appropriate mount for the terrain you are in. While mounted on this creature, the bearer of Ashkelon deals double damage with Ashkelon.
Unique Device Power – Dragonslayer – While evoked, Ashkelon does +2 dice of damage vs dragon-like enemies.
Unique Device Greater Ability – Plague-Immune – The bearer of Ashkelon is immune to all forms of disease.
Asi – First Blade of Brahma
Asi appears to be an extremely sharp, simple-looking blade that confers some ability to manipulate fire.
Three Fragments of Asi have been located and at least one of them has been known to have been used by an SDA Agent.
Brahmaastra – Unknown Form of Destruction
Few details available, presumably located somewhere in the Indian subcontinent. Presumed ties to Destruction spirits, going by the known fragment. Rumors state that someone knows where the True Brahmaastra is located, and is covering up this information because if the legends are true then the artifact posseses far too much destructive power. Brahmaastra is listed as ‘Unknown Form’ because each time the known fragment has been used it has taken a variety of forms. Brahmaastra‘s activated form is a highly destructive attack instead of a maintained effect, causing damage similar to the Catastrophic Sunder true incantation.
There is one known Fragment of Brahmaastra, kept in an undisclosed secure location when not in use.
Activated – Brahma’s Guarantee of Destruction – When activated, Brahmastra duplicates the effects of the Catastrophic Sunder: End of Things true incantation.
Unique Device Power – Radioactive – While evoked, Brahmastra emits a field of strong radiation in a 12-square radius around it.
Unique Device Lesser Ability – Mutable Form – Brahamastra changes the form it is summoned as each time it is called from a dismissed state. Determine its form randomly using the tables for random Magic Device creation.
Caliburn – Precious Blade of Kingship
Sword. Rumored to be in the ownership of the British Crown. Going by the Fragments, Caliburn appears to only be able to be wielded by those in line for the British Crown. Caliburn seems to be linked to the British Isles in some way, as it has only ever functioned within that realm. Its abilities revolve around defense of large areas.
Two Fragments of Caliburn have been revealed to be in possession of the British Crown.
Carnwennan – Blade of Darkness and Shadows
Dagger. Since it has ties to Arthurian Legend, it is presumably located somewhere in the British Isles, possibly in the possession of the British Crown. Carnwennan displays abilities to manipulate shadows, and seems to be more useful as a tool for stealth then an actual weapon.
Thus far, one Fragment of Carnwennan is known to be in possession of the British Crown, a second Fragment is held by an SDA research facility, and a third Fragment is in the possession of the House of Bernadotte (the royal family of Sweden). Several other Fragments have been reported to have been located, but due to the nature of this artifact their existence is difficult to confirm.
Coyote – Fang of the Trickster God
Stone dagger shaped to look like a canine tooth from a large wolf or coyote-like animal. Supposedly lost somewhere in North America during the 1700s. Coyote‘s abilities are focused on deception, primarily the creation of illusions as opposed to concealment of the wielder.
The Running Elk Lodge is known to be in possession of a fragment of Coyote, which gets loaned out to members who need it. They are routinely attempting to locate the true artifact, and are confident it is in North America.
Curtana – Unharming Blade of Mercy
Broken sword. Presumably in the possession of the British Crown. Theorized to be unable to permanently harm someone, though there has never been a chance to actually test that with the known Fragment.
The current Curtana of the British Crown Jewels is known to be a Fragment of the true Curtana.
Danselif – Dwarven-Made Blade of Hogni
Durendal – Unrivaled Sword of Paladins
Sword. Status unknown. The True Durendal is presumably somewhere in Europe. Durendal‘s activated mode appears to boost the endurance of the bearer.
Fragments:
- A Fragment of Durendal is in possession of the French Royal Family.
Excalibur – Destined Blade of Victory
Sword. Rumored to be in the ownership of the British Crown. Excalibur‘s activated mode creates a set of archaic armor that is perfectly capable of standing up to the rigors of modern combat, in addition to boosting the physical capabilities of its wielder. Excalibur itself is a rather simple artifact, simply being a finely-crafted sword.
Fragments:
- Excalibur has the most known Fragments of any artifact, with 11 Fragments having surfaced over the years. Fragments of Excalibur have been found on every continent (including Antarctica), and supposedly the Moon and Mars as well. What is notable is that no Fragments of Excalibur have been found in the land of its origin – the British Isles.
Fragarach – Manannan’s Blade of Retaliation
Short blade. Status unknown, presumably somewhere in Ireland. Fragarach‘s abilities line up with the legend the weapon originates from, the blade deals grievous piercing wounds, can manipulate air, and seems to exude an intimidating presence on people.
Fragments:
- Two Fragments of Fragarach have been located, one in Ireland and the other in Boston, Massachusetts, ESA.
Gáe Bulg – Spear of Barbaric Impalement
Spear. Status unknown. Presumably somewhere in Ireland.
A Fragment of Gáe Bulg was located in Australia in 2024.
Glory of the Ten Powers – Shifting Amulet of the Family
Sword which can change forms between a sword and an amulet. Originates from Tibetan and Chinese legend. Glory of the Ten Powers is poorly understood even with eight known Fragments, as its abilities seem to be different each time a Fragment is used, but they have always been ‘precisely what is needed for the situation.’
The Chief of the 1st Directorate is known to have come into possession of one of eight known Fragments of the Glory of the Ten Powers during an undisclosed incident during WW3.
Gram – Doom of Dragons
Gungnir – Wōtan’s Sword-Breaking Spear
Hrunting – Monster-Slaying Blade
Bronze-age sword. Status unknown. Presumably somewhere in Scandinavia or Northern Europe. Hrunting is similar to Tyrfing, as both are weapons weapon which seem purposely designed for combating spirit beasts.
Fragments:
- A Fragment of Hrunting surfaced during a spirit beast attack in 2026, and the SDA searches routinely for the True Artifact, since the Fragment has displayed remarkable potency against Spirit Beasts.
Indraastra – Rain of Arrows
One of the uncommon non-weapon artifacts, Indraastra takes the form of a simple-looking archaic glove that has the ability to summon a rain of arrows from the sky onto targets, identical to the abilities of the weapon in Hindu legends.
Fragments:
- Two Fragments of Indraastra are known to be in the possession of a SDA agent who is based out of New Dheli.
Joyeuse – Holy Blade of the Imperator
Sword. Joyeuse is the legendary sword of Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor. The French government maintains that the Joyeuse which was used in the coronations of French kings was the true Joyeuse, but the discovery of several fragments throughout the old Holy Roman Empire has raised suspicion as to the veracity of their claim. Joyeuse‘s abilities revolve around protecting its user from harm in battle.
Five Joyeuse fragments have been located in Europe over the centuries. Two are in SDA possession, one is held by the Lourve (with SDA permission), one is known to be stored somewhere in the Vatican, and one is in the possession of a member of the Arcine Order.
Activated – Arma Imperator – Manifesting as a set of Carolingian-era (circa 800 CE) armor, Arma Imperator draws its strength from the mythology surrounding Charlemagne, first Holy Roman Emperor. While activated, the bearer of Joyeuse gains a +5 bonus to all defenses and treats all damage taken from non-magical sources as nonlethal damage.
Unique Device Power – Sancti – +2 weapon damage dice damage against entities deemed fit by the GM.
Unique Device Greater Ability – Imperator De Fide – You can use your Knowledge [Culture (Human)] skill in place of Persuasion.
Kavacha – Heavenly Armor of the King of Anga
Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi – Gathering Clouds of Heaven
The Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, Japan claims to be in possession of this sword. Abilities unknown.
The SDA 8th Directorate agent who was allowed to study the sword in possession of the Atsuta Shrine filed a report stating that the object is actually a Fragment of Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.
Laevateinn – Rune-Engraved Blade
Polearm. Laevateinn is essentially a sword stuck on the end of a staff, making it difficult to classify. The artifact seems to be more useful for boosting magical abilities then as a weapon.
A Laevateinn fragment was located frozen inside ice in the Canadian arctic by an SDA expedition who was searching for something else all together.
Mjolnir – Rune-Emblazoned Hammer of Thor
Murgleys – Death-Bringer of Ganelon
Sword. Murgleys is the legendary sword of the traitorous French Count Ganelon, from the Matter of France. While the historical status of Ganelon is dubious at beast (like most of the Matter of France), fragments of Murgleys have been discovered, lending some credence to the existence of the Count’s sword, at least. Murgleys delivers cursed wounds when activated, making it a vicious weapon, but it seems unable to harm spirit beasts due to unknown reasons. Consequently, most of its fragments remain under lock and key since they have little use outside of killing people.
A Murgleys fragment is in the possession of and utilized by a member of the Arcine order. Seven other fragments are stored in secure SDA locations.
Activated – Arme Maudit de l’Arc-Traître – Ganelon’s treachery in the Matter of France is not historical truth, but it is however based on historical truth. The blade that bears homage to the traitor so reviled in lore deals cursed wounds while activated. Damage dealt by Murgleys in its activated form cannot be healed by medicine or magic, it must be healed through natural healing over the course of time. This ability has no effect on any type of spirit beast or spirit.
Unique Device Power – Foedus – +2 weapon damage dice against living targets who are not trained in the Magery skill.
Unique Device Greater Ability – Accoutumé à l’Cocytus – You are immune to Cold damage.