Artifacts

While only Adepts, Channelers, and Weavers are able to use magic in its raw form, the use of Artifacts grants others the chance to compensate for limitations of their race or birth. Artifacts are those items that have been imbued with magical energy.

There are many different types of Artifacts. The following list is organized by tool type:

Weavesmithing

Weavesmithing is the act of weaving Skein threads around an item (i.e., ordering, programming) and binding them to a renewable source of magic (i.e., empowering, energizing). Weavesmithing can be used to create Artifacts and Foci.

There have been many methods used to complete these tasks over the centuries. The Eylfāe for instance, have traditionally used the life force of sentient creatures to shape the magics around an item. A famous Tahrya Anahl blacksmithing hammer used to fashion swords in the port City of Ilárēon was fashioned with the spirits of Dwürden blacksmiths, ritually murdered during its manufacture. During the bloody process, the experience and skills of the slaughtered Dwürden were absorbed into the tool so that the hammer never strikes un-true. The cries of the tormented Dwürden dead call out every time the hammer strikes, a sound pleasing to those that remember the first Ages.

The Andùl Illyri traditions are more palatable to the Yrūn sensibilities. The Dekàli traditions borrow heavily from these early methods. There are four main concerns in the Andùl Illyri tradition.

  • Materials. Artifacts should be built using the finest materials. While these do not have to be the most expensive materials, they should be of surpassing quality for their kind. Inferior materials often result in unforeseen failures or catastrophes later in the process. A metal that is only 90% pure for example, might explode into a shower of deadly shrapnel once it begins channeling magical energy.
  • Crafting. Once the materials have been gathered, skilled artisan(s) should be employed to fashion the desired object. Inferior craftsmanship can have similar results. A gem that is inexpertly cut, a sword that is unbalanced, a cloak that unravels at the seams, will likely contribute to expensive or disastrous failures. Some have suggested that harnessing magic is like a kidnapping a princess, if you don’t prepare a suitable place for her to stay, the resulting trouble will far outweigh any ransom.
  • Power. Artifacts require a renewable power source. These usually take the form of a power stone. The type of magic to be used by an Artifact determines the type of focus to be used. These can be determined by the item’s Dragàlim classification. A flute that employs Nol magics for instance, might include Windstones. Foci are often the most elusive ingredient when creating an Artifact.
  • Binding. One of the most complicated steps of Weavesmithing, is binding threads to the object. There are many different ways to accomplish this. Over the years, many magicians have tried to imbue magic items in the sterile environments (e.g., labs, caves) to limited effect. Later discoveries changed that. It was proposed that like all cloth (metaphorical and otherwise), the Skein was absorptive. This meant that events in a certain area might leave residual traces within the surrounding Skein. Instead of following the Eylfāe example, and slaughtering a dozen warriors to infuse a blade with fighting prowess, the binding could simply be moved to a place where once a great battle raged. Using threads “laden” with the residue of ancient battles, an enchanted sword might stab deeper, or more readily block incoming blows.

Due to one or more of the above factors, most Artifacts are unique in some respect.

Foci

A Focus is a powerstone or other object that naturally collects magic into itself. Used as batteries to power spells, effects, and Artifacts, Foci are critical components to most practicing magicians and Weavesmiths.