Legendary Artifact

The Chromatic Nexus

Created and held by Jessica Laolu.
A bio-technological implant in Jessica's chest and right arm, the Chromatic Nexus pulses with iridescent, fractal patterns beneath her skin. When activated, it projects a holographic workspace from her fingertips. Its quantum core allows Jessica to manipulate matter and energy at the subatomic level, while crystalline light motes respond to her thoughts. This living laboratory bridges known science and eldritch technologies, transforming Jessica's body into a conduit for innovation beyond human comprehension. The Nexus doesn't just augment her abilities – it unlocks realms of possibility previously unimagined.

This capacity allows Jessica to excel at enhancing and improving devices with a perfect blend of cold logic and boundless enthusiasm. She instinctively understands the inner workings of machines, infusing them with innovative upgrades that push their capabilities beyond the ordinary or uses her own source to power them for short stints of time.

Exert your Mind and spend a minute. Select a Device within arm's reach. Can be used on Alien technology. Cannot be used to improve Armor.

Lasts the next day. Your target receives 2 extra dice to all actions taken for its intended use. Attacking with an upgraded weapon grants +2 Weapon Damage instead of additional dice.

Upgraded weapons count as any material your opponent might be particularly vulnerable to. Upgraded Armor cannot be circumvented by called shots. Upgraded Devices do not run out of fuel or energy.

  • Upgrading Alien Devices does not add bonus dice to any rolls related to the Device’s passive or activated Effects.
  • Reminder: additional Weapon Damage granted by this Effect does not stack with any other bonus to Weapon Damage. Instead the largest bonus is used. The same is true for extra dice.
  • Extra dice from this Effect do not apply to Gift activation rolls.
  • You can target yourself if you qualify as a valid target by the other requirements.
  • Your target must be within line of sight, or within range of another sense if more fitting for the Gift's flavor.

This 10 cm robotic spider is a top-tier investigator, capable of detecting aberrant and alien energies. It scans environments for any unusual activity, making it perfect for uncovering hidden information or tracking unknown entities. Its sharp vision and multi-functional sensors allow it to excel in finding critical evidence that others would miss. With its ability to crawl into tight spaces and quietly observe, this drone is an invaluable tool for reconnaissance and investigations.

Exert your Mind and spend a minute. Investigate an area with a radius of up to 1 mile You must make a Trauma roll when you use this Effect. Its Difficulty cannot be reduced by any means. If you fail or Botch, you receive one Mind Damage and a new Trauma. At the end of your investigation, roll Intellect + Science at Difficulty 6.

You learn the following information about the area:

  • You can locate the source of any Alien energy or the presence of any Alien effects on the area. Specific information about the function of these effects beyond their general type is not forthcoming.
  • You choose a specific type of event and receive a vision of the last time it occurred here.
The quality and specificity of information gained depends on your Outcome.

You cannot investigate the same area more than once per day.

  • You can target yourself if you qualify as a valid target by the other requirements.
  • Your target must be within line of sight, or within range of another sense if more fitting for the Gift's flavor.

At the heart of Jessica's research lies the revelation that crystalline light isn't merely an advanced concept in particle physics, but a manifestation of alien intelligence with its own will to form. Harnessing this phenomenon as a bridge, Jessica can merge alien genetic material with human physiology, yielding disturbing yet powerful biological enhancements. As she channels this ability, crystals of light proliferate across the room and patient, emanating an opalescent glow that shifts and writhes with impossible colors.

The process begins as luminescent crystal tendrils pierce the subject's skin, branching out like glowing veins beneath the surface. Affected areas undergo rapid, unsettling metamorphoses – limbs elongate unnaturally, extra eyes sprout in unexpected places, or skin becomes translucent, revealing pulsating, alien organs. Throughout the operation, the patient experiences intense fever and vivid hallucinations, a harrowing ordeal that subsides after several hours.

These alterations bestow superhuman abilities, with the enhanced flesh eventually conforming to the patient's original shape. However, occasional quivers and the development of colored geometric patterns betray the struggle of alien matter to maintain its new form within the human host. While temporary, the process leaves behind residual changes: faint, glowing skin patterns and fleeting flashes of inhuman perception serve as constant reminders of the tenuous veil between humanity and the cosmic unknown.

Exert your Mind and spend 30 minutes. Select a Living or Animate target within arm's reach. Your target must make a Trauma roll to reap the benefits of this Effect. They may choose to Resist the Effect and not make the roll. The target can easily Resist.

You may add one augmentation to your target. Each augmentation counts as a Trauma and can have exactly one of the following Effects:

  • Specialized: You receive +3 dice to a particular non-combat, non-Effect Action.
  • Environmental Adaptation: You do not suffer harm from heat, cold, pressure, or lack of oxygen in a particular environment, provided that challenge normally exists in that environment.
  • Implanted Tool: You have access to the functionality of some common Device at all times. The selected Device can be no larger than a backpack.
  • Armor: You have 3 Armor at all times. As always, Armor from multiple sources does not stack.
  • Pouch: Part of your body functions as a hidden pocket. It can hold no more than a backpack.
  • Zippy: Your Free Movement is increased by 15 feet.
  • Maws and Claws: Your unarmed attacks do +3 Weapon Damage instead of -1.

By transplanting a body part from an Alien being, you can grant an intrinsic Effect from that part to the subject. Its power level should be limited to one Gift Point or less.

The augmentations you provide are not outwardly visible nor obvious.

Anyone who witnesses you during this Effect's activation will almost certainly be disturbed to see your flesh ripple and split open, revealing a pulsating lattice of crystalline light intertwined with writhing, alien tissue.

  • The systems for any Powers or Effects granted by splicing from other creatures are subject to Playgroup Leader approval and may be adjusted from their NPC counterparts.
  • When narrating disturbing content, be cognizant of your group's tone and accommodating to those who would like to "fast forward" through the description.
  • Remember: A Contractor’s Body rating is reduced by 1 for each Battle Scar after their fourth.
  • You may not augment targets with pouches or implanted devices that are larger than they are.
  • Targets without Body ratings may have a maximum of 4 augmentations.
  • Example environments for adaptation: space, all saltwater, all fresh water, all water under 50 feet deep, all water deeper than 50 feet, the jungle, radioactive areas, a specific alien world, etc.
  • You can target yourself if you qualify as a valid target by the other requirements.
  • Your target must be within line of sight, or within range of another sense if more fitting for the Gift's flavor.
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Community Artifacts

Monster killer

Created and held by Zachary lindo.
A long looking rifle gun that looks like a musket

When he shoots a bullet it Makes this screaming sound that sounds like a Welling woman and it is this dark blue that hides in the dark

This Artifact can be used as a rifle. It is roughly the same size as a rifle and just as difficult to conceal.

Attack by rolling Dexterity + Firearms, Difficulty 6. Successful attacks deal Contested Outcome +5 Weapon Damage.

Anyone who touches this Artifact will notice it warping their body and may drop it. If they choose to hold or use it, they immediately receive the following Battle Scar: Constantly hearing whispers from the people don’t have had the gun and that have been killed by it (-2 dice to any hearing rolls). If they lose possession of this Artifact, the Battle Scar heals over the course of the next day.

You also gain the following effects:

  • Any Injury inflicted is considered Unstabilized no matter its Severity. The roll required to Stabilize it is treated as though it is a minimum of Severity 6. These wounds do not heal naturally, though Effects may still be used to heal them.
  • Silencer: The report of any shots you fire may be made silent at will.
  • Virtuoso's Vessel: When using this Device for its primary purpose, you always roll a minimum of 8 dice. Excludes Effect activation rolls.

  • Reminder: additional Weapon Damage granted by this Effect does not stack with any other bonus to Weapon Damage. Instead the largest bonus is used.
  • Rifles are +1 Difficulty to use in melee range. Sniper Rifles are +3 Difficulty to use without a tripod or in melee range. Setting up a tripod takes an Action.

New Age 002

Created by Russ, given to Xander DuBois.
A Series of 19 connected metal plates about half an inch in thickness, reaching from the neck down to the bottom of the torso, following the spinal column. On the second plate is the numbers 002

Every three hours the device restarts a process, as the final red light on it dims to nothingness, a slight hiss is heard if one listens closely. As over the course of thirty seconds the three lights regain their glow, first the red, followed by the yellow and green lights, ten, twenty and thirty seconds respectively, before the lights dim back down to their normal passive brightness such that only those looking closely can notice the three lights.

Within the first ruin that Russ found that contained the documents that sent him down the path that he is currently on, was the diagram for a device that is meant to connect to the spaces between the C1 to T12 vertebra. the device serves a three-fold purpose. The first being that it powers the rest of the planned augmentations to the human body through intercepting the signals that the body sends related to pain and stress. The second is that it forces the body and mind to always operate at peak performance regardless of physical or mental damage, Finally the device is the interface for future enhancements and allows those that undergo such complete transitions to maintain a sense of "humanity" or "wholeness" through sanitizing incoming and outgoing signals such that the mechanical enhancements and the fragile and erratic biological mind don't become adversarial and work together as a complete whole. Unfortunately, those who created the blueprints for this device made it far too good at its job with it attempting to prevent any signs of injury from reaching the brain, thus requiring an immense willpower to even recognize when one is beginning to bleed out. With the device even going so far as to change the information that is coming from one's own senses such that they can't even perceive the injury in themselves should it be pointed out to them. While the device is attached to the spinal column it can be removed through a delicate and time-consuming process of unlinking the parts from the body, but should one violently be ripped out of a user's body the damage could prove to be debilitating.

You gain the following benefits as long as you are wearing this Artifact.

Your Stress from Injuries and Mind Damage is reduced to 0.

Anyone who touches this Artifact will notice it warping their mind and may drop it. If they choose to hold or use it, they immediately receive the following Trauma: Delusion: Unbreakable (When this character receives an injury, they must roll self control to become aware of it. This character may not take actions to stabilize or heal any injury they are unaware of and must roll self-control to accept treatment of such injuries from others). If they lose possession of this Artifact, the Trauma heals over the course of the next day.

Cardboard box

Created and held by Snake.
A cardboard box, large enough to fit a person in.

A cardboard box, large enough to fit a person in.

Exert your Mind (unless you win a coin flip) and spend an Action. You must use up Box in order to activate this Effect.

You and everything you are carrying is obscured in one of the following manners. Lasts 30 minutes.

  • Other: Thermal
  • Sight:You are partially obscured from being noticed by sight. All attempts to detect you using sight are rolled at a -3 dice penalty, and all attempts to detect you where sight would assist are rolled at -1 penalty. Anyone who detects you cannot determine any visual details about you beyond your general shape.

While this Effect is active, any Effect that would obscure you or your equipment specifically from other, additional senses fails automatically.

If someone discovers you, this Effect will not help you hide from them for the next minute. Activating a targeted or obvious Effect, attacking, or being Injured ends the Effect. When the Effect ends, it is disabled for one minute.

You may turn this Effect on and off at will during its duration.

  • You may only switch this Effect on or off once per Round on your initiative as a Free Action.

M17 Handgun

Created and held by Dr. George Elliot.

Imagine a magical M17 Handgun, an otherworldly fusion of advanced technology and arcane power. The Handgun's sleek, matte-black exterior gleams faintly, etched with intricate runes that pulse with an ethereal glow, reflecting its enchanted nature. Its barrel is slightly Shorter than a standard M17 Handgun, with mysterious symbols carved along its length, shimmering as if alive.

The grip and stock are made from an otherworldly material—something lighter yet more durable than any metal, with faint golden veins running through it. The rifle’s magazine, while looking like a typical high-capacity model, is mysteriously empty but ever full. The moment a round is fired, it reappears instantaneously, as if time itself has looped and provided an endless supply of ammunition.

When you aim, the sights are enhanced by an ancient magic. Instead of simple iron sights, they shimmer with holographic glyphs, marking targets with precision before you even pull the trigger. Each shot fires with a whisper, leaving behind a faint trail of light that fades into the air, hinting at the magical force propelling the bullets. The rifle hums with an almost imperceptible vibration, as if it's aware of its near-infinite power.

This Artifact can be used as a handgun. It is roughly the same size as a handgun and just as difficult to conceal.

Attack by rolling Dexterity + Firearms, Difficulty 6. Successful attacks deal Contested Outcome +4 Weapon Damage.

This item is a living thing. When targeted, it counts as a Living Creature in addition to its other target types. If destroyed or abandoned for more than two days, it dies and becomes unusable.

You also gain the following effects:

  • Infinite Ammo: This weapon never runs out of its standard ammunition.
  • Silencer: The report of any shots you fire may be made silent at will.
  • Silent Killer: If your shot would kill or incapacitate your target, they make no sound, even incidentally, for the next Round.

  • Reminder: additional Weapon Damage granted by this Effect does not stack with any other bonus to Weapon Damage. Instead the largest bonus is used.
  • Rifles are +1 Difficulty to use in melee range. Sniper Rifles are +3 Difficulty to use without a tripod or in melee range. Setting up a tripod takes an Action.

Nail-Studded Jacket

Created and held by Vito Losvegos.
The Mona Lisa of Elvis memorabilia, or at least that's what Vito would tell you. A powder blue jacket supposedly worn by The King himself. Only, the nails he worn didn't have long spikes facing outwards, right?

The baseball bat slammed into Vito's stomach with little fanfare, striking with the sound of slamming into a steel wall rather than the splintering of bone. A sinister smile crawled across the Elvis impersonator's lips, rather than the usual expected cries of agony.

At once, a torrent of sharp nails burst forth from the jacket that he wore, impaling the attacker with dozens of missiles.

Expend a point of Battery and spend an Action or Reaction. Roll Perception + Alertness at Difficulty 6.

If you succeed, you create a barrier around yourself, which absorbs the next Outcome + 4 Damage. Any Damage absorbed by the barrier is reflected back to the attacker, up to a maximum of the Barrier Strength Parameter’s bonus. Their Armor applies in full. The Damage reduction from the barrier is applied before Armor. This Artifact may only have 1 active barrier at a time.

You must maintain Concentration while using this Effect. The barrier will fall if you are interrupted, or if it absorbs the full amount of Damage. When a barrier falls, you cannot use this Effect again for a minimum of 2 Rounds.

  • If you use this Effect as a Reaction to dodge, you still need to make a roll to dodge. The Effect will occur regardless of the Outcome of this roll, but if you fail you will be hit by the relevant attack prior to the Effect occurring.

Stock Legendary Artifacts

Dazzle Glasses

This Effect activates whenever you are recorded. It does not require an Action or Exertion. Select a Non-Sapient Object within 20 feet no larger than a duffel bag (35 liters). Your target should be intuitively based on the triggering event. Roll Perception + Culture Difficulty 6.

If your Outcome is 4 or higher, the target will be completely destroyed and can no longer function, though it may still be repaired. If your Outcome is less than 4, the target will be partially damaged, and any attempts to use it will suffer a dice penalty equal to your Outcome.

  • When triggered, the Effect activation resolves immediately after the triggering Action. It is not Reaction speed.
  • The penalty from an object being damaged will stack with itself if a target is hit multiple times, but the object is destroyed when it reaches a total penalty of -4.
  • You can target yourself if you qualify as a valid target by the other requirements.
  • Your target must be within line of sight, or within range of another sense if more fitting for the Gift's flavor.

The Coffin

"The Coffin" is a black, alligator-skin briefcase made to look like its namesake. The interior is coated in red, quilted leather. It is quite a bit larger on the inside, appearing to stretch backwards like a dark passageway.

This Artifact holds 5 times what it normally could inside of it. Objects stored inside are weightless. Unless you are storing something commonly found in coffins, this Artifact behaves as its mundane counterpart. This Effect cannot be used unless you are storing something commonly found in coffins.

Living things can be stored in this Artifact. They will have access to anything else inside and may attempt to break free, damaging or destroying the Artifact in the process.

If this Artifact is destroyed, things inside may get out, and it will cease to function until it is repaired.

When scanned or investigated without opening, the contents of this container appear normal and unremarkable.

On a Downtime, you may change this Artifact from one type of container to another. Maximum once per Downtime.

If anyone other than you opens the container, it appears empty. Others can still destroy it to get at the contents.

  • You cannot change the container's type if you are not in possession of it.
  • A container of holding cannot be placed inside another created by the same Gift.
  • There is no cost to use this container.

255TE "Lancer" Rife

A metallic disk that, with the press of a button, expands into a futuristic-looking rifle.

This Artifact can be used as a rifle. It is roughly the same size as a rifle but can be collapsed into a metallic disk and concealed. Collapsing or expanding it costs a Quick Action.

Attack by rolling Dexterity + Firearms, Difficulty 6. Successful attacks deal Contested Outcome +5 Weapon Damage.

You also gain the following effects:

  • Silencer: The report of any shots you fire may be made silent at will.

  • If there is not enough free space to expand the object, it cannot be expanded. You cannot expand this Object as an attack.
  • Reminder: additional Weapon Damage granted by this Effect does not stack with any other bonus to Weapon Damage. Instead the largest bonus is used.
  • Rifles are +1 Difficulty to use in melee range. Sniper Rifles are +3 Difficulty to use without a tripod or in melee range. Setting up a tripod takes an Action.

Personal Shield Generator

The device itself is a metal hexagon that is worn on the belt and glows when active.

Expend a point of Battery and spend an Action or Reaction.

You phase out of reality for up to 4 Rounds. During this time, you cannot perceive or affect the outside world or take any Actions. You cannot move. Nothing can interact with you in any way.

When you activate this Effect, you may limit its duration to a period of your choosing. If you are able, you may also end it as a Free Action on your initiative.

You leave a golden glow shaped like yourself at your location.

  • If you use this Effect to dodge as a Reaction, it succeeds without the need for a roll. Cannot be used as a Desperate Defense.
  • You may use your Free Movement on the Round you phase back in, but you cannot take an Action.

Umbrella Identification

This Artifact can change its appearance. When not transformed, it is roughly the same size as a passport but can be collapsed into a wallet and concealed. Collapsing or expanding it costs a Quick Action.

Spend a Quick Action to activate. This Artifact changes its appearance into a chosen Object. This lasts until you decide to end the Effect, which may be done as a Free Action.

The new object's appearance can mimic specific items (such as a particular painting, a certain person’s ID, etc), but must be of a similar size and weight to this Artifact.

The new appearance is illusory; it will hold up to scrutiny, but its composition is not altered and it gains no new functionality. Any attempt to use it for a function which it cannot perform (for instance, making bread look like a knife and then trying to stab someone) will cause the illusion to fail or allow a Perception check to see through the illusion, at the GM's discretion.

When used as identification and scanned, the scanner will act appropriately and bring up appropriate generic information. Further searches for the identity in the computer will turn up no results. This will not open security doors on its own.

  • If there is not enough free space to expand the object, it cannot be expanded. You cannot expand this Object as an attack.
  • Changing the Artifact’s appearance does not allow you to conceal its Alien nature while any of its other Effects are in use.