Heru/Artifacts
Contents
New Artifact by Heru
Heru Artifacts
Unique Artifacts
HeruHeru/Artifacts/ChakraSlaveSeed
This First Age NHeru/Artifacts/A level Artifact has the supernatural ability to take over those beings, be they mortal, spirit or Exalted, that have been implanted with a Slave Seed. More information exists on the page describing the link.
HeruHeru/Artifacts/FloatingCitadel
This a First Age NHeru/Artifacts/A artifact designed as a gigantic mountain-sized floating city and base. More information is in the page.
Standard Artifacts
Below is some of the Artifacts that I have created. Most are mighty in their use and purpose.
Soul Tap
Solar Artifact NHeru/Artifacts/A
To make sure that the Solar Dominion has an unending supply of Soulsteel, the Deliberative began the Soul Tap Project. Whenever a person dies their soul is divided into two parts, their hun (or higher) soul and the po (or lower) soul. The hun soul goes to Yu-Shan where the gods grant it reincarnation. The po soul remains in Creation where it haunts the living. The Soul Tap removes the threat of hungry ghosts (as po souls are known) entirely from the Realm. Basically, the Soul tap acts like a gigantic magnate for po souls, absorbing them into its great Essence-lattice. From within this lattice the po souls have their emotions bleached away until they are nothing but floating Essence. Once po souls reach this state they are unloaded from the main Soul Tap into a storage chamber while they wait for processing into soulsteel.
Reality Engines
Solar Artifact •••
If used within a Realm, these engines can soften reality enough to sculpt the land into different terrain using Wyld-Shaping Technique. It is a much harder method then physically manipulating the terrain, but it does have its uses.
If used within the post-Breaking Wyld these engines can build bridges of reality to connect different Realms together. This effect would create a singular weirdly shaped Realm. Expansion Demesnes could then be used to smooth the connection and fill in the blanks. If used enough this could reforged the Realms into a singular Creation again, though the sheer size would be mind boggling and too large to govern, even for the gods.
Essence Crystal (a.k.a. Artificial Hearthstone)
Terrestrial Artifact • to •••••)
Every Essence Capacitor is a crystal the size of a chicken egg contianing strands of the Five Magical Materials. One of the strands, though, is more dominant, giving the Essence Capacitor an allignment equal to the dominant material (see chart below). This alignment makes it possible for it to be placed in a hearthstone socket that requires a hearthstone of a particular type (say an Air Heathstone for skyships). Unlike regular hearthstones, Essence Capacitors do not give any special powers. Due to the nature of these crystals it requires three of them (at the same level) working in tandem for permanent power capacity.
Orichalcum - Solar-alligned Moonsilver - Lunar-alligned Starmetal - Sidereal-alligned Soulsteel - Abyssal-alligned Adamant - Alchemical-alligned Jade - Blue Jade - Air-alligned White Jade - Earth-alligned Red Jade - Fire-alligned Black Jade - Water-alligned Green Jade - Wood-alligned
Solar Wagon
Terrestrial Artifact •• Repair: 2
A Solar Wagon is an artifact vehicle that was very common in the magitech rich First Age. In the Unconquered Sun-ignoring Second Age, these vehicles are not very common due to their need for orichalcum. The vehicle comes in thousands of designs, most of which mimic the natural shapes of animals and thus are very beautiful to look at. Most contain enough room for four to eight passengers. Five motes need to be committed to activate the artifact vehicle. These vehicles are propelled through the use of Essence Engine of Solar Purity, see below in engine systems for description.
Debris Removal Automaton
Terrestrial Artifact
This is not so much a singular automaton design, rather its more of a catch-all category for a large line of machines designed tend to a different environmental hazard. Each is equipped with various artifact tools designed to handle and cleanup a particular hazard. 1
Bubble Fabricator
Celestial Artifact
(Basic idea referenced from Gamma World Beyond the Horizon pg. 76)
This is an orichalcum, black jade and white jade artifact that creates the bubble effect when setup under water. Installed within the artifact is (at minimum) a third level water-aspect hearthstone. The user (by committing five motes of Essence) can determine the size, shape and volume of the bubble to be created. Water shaped by this artifact is still transparent but is as tough and resistant as anything else produced in the First Age. The walls are less than an inch thick, and can be configured to let important gases and objects (including people) pass through. All local bubble fabricator’s are connected to a central command version that oversees the various minor bubbles.
Individual bubbles range from a dozen feet to several hundred feet wide; most are spheres though other shapes are very much possible (such as tubes to connect various bubbles together). A city of bubbles can contain thousands to tens of thousands of individual bubbles. Quite common in the latter days of the First Age, over ninety-eight percent of the bubble cities were destroyed and evacuated during the Usurpation and later Shogunate Era.
Cavern Crystal
Celestial Artifact
This is an orichalcum, white jade and blue jade artifact that is designed to take a certain volume of earth and transform it into an air-filled space. The artifact in question is actually the size of a small crystal, only noticeable as artificial because of the level one air and earth hearthstone set into it on the top and bottom. When five motes is committed the artifact gathers all the nearby earth and reforms it into air. The size, shape and volume of the newly excavated area is based on the design of the person who committed motes. This artifact can be used to create wells, basements and other surface indentations. The real strength of the artifact comes into play when it is placed under the surface. Once committed with motes this artifact creates caves that are permanent and stable. This artifact was used only rarely in the First Age.
Muse Device
Celestial Artifact
The entire purpose of this automata is to direct and control the other machine-artifacts created in the First Age. The high intelligence shown by these devices is due to their awakened least gods. That is also the Solar Exalted’s main way of securing these devices against rebellion, powerful Eclipse Caste empowered oaths make sure they remain loyal and obedient to their Exalted masters. Powered by both a hearthstone and the least gods own pool of Essence, these devices can go for millennium without the need for maintenance or recharge.
As a safety feature these devices do not have motive systems, being carried within vehicles or by the Exalted working at a construction job. Very common in the First Age, thousands survived into the Shogunate Era. The reason that the Dragon Blooded Host did not destroy these along with most automata is because they were designed to serve the Exalted, and since the Terrestrials were Exalted their was no conflict. In the much fallen Second Age only a dozen models still exist, most of which are in Lookshy with the Realm in close second. To be considered a master of the Muse Device, an Exalted (and only an Exalted) has to commit five motes of Essence.
Compiler
Celestial Artifact
The Compiler is orichalcum and white jade box of varying sizes. Set in the upper corner is a small level one hearthstone. The set designs are held in a specially designed lining of orichalcum surrounding the hearthstone. When a user spends five motes of Essence, the complier can use magic to create small non-magical items according to set designs. Each compiler routinely contains the design specs for over a thousand everyday household items. Items produced cannot be weapons, living or in any way magical. Compliers come in multiple sizes from small household artifacts to massive industrial and civic compilers.
Tree of Gold
Solar Artifact NHeru/Artifacts/A
There is saying in the Second Age that “gold doesn’t grow on trees,” well in the First Age that was not true. This orichalcum, white jade and green jade tree-like artifact was created for the very purpose of growing gold. For its operation it requires a fifth-level Solar hearthstone and the seasonal commitment of 10 motes of Essence by a Solar Exalted. Once activated a number of gold bars will grow over the course of a season equaling Resource 3 in wealth.
Auto-Savant
Celestial Artifact
For a measure of security and safety many First Age perfected calculation arrays were singly programmed artifacts. They do what they do with superior ability, but they have no mind for anything else. Each of these systems provide 3 automatic success on all rolls made with the aid of the Auto-Savant. Some of the surviving models include Mathematics, Chemistry, Engineering, Geomancy, Financial, Medical.
Accuracy Tools
Terrestrial Artifact ●● or ●●●
These artifact tools have an uncanny ability to aim their use and judge how to place their activity for best effect. While listed as one type, there are hundreds of different artifact tools: accurate screwdrivers, accurate wrenches, accurate hammers, etc. These tools provide the character with three more dice to roll when attempting to use the tool in any non-combat attempt. This version does not apply to combat weapons, and does not work in combat, because the enchantment effect is nonviolent. Combat versions do exist at one artifact level higher. These tools were the mainstay of First Ag toolkits, but in the Second Age they are very rare.
Rapid Strike Tools
Terrestrial Artifact ●● or ●●●
These artifact tools can deliver a blur of rapid-fire motions to a single target. While the individual blows are not any more powerful or accurate than an ordinary strike, they strike so fast and furious that the cumulative effect is much more powerful. While listed as one type, there are hundreds of different artifact tools: rapid strike screwdrivers, rapid strike wrenches, rapid strike hammers, etc. Rapid Strike provides three extra dice to the dice pool when using these tools in construction. This version does not apply to combat weapons, and does not work in combat, because the enchantment effect is nonviolent. Combat versions do exist at one artifact level higher. These tools were the mainstay of First Ag toolkits, but in the Second Age they are very rare.
Distance Attuner
Celestial Artifact ● to ●●●●●
Using this artifact (which is most commonly found in a goggle or tube-shaped device) allows a character to magnify objects in his line of sight, as though he was using a high-powered telescopic scope or electron microscope. This works too see objects on a microscopic scale and to see objects at a distance. Each level of the artifact allows a character to magnify distance to tiny images by a factor of 10 (x100 at level 2, x1000 at 3, etc.). In the First Age this had both combat, utility and scientific purposes, but in the Second Age only a few survive and they are used for military purposes.
Fine Manipulator Tools
Celestial Artifact ● to ●●●●●
These tools can be used in very, very precise ways. If the character can see what he’s doing, he can shift the tool a fraction of a millimeter and manipulate microscopic objects. This artifact tool only works if a character has the means of seeing the microscopic distance. Each level in the artifact increases the precision of the movement 10-fold: 2/200th of a centimeter at level 1, 1/1000th of a centimeter at 2nd level and so on. Fine Manipulation tools can enhance tasks like watchmaking, lockpicking and artifact repair. This tool always adds three dice to the dice pool for a roll relating to fine=manipulation task.
Forever Grip Gloves
Terrestrial Artifact ● to ●●●●●
People wearing this glove have incredible grasping strength in their hands. Once the gloves are used to grab something, it’s not likely to be going anywhere soon. The user automatically retains his grip on objects (and people) in ordinary circumstances. All attempts to escape or pry something from the wearer’s grasp via physical force is made at + (artifact level) difficulties.
Maker Hands
Celestial Artifact ●● or ●●●
The First Age was a wondrous time for the development of untold technology. It is no surprise, then, that some Exalted would create artifact tools to help speed up the process of construction. The wearer of these gloves gain a bonus of +3 automatic successes on all rolls that involve designing, making, or shaping things with his hands, hand-operated tools or Charms. This generally affects engineering, artifact crafting, medical/pharmaceutical, scientific, and artistic tasks. This bonus never applies to rolls for combat or tasks involving long-range manipulation or using perfected calculus arrays – the wearer must physically work with the object/material/patient in question. A third level Maker Hands allow a user to gain the bonus when using Essence-driven tools.
Analyzer Sensor
Terrestrial Artifact
This high tech box-like artifact is able to determine the composition and nature of the biological and chemical items placed within its receptor pad. This can be used to determine the elements that make up the biological material.
Essence Power Systems
None of the below Essence power systems create pollution or waste products. They are entirely safe during normal operations and have no effect on nearby populations. All these power systems are quite complicated and require the creative genius of the Celestial Exalted at minimum, though the most advanced require the Solar Exalted.
Manse Generator
Terrestrial Artifact
This is a chamber apparatus within a manse that gathers the True Energy of the manse and purifies it so that it is capable of being used to power other artifacts. The location and visual nature of the power chambers depend on the manses it is attached to. Terrestrial manses contain the element that they embody (so Air Manse chambers are air-buffeted rooms, Fire Manse chambers have a heat intensive fire, etc) while Celestial Manses contain the physical energy closest to the Celestial Incarna they belong to. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Wind Pole
Terrestrial Artifact
This is a towering pole of blue jade that is designed to absorb True Air as it goes past the pole. The Wind Pole must be placed in an area where the wind blows, even if the blowing is just that of a tiny breeze. The True Air that is absorbed is then sent through an artifact apparatus (different than any other version) that turns the collected air into Essence. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Water Wheel
Terrestrial Artifact
This is a large water wheel of black jade that is designed to absorb True Water as it goes past the wheel. The Water Wheel must be placed at least half within the water, though all of it can be submerged. The True Water that is absorbed is then sent through an artifact apparatus (as different to the others as Creation is from the Wyld) that turns the collected true water into Essence. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Fire Array
Terrestrial Artifact
This is a large multi-pronged array of red jade that is designed to absorb True Fire as it goes past the array. The Fire Array must be placed within either a lava flow or within the continually erupting mouth of a volcano. The True Fire that is absorbed is then sent through an artifact apparatus (unique in its elaborate design) that turns the collected True Fire into Essence. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Demesne Generator
Celestial Artifact
While similar in many ways to manse generators, Demesne Generators are much more difficult to control and operate. To design such a power generator one must be able to access the level of Essence knowledge of at least the Celestial Rank. Their appearances are pretty much the same as the manse generator, yet while manse generators have the embodiment of their nature within a singular room, the entire demesne is the nature. Unlike a manse generator, the demesne version do nothing but produce power and thus produce it at a much higher level. The actual artifact apparatus transforms the collected energy into power Essence. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Tree Generator
Celestial Artifact
This is a green jade tree that is designed to absorb the life energy that makes things grow. This is one of the more advanced elemental type Essence generators, and is unique it that all people, mortal and Exalted alike, can feel the very life energy that circulates within it. The life energy is collected in special ‘basins’ that exist throughout the tree and then sent to an artifact apparatus that turns the collected life energy into Essence. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Stone Generator
Celestial Artifact
This is a gigantic white jade stone that is designed to tap into the very energies put out by the Imperial Mountain, the Elemental Pole of Earth. Like the tree generator, this Essence power generator quite advanced. At its core it operates because of the lines of stable energy (so called Essential Earth) that is constantly being emitted by the Elemental Pole. The Essential Earth that is absorbed as it passes over the stone is then sent through an artifact apparatus that turns it into Essence. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Solar Array
Celestial Artifact
This is a massive orichalcum mirror that is designed to absorb the true light of the Unconquered Sun during the day. The Solar Array can be placed wherever the unblocked light of the Unconquered Sun can reach it. The true light that is absorbed is then sent through an artifact apparatus that turns the collected light into Essence. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Lunar Array
Celestial Artifact
This is a massive moonsilver mirror that is designed to absorb the true light reflected by Luna at night. The Lunar Array can be placed wherever the unblocked light reflected by Luna can reach it and touch it. The true light that is absorbed is then sent through an artifact apparatus (different than the one for the Solar Array) that turns the collected light into Essence. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Maidens Touch Dome
Solar Artifact
This is a massive starmetal dome that is designed to collect the byproduct energy of the Pattern Spiders as their fate weaving interacts with Creation. The collector of fate energy is a very complicated and high tech artifact that is, despite being made of starmetal, actually of Solar Rank not Celestial (which amuses most Solars to no end, for they are able to use the byproduct of fate in a way that not even Sidereal can). The Maidens Touch Dome can be constructed in any place connected to the Loom of Fate, which means the entirety of Creation. The fate energy that is absorbed is then sent through an artifact apparatus (very different because of the nature of fate energy) that turns the collected fate energy into Essence. The Essence is then either sent through Collectors to locations where it is used or to Broadcasters where it is broadcast to locations.
Elsewhere Furnace
Solar Artifact
The Solar Exalted have long known about the Essence deficiency of Elsewhere, but what they discovered later was the Essence created at the interaction between Creation and Elsewhere. That is what this generator does, it taps into the limitless Essence that continually exists on the intersection between Creation and Elsewhere. The Essence collected is purified and then made available for powering purposes. No matter the level of technical development, the nature of this artifact requires the commitment of five motes by a Solar Exalted (either individually or multiple Solars) every day.
Essential to Essence Converter Apparatus
Terrestrial, Celestial or Solar Artifact
This complicated artifact of both Five Magical Materials (with one dominant) and other, more esoteric substances, is the main workhorse in most Essence power generators. It is this apparatus that takes the previously collected material energy and puts them through detailed and churning process that creates Essence able to power artifacts. Each individual type of Essential Energy requires a slightly different conversion process due to the nature of the energy involved. During the First Age the Solar Exalted created eight versions of the Essence Apparatus.
True Energy
True, or Essential, Energy is the magical embodiment of the energy. Every large body of regular energy contains within it a core of True Energy that can not be destroyed (though it can be transformed). Essential Energy is the actual type of energy used by the Primordials in the beginning of time to help forge the physical nature of Creation.
Today, with the Primordials dead or banished, it is up to the Exalted to effect, manage and control True Energy. Terrestrial Exalted only have authorization to effect the True Energy that they embody (an Air Aspect Terrestrial can only direct True Air, for example) while the Celestial Exalted can effect any and all Essential Energy types.
Savants in the First Age noted eight types of Essential Energy: Solar, Lunar, Sidereal (or fate energy), Earth, Air, Fire, Wood (called life energy), and Water. True Energy is mostly commonly used in the production of Essence power generators, though they do have some other more esoteric uses.
Artifact Systems
Below is a number of Artifact systems that I created that can be added to other artifacts to boost their abilities.
Essence Engine of Solar Purity
Terrestrial Artifact •• Repair 2
The Essence Engine of Solar Purity obtains solar energy from a system of orichalcum supports on the surface of the vehicle it is attached too. The energy obtained is stored in a specialized Essence battery. This battery converts the stored energy into Essence which is then used to power the motive system of the vehicle. The vehicle can operate on the continually collecting solar energy during the day, and for ten hours during the night on stored energy. The maximum speed of this artifact vehicle is 60 mph. To activate the engine a committment of five motes of Essence is required.
Any disruption to the somewhat fragile orichalcum solar panels would completely disrupt this vehicles ability to collect and store the necessary energy for its operation. Such tampering could be deadly (on the lines of explosion) if the stored energy is not able to dissipate safely.
Cushion of Hovering
Terrestrial Artifact ••• Repair 2
(Idea generated from the Swift Rider artifact vessel in Wonders of the Lost Age)
This artifact engine system was very common in both the First Age and the Shongunate Era. The Cushion of Hovering is an artifact of blue jade that, when energised with Essence, causes a cushion of air to form underneath the vehicle the system is attached to. When in use this can cause the vehicle to fly up to three yards off the ground and move at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. To activate this system there is a committed cost of five motes.
Aquatic Essence Engine
Terrestrial Artifact •••• Repair 2
(Idea generated from the Aquatic High Speed Propulsion System in Wonders of the Lost Age)
In the First Age, the many ships of the Realm possesed various forms of propulsion systems. One such artifact system was the Aquatic Essence Engine, an assembly of both blue and black jade. This system draws in sea water and magically converst it into air, which is then expelled behind the vessel the artifact is attached too at great speed, propelling the ship forward at speeds of up to 80 mph. This device adds four motes to the attunement cost of the vehicle it is attached to, and another 2 motes to activate for a scene (or an hour out of combat). As long as the require motes are spent, the engine can continually operate for nearly twenty-four hours.
Aerial Essence Engine
Artifact •••-••••• Repair 2
(The idea for this engine came from the Warstrider Flight Systems in Wonders of the Lost Age).
In the First Age, the many ships of the Realm possesed various forms of propulsion systems. One such system was the Aerial Essence Engine, an assembly of orichalcum and red jade is used in the fabrication of nozzles lining the skyships rear. When activated this nozzles generate streams of condensed Essence for flight at (Artifact rating x 30) miles per hour. This engine adds eight motes to the attunement cost of the skyship and costs an additional five motes per scehe or horu fo flight.
Artifact Notes
Below are many many minor artifacts and the features that can be added to others to make them more capable.
- Ice Box. Despite its name this artifact container needs no ice for operation. The ice box is a multi-section box lined with blue jade. When energized with Essence anything kept inside remains at the set temperature. While once in every home, this only exists in the largest of Dynastic mansions.
- Repeller. This green jade tubing is placed around an area and, when energized with Essence, no insect or vermin is able to enter into the area. The user can touch a control panel spend a mote of Essence, and declare certain species of vermin to be exempt from its power.
- Washer. This is a black and blue jade lined chamber that, when energized with Essence, washes and cleans those items placed inside. Common in the houses of the First Age they do not exist in the much fallen Second Age.
- Materialization. This is an orichalcum and blue jade network placed around an area. When activated with Essence any spirit in the area is forced to materialize.
- Sounds. This is a blue jade network that can, when energized with Essence, make sounds on command (night sounds, rain thunderstorms, etc.).
- Larger Insides. This is an advanced interlocking network of orichalcum Starmetal, blue jade and white jade. This artifact system must always be powered or the enchantment fails. When created this feature stretches the inside geography of the room so that it is larger than what is feasible on the outside. This system can be built into objects as small as chests to objects as large as entire rooms.
- Glow. An artifact can be made to glow if red jade is applied as either a border-trim or as inset nodules. Activation requires Essence.
- Broadcaster. An outgrowth of Connector technology, a broadcaster can transmit Essence over great distance. The Essence transmitted can come from almost any source including manses, elemental conveyances, Essence taps, Essence generators, Elsewhere plants and others. In principle, almost any artifact can be powered through broadcasted Essence. By the end of the First Age only a small fraction of Creation had changed over to broadcast power from Connectors. The work that followed destroyed this network.
- Fresher. This is a combination white, blue and black jade-lined toilet seat. When the toilet is energized with Essence the waste inside it is destroyed and the chamber cleaned. In addition a pleasant odor is created to make the area pleasing. A very common sight in the First Age, they only exist in the Second Age within the most powerful families of the Realm and Lookshy.
- Vacuum. This blue and red jade shovel-like artifact sucks up the dirt and grime that it goes over when being propelled. The dirt that gets sucked up is completely destroyed. To operate this artifact a mote of Essence needs to be committed during use. While common in almost every household in the First Age, in the Second Age it can be uncommonly seen in some Terrestrial households.
- Stabilizer. If there is one thing everybody hates is that riding in a wagon is a bumpy experience. This blue jade rim completely removes that bumping motion from any vehicle it is attached to. The vehicle itself must be an artifact vehicle (or at least have some sort of Essence system) for this system to operate. When within a vehicle that contains a Stabilizer a passenger will not feel any turbulence, no matter how bumpy or lopsided the vehicle becomes. In the First Age do have a vehicle without this was unheard of, a sign that the person was not living in the magitech world. In the Second Age having one is a sign of power and wealth and is something that only the rare Dragon Blooded noble has.
- Jade Pen. This blue and black jade pen has a very common yet powerful use. With just a mote of Essence the Jade Pen can produce not only an unending supply of writing ink but also is capable of erasing any writing mistakes. Even beyond that, and the reason this is a very popular pen, is that anything written with this pen will be readable and neat (no bonuses for this, its just a ‘this is very neat penmanship.”
Utility Artifacts
- Purifer. Through the use of blue jade, a mesh wire can be constructed to purify any air that passes through it when energised with Essence. This is routinely used to block the polluted air of factories and other such industrial centers.
- Breather. Through the use of blue jade, a tank can be made to produce an unlimited amount of clean, breathable air when fully energised. This is often connected to suits used in mining and underwater tasks.
- Essence-stove. Instead of using wood, a red and black jade lined chamber can be constructed. When energised with Essence this chamber can produce a bright, clean flame. The temperature of the flame depends on how much Essence is being applied to the chamber. To put out the fire, the chamber can also generate water when it is too energised with Essence. This is an incredibly safe and efficient fireplace set up.
- Exchanger. This is red and blue jade pipe system that was intertwined in all structures of the First Age. When energised with Essence the house remains at a liveable temperature no matter how hot or how cold it is outside. During the summers the blue jade activates to cool down the house, while during winters the red jade activates to heat up the house.
- Connector. The scholars of the First Age discovered that orichalcum is the most attuned of all the Five Magical Materials to the flow and ebb of Essence. This led to the development of orichalcum conduits that convey Essence from place to place. In the First Age most buildings were connected to a local Essence generator through a network of orichalcum piping that made it possible to power all the Essence devices in that building from a central powerplant. This made it possible for even unawakened Mortals to have access to artifacts of utility.
- Dowser. A white jade staff with the desired earth/stone/metal set in the top. When energised with a mote Essence the staff will find that particular type of material.
- Earth Goggles. A white jade goggle that has the ability to, when energised with Essence, see through the earth as if it was air. This allows users to find bodies of ore, burried treasure, people burried underground, etc. This device does not work on metal, cut stone or bricks, etc.
- Planter. A white jade pot that can create earth directly from Essence. The amount of earth made is equal to both the size of the container and the amount of Essence applied to the item. The earth created is completely real and can be removed from the pot and used for other purposes.
- Fountain. A black jade pot that can create water directly from Essence. The amount of water made is equal to both the size of the container and the amount of Essence applied to the item. The water created is completely real and can be removed from the pot and used for other purposes.
- Perfume. This item of blue jade can produce and spread, when energised with Essence, odors around a hourse or building. Those odors are can be anything, from pleasant to vile. A person can choose the odor by touching the device (or its control panel), paying one mote of Essence and saying the type of odor he wants produced.
- Fan. This device of blue jade can produce and circulate, when energised with Essence, a minor brease through the area. How fast the brease is going can be changed by touching the device (or its control panel) and paying one mote of Essence. This device is not applicable for combat and cannot create damaging wind.
- Fire-starter. This red jade stone can create a fire upon the expenditure of one mote of Essence. This instantly sets paper and cloth ablaze, as well as wood. It cannot set fire to objects that would not burn in an ordinary fire, an cannot set fire to a living being. The fire created by this stone is completely ordinary once begun.
- Water Shoes. This black jade bottomed shoes grants those who commit Essence to them the ability to walk on water. This effect is only practical in calm waters, not storms or that which has seen major combat. Running is as possible as walking.
- Umbrella. This is either a blue or black jade staff that has the ability to protect those under it from getting wet from rain. Blue jade versions provide a shield of air that blocks out water, while black shade versions shape the water coming near it away from the user. Needs to be energised with Essence for it to operate.
- Cook Stove. This red and green jade-lined pot has the ability, when energised with Essence, to turn the raw food items placed inside it into a finished meal. This produces only simple fares that are as nutrious as the items that went into it. This is a very common item in the households of Creation, even in the much fallen Second Age.
- Still. This is a black jade lined container that removes the water from whater liquid is put inside it. Cannot be used to remove the water from animals or beings. This is predominantly used to produce strong alcholic beverages. It requires Essence for it to work.
- Purifer. This green jade box removes foreign objects, poisons, decay and renders food fit to eat. This artifact box only works on edible or formerlly-edible foodstuffs. Despite the fact that it requires Essence to operate this is a very common item within Terrestrial Exalted houses and seafaring ships.
- Tester. With Essence expenditure, this green jade box tests whether the food items placed within are safe to eat. This is not about taste but about whether it is poisoned or otherwise dangerous to the consumer. This is one of the most common basic artifact items in the houses of the Realm's Dynastic families.
- Suspension. This is a blue jade casket that places whatever is inside in a state of suspended animation. They do not age, diseases to not spread or gain in intensity (or loose their intensity) and the person does not need to eat drink. This is used for sick patients who contain diseases that even Exalted medicine cannot heal. It is also useful for those who wish to go to sleep and wake up in another time. If livestock is placed within this chamber than they do no decompose until removed, thus its a great way to save food for later. Requires a constant flow of Essence or whatever is inside awakens.
- Lock. This is a white jade door lock that is impossible to open whenever energised by Essence. This device is very commonly used by the Exalted to protect their homes and properties. Only specialized Charms have any hope of picking them.
- Chute. This elevator is a blue jade bottomed platform within a multi-story chamber. When energised by Essence the platform floats within the chamber, to the level required. Other versions do away with the platform entirely and just have a blue jade lined chamber that causes any passengers to go up or down based on Essence expenditure. This is rarely produced in the Second Age, but are very common in Lookshy and other First Age and Shongunate successor states.
- Opaque Windows. This is a white jade rimmed window or door-frame still covered completely by earth. When energised by Essence the earth fades away leaving behind an opening. Those versions that exist in wooden buildings are rimmed with green jade. This is a very commonly seen feature within First Age buildings but which is not built in the Second Age.
- Illusion. This is a blue jade covered platform that shows realistic (but insubstantial) three-dimensional moving image when energised with Essence. In the First Age these were common entertainment systems that existed in most homes, but in the Second Age those few that exist are mainly used as monitors in military command centers.
- Fence. This is an area lined with poles or ground-level nodules of blue jade. When energised with Essence a fense of air is created that prohibits the passage of people through the area. The strength of this fense is based on the amount of Essence committed to its powerup, with just a minimum stopping animals and dozens even prohibiting the entrance of the Exalted. This is a very common method used as a barrier in zoos, it protects those from the animals but does not block the view.
- Truth Helm. This orichalcum-lined helm, when energised with Essence, prohibits the wearer from telling lies. He is not forced to speak, but if he does say something than it must be the truth as he knows it. This was a very common item in early First Age courts of law though they are banned in the Second Age due to them being made out of the material of the Anathema.
- Hair Gear. This green jade-lined headgear trims the hair of whoever puts it on and energises it with Essence. The style is specificied by placing a mote of Essence and thinking about the type of haircut one wants. If the user wants a style of hair that involves more hair then he has, this can grow the hair to the specified degree. Very common within barbershops in both the First Age and the Second Age.
- Communicator. This orichalcum and blue jade device allows for two-way communications when powered by Essence. Both the user and subject must have a communicator pad or the signal cannot be sent or recieved. Images appear as 3D floating faces and allow "real-time" conversation no matter the distance. The communciation is audio-visual only. The number of people possible in the communication is only limited by the number of comm-pads. These devices, while common in the First Age, are not seen in the Second Age. The only one that exists was in the hands of the Empress within the Imperial Manse.
- Essence-Ray This is a green jade-lined chamber that, when energised with Essence, sees the interior of the subject's body to a degree even sharper than a modern X-ray. A visual and tactile image is them sent to an Illusion booth. This is an artifact device that is used within medical centers to offset the need for Exalted and their charms.
- Counter. This starmetal artifact can instantly count up to 100,000 small objects accurate to a single item. These artifacts can be of any size, some are small scales others are gigantic warehouses. Whatever is placed on or within the artifact is considered within the area of effect. Most commonly seen within Yu-Shan under use of the Sidereals, the Realm contains a few ancient devices of this type.
Construction
- Digger. A white jade digging tool that can, when energised with Essence, move earth about and shaep it into any form. If the form is stable then the form will remain after the Essence is spent, if not then it collapse once it is no longer supported by magic. This device cannot be used against walls, bricks or anything shaped. This has helped to increase the speed of ditch digging and wall making but a large magnitude.
- Earth Shaper. A white jade pick/glove that can, when energised with Essence, move solid stone about and shape it into any form. If the form is stable then the form will remain after the Essence is spent, if not then it collapse once it is no longer supported by magic. This artifact tool has accelerated building projects by leaps and bounds, and made working with stone very efficient.
- Water Shaper. This is a glove intertwiend with black jade that allows the user to shape and sculp water (or ice or steam) into any shape. Water will remain in the shape until the Essence is decommitted. This is used mostly in construction (igloo houses) or for show (ice sculpting) and has no ability to cause damage.
- Sterilize. This is a red jade-lined room that completely kills any microorganisms that come inside it. This artifact was made in the First Age as a means of sterilizing their medical centers without the need for Exalted to use Charms and sorcery.
Features
- Lightener. Through the use of blue jade, a frame can be constructed around a device. When energised with Essence the device contains a much lighter weight.
- Fireproof. By surrounding an object with red jade and energising it with Essence, one can make an object fireproof. This won't put out fires from elsewhere, but it will make sure that anything protected by this feature won't burn. This is a very useful feature installed in places where fires are an extreme hazard.
- Cool Through the use of blue jade the artifact can be made to remain cool no matter the temperature of either the outside or of internal heating. This is best used in those artifacts that get hot after a use, by using Essence this is prevented.
- Defenser This is a wide reaching system of white jade that provides an enhanced defense on the structure. With this system in operation no effect can be used to mold or sculp the building. Sheer damage still would cause damage to the building, but an Earth Shaper (for example) would not work against it.
- Illusionary Servant. By creating a network of blue jade nodules connected by orichalcum piping around an entire building this feature can be created. When energised by Essence an illusionary but physical servant can be created. These servants cannot leave the building and are not intelligent, but they can be useful in menial jobs. In the Second Age they exist only within the city state of Lookshy, but they were once very common.
- Clean. These jets of blue jade, when energised, clean the subject area or being of dirt and stains and makes an area polish. While they have many uses, in the Second Age they can be seen mostly commonly on artifact ships as deck cleaners.
- Silence. This is a blue jade lined room that, when energised by Essence, creats an area that is silent. Nothing in this area can be heared and no sound can be made.
- Transparency. By enclosing an object with blue jade and energising it with Essence an item can be made to be transparent. The physical characteristics of the object remains unchanged, but all that can be seen is a bare outline. This was used a lot on items that needed to be made out of strong materials but that also needed to be transparent.
- Eternal. A construct constructed of moonsilver cannot be fully destroyed. Given enough time it will reform itself and regain its full range of power. This is a mighty enchantment and can only be made part of Celestial artifacts containing permanency.
- Animating Intelligences. Some items have had their spirits fully awakened. This can only be done through the use of weaving of strands of orichalcum and starmetal into the artifact. If awakened the spirit can provide assistance and help to its user. Not only that, but since the spirit possesses its own Essence pool they can power and energise the device. The downside of awakening a least spirit is that a user has to contend with a sentient being, not just worry about the physical tool.
Sea Ships
- One of the reasons for the incredible stability of First Age artifact ships is because they are equipped with veins of black jade. When the system is energised with Essence, it is impossible for the ship to capsize or sink. This is one of the reasons for the incredible survivability of First Age ships, this system needs to be taken out before even a floating wreck collapses.
Aerial Ships
- All First Age skyships contain blue jade incorporated into the frame to lighten the vessel. This works whenever the vessel is energised with Essence and is not something that can be shut off as its an essential system.
Commentary
I like these alot, although a few could benefitt from a bit more thought. That said,I think your system fu is improving. -Azurelight
- Thanks for the kind word. Oh, what can be improved, noting that I typed them and them placed them here almost immediately while the ideas remained fresh. On another issue, while you maybe back, I'm no longer. I have gone on a vacation that grants me only occasional internet access. I wont' be back for a long time. Though, when I do, I hope we can continue our chats. :) -Heru
I did wonder why you were not active :) When will you be back? Ill take a small liberty with this page,and add a small suprise. If you mind, just remove it -Azurelight
- Go right ahead, since you told me and I like you (:)) I don't have a problem with it. I do ask that you type what the change was down here so I can immeidtely find it, if its not too much of trouble. I will be away for almost the entire month of August, getting home in time for the new semester. (I'm currently at a place where I have some access, but that is not to be trusted) I hope that when I get back the conversation can be continued. As an added note, I have come up with dozens of new artifacts, some are utility others are Essence power generators, and others are just mighty pieces of work. I really like magitech cultures and want to fill this one up with great potential. -Heru
That's too bad. August=school start, which usually makes me A BORING AND VERY BUSY PERSON. But all willl conynue...just slower. What I did was add an alignment to essence crystals. I am realy looking forward to our next talk. -Azurelight
I definitely like the Cushion of Hovering. Kinda reminds me of the hoverthrone Rygel uses in Farscape. Tres snazzy. ^.^ - Caelene
- Thanks, I thought that was cool as well. I figured that such a thing was needed and could be used for multiple purposes. People, cargo, etc. Again, thanks. - Heru