a r t i f a c t s

Artifacts encompass a wide variety of objects created, for the most part, by intelligent life forms native to the Crater. These objects may originate from past eras or from the present, and their age does not necessarily determine their complexity or functionality.

Artifacts serve a broad range of purposes: from utilitarian tools, measuring instruments, and survival devices, to ritual mechanisms, weaponry, containment systems, or technologies whose exact purpose has yet to be determined. Some artifacts remain active or partially operational, while others have become inert due to the passage of time or the extreme environmental conditions.

When artifacts originate from an ancient era or exhibit a state of fossilization or semi-fossilization, they are commonly referred to as relics. These relics may be found embedded in rock, salt, ash, or other Crater sediments, as well as within ruins and other regions of the netherworld, and their extraction is often difficult without causing damage. In certain cases, fossilization has helped preserve internal or energetic structures that would otherwise have completely degraded, although relics with a high fossilization ratio are generally considered unusable.

Typically, artifacts are constructed from materials native to the Crater, adapted to its climate, gravity, and specific chemical conditions. However, this is not an absolute requirement: artifacts composed of materials foreign to the environment have been documented, suggesting trade, interregional migration, or the presence of external explorers and entities. Such objects often display anomalous behavior or an unusual resistance to the natural processes of the Crater.

Due to their diversity and potential risk, artifacts are usually classified and cataloged before any attempt at activation, transportation, or prolonged study.

Origin and Nature of Artifacts

Artifacts may have a wide range of origins. As previously stated, some are the result of artisan fabrication by explorers, while others originate from ancient civilizations that have long since vanished. There are also artifacts of natural origin, formed through geological or energetic processes inherent to the Crater, as well as those created by semi-intelligent life forms that inhabit the Crater and its netherworld.

A particularly significant group consists of artifacts that emerge directly from the Shimmer. These objects are classified as pure artifacts, and their level of power, complexity, or influence is typically far greater than that of conventional artifacts. They often display more defined internal patterns and a far more intense energetic response, making them both highly valuable and exceptionally dangerous

Due to their nature, certain artifacts can be unstable or unpredictable, posing a direct risk to their wielder or user. For this reason, extreme caution is advised when handling, activating, or transporting such objects, and prior analysis is strongly recommended whenever possible.

States and Unbound Forms

Some artifacts are capable of changing state, entering what is known as their “unbound” form. This state manifests under conditions that are not yet fully understood and is characterized by an intense saturation of energy within the artifact’s internal patterns, dramatically enhancing its capabilities.

The unbound form has only been observed in pure or semi-pure artifacts, meaning those composed almost entirely of materials native to the Crater. Artifacts constructed from external or foreign materials rarely—if ever—exhibit this behavior.

Shimmered Creatures - the felnya

Creatures created through the Shimmer can, from a technical standpoint, be considered artifacts, as they possess similar internal patterns and may also be capable of manifesting an unbound form. However, by convention, the objectification of such entities is avoided.

• When these creatures exhibit intelligence, they are recognized and treated as persons

• When they lack intelligence, they are regarded as animals. 

In either case, they are not to be classified or handled as mere objects, unlike inanimate artifacts or relics, even when shared energetic structures, internal patterns, or unbound states are present.

Artifact / relic Classification

by Rarity 

Ø — Common

This is the baseline tier for artifacts. These items are widely found, ordinary objects that may have been crafted or repurposed but have little to no extraordinary property.

They could be mundane tools, fragments of old tech, or inert objects whose internal structures have fully degraded. They are typically easy to catalog, transport, and study without consequence.

★ — Simple

These artifacts show minor unusual characteristics — subtle energies, faint effects, or simple enchantments. They’re uncommon enough to be noteworthy but not particularly valuable or powerful.

Often utilitarian: simple measuring instruments, low-grade survival tools, or partially functioning devices whose effects are predictable. They might assist in basic tasks but seldom change fortunes.

★★ — Tempered

Artifacts at this level are noticeably uncommon and exhibit clear, predictable anomalies or utility. Their effects are stronger, and they might draw attention from scholars or explorers.

They may contain stable energies or mechanics that require basic preparation to use safely. Their usefulness or influence is visible and consistent, but they are still within the bounds of known artifact behavior.

★★★ — Rare

True rare artifacts. These objects are hard to find and highly valued because their effects are strong, distinct, and often sought after. Their rarity makes them important — socially, scientifically, or economically.

They can produce significant benefits or recognizable effects, sometimes requiring skill or tools to harness. Their internal structures may be partially preserved and useful, even after long burial or fossilization.

★★★★ — Very Rare

Artifacts at this level are not just uncommon; they are exceptional finds. Their properties are strong, sometimes outside standard classifications, and often tied to ancient craftsmanship or unique phenomena.

May show complex internal energy patterns, unbound states, or functions that defy simple explanation. Their possession often confers prestige or strategic advantage, and misuse can carry risk.

★★★★★ — Extreme

These objects are extraordinarily rare and border on mythic. Their power, energy signatures, or effects operate beyond conventional understanding or catalogue.

Often associated with primeval eras, lost civilizations, or anomalies of the Shimmer. They can behave unpredictably or exert influence that standard science or arcana cannot fully explain.

★★★★★★ — Legendary

Rarity meaning

At this tier, artifacts are legendary and unique. There may be only a handful in existence. Their effects can be profound, paradigm-shifting, or tied to monumental events in history.

May contain massive preserved structures or strong energy. Their discovery is rare, their study long-term, and their effects could reshape understanding of the world.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ — Transcendent

Rarity meaning

This is the topmost tier: artifacts beyond classification. They are either one-of-a-kind or represent phenomena that defy existing artifact frameworks altogether.

These objects could be completely incomprehensible, or operate in ways no current theory predicts. In some cases, merely approaching them might be an event in itself.

Relic Preservation Ranking

Each relic is classified according to the state of its physical structure and residual energy. The ranking ranges from completely inert and fossilized objects to perfectly preserved relics. This scale helps researchers, explorers, and operators assess usability, risk, and value.

Ø — Petrified (Very Common)
Meaning: The artifact is fully fossilized. Its internal structure has been replaced by inert minerals, and any original energy is dissipated or permanently crystallized. Functions are completely dormant; it cannot be used as originally intended. Its value is purely historical, cultural, or symbolic. Essentially an inert object of study.

★ — Residual (Very Common)
Meaning: Highly fossilized. Only faint energy "echoes" remain trapped within the artifact. Most mechanical or energetic components are fused by time. Interaction is purely passive: sensors might detect weak energy pulses, but the object does not respond to activation. No risk of accidental discharge.

★★ — Latent (Common)
Meaning: Partially preserved. The functional core still exists but is obstructed by sediment or degradation that blocks energy flow. Awakening the artifact requires external intervention such as tools, rituals, or specific environmental conditions. Highly valuable for advanced research.

★★★ — Fractured (Uncommon)
Meaning: The artifact retains its shape and function but is compromised by structural cracks or energy "scars." It is operational but unstable. Prolonged use can cause energy leaks or micro-explosions. Useful in emergencies but unreliable for sustained operations.

★★★★ — Weathered (Rare)
Meaning: Minor surface degradation. The internal matrix is largely intact, though external mechanisms show clear signs of exposure to the Darksuun environment. Fully operational, but efficiency is slightly reduced. Intense use or extreme conditions may trigger minor anomalies or performance glitches.

★★★★★ — Pristine (Very Rare)
Meaning: Perfectly preserved. Original energies and mechanisms remain as they were on the day of creation. No fossilization, maximum performance, absolute stability. Ideal for critical operations or high-stakes combat. No risk of degradation or anomalies.