The process takes quite a bit of time, as Luci must properly bind this object to its ideal image by bathing it in The Well. A process that, if witnessed by a normal person, would likely result in some minor traumatic occurrences. Luci watches over the item the entire time to make sure it is not swallowed up into the inky mess. A lengthy sweat-inducing endeavor, but by its end, when Luci pulls the item from the reservoir, it is all worth it.
The items in question will sport a dark tint on the paint job and if Luci desires it, she can make its primary or secondary colors as dark as she wants. The symbol of The Well, a fragmented snowflake, will appear embossed somewhere visibly on the item, marking it as improved.
The Well is oblivion and vice versa. There is no being or creature exempt from the prices that it exacts upon those that meet it uncordially. And like a hook, when it sinks its fangs into you, it will rip you root and all at even the slightest weakness.
Idealism was always thought to exist solely in concept, to associate reality with mental ideals as opposed to material objects. That somewhere in the cosmic lands above, a perfect image of this "thing" exists, and only its material imitations are founded in "reality". But what if a material object could be elevated closer to the status of its ideal perfect image? A question Luci had asked herself for a period, and while it took some time, she managed to find a way.
This Artifact has been upgraded.
This Artifact receives 3 extra dice to all actions taken for its intended use. Attacking with an upgraded weapon grants +3 Weapon Damage instead of additional dice. While it is upgraded, the item cannot be destroyed. Upgraded Armor cannot be shredded. If it is a piece of Armor, it instead receives half that amount as bonus armor rating, rounded up.
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.
Holding her palm up, a gap in the environment expands to the size of a subway tunnel, warping the space around it, and train tracks lay themselves down in front of the tunnel. Shortly after, the Dead Line comes barreling through.
(The train pamphlet always remains when the Dead Line is expanded, merely acting as the focus for it's summoning.)
The gaps that the tunnel to the Dead Line can be things such as the mortar between bricks, the ridges between bark, or vacant alleyways. The Dead Line runs through all things.
This Artifact can be used as a subway train. It is roughly the same size as a subway train but can be collapsed into a train pamphlet and concealed. Collapsing or expanding it costs a Quick Action.
This subway train has tracks which lay themselves down in front of itself (never taking more than a 12 degree curve) and dissapear shortly after, standard subway cars, reinforced doors, an engine room with a pilot's seat, a car with a large table and a locker wall, a cowcatcher on the front, the classic fixings of a subway car including an intercom system, standard electrical outlets, and a nice hat hook for a conductor's cap. Any roll to pilot this vehicle receives +2 dice.
You also gain the following effects:
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: Codependence. If the pamphlet is removed from your posession or destroyed beyond repair, you must roll self-control to take any action whatsoever as you become sluggish and unresponsive. If they lose possession of this Artifact, the Trauma heals over the course of the next day.
The Umbrae Defender, crafted by Mr. Porter, is the epitome of a spy’s tool—an elegant umbrella concealing a sophisticated arsenal. Its sleek, high-end appearance masks a precision projectile system, allowing it to silently fire high-velocity darts that dissolve on impact, leaving no trace. A discreet grappling hook is hidden within one of the umbrella’s ribs, with a high-tensile micro-filament line capable of latching onto distant surfaces, allowing rapid ascents, controlled descents, or swift repositioning. In close quarters, the umbrella’s frame subtly shifts to reveal a razor-thin blade along its edge, effective for silent takedowns without sacrificing its refined look. With all mechanical functions silenced by an internal “Stealth Mode,” the Umbrae Defender remains as discreet as it is deadly, blending seamlessly into any environment while ready to adapt to any challenge.
This Artifact can be used as a crossbow. It is roughly the same size as a crossbow and just as difficult to conceal.
Attack by rolling Dexterity + Firearms, Difficulty 6. Successful attacks deal Contested Outcome +2 Weapon Damage. Attacks do not require a successful called shot to do damage.
You also gain the following effects:
This Artifact can be used as a shotgun. It is roughly the same size as a shotgun but can be collapsed into Shotgun Shell Bandolier 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.
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: Disfigured: Bloody and bruised and heavily scarred and Missing Fingers. If they lose possession of this Artifact, the Battle Scar heals over the course of the next day.
You also gain the following effects:
From the outside, the Dead Line appears to have two cars. A front car with a passenger compartment and the conductor's seat, and a back car with some storage. The Dead Line's back door leads into another car which shouldn't exist, and then another, and then another.
Up to ten total cars exist in the Dead Line proper and, should Charlie deem so, a given car can loop around forever on itself to prevent anyone inside from escaping.
Looking out the window in one of the faux storage containers shows an infinite dark expanse with glimmering lights passing by in the far distance, and occasionally moving past the window at high speeds as the Dead Line rumbles forth infinitely.
This Artifact holds 5 times what it normally could inside of it. Objects stored inside weigh their normal amount.
Living things can be stored in this Artifact. They will have access to anything else inside but cannot break free.
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.
If anyone other than you opens the container, it appears empty. Others can still destroy it to get at the contents.
This looks and works like a VW Passat, an ordinary, but reliable car. It has been tinkered with and contains both enforced walls and the ability to be shrinked down to a keyring pendant that looks just like it.
Trust me, it's just very well optimized, nothing magical about it.
This Artifact can be used as a VW Passat. It is roughly the same size as a VW Passat but can be collapsed into a toy car keyring pendant and concealed. Collapsing or expanding it costs a Quick Action.
This VW Passat has armored walls. Any roll to pilot this vehicle receives +2 dice.
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: Responsible Driver (You have to roll Self Control if you want to disobey road traffic regulations). If they lose possession of this Artifact, the Trauma heals over the course of the next day.
Companions gawk at the sheer size and quantity of the equipment the survivalist stores in the Bug-out Bag, but when they open it, they find only a standard set of survival gear. Only when the survivalist opens it is its true capacity revealed.
This Artifact holds 5 times what it normally could inside of it. Objects stored inside are weightless.
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.
If anyone other than you opens the container, it appears empty. Others can still destroy it to get at the contents.
The Axe of Legend's blade has been imbued with the metal of the dark lord of rock and roll. It shreds chords and flesh. The rock god commanding it may recall it to their hand at will.
This Artifact can be used as a sword / axe. It is roughly the same size as a sword / axe and just as difficult to conceal.
Attack by rolling Brawn + Melee, Difficulty 6. Successful attacks deal Contested Outcome +4 Weapon Damage.
You also gain the following effects:
The airship of solitude is the mad scientist's lair and preferred mode of travel. Not only does it include a full science laboratory, it can be collapsed into an incredibly small canvas cube and easily transported. The mad scientist may pilot the ship alone or rely on its autopilot features for ultimate convenience.
This Artifact can be used as a blimp. It is roughly the same size as a blimp but can be collapsed into a phone-sized canvas cube and concealed. Collapsing or expanding it costs a Quick Action.
This blimp has full science laboratory, bullet-proof envelope, and ample parachutes. Any roll to pilot this vehicle receives +2 dice.
You also gain the following effects:
"The Coffin" can only be used to store things commonly found in coffins, such as bodies, clothes, jewelry, photos, weapons, coins, and similar.
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.
The lightning bracers can be activated to summon a thunderbolt into the wearer's hand. Throwing these thunderbolts makes an incredibly loud boom. Once a thunderbolt is in hand, the wearer can throw as many as they wish. The electricity from these bolts will jump between nearby targets.
This Artifact produces ephemeral projectiles that can be used as a javelin.
Attack by rolling Brawn + Athletics, Difficulty 6. Successful attacks deal Contested Outcome +3 Weapon Damage.
You also gain the following effects: