RESONANT ARTIFACTS

Resonant Artifacts are seemingly mundane objects that are imbued with paranatural power. Within the fiction, these might also be referred to as arcane objects, relics, or “magic” items, but their unifying property is that they are intrinsically strange and dangerous.

Creating a custom Resonant Artifact is a simple process, as they only require a basic description, a means of activation, and an effect.

Description: What does it look like? Most artifacts appear as mundane objects, but rare or more powerful ones could be strange and otherworldly. The form will affect how the object can be used and whether or not it can be concealed.
Activation: How do you use it? Activation triggers are usually something simple that can be completed within the timeframe of a standard action, but they may not always be intuitive. This could be something physical (shaking, twirling, etc) or a command word/phrase that must be spoken out loud.
Effect: What does it do? A typical artifact will have some utilitarian effect, allowing an Investigator to do something beyond their normal capabilities or enhancing their natural abilities. This can be related to the normal function of the object in some manner, but that’s not required. These abilities should be somewhat limited, as objects of this nature can only contain so much power, but the key is to give them something that allows for creative application by the player.

If you need to create a quick custom Resonant Artifacts just identify an item (anything in your periphery at the time is probably fine), pair it with an effect from one of the Rituals, and give it a simple activation. Alternatively, pilfer and steal magic items from the other RPGs on your shelf and give them a modern reskin.

EXAMPLE RESONANT ARTIFACTS

Here are some example Resonant Artifacts we’ve included with an open license (CC-BY 4.0). Use them as a reference point when creating your own:

METAL CUBES
A pair of shiny metal cubes with strange symbols scratched onto their faces.

Activation: Fidget with the cubes, turning them around in your hands.
Effect: All small untethered objects within 20 feet of the user slowly rise into the air, continuing to rise as long as the cubes are handled.

TERRACOTTA BRACELET
Small red beads on a thin hemp string.

Activation: While wearing, rub the beads between the thumb and forefinger.
Effect: When used your body can disassemble. Each part can move on its own and fully articulate. If the bracelet is removed before reassembly, they remain separated.

WIRE-FRAME GLASSES
A pair of worn glasses, the lens chipped and fogged.

Activation: Wear as normal.
Effect: Memories of the user fade from those that look at them, as long as they wear the glasses.

SILVER FLASK
Branded with a Seal of Solomon and an inscription that reads “Everything has a cost.” It contains enough liquid for d6 swigs.

Activation: Pour a swig from the flask into the mouth of someone recently deceased.
Effect: It will restore life to the dead body. The power for the resurrection is syphoned from 13 innocent souls, each 13 miles away from the flask.

TARNISHED GOLD COINS
Six gold coins with intricate geometric patterns pressed on one side. Worth a small fortune. A faint whisper, begging to be spent, can be heard by those who hold the coins.

Activation: Spending the coins.
Effect: You are immediately cursed with a Fallout.

PALE CANDLE
A taper candle of white wax. Only four inches remain.

Activation: Light the candle and drip the wax between two objects.
Effect: The wax will bind the two objects together, forever.

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