What is an Artifact?

What is an Artifact?
Put simply, an artifact is defined as an object, objects or organism that exhibits properties that cannot be conventionally explained. This can be differentiated from a 'gadget' simply because a gadget is constructed to perform a specific task, while an artifact is not. It is possible for a gadget to become an artifact, and likewise for an artifact to be replicated like a gadget. This will be explored further in Chapter 2.

To be properly classed as an 'artifact' an object must be able to do one of two things: either react to the environment is a unique and non-replicable way or display properties no other identical object has. It is possible to have two otherwise identical objects and have one possess artifact properties and one not.

While artifacts can possess theoretically any property, they all fit into one of the following categories. Neurological artifacts affect the brain of the user or victim and can influence moods, thoughts, imagination, cognitive abilities and hormonal changes. Kinetic artifacts affect the world around them directly and can move, break, repair or otherwise alter physical matter in some way. Conjuration artifacts are among the most dangerous and include anything that can conjure or create physical matter or remove it. Passive artifacts have mostly benign abilities that usually only influence themselves or objects it comes into direct contact with.

Tulpa artifacts are among the most unpredictable and powerful, and include objects that are created or fueled by belief. Such things may start as props in films or television and gain powers often directly related to the media they represent. Because media is in a constant state of flux, these artifacts can become more or less potent depending on how popular their franchise is.

An artifact may have more than one ability, though such things are uncommon. Likewise, it is possible for an artifact to be in more than one of these categories.