Aether Artifacts

Artifacts in Helia are a bit different to what you may consider them to be in other universes.

In Helia, an Artifact or Aether Artifact is the name of any item that has been imbued with the power of Aether. Unlike normal magic items - Aether Artifacts have a lot more potential and are considerably more flexible in their application. Artifacts come in a number of different classes.

Class C Artifacts -

These are limited use artifacts. Once they have been used a number of times they are immediately destroyed or go inert. In the Aether Wars, these were often used by lower level infantry as an alternative to magic users. They are one of the few Artifacts accepted in society, due to their functionality and limited use.

Class B Artifacts -

These are low-level permanent artifacts. Most Class B artifacts offer low-level enchantments or passive effects, and as such are typically found on armour or support weapons. Class B artifacts are capable of recharging if you achieve certain conditions - individual to each artifact. In the Aether Wars, Class B's were often used by the frontline military and those in higher standing than the standard infantry. They are typically confiscated and destroyed, if seen by enforcers. Owning one is quite rare.

Class A Artifacts -

These are high-level flexible artifacts. The difference between these and other artifacts is that, as the wielder gains experience, so too does the artifact. In fact, although it has never been proven, some believe that Class A artifacts bond with their owners and despite not being able to communicate, are able to anticipate their owners wishes manifesting in a number of different magical ways. These Artifacts are capable of absorbing other artifacts and stealing their attributes, they are able to change form (within reason) and with the right combination of experience and creativity, often become warriors weapons for life. In the Aether Wars, these were used by generals and great warriors on the battlefield and are typically powerful weapons or highly-enchanted armours/ equipment. Any Class A artifacts sighted by the Enforcers will be immediately confiscated and destroyed, and their owners charged with heresy for their use. These items are incredibly rare and often one-off pieces.

Class ? Artifacts -

Not very much is known about Class ? artifacts. There are little to no records of their use throughout history, and those that were sighted often disappear soon after - oftentimes alongside their owner. There is little to identify a Class ? from any other artifact type but sources suggest their unique abilities may give insight despite how little is known of them. The only recorded instance of a Class ? use happened at The Last Stand - one of the fiercest battles in the Aether Wars and turning point for the Sukhran effort. Despite this, scholars have determined the sources who recorded the event to be unreliable and as such, this tale has turned into nothing more than a bed-time legend. Due to the scarcity of these of these artifacts, they have a rarity value of Wonderous and are considered Legendary.