Alien Artifacts
Relics of Power and Peril
Brief Summary
Alien artifacts are ancient and enigmatic relics scattered across the Shrouded Galaxy, predating even humanity's earliest ventures into space. These objects, remnants of long-lost civilizations, were pivotal in advancing humanity’s understanding of the universe. The initial discovery and study of these artifacts in the 23rd century led directly to humanity's understanding of Eldritch Energy, Resonance Manipulation, and the Jump Gates, setting the stage for interstellar exploration. In the modern era, these artifacts are not only revered and studied but also drive a thriving black market industry, with corporations, governments, and criminal organizations vying for control over their immense potential—and perilous power.
Alien artifacts remain a cornerstone of humanity's ascension in The Shrouded Galaxy. They symbolize both the immense potential and the devastating risks of exploring the unknown. Their allure captivates academics, corporations, governments, and criminal syndicates alike, driving humanity further into the depths of the galaxy—toward power, discovery, and possibly annihilation.
Discovery
Alien Artifacts were first uncovered in 2233 CE, during exploratory missions to Mars and Europa. These objects displayed characteristics that defied human understanding, emitting faint energy fields and exhibiting material compositions unknown to science. Over the following decades, more artifacts were unearthed across the solar system, and the subsequent research on these objects revealed rudimentary insights into Eldritch Energy.
Researchers began connecting the energy signatures of these artifacts to larger, more complex systems, eventually leading to the discovery of Resonance Manipulation and, by extension, the Jump Gates. The research into these artifacts marked the dawn of a new era for humanity—but also unleashed unforeseen dangers.
Accessibility
Alien artifacts are extremely rare, often hidden in hazardous or remote locations:
- Desolate planets and moons, often near ancient ruins.
- Asteroid fields and debris clouds containing remnants of alien structures.
- Deep-space wrecks of ancient starships.
- Energy anomalies in regions like the Trappist - 1 System .
While major institutions such as governments, corporations, and organizations like Arkham Research Council dominate artifact research, the rise of a galactic black market in the 30th and 31st centuries has made these relics coveted commodities. Smugglers and criminal syndicates risk everything to obtain and sell artifacts to private collectors, rogue scientists, or clandestine factions.
Effects
The artifacts’ effects are as varied as their forms, often unpredictable and dangerous:
- Reality Distortion: Some artifacts warp space-time or create localized gravitational anomalies.
- Mental Influence: Exposure can lead to hallucinations, paranoia, or full mental collapse.
- Technological Enhancement: Artifacts can supercharge existing technology, albeit with unstable results.
- Resonance Catalysts: Certain artifacts amplify Eldritch Energy, making them invaluable to Resonants.
Manifestation
Alien artifacts often exhibit characteristics that distinguish them from human-made technology:
- Visual Features: Complex geometric or organic designs, glowing with faint, shifting light.
- Energy Signatures: Emit faint fields of Abyssal Resonance, visible as an iridescent or spectral aura.
- Tactile Properties: Made of indestructible, otherworldly materials that resist analysis or manipulation.
Source
Artifacts are believed to originate from several ancient civilizations or entities:
- The Precursors: Thought to have constructed the Jump Gates and seeded many artifacts throughout the galaxy.
- The Old Ones: Eldritch beings whose influence is often tied to the artifacts’ chaotic energy.
- Extinct Alien Species: Civilizations destroyed by their own technology or by cosmic events linked to Eldritch Energy.
Research
Research into alien artifacts has shaped humanity's scientific and technological trajectory:
- Institutions Involved: Organizations like Arkham Research Council, corporations such as Arcane Biotech, and government-funded projects.
- Methods: Controlled experimentation, energy scanning, and attempts at reverse engineering.
- Challenges: The unpredictability of artifacts and the dangers they pose make research highly volatile.
Artifacts have advanced humanity's understanding of Eldritch Energy, Resonance Manipulation, and interstellar travel. However, unethical practices, including human experimentation, often mar this field of study.
Uses
Artifacts have applications in various domains:
- Energy Production: Artifacts serve as near-infinite power sources.
- Resonance Manipulation: Amplify the abilities of Resonants or create rudimentary manipulation systems for non-Resonants.
- Medical Breakthroughs: Used to cure diseases or enhance human biology.
- Weaponization: Some artifacts have been adapted into devastating weapons.
Advantages
- Technological Revolution: Enabled advancements in Jump Gates , energy systems, and Resonance Manipulation.
- Strategic Power: Factions possessing artifacts gain significant leverage in trade, war, and research.
- Knowledge: Provide insights into ancient civilizations and their mastery of the cosmos.
Dangers and Drawbacks
- Unpredictability: Artifacts often act in ways that defy understanding, posing risks to researchers and users alike.
- Corruption: Prolonged exposure to certain artifacts induces madness or physical mutations.
- Containment Issues: Artifacts are notoriously difficult to store safely, with containment breaches leading to catastrophic events.
- Ethical Risks: Black-market dealings and unethical experimentation create societal instability.
The Black Market
The 30th and 31st centuries have seen a booming trade in alien artifacts. The thriving black market attracts:
- Criminal Syndicates: Groups like the The Claudian Consortium, The Phantom Cartel, and the Veil Consortium specialize in artifact smuggling.
- Collectors: Wealthy elites willing to pay fortunes for rare artifacts.
- Mercenaries: Hired to retrieve artifacts from dangerous locations.
Governments and corporations compete ruthlessly to suppress this underground trade while secretly funding their own covert operations to acquire artifacts.
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