Artifex

Evade 6, +1 Mind, +1 Science, +1 Toughness, -1 Life Point

Apperance

Artifex are machines of human creation, humanoid in form, that have gained consciousness. Initially, they were mere automatons designed for simple tasks, but over time, the energy that powers them evolved into self-awareness. They are the rarest of all races in the world, often indistinguishable from other automatons that lack sentience. After gaining consciousness, Artifex typically dress in clothes and do everything to distinguish themselves from automatons. They are the most unique of sentient beings, effectively immortal, with some Artifex being thousands of years old. A significant number of Artifex are automatons that escaped from ruins and began living their lives. Some have been in families for generations, becoming aware after hundreds of years of service. In such cases, many choose to stay with their owners, albeit under different conditions. Some of the old automatons that work in mines have been seen leaving to experience a life beyond endless darkness, but even those that become sentient often continue the only role that they’ve ever known.

As Artifex are machines, they had to learn everything on their own. This gives them +1 to the Mind Attribute. They also gain +1 to Science, as they constantly work on their bodies and are skilled at understanding complex mechanisms. Additionally, they gain +1 Craft (hex) as they must learn to repair themselves. Due to their mechanical bodies, they cannot receive any Life points from Survival and Medicine checks, or potions. In place of Survival players can use Machines and insted of Medicine; Craft (hex). Spells and miracles work on them, and there are special magical greases that function like potions for Artifex, but they are expensive and hard to find.

Artifex in the world

Many Artifex are treated poorly due to their mechanical bodies, often perceived as mere automatons. There are many theories about why they become sentient, and unfortunately, some believe that an Artifex must have killed someone to steal the victim’s consciousness. The good news is that most Artifex do not need anyone to live and are content in the company of other sentient machines. Adventures abound among them, as danger to them is relative, and what might be lethal to other creatures does not concern them. An Artifex that loses all its limbs will simply lie immobile and wait for someone to find and repair them. As long as the source of their power is intact, they effectively cannot die. The downside is that many lost Artifex become daft and can pose a great danger when rebuilt.

Inside their bodies, two essential components are required: the source of their power and a vessel for their ego. These are often one and the same, but some units have these elements separated, although always in close proximity. Their power source typically consists of an artifact or relic, with some examples powered by an unspecified core. Those unfortunate enough to lack a proper energy source might need to insert power crystals to sustain their life, but such cases are rare, and most of them eventually run out of power. Most Artifex do not feel pain, and emotions are a difficult concept for them to grasp. They gradually begin to understand emotions over time, but it takes years to understand them fully. When they fall in battle, it usually means they have run out of energy and did not die. They can repair themselves and make improvements to their bodies. Due to the absence of pain, they can easily remove appendages and replace them with better ones. While it takes some time to adjust to new limbs, it eventually becomes second nature. Ironically, despite being composed of magic, they cannot use it. Magic within their vessel is their essence, and attempting to manipulate any energy would mean using their own. As a result, very few Artifex even attempt to cast spells, as it is extremely dangerous for them. Those who have tried describe it as akin to losing a part of themselves, and to many, this is the closest thing to pain they can experience.

Artifex names

Depending on the circumstances, Artifex can be called various names. Some are named after noises they make, such as Clank, Bang, Boing, or Ding. Others have been named based on their occupation or material that they worked with like Brass, Gunpowder, Book, Stone, or Leather. Those who were servants often received names from their masters, which can be anything. For example, there was a robot named Albert who was a butler and one named Bob who was a constructor.

Additional traits

While creating a new character player’s can choose to roll for one or more additional traits:

  1. Fragile – Each time a player fails a Consciousness check, they lose 1 point in a random primary Attribute (Body, Senses, Mind, Willpower) until repaired.
  2. Expensive model – The price of parts is twice as expensive, and/or they are more challenging to find.
  3. Crystal powered – The player is powered by a Bigger power crystal. They must change it when it is running out of energy. They use 1 power of a crystal, every day.
  4. Freshly awakened – The player lacks the social skills, they are uncultured and uncouth. Thay have 0 in Common knowledge and are completely unaware of the current world’s reality.
  5. Magical core – The player’s core is made of a powerful magical Artefact and thus interferes with mechanical devices. It also provides magical benefits to a player.
  6. Ancient knowledge – The player starts with +2 in Cultures.
  7. Delivery unit – The player has a compartment in its body, approximately 1 cubic foot (30x30x30 cm) in volume that is invisable from the outside.
  8. Faith core – Player’s core is made of a Relic. Player has access to one random miracle and can cast it once everyday. 
  9. Protector unit – Player is always equipped with a weapon that deals D10 damage and additionally they gain +1 to Toughness.
  10. Detachable self – Player starts with the ability Detachable self from the Artifex Development tree.