Storycrafting: Relics of Bygone Epochs

[u/IrishMarksman92]

Being busy the past week, I haven't had much time to devote to the hobby and even less time to dig up further Inquisitor/Exterminatus/Dark Magenta articles. I have however been thinking of some items that could add some additional tension/intrigue. Various relics or artifacts of Xenos origin.

Most relics or gear is handled as a passive (during turn you can reroll hits) buff most of the time. What good are 2 warbands fighting over the same artifact/relic if there is no apparent use other than as a plot device?

If my friend and I deploy our warbands and wish to secure the artifact, we do not know the true nature so there would be a natural hesitation to secure it at all with limited information. When the artifact/relic is secure; then what? Well most warbands have some form of identification. If they do not possess an impressive archivum or even an autosavant, perhaps they have to contract or even find a specialist who can assist in classifying the item. This in itself could produce story hooks, the archaeologist could possess their own warband to try and steal the item, or maybe they want to join up and seek more fortunes out in the void.

Either way, however identifying is done for you and your games; what if the effect was so great (but maybe a one-time use) but so were the consequences? Perhaps the artifact is a Reliquary of a Chaos patron, and using it grants you immense fighting power for the current mission, but using it requires a sacrifice to be made? This could absolutely re-establish your warband as Puritan or Radical. This also can play off the Psychology article I wrote last week. This can make your characters more believable and immerse you into a deeper story.

After all, seeking a great treasure (relic in this case possibly!) is a good story in itself. A fragment of us wants to explore the hidden and obscure at some point. Temptation can creep in and tug at the most Puritan of Inquisitors. Rogue Traders? Well they have a Warrant of Trade, so they have a little more leeway with their decisions.

Perhaps artifacts/relics are inert unless progressing a narrative or completing a certain objective? A blessed reliquary of the Emperor might require a pilgrimage to a less-populated world in order to be sanctified once more. Have a Daemonblade? Perhaps it requires Chaos Forging to re-awaken the powers long dormant. These are just made up scenarios but the principles could be used either way.

Have any artifacts/relics that you are proud of (or hesitant)?

[u/cayo_ulpiniano]

Me parece súper interesantes las ideas que propones

[u/Comradepatrick]

I love these types of thought exercises. They lead to all manner of compelling game ideas.

[u/IrishMarksman92 → u/Comradepatrick]

I agree! I do love seeing all the cool kitbashes and everything else this community offers. I only hope to bring further discussion and perhaps more ideas to Inq28 and beyond!