Artifacts

The rules for Artifacts are somewhat different in this campaign. Artifacts are often used to try and cover up an sold down area, and this should not be the reason for having an artifact. The game should be more about the person than how many extra toys they have to play with / get them out of situations.

The question should be asked of an artifact/creature: Is this item 'special' in some way? Will others remember it? Do people identify you and the item together? If the answer is yes, then go ahead and spend the points on it. If the answer is no then you might want to reconsider buying the item.

It isn't about the points, its about the meaning behind it. Any paid artifact should have some real connection to the character. The item must be important to the character... be part of who the character is. It could even be a one point item for all I care (though that might be odd, but maybe not), it isn't about the points.

If somebody takes the item from you, it is as if they are taking a piece of you. When people think of you, they will often think of your item (unless it is somehow a great secret). When they think of the item, they will think of you. The connection between you and the item is more than just symbolic, it is something real, though this doesn't have to have a story behind it.

Corwin has Grayswandir. He can always find it. When people see the sword, they know who is wielding it. Julian has Morgenstern. Nobody imagines the steed without Julian, and when they think of Julian, they often think of Morgenstern.

I want to avoid having people buying extra hard weapons or armor for the sake of having them. Items aren't trival things that everyone have. If you just want a tough sword or great armor, you can get it without spending points. Spending points in an item symbolizes a real investment of your character in that item and that item should be seen as part of the character.

There will be no hard and fast rule on this, but stupidly powered artifacts that lets you do something cheaper than the relavant power will not be allowed.