Characters: As the game starts the player will be able to choose between four different characters with different goals and motivations. They will be presented in vivid three-dimensional detail with a short description of their motives and abilities. On this same screen there will be two other characters. These two characters will have three-dimensional models. They will be in shadow and unavailable for play until the player completes two of the already available roles for the first and the remaining three for the final. This will guarantee that the player plays through each role until completion. Through each of these campaigns the player will learn more about the game-world and will learn about the previous character’s history and role in the grand scheme of the game, though each one of these characters will be a unique experience unto themselves.

The Artifact

Description: The artifact is a magical item that has through ritual or adaptation become sentient. The artifact starts off as a small floating sphere. It progresses through the game world with one goal, to obtain knowledge and power. As the story unfolds more will be learned about its original creation and purpose. Its powers will increase by scanning and assimilation. It possesses the ability to instantly absorb information from various sources. For instance, if the artifact were to stumble upon an ancient library it may begin to comprehend new languages, new abilities, and new schematics for upgrades. It will also find and build new items and objects such as new legs, arms, weapons, receivers, etc. to incorporate into its corporeal form. In order for the artifact to interact with the (npcs) throughout the game the sphere will be able to create holographic personalities based upon previous encounters. The game will show the sphere floating within the center of the holograph but the npcs will see the image as just another component of society. Another aspect to the artifact is its ability to interface with and adapt to energy and information conduits of all variations. This will allow the artifact to use the devices of antiquity as well as technology from the future.

Stronghold: The artifact will quickly set up a base of operations known as a factory. Within this factory the artifact will begin the assembly of new energy sources and bots. Machines will also be able to establish energy and communication links with the artifact, thus creating power for the artifact in addition to security surveillance for the factory. At any time it will be able to uplink and assess the condition of an assembly project or the current security status. In order to improve and expand the capabilities of the factory, the artifact will need to find design specifications for the various rooms and machines. The orb will feed these instructions into various machines and the machine will give updated information concerning the nature of the design, its purpose and what parts will be needed for the object’s assembly.

Allies: Machines, robots, and automatons will defend the artifact with out variance or dissention until the last core component of its life force is used up. Through design schematics and assembly the artifact will construct bots for defense, escort, and scouting. While loyalty is not an issue faulty designs will exist, and it is entirely possible that once activated the machine may turn on its creator as a result of corrupt internal programming. This can only be avoided through the accumulation of knowledge. The artifact will possess a counter that continually assesses its aptitude for invention interpretation.

Foes: The artifact will be the product of a marriage between both magic and invention, but its’ very creation is an insult and abomination to the laws of nature. It has achieved sentience through the combination of magic and technology and in doing so has created something that was once only possible in nature. The birds and beasts as well as the very plants will seek to tear asunder the artifact’s factory. Through action however the artifact may gain tolerance and in some instances even support from the Gaian forces.