It is said that bits of the raw stuff of creation, Eternity itself, are sprinkled throughout the world. These “shards“ are literally infused with the energy of Eternity. The raw material doesn’t matter—it might be rock, cloth, ink, metal, or even cheap plastic. In some very rare cases, it may even be a living thing or being.
Objects that represent humanity’s greatest hopes and desires (or that of other races on other worlds, such as Takta Ker) act like magnets for the power of Apeiros. When this occurs, the “idea“ of the object empowers the item with powers and Possibilities Storm Knights can draw on to defend creation.
Once an item becomes an Eternity Shard, it takes on some telltale shade of red and blue. It may actually be red and blue in color, it may be decorated with red and blue gemstones, or it may be ground up in ink or fabric and visible only when closely examined. But the colors of creation will be there somewhere.
Unfortunately, the High Lords seek such devices as well. Not only do they want to keep them from their foes, but the Darkness Devices feed off them.
Tapping Eternity Shards
Some sample Eternity Shards are listed below. To use one, a character must be attempting an action that falls within the artifact’s Purpose, and is not prohibited by its Restrictions (see below).
Assuming the use is valid, the Stormer or Storm Knight then makes a reality test against the Tapping Difficulty as a simple action. If successful, she may immediately use one of the shard’s Possibilities. The Possibility may not be saved, but must be used immediately.
Possibilities taken from an Eternity Shard are very powerful—they may be spent in addition to the character’s own (as well as a Hero and Drama card).
Here’s what the rest of the Eternity Shard’s listing means:
- Cosm: The device’s home cosm.
- Possibilities: The number of Possibilities it contains. This number resets each act just like a Storm Knight’s Possibilities.
- Tapping Difficulty: The reality total needed to use its Possibilities.
- Purpose: The types of actions allowed when using the shard. If the Staff of Ra is meant to oppose supernatural servants of darkness, for example, it won’t grant Possibilities to stop an ordinary bank robber.
- Powers: Any special powers or abilities the device grants and how to use them.
- Restrictions: Any purpose for which the item will absolutely not allow itself to be used.
- Description: The physical appearance, size, or other characteristics of the item.