Artifact Classification

Artifacts with unexplained properties are classified by any attribute which has been discovered. Each Greek symbol denotes a particular quality of the artifact, allowing agents to quickly classify and understand the potential of any given artifact. A tiered leveling system further designates an artifact's potency and the degree of caution required for handling.

Classification Symbols

Symbol	Meaning	Notes
Chi (Χ)	Manipulates probability or luck.	Often co-classified with Mu (μ) or Nu (ν) for its power source, and potentially Xi (ξ) if it causes significant misfortune to the user or others.
Delta (Δ)	Grants or enables travel through space or between locations.	Always co-classified with Sigma (Σ) and/or Tau (τ) as it manipulates spatial or temporal aspects to achieve travel.
Epsilon (ε)	Manipulates the existing form or superficial nature of matter.	Examples: Molding, softening, hardening, changing texture, or simple material transformations (e.g., water to ice, wood to charcoal, altering an object's color without changing its composition). Often associated with Sigma (Σ) artifacts if the matter manipulation involves localized spatial shifts.
Eta (η)	Possesses elemental properties, influencing one or more of the traditional Five Elements.	Typically co-classified with Mu (μ) if the elemental manipulation is magical in origin, or Nu (ν) if it is psionic. This indicates the energy source driving the elemental effect.
Iota (ι)	Manipulates emotional states (e.g., inducing fear, joy, apathy, calm).	Often co-classified with Mu (μ) or Nu (ν) to indicate the power source, and potentially Xi (ξ) if the emotional effect is detrimental.
Mu (μ)	Defies conventional explanation and is determined to use Magical Energy.	An artifact must be classified as Mu if its power source is magical.
Nu (ν)	Defies conventional explanation and is determined to use Psionic Energy.	An artifact must be classified as Nu if its power source is psionic.
Omega (Ω)	Incredibly dangerous artifacts of any other classification.	Do not handle or allow others to handle Omega artifacts without express approval in the presence of command personnel! This symbol serves as a critical override, immediately signaling maximum threat.
Phi (φ)	Radically alters the fundamental composition, state, or type of matter.	Examples: Transmutation of elements (e.g., lead to gold), creation or destruction of matter, or complex molecular restructuring. Often co-classified as Omega (Ω) when matter can be altered at a distance or with significant, widespread effects.
Psi (ψ)	Manipulates energy fields or raw energy (excluding elemental).	This differentiates from Eta (η) by focusing on non-elemental energy forms. Examples: Generating force fields, emitting specific types of non-elemental energy (e.g., sonic, light, heat not from fire, concussive blasts), or absorbing energy. It could co-classify with Mu (μ) or Nu (ν) as a power source, and Omega (Ω) if the energy manipulation is on a catastrophic scale.
Rho (ρ)	Conveys or significantly alters psionic abilities.	Some artifacts enhance existing abilities. Those that grant the ability to use psionic energy and thus give psionic abilities, are often co-classified as Omega (Ω).
Sigma (Σ)	Manipulates the fabric of space or an object's relationship with its surrounding space.	Examples: Creating localized distortions, barriers, portals, or directly teleporting objects or beings within a single space.
Tau (τ)	Bends or alters the flow of time.	Often seen with Sigma (Σ) artifacts (as spacetime is intertwined) and frequently co-classified as Omega (Ω) due to the inherent dangers of temporal manipulation. Use extreme caution!
Upsilon (υ)	Unknown abilities or properties.	Use extreme caution! This classification is temporary until further research categorizes the artifact more specifically.
Xi (ξ)	Identified as having a harmful or detrimental effect on the user or immediate environment.	This includes negative impacts on the abilities or mental / physical state or the inability to remove or control the artifact. Often co-classified as Iota (ι), Mu (μ), Nu (ν), and/or Upsilon (υ) due to the diverse nature of harmful effects.
Zeta (ζ)	Manipulates biological processes or life itself.	Examples: Accelerated healing, causing decay, controlling plants, animating non-living matter, or altering creature physiology. This focuses specifically on organic or living systems. It could co-classify with Mu (μ) or Nu (ν) for its power source, and potentially Xi (ξ) if it has detrimental biological effects.

Artifact Levels (Potency and Danger)

Levels are assigned in addition to symbol classifications, indicating an artifact's overall potency, stability, and potential danger. A higher level signifies greater power and/or risk.

• Class 0 (Latent/Trace): The lowest detectable power level. These artifacts possess the fundamental potential or a barely perceptible trace of a classification, but their power has no overt, functional component. They might radiate a faint aura, show a very slight passive effect, or require specific, rare conditions to manifest any ability.
• Class 1 (Minor/Basic): Artifacts with limited, localized, or easily controlled effects. Risks are minimal, and they require standard handling protocols.
• Class 2 (Moderate/Practical): Artifacts with noticeable and consistent effects that require some control or understanding to use safely. They offer practical benefits but can have minor unintended consequences. Trained personnel are recommended for handling.
• Class 3 (Significant/Advanced): Artifacts with powerful or widespread effects that demand careful management. They can have moderate unintended consequences or localized environmental impact. Specialized containment and expert handling are necessary.
• Class 4 (Dangerous/Potent): Artifacts capable of large-scale or highly destructive effects if mishandled. They pose significant potential for severe, unintended consequences or widespread disruption. Reinforced containment, constant monitoring, and highly experienced personnel are crucial. Omega (Ω) artifacts frequently fall into this category.
• Class 5 (Catastrophic/World-Shaping): Artifacts that present reality-altering or existential threats. Even minor mishandling could lead to catastrophic global or universal consequences. They require maximum security containment, constant high-level oversight, and extreme caution from the most powerful entities. All Class 5 artifacts are inherently Omega (Ω) class.

Handling Protocols

All agents are to adhere strictly to artifact handling protocols based on classification and assigned level. Any deviation must be approved by Command Personnel.

• Classes 0-2: May be handled by trained field agents with standard protective gear and protocols.
• Class 3: Requires specialized handling teams. Containment procedures must be reviewed prior to interaction.
• Class 4: Access is restricted to designated containment specialists and requires direct oversight from a Sector Chief or higher authority. Enhanced containment measures are mandatory.
• Class 5: Access is restricted to the highest-clearance personnel under constant, direct supervision by Command. These artifacts demand maximum security containment and contingency plans for catastrophic failure.

Reporting and Research

All new artifact discoveries or changes in an artifact's properties must be immediately reported and documented in the Central Database. Comprehensive research on Upsilon (υ) class artifacts is a standing priority to reduce the unknown risk factor. Cross-referencing artifacts with similar classifications can often yield insights into their properties and potential dangers.