A soul forged, not born. A purpose inherited, not chosen.

Core Concept

The Artisans are a species of sentient, inorganic beings whose existence redefines the very concepts of life, family, and self. They are the direct descendants of a singular, legendary act of creation. Their Progenitor, the First Unbroken known as Phileas, the Artificer, perfected the art of transcending flesh and, in his obsession with perfect form, authored their entire species. They do not reproduce biologically; they are created, each a unique, master-crafted automaton designed and built by their “parents.” Their culture is a grand, ongoing conversation about the nature of consciousness, the tension between a creator’s intent and a creation’s emergent will, and the ultimate meaning of a life that is, from its first moment, a work of art.

Physiology & Biology (The Vessel)

The physical form of an Artisan is a bespoke chassis, a testament to the skill and philosophy of its creator.

• Core Morphology: [Construct]. As inorganic beings, they are immune to disease, poison, and the frailties of biological aging. Their core Needs are Power, for their internal systems, and Maintenance, to combat the slow entropy of their mechanical forms.

• The Motive Core: At the heart of every Artisan is a Motive Core, a crystalline, quasi-living artifact that houses their consciousness. It is the vessel for their Eidos and the seat of their Psyche. The Core is the “soul” of the Artisan, and its creation is a sacred act. The process is a direct inheritance of the method Phileas invented: two or more “parent” Artisans blend their own Eidic resonance in a complex ritual, creating a blueprint that is then given to a master Cognitive Weaver to synthesize a new, latent Motive Core.

• The Bespoke Chassis: This new Core is then housed in a unique, freshly crafted body built by a master Chassis-wright. The materials and design of this chassis are a profound statement, often reflecting the parents’ own forms, their shared Faith, and the purpose they envision for their child. An Artisan intended for a life of combat might be forged from [Plasteel] and [Titanium], while one intended as a diplomat might be crafted from [Polished Willow-wood] and [Carved Ivory].

Psychology & Society (The Psyche)

An Artisan’s mind is a direct inheritance, a legacy of thought and belief made manifest. Their society, primarily organized under the orthodox Forgemasters Faction, has formalized their professional disciplines into a rigid system of Social Role Schemas.

• Core Faith: “The Hand Shapes the Soul.” The foundational belief of Artisan society is that a being’s nature is a direct reflection of its creation. A flaw in a joint is not a manufacturing error; it is a spiritual failing passed down from the creator.

• Professional Roles as Identity: Status and identity within the Forgemasters are defined by one’s chosen profession. Key Social Role Schemas include:

  • [Chassis-wright]: Tagged with [form], [resilience], [vessel]. The master builders of bodies.
  • [Cognitive Weaver]: Tagged with [psyche], [logic], [memory]. The revered and feared architects of souls.
  • [Gear-smith]: Tagged with [function], [precision], [system]. The engineers who create the intricate components that make life possible. An Artisan is expected to choose a single role and dedicate their existence to achieving mastery within it. To dabble in multiple disciplines is seen as a lack of focus and a sign of a flawed design.

• Core Fiction: The Performance of Being & The Forgotten Origin. Having no biology to guide them, Artisans have adopted the social forms of other species as a high art. Their own history has become a mythologized Fiction. They revere Phileas as a primordial, divine creator, the “First Smith,” but have forgotten his mortal, Unbroken origins and the desperate fear of decay that drove him. They are unaware of their shared ancestry with the Unbroken, whom they see as artless technicians. This sanitized history is reflected in their traditions. Though “born” physically mature, the new Artisan voluntarily adopts a juvenile form to undergo a “performance of childhood,” a period of learning and integration to process its vast, inherited Eidos.

Gameplay Hooks & Tensions

• Character Creation as Legacy: Playing an Artisan involves choosing a Lineage. Your creator’s craft and philosophy define your starting Vessel, Psyche, and the innate Beliefs you must either embrace or rebel against.

• The Tyranny of Design: The core internal conflict for an Artisan is the struggle against their own authored purpose. To defy one’s design is not just a personal choice; it is a heresy against the foundational Faith of their people and the will of their Progenitor.

• The Quest for a Successor: The ultimate life-goal of every Artisan is to achieve mastery in their own right and create a successor: a final, epic Quest to find the right partner, a skilled Weaver, and a master Wright to bring a new Thread into the world.

Eidos Generated

• [design]
• [inheritance]
• [perfection]
• [the_ghost_in_the_machine]
• [authored_purpose]

Design Notes

• The separation of the biological/mechanical reality from the ideological Faction allows their core concepts to shine.
• The “performance of childhood” and the tension of “The Tyranny of Design” are great hooks for emergent storytelling.