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** Regarding said protection charm, it was said to protect the wearer from "anything", which in the course of the show translated to granting Ethel Cripps extended life and youth, and rendering anyone who tried to attack Dee into ChunkySalsa.

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** Regarding said protection protective charm, it was said to protect the wearer from "anything", which in the course of the show translated to granting Ethel Cripps extended life and youth, and rendering anyone who tried to attack Dee into ChunkySalsa.



* A classic artifact in ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' is the Eye of Vecna, which is literally the mummified eye of the lich god Vecna. It offers the user access to heightened magical senses and spells, but tends to drive them crazy or evil and leaves them open to possession by Vecna himself.

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* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' has boasted a number of both major and minor artifacts over the course of its history, with a number of traits in common. First, they are rare and uniquely powerful. Second, they cannot be created or destroyed by normal means. Third, most artifacts are unique.
**
A classic artifact in ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' is the Eye of Vecna, which is literally the mummified eye of the lich god Vecna. It offers the user access to heightened magical senses and spells, but tends to drive them crazy or evil and leaves them open to possession by Vecna himself.
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** Morpheus's vestments of office bore most of his power, and as a result were not meant to be used by humans. His pouch of sand is used to put people to sleep and manifest dreams into existence, but Constantine's ex-girlfriend became addicted to using it and ultimately died from sleeping herself to death. The ruby contained a large portion of Morpheus's power and fell into the hands of John Dee, who tried to use it to create a more honest world, but wound up sowing chaos and bloodshed. It is not mentioned what the Helm might have done if a mortal had used it, but it was apparently valuable enough to trade to a demon for a ProtectionCharm.

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** Morpheus's vestments of office bore most of his power, and as a result were not meant to be used by humans. His pouch of sand is used to put people to sleep and manifest dreams into existence, but Constantine's ex-girlfriend became addicted to using it and ultimately died from sleeping herself to death. The ruby contained a large portion of Morpheus's power and fell into the hands of John Dee, who tried to use it to create a more honest world, but wound up sowing chaos and bloodshed. It is not mentioned what the Helm might have done if a mortal had used it, but it was apparently valuable enough to trade to a demon for a ProtectionCharm.ProtectiveCharm.
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* ''VideoGame/Doom3'': The Soul Cube is a sentient, ancient Martian artifact created after the people of Mars encountered the forces of Hell for the first time. It is powered by the souls of its creators and activated once it absorbs the lifeforce of five beings, whether human or demon, transforming into a whirling ball of bladed death.
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[[AC:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/ThunderCats1985'': The Sword of Omens is the legendary sword of the [=ThunderCats=], wielded by their Lord [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield after proving himself worthy]]. In addition to changing size and being nigh-invulnerable, it offers the wielder NewPowersAsThePlotDemands thanks to the Eye of Thundera, which provides power not only to the sword but also to the [=ThunderCats=] in general. Depending on the continuity, it cannot be used or even touched by those of evil intent.

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* ''Series/TheSandman2022'' offers both major and minor artifacts: Morpheus's helm, ruby, and sand contain much of his power, and recovering them is key to repairing his Realm after his century-long absence; meanwhile, John Dee's mother gives him an amulet of protection, the result of her trading the helm to a demon in Hell.

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* ''Series/TheSandman2022'' offers both major and minor artifacts: artifacts:
**
Morpheus's helm, ruby, and sand contain much vestments of office bore most of his power, and recovering them is key to repairing his Realm after his century-long absence; meanwhile, John Dee's mother gives him an amulet of protection, the as a result were not meant to be used by humans. His pouch of her trading sand is used to put people to sleep and manifest dreams into existence, but Constantine's ex-girlfriend became addicted to using it and ultimately died from sleeping herself to death. The ruby contained a large portion of Morpheus's power and fell into the helm hands of John Dee, who tried to use it to create a more honest world, but wound up sowing chaos and bloodshed. It is not mentioned what the Helm might have done if a mortal had used it, but it was apparently valuable enough to trade to a demon for a ProtectionCharm.
** Regarding said protection charm, it was said to protect the wearer from "anything", which
in Hell.
the course of the show translated to granting Ethel Cripps extended life and youth, and rendering anyone who tried to attack Dee into ChunkySalsa.
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* ''Franchise/YuGiOh'' has the Millennium items, seven items created in AncientEgypt to protect the kingdom from its enemies and to grant its users access to magic for use in the Shadow Games.




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* The titular item in ''Film/TheMask'' is an ancient Norse artifact that, when put on, grants the wearer cartoon-like abilities. In the film and animated continuity, Stanley Ipkiss becomes a living Creator/TexAvery cartoon, with all the physics-bending craziness that goes with it, while in the comics continuity, it also made his alter ego psychopathically violent.
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** An alien artifact in the form of a quartz skull containing eons of knowledge about the universe.

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** An [[ImportedAlienPhlebotinum alien artifact artifact]] in the form of a quartz skull containing eons of knowledge about the universe.
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** Sankara stones, which protected a small village and which the bad guys stole because Phenomenal Cosmic Power.

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** Sankara stones, which protected a small village according to WordOfGod were given to Sankara by Shiva and which used to convert many to Shiva worship and can bring protection to the bad guys stole because Phenomenal Cosmic Power.faithful or retribution to those who betray her.



** An AlienArtifact in the form of a quartz skull containing eons of knowledge about the universe.

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** An AlienArtifact alien artifact in the form of a quartz skull containing eons of knowledge about the universe.

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* ''Film/IndianaJones'' spends most of his time not teaching (translation: most of his time) in pursuit of these artifacts, mainly to keep them out of the possession of the bad guys.

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* ''Film/IndianaJones'' spends most of his time not teaching (translation: most of his time) in pursuit of these artifacts, mainly to keep them out of the possession of the bad guys. \n Across four movies, he has sought out:
** The Ark of the Covenant (Old Testament), which Hitler believes will make his armies invincible.
** Sankara stones, which protected a small village and which the bad guys stole because Phenomenal Cosmic Power.
** The Holy Grail (New Testament), which heals mortal injuries and can grant some form of immortality.
** An AlienArtifact in the form of a quartz skull containing eons of knowledge about the universe.
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* ''Series/TheSandman2022'' offers both major and minor artifacts: Morpheus's helm, ruby, and sand contain much of his power, and recovering them is key to repairing his Realm after his century-long absence; meanwhile, John Dee's mother gives him an amulet of protection [[translation:reducing attackers to chunky salsa]], the result of her trading the helm to a demon in Hell.

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* ''Series/TheSandman2022'' offers both major and minor artifacts: Morpheus's helm, ruby, and sand contain much of his power, and recovering them is key to repairing his Realm after his century-long absence; meanwhile, John Dee's mother gives him an amulet of protection [[translation:reducing attackers to chunky salsa]], protection, the result of her trading the helm to a demon in Hell.

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[[AC: Anime and Manga]]
* In ''Anime/{{Symphogear}}'', all relics are based on ancient supertechnology from various points in human history, allowing a team of [[MagicalGirlWarrior magical girls]] to fight otherwise intangible enemies called the Noise.

[[AC:Comic Books]]
* ''ComicBook/{{Aquaman}}'':
** The Staff of Storms is a relic of ancient Atlantis that allows the use of a portal system called the Maelstrom.
** The Trident of Orm, forged before the sinking of Atlantis, gives the wielder control over storms and ability to control lightning and other electrical forces.
* The Orb of Ra is an artifact made from a radioactive meteorite that turned AdventurerArchaeologist Rex Mason into ComicBook/{{Metamorpho}} the Element Man. [[BlessedWithSuck He's not too happy with the Aesthetic side effects.]]



* Film/TheDemonChild features a sword used by a prehistoric race of giants, which the protagonists use to fight the titular baby demon.

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* Film/TheDemonChild The movie ''Film/{{Amazons}}'' focuses on the quest for the Sword of Azundati, in order to slay an evil king that has made a DealWithTheDevil.
* ''Film/TheDemonChild''
features a sword used by a prehistoric race of giants, which the protagonists use to fight the titular baby demon.demon.
* ''Film/DemonKnight'' (unrelated to the above) centers around an artifact called the Key which, if filled with blood (originally Jesus' own blood) can harm or kill demons, but if emptied of blood can be used to destroy the world.
* [[Film/DoctorStrange2016 Doctor Strange]]'s Cloak of Levitation is an ancient relic that offers its wearer the ability to fly, and is also independently intelligent enough to be considered more of a partner than a garment or magical tool.


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* ''Film/IndianaJones'' spends most of his time not teaching (translation: most of his time) in pursuit of these artifacts, mainly to keep them out of the possession of the bad guys.

[[AC:Literature]]
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': The Deathly Hallows are a group of extremely powerful artifacts even by Wizardly standards, supposedly created by Death itself; owning all three was supposed to make the wielder the Master of Death.

[[AC:Live-Action Television]]
* The ''Franchise/{{Arrowverse}}'':
** The Khushu idol is a powerful artifact that gives the user enhanced physical and psychic abilities, but only by [[BlackMagic killing and drawing strength from others]].
** The Totems of Zambesi are a group of six artifacts created by the gods to help the six tribes of the village of the same name defeat a demon called Mallus; individually, they also offer the user control over different elements and related abilities.
* ''Series/TheSandman2022'' offers both major and minor artifacts: Morpheus's helm, ruby, and sand contain much of his power, and recovering them is key to repairing his Realm after his century-long absence; meanwhile, John Dee's mother gives him an amulet of protection [[translation:reducing attackers to chunky salsa]], the result of her trading the helm to a demon in Hell.

[[AC:Tabletop Games]]
* A classic artifact in ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' is the Eye of Vecna, which is literally the mummified eye of the lich god Vecna. It offers the user access to heightened magical senses and spells, but tends to drive them crazy or evil and leaves them open to possession by Vecna himself.
* In ''TabletopGame/HunterTheReckoning'', the mythical "Lamp of Constantine" is an ancient relic dating back to the 300s A.D., whose light is rumored to cure the Curse of Caine (vampirism).

[[AC:Video Games]]
* ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreed'': The Pieces of Eden at the heart of the Assassin/Templar conflict are, collectively, ancient Precursor technology that can control people. The Templars want to control them to get rid of that [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill minor problem of free will]].
* ''VideoGame/DiabloIII'': The Black Soulstone is an artifact of incredible power, intended to trap many souls, angel and demon alike, and was capable of sealing away all seven of the Great Evils.
* ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'' offers us the Eye of Magnus (which does double-time as an ArtifactOfDoom), a relic associated with the architect of the mortal plane. Unfortunately, nobody is sure what it does, but it contains enough raw power to potentially destroy the world, and indirectly doomed the ancient Falmer civilization.
* Like her SpearCounterpart Indiana Jones, [[VideoGame/TombRaider Lara Croft's]] enthusiasm for dungeon delving often brings her in contact with mystical artifacts, usually leading to her having to keep them away from bad guys.
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* Film/666TheDemonChild features a sword used by a prehistoric race of giants, which the protagonists use to fight the titular baby demon.

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* Film/666TheDemonChild Film/TheDemonChild features a sword used by a prehistoric race of giants, which the protagonists use to fight the titular baby demon.
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* Film/666TheDemonChild features a sword used by a prehistoric race of giants, which the protagonists use to fight the titular baby demon.
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!! Examples
[[AC: Films - Live-Action]]
* The Necronomicon from ''Film/TheEvilDead'' is indicated to be the oldest written document known to man.
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* ArtifactOfHope: An AlwaysLawfulGood item.
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* CounterpartArtifacts: Artifacts that complete a set together.
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* AmplifierArtifact
* AnimatingArtifact
* ArtifactDomination
* ArtifactOfAttraction
* ArtifactOfDeath
* ArtifactOfDoom
* ArtifactOfImmortality (a.k.a. Immortality Inducer)
* InstantAllegianceArtifact
* FamouslyMundaneFictionallyMagical
* ProtectiveCharm
* PublicDomainArtifact
* SummoningArtifact
* UpgradeArtifact

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* AmplifierArtifact
AmplifierArtifact: An item that increases your already existing powers.
* AnimatingArtifact
AnimatingArtifact: An item that imbues life or sentience onto inanimate objects.
* ArtifactDomination
ArtifactDomination: An item that mind-controls its wielder.
* ArtifactOfAttraction
ArtifactOfAttraction: An item that everyone is obsessed with.
* ArtifactOfDeath
ArtifactOfDeath: An item that kills its wielder.
* ArtifactOfDoom
ArtifactOfDoom: An AlwaysChaoticEvil item.
* ArtifactOfImmortality (a.k.a. Immortality Inducer)
ArtifactOfImmortality: An item that grants {{Immortality}}.
* InstantAllegianceArtifact
InstantAllegianceArtifact: An item that can indoctrinate others.
* FamouslyMundaneFictionallyMagical
FamouslyMundaneFictionallyMagical: A RealLife item with actual magic powers and origins.
* ProtectiveCharm
ProtectiveCharm: An item that shields its wielder from harm.
* PublicDomainArtifact
PublicDomainArtifact: Famous items used throughout all of fiction.
* SummoningArtifact
SummoningArtifact: An item that can use SummonMagic.
* UpgradeArtifactUpgradeArtifact: An item that makes you an InstantExpert in its use.



* ArtifactCollectionAgency
* ImportedAlienPhlebotinum
* SetBonus

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* ArtifactCollectionAgency
ArtifactCollectionAgency: An organization that hunts and contains special items.
* ImportedAlienPhlebotinum
ImportedAlienPhlebotinum: This item came from space.
* SetBonusSetBonus: Having all of the items in a set is better than only having some of them.
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[[AC: Common categories, not mutually exclusive]]:

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[[AC: Common categories, not mutually exclusive]]:exclusive:]]



[[AC: Related]]:

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[[AC: Related]]:Related:]]



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A form of phlebotinum, an AncientArtifact is some object that bestows special abilities on its possessor. Unlike some types of phlebotinum, Ancient Artifacts are not naturally occurring: they are constructed. (The word "artifact" literally means "something made by humans," and contains the same root as "artificial.")

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A form of phlebotinum, an AncientArtifact Ancient Artifact is some object that bestows special abilities on its possessor. Unlike some types of phlebotinum, Ancient Artifacts are not naturally occurring: they are constructed. (The word "artifact" literally means "something made by humans," and contains the same root as "artificial.")
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* AnimatingArtifact
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Because of their special powers, artifacts are often widely sought-after, making them a classic form of MacGuffin. The AdventurerArchaeologist in particular, spends about 99.2% of his time (onscreen) looking for them. The AncientOrderOfProtectors will sometimes be protecting them.

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Because of their special powers, artifacts are often widely sought-after, making them a classic form of MacGuffin. The AdventurerArchaeologist in particular, particular spends about 99.2% of his time (onscreen) looking for them. The AncientOrderOfProtectors will sometimes be protecting them.
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moderator restored to earlier version
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[[AncientArtifact Ancient Artifacts]] are common in the {{fantasy}} genre, where their power is usually derived from supernatural sources. The tools and weapons of the gods are textbook examples of [[AncientArtifact Ancient Artifacts]], as are certain religious relics. Supremely powerful instruments of mortal magic -- usually described as extremely dangerous or difficult to create, or made by long-forgotten means, in order to explain their scarcity -- are another type of AncientArtifact.

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[[AncientArtifact Ancient Artifacts]] are common in the {{fantasy}} genre, where their power is usually derived from supernatural sources. The tools and weapons of the gods are textbook examples of [[AncientArtifact Ancient Artifacts]], as are certain religious relics. Supremely powerful instruments of mortal magic -- usually described as extremely dangerous or difficult to create, or magic, made by long-forgotten means, in order to explain their scarcity -- are another type of AncientArtifact.
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* Toys/{{Bionicle}}'s Kanohi Ignika, the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Legendary]] [[MaskOfPower Mask of Life]], was forged by the [[{{Precursors}} Great Beings]]. It grants the user a variety of powerful abilities, the most important being [[SacrificialRevivalSpell resurrection at the cost of the user's own life]], designed to save the life of the Great Spirit Mata Nui. Its other primary purpose is to [[DoomsdayDevice extinguish all life in the Matoran Universe]] if something goes horribly wrong with it. To keep it out of the wrong hands, the mask was [[SentientPhlebotinum given a mind]] and the ability to [[{{Curse}} curse]] [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield those not destined to use it]].

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* Toys/{{Bionicle}}'s Kanohi Ignika, the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Legendary]] [[MaskOfPower Mask of Life]], was forged by the [[{{Precursors}} Great Beings]].Beings]] one hundred thousand years ago. It grants the user a variety of powerful abilities, the most important being [[SacrificialRevivalSpell resurrection at the cost of the user's own life]], designed to save the life of the Great Spirit Mata Nui. Its other primary purpose is to [[DoomsdayDevice extinguish all life in the Matoran Universe]] if something goes horribly wrong with it. To keep it out of the wrong hands, the mask was [[SentientPhlebotinum given a mind]] and the ability to [[{{Curse}} curse]] [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield those not destined to use it]].
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* [[Toys/{{Bionicle}}]]'s Kanohi Ignika, the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Legendary]] [[MaskOfPower Mask of Life]], was forged by the [[{{Precursors}} Great Beings]]. It grants the user a variety of powerful abilities, the most important being [[SacrificialRevivalSpell resurrection at the cost of the user's own life]], designed to save the life of the Great Spirit Mata Nui. Its other primary purpose is to [[DoomsdayDevice extinguish all life in the Matoran Universe]] if something goes horribly wrong with it. To keep it out of the wrong hands, the mask was [[SentientPhlebotinum given a mind]] and the ability to [[{{Curse}} curse]] [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield those not destined to use it]].

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* [[Toys/{{Bionicle}}]]'s Toys/{{Bionicle}}'s Kanohi Ignika, the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Legendary]] [[MaskOfPower Mask of Life]], was forged by the [[{{Precursors}} Great Beings]]. It grants the user a variety of powerful abilities, the most important being [[SacrificialRevivalSpell resurrection at the cost of the user's own life]], designed to save the life of the Great Spirit Mata Nui. Its other primary purpose is to [[DoomsdayDevice extinguish all life in the Matoran Universe]] if something goes horribly wrong with it. To keep it out of the wrong hands, the mask was [[SentientPhlebotinum given a mind]] and the ability to [[{{Curse}} curse]] [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield those not destined to use it]].
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* [[Toys/{{Bionicle}}'s Kanohi Ignika, the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Legendary]] [[MaskOfPower Mask of Life]] was forged by the [[{{Precursors}} Great Beings]]. It grants the user a variety of powerful abilities, the most important being [[SacrificialRevivalSpell resurrection at the cost of the user's own life]], designed to save the life of the Great Spirit Mata Nui. Its other primary purpose is to [[DoomsdayDevice extinguish all life in the Matoran Universe]] if something goes horribly wrong with it. To keep it out of the wrong hands, the mask was [[SentientPhlebotinum given a mind]] and the ability to [[{{Curse}} curse]] [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield those not destined to use it]].

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* [[Toys/{{Bionicle}}'s [[Toys/{{Bionicle}}]]'s Kanohi Ignika, the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Legendary]] [[MaskOfPower Mask of Life]] Life]], was forged by the [[{{Precursors}} Great Beings]]. It grants the user a variety of powerful abilities, the most important being [[SacrificialRevivalSpell resurrection at the cost of the user's own life]], designed to save the life of the Great Spirit Mata Nui. Its other primary purpose is to [[DoomsdayDevice extinguish all life in the Matoran Universe]] if something goes horribly wrong with it. To keep it out of the wrong hands, the mask was [[SentientPhlebotinum given a mind]] and the ability to [[{{Curse}} curse]] [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield those not destined to use it]].
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[[/folder]]

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\n[[/folder]]* [[Toys/{{Bionicle}}'s Kanohi Ignika, the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Legendary]] [[MaskOfPower Mask of Life]] was forged by the [[{{Precursors}} Great Beings]]. It grants the user a variety of powerful abilities, the most important being [[SacrificialRevivalSpell resurrection at the cost of the user's own life]], designed to save the life of the Great Spirit Mata Nui. Its other primary purpose is to [[DoomsdayDevice extinguish all life in the Matoran Universe]] if something goes horribly wrong with it. To keep it out of the wrong hands, the mask was [[SentientPhlebotinum given a mind]] and the ability to [[{{Curse}} curse]] [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield those not destined to use it]].
[[/folder]]
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!!Examples

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Toys]]

[[/folder]]
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A form of phlebotinum, an AncientArtifact is a form of ArtifactOfPower.
It is also invariably old -- in fact, typically, [[OlderIsBetter the older the artifact, the more powerful it is]].

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A form of phlebotinum, an An AncientArtifact is a form of ArtifactOfPower.
ArtifactOfPower. It is also invariably old -- in fact, typically, [[OlderIsBetter the older the artifact, the more powerful it is]].

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