Bobitron - Still in the idea phase for the artifact guy. Most likely a fighter type. Kind of on the Elric-Stormbringer motif, but not that anti-hero or morbid. He is an "average" adventurer that either found or was given this artifact (family heirloom perhaps). For some reason, either family obligation or magical means, he can not get rid of it.
The artifact has an intelligence all its own with its own agenda. Not sure if it is going to be evil, malicious or just amoral, but it is a constant struggle between the character and the thing for dominance. Thier fates are intertwined so they will work together when thay have to, but are at odds at what is best for themselves.
Again still very vague, the intelligence could be a fiend, ancestor spirit, godling, elemental, dragon spirit...whatever. I need to look some artifacts to get an idea of where I will go for class and personality.