Wanted to come back and report on how this went with my students in my Creative Writing class...
Everyone was gushing about how this was the best activity we ever did. We tweaked it a little with the kids so that they could finish it within lesson time... but a real hit with the kids - especially with boys! So obsessed with the idea of becoming a weapon.
For the lesson, we went ahead with the designing of the artefact and having them think through and map out their own histories and traits... but we turned it into a more structured writing session by giving them some options on how to present their creativity, e.g. "Write the final scene of when you crumble to dust... Were you destroyed by Nature or Man?", "Imagine that you've been placed in a history museum as an exhibit for future generations to admire. Write an information pamphlet / placard introducing yourself and your historical significance."
Normally the kids don't love informational reports and stuff, but they were so excited about this, and I quote: "this is way more fun that normal school work why don't we do this for actual exams as well"
An amazing experience all around!