I have killed Shadowheart on the beach, and taken her artifact with a 4 part created party (killing all companions when opportunity presents itself) in EA. I plan on doing it again on full launch as well.
And yes the artifact worked to protect me and my party on the bridge with the cut scene entering goblin village.
Is there any connection to the topic?
Since i dont see it.
I guess the connection is: kill Shadowheart at the beach, take the artifact, and there you go. Your question of how to get rid of Shadowheart or any other companion is answered.
Though really you cannot progress through the game without the artifact and it is Shadowheart's duty to protect it with her life so your only options are: 1) take her with you and therefore the artifact is with your party or 2) kill her and take the artifact.
