Epoch-Eater’s Eye
The Window to Nowhere
Most monster trophies are simple proofs of conquest, like a tooth or a claw. But the Chronal Oculus is something far more dangerous. It is not merely a biological organ; it is a calcified sphere of raw chronomancy plucked from the skull of the Epoch-Eater.
While the beast used this eye to perceive timelines simultaneously, in the hands of a master crafter, it becomes the engine for the Pearl of the Stolen Second.
Item Overview
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Wondrous, Carfting Component |
| Rarity | Very Rare |
| Value | 4850 gp |
| Appearance | A heavy, cold sphere resembling a petrified pearl. Instead of a pupil, it contains a swirling gray vortex of mist. |
| Potency | Used primarily to craft the Pearl of the Stolen Second or Oil of Displacement. |
The Alchemical Secret
The Chronal Oculus is harvested from the socket of the Epoch-Eater, but it does not contain fluid or jelly. It is a solid, dense object formed by the creature’s centuries of exposure to the Chronometer’s radiation.
Arcane scholars believe the Oculus acts as a “temporal lens.” It does not see light; it sees time. When the creature was alive, this organ allowed it to target prey that had not yet moved or to dodge attacks that had already landed. When properly enchanted and attuned, this lens can be inverted, allowing the user to slip out of reality for a split second, effectively vanishing from the present moment.
Warning: The Oculus is not dead matter. The vortex inside remains active. Prolonged direct eye contact with the vortex can cause the viewer to experience rapid, disorienting flashes of their own death or birth, leading to temporary catatonia or madness.
Trading the Void: Who Buys a Chronal Oculus?
Because the Epoch-Eater is a unique and terrifying entity, this component is virtually unknown to common merchants. However, for the right buyer, it is priceless.
Chronurgy Wizards: Mages who study the magic of time view this item as a holy grail. They use it not just for crafting, but as a focus for spells like Time Stop or Foresight.
The Guild of Assassins: High-tier killers seek this item desperately. They pay a premium for the resulting Pearl of the Stolen Second, valuing the ability to vanish from reality instantly after a kill.
Planar Researchers: Those studying the Astral Plane or the Far Realm pay handsomely for the Oculus, using it to navigate spaces where time does not flow linearly.
Handling Requirements: Temporal Containment
The Chronal Oculus is unstable. It is constantly trying to return to the time period where it was most powerful. To prevent the item from rotting or vanishing, strict protocols must be followed:
Lead-Lined Boxes: The item radiates a low-level temporal radiation that can age organic matter rapidly. It must be stored in a box lined with at least one inch of lead.
Total Silence: Sound waves can cause the vortex inside the eye to resonate and shatter the outer shell. The item must be kept in a silence-proofed container or within the area of a Silence spell during transport.
No Direct Sunlight: Much like Aboleth Blood, the Oculus reacts violently to the sun. However, instead of spoiling, the Oculus becomes intangible and falls through the container (and the floor) if exposed to direct solar rays.