The Oculyss is a grotesque creature whose entire body is covered in dozens, if not hundreds, of constantly shifting, blinking eyes. Each of these eyes varies in size and shape, creating a chaotic, disorienting pattern across its malformed, hunched body. These eyes never close, always watching, always searching. Some are bloodshot, others are unnervingly still, while others dart wildly as if they were observing events happening on what could be interpreted as an entirelly different plane of existence.
The creature’s form is both insectile and reptilian, with elongated limbs that end in sharp, bony claws. Its skin is slick with an oily substance that seems to shimmer with a dark, iridescent hue. The Oculyss’s head is a mass of twitching tendrils, from which even more eyes protrude, constantly moving and scanning its surroundings. From its wide, gaping hole of a mouth spill long, thin tendrills, which grind together in an unsettling manner, creating an unnerving chittering sound.
The creature’s body is constantly in motion, but its eyes remain fixated on everything around it, making those who encounter it feel as though they are being watched from every angle at once.
Oculyssi dwell in dark regions, often in deep caverns, underground ruins or structures where light rarely penetrates. These creatures thrive in places that have been long abandoned, especially those where experiments have left lasting scars on the land. They are known to roam areas of high magical energy or those corrupted by ancient, forgotten rituals.
Though most often found in the depths of the Shroud, they have been known to appear near settlements that have dabbled or still do in forbidden magic and rituals, drawn to the ripples of power that resonate through the fabric of reality.
The Oculyss is a patient, calculating and even oportunistic predators, but unlike most Shroudspawn, it does not rely on brute force or stealth alone. Its primary advantage lies in its vast array of eyes, which provide it with unparalleled awareness of its surroundings. These creatures are able to see in all directions at once, making it nearly impossible to sneak up on them. In combat, they are known for their unnerving ability to anticipate movements and attacks before they happen, reacting with speed and precision.
In addition to its keen observational skills, the Oculyss seem have an eerie intelligence. It uses its surroundings to its advantage, luring its prey into ambushes or striking when they are most vulnerable. It prefers to stalk its victims over long distances, waiting for the perfect moment to strike when its prey is most vulnerable.
While it is a capable physical threat, the Oculyss often uses psychological warfare as well. It has been known to stare into the eyes of its victims, inducing hallucinations, paranoia, and madness. The longer one is exposed to its gaze, the more their sense of reality warps, causing them to question what is real and what is an illusion.
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