Frozen-Time Piece Item in Under an Iron Sky | World Anvil

Frozen-Time Piece

The Frozen-Time Piece appears as an ornate pocket watch made of silver and adorned with intricate engravings depicting scenes of frozen landscapes and ancient glyphs representing the passage of time. Despite its name, the watch always accurately displays the current time, but its true power lies in its ability to freeze moments. It does have one other power. The time that the watch shows is not the current time on Miyla. The watch shows the current time on Ell Brich.   The Frozen-Time Piece is a marvel of arcane craftsmanship and temporal magic, a relic of immense power and danger. In the hands of a wise and responsible wielder, it can be a tool of great utility and benevolence, allowing them to shape history and protect the fabric of reality. However, in the wrong hands, it can unleash chaos and destruction, unraveling the very fabric of time itself. As such, those who seek to wield the Frozen-Time Piece must tread carefully, for the consequences of their actions may echo throughout eternity, at least according to legend.   The second power that the watch has is odd. The power is not useful to anyone who doesn't travel between Miyla and Ell Brich. That power is that the watch shows the current time on Ell Brich. While in Ell Brich the watch shows the current time on Miyla. This is a minor power, but it is useful.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

This timepiece is powerful, but with that power, there are some drawbacks. Let us go over some of the powers that the watch is said to have after we go over the powers that the watch has we can look over the drawbacks. These powers were made with Dungeons and Dragons in mind, and I made the powers with ChatGPT.
  The timepiece's powers have been debated. The item is thought to have been made by Qaydith or his wife Niolmopio. This means that its powers are not fully known aside from what is shown in text written by Priests that goes with some religious texts. This is because the watch doesn't show up in myths about Qaydith or anywhere else in the main lore and texts of the Fa Geinn pantheon. There is only one power the watch is agreed to have by scholars who debate if the item exists.

Abilities

There are four powers that the watch is believed to have. These powers are centered around freezing time and changing the course of time. Let's look at each of these powers and see how they work. Of course, scholars don't know if this timepiece can do any of these abilities as there is little known about the time. These are their best guesses and theories on what this watch can do.   First, is temporal freeze. Once per day, the wielder can activate the Frozen-Time Piece, causing time to freeze in a 30-foot radius sphere centered on the wielder for up to a minute. Within this frozen time, everything except the wielder is immobilized, effectively pausing all movement, actions, and effects. This ability can be used strategically to gain advantages in combat, avoid danger, or manipulate complex situations.   Second, is temporal manipulation. The Frozen-Time Piece grants the wielder limited control over the flow of time, allowing them to manipulate the speed at which time passes for themselves and others. They can speed up or slow down time for specific targets or objects, altering their perception of reality. However, this ability comes with great responsibility, as misuse of temporal manipulation can have dire consequences on the fabric of reality.   Third, is the temporal restoration. Once per month, the wielder can use the Frozen-Time Piece to reverse time within a limited scope, restoring a recent event to a previous state. This ability allows them to undo mistakes, reverse damage, or correct errors, effectively rewinding time within a specific timeframe. However, such alterations to the timeline can have unforeseen repercussions, creating temporal paradoxes or altering the course of destiny.   The fourth power that the watch has is keeping time. If the wielder is in Ell Brich, the frozen realm of Qaydith, the watch shows what time it is in Miyla. If the wielder is in Miyla the watch shows the time in Ell Brich. This is also the only power most scholars believe the watch has.

Drawbacks

There are three main drawbacks to using this timepiece. These powers tend to happen with overuse of the watch as theorized by scholars. There are only three known drawbacks that scholars believe that this watch would have if it was real which they not sure of. Let's look at each of these drawbacks.   First, is temporal strain. The immense power of the Frozen-Time Piece comes with a heavy toll on the wielder's mind and body. The constant manipulation of time can cause temporal disorientation, mental fatigue, and physical strain, leading to headaches, disorientation, and even memory loss. Prolonged use of the artifact may result in irreversible damage to the wielder's psyche or the unraveling of the fabric of reality itself.   Second, is temporal instability. The Frozen-Time Piece is a volatile artifact that can disrupt the natural order of time and space. Its use can attract the attention of powerful entities, such as temporal guardians or chronomancers, who seek to restore balance and prevent temporal anomalies. Furthermore, the artifact's power can attract malevolent forces from beyond time, eager to exploit its potential for their own sinister purposes.   The third drawback is temporal consequences. Every manipulation of time with the Frozen-Time Piece carries with it potential consequences and side effects. Altering events in the timeline can create temporal paradoxes, alternate realities, or unforeseen changes to the course of history. The wielder must exercise caution and wisdom when using the artifact, as even minor alterations to the timeline can have far-reaching implications.
Item type
Unique Artifact
Current Holder
Creator
Rarity
Legendary Wondrous
Raw materials & Components
Silver