The functionality of Eyes of the Eagle

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In the DMG (P. 168) there is an uncommon magical item called the Eyes of the Eagle that states:

These crystal lenses fit over the eyes. While wearing them, you have
advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight. In
conditions of clear visibility, you can make out details of even
extremely distant creatures and objects as small as 2 feet across.

While I get the advantage on perception part, I am confused on the functionality of the second part.

  1. Does this add range to your Darkvision if the visibility would otherwise be clear?
  2. Does it work in parallel with feats like Skulker (removes disadvantage on perception in dim light) or Sharpshooter?
  3. Is it only useful in scouting or peeping? Or is there in-battle functionality for a ranged fighter?

In short, I'd like some clarification on how these goggles might be used both in battle or while roleplaying, and what limitations a DM might impose.

For context, what got me interested in these goggles was an idea I had for a simic hybrid arcane archer; using the combination of his trick horse and manta glide to parasail into the air and hit unsuspecting marks from far away. Though I admit this is rather niche, it is the launching point I used.

Best Answer

Being able to see things a long way away in fine detail is useful, because it gives you information, and knowledge is power. How much power depends on the knowledge and what opportunities you'll have to exploit that knowledge, and is therefore adventure- and campaign-specific.

For example, in one adventure you might use the Eyes of the Eagle to scope out the layout of an orc village without risk of being caught before you sneak into it; in another you might use them to tell whether an approaching cavalry force is the Dread Lord's personal guard or a group of fresh recruits wearing their colours and acting as a decoy; in another you might use them to dupe a travelling merchant into believing you're a talented diviner and/or farsighted elf.

Incidentally, some of the most interesting abilities and powers in the game work this way. There isn't just one common problem to which they are easily applied; instead, there are a wide variety of situations in which they could be useful, if used creatively. The fun of such items is in trying to find creative ways to apply their powers.

Oh, and to answer your numbered questions:

  1. No. Nothing in the magic item's description or history in earlier editions suggests that it extends the range of darkvision.
  2. Yes. Nothing in the magic item's description suggests that it would interfere with or change these feats' normal function.
  3. Yes and no. Eyes of the Eagle are useful for scouting and peeping and not much else, but nothing save common sense prevents you from scouting and peeping in battle - it might even be useful, occasionally.
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