The Mirror Image spell allows the wizard to create a number of illusory duplicates of himself which disappear when the wizard is struck by a melee or missile attack.
Description[]
| “ | Mirror Image When a Mirror image spell is invoked, the caster causes from 2 to 8 exact duplicates of himself to come into being around him. These images do exactly what the wizard does. Since the spell causes a blurring and slight distortion when cast, it is impossible for opponents to be certain which are the illusions and which is the actual wizard. When an image is struck by a melee or missile attack––magical or otherwise––it disappears, but any other existing images remain intact until they are struck. However, it is important to note that this will not protect the caster against every attack, as it is possible for an enemy to choose the real caster amongst all the images. |
” |
Gameplay[]
- The spell creates
2 + level/3images, rounded down, up to 8 at level 18.- Level 3: 3 Images
- Level 6: 4 Images
- Level 9: 5 Images
- Level 12: 6 Images
- Level 15: 7 Images
- Level 18: 8 Images
- Every time the character would be hit (attack overcame armor class), there is a chance to misdirect the attack to a mirror image instead. The chance depends on the number of images. With 2 images, the chance to still hit is 33%. With 3 images it would be 25% etc.
- With any amount of positive Luck, the caster will never be hit until all images are exhausted. Use a Luck (spell), Chant or Bard song for positive luck. Negative luck makes it more likely to be hit.
- In Enhanced Editions, the level of the arcane spellcasting class is used. In the original edition, the level of the first class in the class name is used. For example the Fighter level for a Fighter / Mage, or the Thief level for a single class Thief.
- As a spell of the Illusion school, it is dispelled by a Thief's Find Traps / Detect Illusion. It can also be destroyed by illusionary protection removers like True Sight, or by a successful Dispel Magic / Remove Magic.
- In Enhanced Editions, most Area of Effect attacks bypass Mirror Image. In the original games, images do protect against damage and poison effects from AoE attacks.
- The spell conflicts with Reflected Image: Whichever spell is cast most recently sets the number of images.
- Magic Missile can be used to quickly hit up to five illusions.
- If a spell projectile is blocked by magic resistance (MR), it can still remove an image. For example, if a Melf's Acid Arrow is deflected by MR but hit an image, that image will be destroyed. Similarly, a weapon attack that overcomes armor class but is negated by e.g. Protection From Magical Weapons, can still remove an image.
Where to obtain its scroll[]
The Black Pits[]
Sold by[]
- Dinguer the Mad (×5)
Baldur's Gate[]
Shadows of Amn[]
- Adventurer Mart
- Galoomp's Store
- Mae'Var's Guildhall { if it is your stronghold }
- City of Caverns
- Reirra's Shop
Throne of Bhaal[]
Other availability[]
The Ring of Duplication, only available in 
Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition – Shadows of Amn (2013)
This icon indicates content from the Shadows of Amn campaign of the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition., allows the wearer to apply Mirror Image (5 images) thrice per day.
Dark Moon Monks get Mirror Image as innate ability at level 11.
Gallery[]
.png "Arkushule mirror imaged (BGee).png (132 KB)")
.png "Mirror Image and not Mirror Image (BGee).png (109 KB)")
Mod content[]
This section is about unofficial content that is only available via fan-made mods.
Spell Revisions mod has changed this arcane spell, revising duration. See below for description:
Mirror Image
Level: 2
School: Illusion
Range: Personal
Duration: 5 turns
Casting Time: 2
Area of Effect: Caster
Saving Throw: None
When a Mirror Image spell is invoked, the spellcaster causes a number of illusory duplicates of himself to come into being around him. The spell creates two images plus one for every 3 levels of the caster (up to a maximum of eight images at 18th level). These images do exactly what the wizard does, and since the spell causes a blurring and slight distortion when it is cast, it is impossible for opponents to be certain which are the illusions, and which is the actual wizard. When an image is directly struck by a melee or missile attack, magical or otherwise, it disappears, while other existing images remain intact. It is important to note that this will not protect the caster against all attacks, as it is possible for an enemy to choose the real caster amongst all the images. This spell cannot be cast on anyone who is under the effects of a Reflected Image spell, and casting the spell multiple times will not multiply the number of images created.
External links[]
- Mirror Image on the Icewind Dale Wiki, a wiki for the first Icewind Dale game.
- Mirror image on the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms.