Mirror Images vs. mulitple attacks

[kikai]

Hi Folks,

I've got a couple of questions regarding mirror image. Image a Fighter with multiple attacks hits the caster (and not the images) with the first hit.

- Does he know now who the Caster ist and can hit him for with the second and third attack?

- If yes - does he know this unless the Caster moves?

Thanks in advance,
kikai

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Strictly from a RAW reading, the caster can't reposition the images ot confuse the Fighter mid-turn, barring some sort of immediate action to move (which would then allow the images to move with and mingle with the real caster). So, until the end of the Fighter's turn at least, I'd probably say he can continue targetting the actual caster with his iteratives. On the other hand, I wouldn't feel comfortable if for the rest of the round (until mage's turn again), he could point out to his friends which one to target. That seems to make the spell really weak if you went that far...

 

[Dandu]

Mirror Image
Several illusory duplicates of you pop into being, making it difficult for enemies to know which target to attack. The figments stay near you and disappear when struck.
Mirror image creates 1d4 images plus one image per three caster levels (maximum eight images total). These figments separate from you and remain in a cluster, each within 5 feet of at least one other figment or you. You can move into and through a mirror image. When you and the mirror image separate, observers can’t use vision or hearing to tell which one is you and which the image. The figments may also move through each other. The figments mimic your actions, pretending to cast spells when you cast a spell, drink potions when you drink a potion, levitate when you levitate, and so on.
Enemies attempting to attack you or cast spells at you must select from among indistinguishable targets. Generally, roll randomly to see whether the selected target is real or a figment. Any successful attack against an image destroys it. An image’s AC is 10 + your size modifier + your Dex modifier. Figments seem to react normally to area spells (such as looking like they’re burned or dead after being hit by a fireball).
While moving, you can merge with and split off from figments so that enemies who have learned which image is real are again confounded.
An attacker must be able to see the images to be fooled. If you are invisible or an attacker shuts his or her eyes, the spell has no effect. (Being unable to see carries the same penalties as being blinded.)

The bolded portion supports Stream of the Sky's reading.

 

[Jack Simth]

Strictly from a RAW reading, the caster can't reposition the images ot confuse the Fighter mid-turn, barring some sort of immediate action to move (which would then allow the images to move with and mingle with the real caster). So, until the end of the Fighter's turn at least, I'd probably say he can continue targetting the actual caster with his iteratives. On the other hand, I wouldn't feel comfortable if for the rest of the round (until mage's turn again), he could point out to his friends which one to target. That seems to make the spell really weak if you went that far...

Considering it's just a 2nd level spell, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[kikai]

The bolded portion supports Stream of the Sky's reading.

What confuses me: does "move" mean "move at least 5 foot", or does it refer to the constantly moving back and forth during the fight?

Because the spell says:

You can move into and through a mirror image. When you and the mirror image separate, observers can’t use vision or hearing to tell which one is you and which the image. The figments may also move through each other.

So I always understood that the caster and images constantly move and change places.

 

[shadyizok]

Hmm, the spell says you've got to move (so concious action to do so) into another image's square to confuse an enemy again. If a fighter finds the right one he can tell which square the caster is just like he could if the caster were invisible. Then in the casters turn this benefit leaves again.

Mirror image is a strong lvl 2 defensive spell, but it's not all powerfull. This is an example where it less good then blurr which always grants 20% misschance.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

This is one of the spells that is most often played incorrectly.

First off, the images are (often) easier to hit than the target so you have to be sure you're not missing an image even though you miss the target's AC. This gets rid of images really quickly.

Second, this thread points out that once the real target is confirmed you can probably ignore the images until the target moves (which may not be all that easy if the caster has already been engaged in melee).

Both of these combined seriously weakens the usefulness of this spell (though it's still a good spell at low levels).

 

[Vegepygmy]

First off, the images are (often) easier to hit than the target so you have to be sure you're not missing an image even though you miss the target's AC. This gets rid of images really quickly.

IME, this is the most-often-forgotten detail of mirror image, and it's pretty huge.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

What confuses me: does "move" mean "move at least 5 foot", or does it refer to the constantly moving back and forth during the fight?

Because the spell says:

So I always understood that the caster and images constantly move and change places.

I think any movement would be enough. Even with the caster and images all shuffling about 5 ft, that's enough to confuse people if done well (and if you're allowed to make the mthink you could have faked them out, such as stepping forward only to remain in the same sqaure, with an image in the square in front of you).

Honestly...I try not to think about the movement mechanics of the spell too much, it gives me a headache.

 

[Aran Thule]

Going off on a slight tangent i was wondering how cleave works against mirror image?
If you hit an image do you get to attack another one when it goes pop?
If yes then with great cleave can you keep hitting until you find the real person?