Can Mirror Images Flank?

[kreynolds]

Seriously.

No flanking.

No joke.

 

[Jabba Von Hutt]

All right, let's try it this way!

I've very recently created my first wizard in 3e. Up until now I basically just glanced at the Spells chapter since none of the classes I've played used spells. When I re-read the description for Mirror Image I realized that a wizard could perhaps inadvertently gain a flanking bonus in hth if the images surrounded his foe. I searched the D&D website for an FAQ or message thread that would either confirm or deny this assumption. The only (perhaps) relevant ruling that I found was from the Sage when he said that you cannot use the Cleave feat on mirror images. Now perhaps, (pardon my pun) this cuts both ways and since you can't cleave them, a wizard cannot gain a flanking bonus from them. But I don't know, which is why I'm asking the question. Did I miss something in the description, I know it doesn't specifically say you can control the facing of the images but it doesn't say you can't either. Since this is a spell from the Illusionist school and Illusion spells generally allow caster control within the confines of the spell. What did I miss? Please... please... please explain.

Thank You

Al

 

[mikebr99]

I'm sure I've seen somewhere that all the images stay within 5ft. of you... not 5ft. or you or each other.

I could be wrong.

 

[Artoomis]

Re: All right, let's try it this way!

Jabba Von Hutt:

You missed two important things (at least):

Most importantly, the images do not threaten an opponent, thus they cannot flank.

Secondly, you do not have total control over the images. They do what you do - your control, if any, is limited to using them to confuse your opponents as to your true location.

That's it.

It's really quite simple - you're making too much out of it.

 

[Artoomis]

I'm sure I've seen somewhere that all the images stay within 5ft. of you... not 5ft. or you or each other.

I could be wrong.

These figments separate from the character and remain in a cluster, each within 5 feet of at least one other figment or the character. The character can move into and through a mirror image.

Also, for Jabba:

While moving, the character can merge with and split off from figments so that enemies who have learned which image is real are again confounded.

Note that you do NOT control the images.

edit: Jabba: Let it go, man.... You can't use the images for any purpose but messing up enemy targeting, essentially causing a miss chance.

 

[AuraSeer]

The only (perhaps) relevant ruling that I found was from the Sage when he said that you cannot use the Cleave feat on mirror images.

Bizarre. I've got an email from him that says you can use Cleave on the images. Apparently any spell effect that simulates a "foe" can be Cleaved; I'll post the text if you like.

 

[Jabba Von Hutt]

Thanks Aura, it might be helpful, because that would lead me to believe even more about a Flanking possibility.

 

[ouini]

In some rare circumstances I think a mirror image might grant a flank bonus.

Reading the spell description, the spell doesn't spell out all the weird situations that can come up. A situation where an image 20 or 30 feet away from you is singed with a fireball, but you aren't, implies images can have a different appearance than you at any given time.

You can infer that images don't all face the same direction all the time, too. And as Jabba mentioned, being able to merge with an image implies at least a limited amount of conscious control over the images.

If the images drink when you drink and cast when you cast, you can infer they attack when you attack. It makes sense that an image 10 feet away might be in the position of a flanker to the opponent you're attacking. Whether illusions in general can effectively flank is another debate point I won't dive into here.

I personally would not make faux-flanking a feature of the spell, and would handle it on a case-by-case basis. I might require a Concentration, Bluff, or Spellcraft roll to give any bonuses. But, under the right conditions, I wouldn't turn a deaf ear to a well-roleplayed attempt.

 

[Kershek]

If the images drink when you drink and cast when you cast, you can infer they attack when you attack. It makes sense that an image 10 feet away might be in the position of a flanker to the opponent you're attacking. Whether illusions in general can effectively flank is another debate point I won't dive into here.

This is why the spell should be interpreted so that all images are in the same 5 foot square as the caster. Much simpler.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Let's explain this by using metagame thinking (it's outraged in the game, but good to explain some game mechanics):

Mirror Image is a protective spell. It is meant as a protective spell and evaluated as a protective spell. If you'd also give it an offensive capability (flanking) it would be to powerful for a 2nd-level spell. (and also the favourite of every wizard/rogue or sorcerer/rogue, as he could create a continuous opportunity for sneak attacks, while invisibility, another 2nd-level spell, only grants that once per casting)

There's also the explaination that they don't threaten someone, so they don't flank him (archers don't flank, either)


You could greate a 4th or 5th-level spell for that, though.