D&D 5E Magic Missile vs. Mirror Image

[Zephyr9]

I can see that there is a lot of debate about whether Magic Missile is an attack and how it interacts with Mirror Image. But what about all the spells that don't require to-hit rolls such as Hold Person, Frostbite, Charm Person, Banishment, etc... Are these attacks? Do they always affect the target using Mirror Image or do they, too, have to roll to see if they hit an illusionary image?

 

[marcelvdpol]

I can see that there is a lot of debate about whether Magic Missile is an attack and how it interacts with Mirror Image. But what about all the spells that don't require to-hit rolls such as Hold Person, Frostbite, Charm Person, Banishment, etc... Are these attacks? Do they always affect the target using Mirror Image or do they, too, have to roll to see if they hit an illusionary image?

Only something which "attacks" you will have to bypass the mirror image. Something which provides a save is not an attack, although you could argue that single target save spells still need to pick a target.

 

[Lord Twig]

I can see that there is a lot of debate about whether Magic Missile is an attack and how it interacts with Mirror Image. But what about all the spells that don't require to-hit rolls such as Hold Person, Frostbite, Charm Person, Banishment, etc... Are these attacks? Do they always affect the target using Mirror Image or do they, too, have to roll to see if they hit an illusionary image?

Actually this is a good point. And it is a good argument for having Magic Missile just do damage to the Mirror Imaged protected target and completely ignoring the images.

 

[Zephyr9]

I think that in the case of something like Hold Person vs Mirror Image there are 2 issues:
1- is Hold Person an attack spell?
2- Does the caster of Hold Person have to choose which 'image' to target?

I think the PH clearly indicates that Hold Person is not an attack spell:

If there's ever any question whether something you're doing counts as an attack, the rule is simple: if you're making an attack roll, you're making an attack.

As for targeting, I don't think we get to that step. From the Mirror Image description:

Each time a creature Targets you with an Attack during the spell's Duration, roll a d20 to determine whether the Attack instead Targets one of your duplicates.

So if The spell is NOT an attack, then you don't roll a die to see if the spell hits an image instead of the intended target.

So non attack spells should end up ignoring the Mirror Image spell.

 

[Plaguescarred]

FYI Jeremy Crawford recently answered this question on twitter https://twitter.com/JeremyECrawford....eu/2016/04/15/magic-missile-vs-mirror-image/


@odiemor MagicMissile VS MirrorImage, will the MMcaster has to choose from the 3img and original MIcaster or autohit?
@JeremyECrawford The mirror image spell has no effect on magic missile, which doesn't involve an attack.
@_Joe_Raso to clarify - will magic missile bypass the illusory duplicates created by mirrorimage and strike the creatures of choice
@JeremyECrawford Yes.

 

[Brandegoris]

Each missile will hit, so no attack roll. However, the Wizard will roll to see if the missile hits an image or the real person.

Magic Missile was always a good answer to Mirror Image. =)


Edit: Also, I think if you cast Shield that should protect the Images as well.

I think I would allow the Player to send a Missile at a different target if he wanted. 5 missiles, one at each image would be fine with me. It wastes a spell basically and seems fair.
Some folks might see it differently though

 

[dco]

If a Wizard targets an enemy with a Magic Missile and that enemy turns out to be an illusion. What happens? Is he just physically incapable of pointing at the illusion? Does a magical force stop him from chanting the spell?

The missile kills a mosquito.

 

[guachi]

I've had NPC magic-users use Mirror Image twice in my campaign. After the first time the PCs got wise and did things that forced the opponent to make saving throws.

It provides a fun challenge in combat and the PCs get to do something different in combat. Certain things specifically not being attacks is a good thing. The moment one PC realized Magic Missile wasn't an attack was a revelation.

"You mean, I automatically hit the evil wizard?"

"Yes. Yes you do."

 

[Jester David]

Crawford by default rules based on Rules As Wtitten. RAW is okay, but it's certainly not the only answer.

I'd rule it targets a random image unless the caster of magic missile chooses a particular image. So they can guess and hit the real target or pop multiple images in a strategic attack.

 

[Maxperson]

I think that in the case of something like Hold Person vs Mirror Image there are 2 issues:
1- is Hold Person an attack spell?
2- Does the caster of Hold Person have to choose which 'image' to target?

I think the PH clearly indicates that Hold Person is not an attack spell:



As for targeting, I don't think we get to that step. From the Mirror Image description:



So if The spell is NOT an attack, then you don't roll a die to see if the spell hits an image instead of the intended target.

So non attack spells should end up ignoring the Mirror Image spell.

I disagree. I see this situation as the rules failing due to over simplification. An attack requires a target. A magic missile requires a target. Hold person requires a target. Mirror Image's sole function is to provide extra targets to keep the caster safe.

This is a prime situation for the 5e mantra of rulings over rules. Here the rules have failed in the definition of attack and/or bad language for the Mirror Image. The ruling should be a required role for any spell that has a target, just as if it was an attack.