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[[File:Mirror of Loss.jpg|thumb|A Mirror of Loss, in the House of Grief|300px]]{{hatnote|For more details on permanent bonus, see [[Permanent Bonuses#Mirror of Loss|Mirror of Loss]]}}
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| title = Mirror of Loss
| image = Mirror of Loss.jpg
| description = Mirror of Loss is a large mirror found in the Gauntlet of Shar and the House of Grief.
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[[File:Mirror of Loss.jpg|thumb|A Mirror of Loss, in the House of Grief|300px]]
The '''Mirror of Loss''' is a large mirror found in both the [[Gauntlet of Shar]] at {{Coords|-645|-735}} and the [[House of Grief]] at {{Coords|-474|-1650}}. The former is cracked and cannot be used for reflection, however the latter is functional and bestows a bonus and malus upon the user.
The '''Mirror of Loss''' is a large mirror found in both the [[Gauntlet of Shar]] at {{Coords|-645|-735}} and the [[House of Grief]] at {{Coords|-474|-1650}}. The former is cracked and cannot be used for reflection, however the latter is functional and bestows a bonus and malus upon the user.


==Interaction==
== Overview ==
It is highly recommended for the player to prepare and save before interacting with the Mirror of Loss. To access the benefits of the mirror, one party member must first pass either an [[Arcana]] (DC 25) or [[Religion]] (DC 20) check to recognize the purpose of the mirror.
[[File:Warped Intellect Not 8 Minimum.png|alt=A stat screen showing total charisma including modifiers. The base Charisma is 8 and it is decreased to 6 by the Stolen Vigour condition applied by the mirror's sacrifice.|thumb|A character with base [[Charisma]] 8 being affected by the [[Stolen Vigour]] condition from the mirror.]]
Each party member may then surrender a memory to the mirror, optionally attempting a [[Religion]] (DC 25) check beforehand to offer a prayer to Shar. The character who underwent the Mapping of the Heart receives [[Advantage]] on the [[Religion]] check to offer a prayer.
The Mirror of Loss found at the House of Grief can be used to gain {{em|permanent}} bonuses to ability scores, in exchange for a {{em|temporary}} penalty.


Surrendering a memory to the mirror requires choosing one [[Ability Scores|Ability]] to sacrifice, which will be temporarily cursed with [[Stolen Vigour]], a -2 penalty to the chosen ability. The curse lasts until taking a [[Long Rest]] or using the [[Remove Curse]] spell. If the character made the successful prayer check beforehand, they might unlock a dialogue choice of a second Ability which will receive a permanent +2 bonus (up to 24). Memory dialogue choice that triggers this additional dialogue is random (see [[Mirror of Loss#Details|details]]) and not class-specific, with "incorrect" choices yielding only curse and no boon.
All party members may interact with the mirror, but [[Shadowheart]]'s interaction is unique, and dependent on prior choices (see [[Mirror of Loss#Shadowheart]]|below).


If you have read the [[Necromancy of Thay]] and acquired the [[Forbidden Knowledge]] condition, you may surrender it instead of an Ability. This will allow you to receive the +2 bonus even if you failed the prayer check.
== Using the mirror ==
To access the benefits of the mirror, one party member must first pass either an [[Arcana]] (DC 25) or [[Religion]] (DC 20) check to recognize the purpose of the mirror.


You have the option of attempting to trick the mirror with a false memory ([[Deception]] DC: 20). This will result in neither curse nor boon being applied.
Each party member may then surrender a memory to the mirror, optionally attempting a Religion (DC 25) check beforehand to offer a prayer to Shar. The character who underwent the Mapping of the Heart receives [[Advantage|advantage]] on the Religion check to offer a prayer.


=== Shadowheart ===
Surrendering a memory to the mirror requires choosing one [[Ability Scores|ability]] to sacrifice, which will be temporarily cursed with [[Stolen Vigour]], a -2 penalty to the chosen ability.{{note|The curse lasts until taking a [[Long Rest|long rest]] or using the [[Remove Curse]] spell.}}{{note|If a character have read the [[Necromancy of Thay]] and acquired the [[Forbidden Knowledge]] condition, they may surrender that instead of an ability. This will allow them to receive the +2 bonus even if they failed the prayer check.}}{{note|Characters have the option of attempting to trick the mirror with a false memory ([[Deception]] DC: 20). This will result in neither curse nor boon being applied.}}
Shadowheart is generally denied the mirror's benefits. As the game's narrator says: "With so much of your memory already surrendered to the mirror, you have nothing to offer. A sorry outcome." As such, she is not given the chance to be cursed nor booned.


If she is no longer loyal to [[Shar]] she has disadvantage on the {{Ability Check|Religion}} to offer a prayer to the mirror. Passing this difficult check ultimately still yields the above narration.
If the character made a successful prayer check beforehand, there is a chance that they might unlock a dialogue choice of a second ability, which will receive a permanent +2 bonus – up to 24 (see [[Mirror of Loss#Details|details]]).


However, if Shadowheart becomes a Dark Justiciar, she can receive a permanent +2 bonus to any [[Ability Scores|Ability]] of her choosing without sacrificing an Ability. Possibly, one has to do strictly everything [[Shar]] has asked of her (killing the Nightsong, killing Viconia and killing her parents).
=== Details ===
 
{{hatnote|For more details on the permanent bonus, see [[Permanent bonuses#Mirror of Loss|Permanent bonuses]].}}
Becoming a Dark Justiciar gives her an advantage on the  {{Ability Check|Religion}} to offer a prayer to the mirror. Passing it does not seem to do anything, as is not required to get the +2 bonus to Ability Scores.
 
== Strategy ==
Only one character needs to pass the initial [[Arcana]] or [[Religion]] checks to identity the mirror, but each party member must pass their individual [[Religion]] prayer checks in order to receive the permanent ability buff. Items that boost Religion or [[Intelligence]], which can be passed to each party member for each attempt, will skew the odds in your favor. These include:
 
* {{RarityItem|Warped Headband of Intellect}}
* {{RarityItem|Mage's Friend}}
* {{RarityItem|Shapeshifter's Boon Ring}} (when disguised or shapeshifted)
 
General spell and class-specific buffs to checks like [[Guidance]], [[Enhance Ability]] and [[Bardic Inspiration]] additionally shine here.
 
Alternative to having the {{RarityItem|Warped Headband of Intellect}} equipped, the character can be temporarily respecced through [[Withers]], giving them an Intelligence rating of 17 that can be further increased with the [[Ability Improvement|ability improvement]] feat twice, to 20. The character can be respecced back to their main build afterwards, retaining the Mirror of Loss stat enhancement.
 
== Details ==
When a character offers a memory to the mirror, there is a hidden, random roll to determine the outcome.
When a character offers a memory to the mirror, there is a hidden, random roll to determine the outcome.


* '''Rolled a 6 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome''': ''You feel the presence of something, ancient and unknowable. It has taken notice of you.''
* Rolled a 6 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: ''You feel the presence of something, ancient and unknowable. It has taken notice of you.''
** This option lets you select the +2 ability bonus.
** This option lets you select the +2 ability bonus.
** You can only get this option after passing the DC 25 religion check for each character that uses the mirror.
** You can only get this option after passing the DC 25 religion check for each character that uses the mirror.
** Once you get this option, you won't be able to use the mirror again with that character.
** Once you get this option, you won't be able to use the mirror again with that character.
* '''Rolled a 5 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome''': ''Disappointment floods your mind. You were sure to succeed Stelmane, but Lord Enver Gortash has stolen your support. All that charming and cajoling in the parlours of the Upper City, wasted.''
* Rolled a 5 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: ''Disappointment floods your mind. You were sure to succeed Stelmane, but Lord Enver Gortash has stolen your support. All that charming and cajoling in the parlours of the Upper City, wasted.''
** This option gives you +1 Charisma from Patriar's Memory. This can occur without passing the religion check.
** This option gives you +1 Charisma from Patriar's Memory. This can occur without passing the religion check.
* '''Rolled a 4 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome''': ''You embody a merchant, deep in mourning. His wife died, and he cannot bear to go on. Only the House of Grief can help him.''
* Rolled a 4 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: ''You embody a merchant, deep in mourning. His wife died, and he cannot bear to go on. Only the House of Grief can help him.''
** If the party encountered [[Arves]] outside the [[House of Grief]], this narration is modified slightly to include his name.
** If the party encountered [[Arves]] outside the [[House of Grief]], this narration is modified slightly to include his name.
* '''Rolled a 3 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome''': ''You embody a heartbroken heiress, desperate to forget an unrequited love. The sadness flees from you... along with a string of numbers. A safe combination?''
* Rolled a 3 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: ''You embody a heartbroken heiress, desperate to forget an unrequited love. The sadness flees from you... along with a string of numbers. A safe combination?''
* '''Rolled a 2 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome''': ''Your mind is that of corrupt alderman, eager to forget his transgressions. You feel them fade away... but your faith in the goddess Selûne is devoured along with them.''
* Rolled a 2 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: ''Your mind is that of corrupt alderman, eager to forget his transgressions. You feel them fade away... but your faith in the goddess Selûne is devoured along with them.''
* '''Haven't already landed on this outcome''': ''You embody an officer of the City Watch. A comrade died because of you. The dead man's face fades away... but the identities of informants vanish as well.''
* Haven't already landed on this outcome: ''You embody an officer of the City Watch. A comrade died because of you. The dead man's face fades away... but the identities of informants vanish as well.''
* '''Default outcome''': ''A jumble of memories clamour for your attention. They range from ancient to new. But none are yours.''
* Default outcome: ''A jumble of memories clamour for your attention. They range from ancient to new. But none are yours.''
** This option can be landed on multiple times once other options are depleted.
** This option can be landed on multiple times once other options are depleted.


In total, each character will have 7 opportunities to roll (1 per ability plus 1 from passing the [[Deception]] check).
In total, each character will have 7 opportunities to roll (1 per ability plus 1 from passing the [[Deception]] check).


To more reliably get the extra bonus from the Patriar's Memory, you should use the mirror ''before'' offering a prayer.
To more reliably get the extra bonus from the Patriar's Memory, each character interacting with the mirror should do so {{em|before}} offering a prayer.
This way, you won't prematurely lock yourself out of subsequent rolls by landing on the +2 bonus.
 
It will also make the Patriar's Memory the most probable outcome of each roll.
This way, they won't prematurely lock yourself out of subsequent rolls by landing on the +2 bonus, and will increase the odds of getting the Patriar's Memory outcome.
 
=== Shadowheart ===
Shadowheart is generally denied the mirror's benefits, having already surrendered most of her memories to the mirror. As such, she is not given the chance to be cursed nor receive a boon.
 
If she is no longer loyal to [[Shar]] she has disadvantage on the {{Ability Check|Religion}} to offer a prayer to the mirror. Passing this difficult check ultimately still yields the above narration.
 
However, if Shadowheart becomes a Dark Justiciar, she can receive a permanent +2 bonus to any ability of her choosing without receiving a curse.{{verify}}


Becoming a Dark Justiciar gives her an advantage on the  {{Ability Check|Religion}} to offer a prayer to the mirror. Passing it does not seem to do anything, as is not required for her to get the bonus.


==Notes==
== Footnotes ==
[[File:Warped Intellect Not 8 Minimum.png|alt=A stat screen showing total charisma including modifiers. The base Charisma is 8 and it is decreased to 6 by the Stolen Vigour condition applied by the mirror's sacrifice.|thumb|A character with base [[Charisma]] 8 being affected by the [[Stolen Vigour]] condition from the mirror.]]
{{notelist}}
*You may choose to sacrifice an ability with at least base 8 (see picture).
*More than one character may gain the same ability improvement (As of 2023-Nov-05, Tav and a hireling were both able to gain +2 Cha.).


[[Category:Environmental objects]]
[[Category:Environmental objects]]

Revision as of 17:47, 28 November 2023

A Mirror of Loss, in the House of Grief

The Mirror of Loss is a large mirror found in both the Gauntlet of Shar at X: -645 Y: -735 and the House of Grief at X: -474 Y: -1650. The former is cracked and cannot be used for reflection, however the latter is functional and bestows a bonus and malus upon the user.

Overview

A stat screen showing total charisma including modifiers. The base Charisma is 8 and it is decreased to 6 by the Stolen Vigour condition applied by the mirror's sacrifice.
A character with base Charisma 8 being affected by the Stolen Vigour condition from the mirror.

The Mirror of Loss found at the House of Grief can be used to gain permanent bonuses to ability scores, in exchange for a temporary penalty.

All party members may interact with the mirror, but Shadowheart's interaction is unique, and dependent on prior choices (see Mirror of Loss#Shadowheart|below).

Using the mirror

To access the benefits of the mirror, one party member must first pass either an Arcana (DC 25) or Religion (DC 20) check to recognize the purpose of the mirror.

Each party member may then surrender a memory to the mirror, optionally attempting a Religion (DC 25) check beforehand to offer a prayer to Shar. The character who underwent the Mapping of the Heart receives advantage on the Religion check to offer a prayer.

Surrendering a memory to the mirror requires choosing one ability to sacrifice, which will be temporarily cursed with Stolen Vigour, a -2 penalty to the chosen ability.[note 1][note 2][note 3]

If the character made a successful prayer check beforehand, there is a chance that they might unlock a dialogue choice of a second ability, which will receive a permanent +2 bonus – up to 24 (see details).

Details

For more details on the permanent bonus, see Permanent bonuses.

When a character offers a memory to the mirror, there is a hidden, random roll to determine the outcome.

  • Rolled a 6 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: You feel the presence of something, ancient and unknowable. It has taken notice of you.
    • This option lets you select the +2 ability bonus.
    • You can only get this option after passing the DC 25 religion check for each character that uses the mirror.
    • Once you get this option, you won't be able to use the mirror again with that character.
  • Rolled a 5 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: Disappointment floods your mind. You were sure to succeed Stelmane, but Lord Enver Gortash has stolen your support. All that charming and cajoling in the parlours of the Upper City, wasted.
    • This option gives you +1 Charisma from Patriar's Memory. This can occur without passing the religion check.
  • Rolled a 4 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: You embody a merchant, deep in mourning. His wife died, and he cannot bear to go on. Only the House of Grief can help him.
    • If the party encountered Arves outside the House of Grief, this narration is modified slightly to include his name.
  • Rolled a 3 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: You embody a heartbroken heiress, desperate to forget an unrequited love. The sadness flees from you... along with a string of numbers. A safe combination?
  • Rolled a 2 or higher and haven't already landed on this outcome: Your mind is that of corrupt alderman, eager to forget his transgressions. You feel them fade away... but your faith in the goddess Selûne is devoured along with them.
  • Haven't already landed on this outcome: You embody an officer of the City Watch. A comrade died because of you. The dead man's face fades away... but the identities of informants vanish as well.
  • Default outcome: A jumble of memories clamour for your attention. They range from ancient to new. But none are yours.
    • This option can be landed on multiple times once other options are depleted.

In total, each character will have 7 opportunities to roll (1 per ability plus 1 from passing the Deception check).

To more reliably get the extra bonus from the Patriar's Memory, each character interacting with the mirror should do so before offering a prayer.

This way, they won't prematurely lock yourself out of subsequent rolls by landing on the +2 bonus, and will increase the odds of getting the Patriar's Memory outcome.

Shadowheart

Shadowheart is generally denied the mirror's benefits, having already surrendered most of her memories to the mirror. As such, she is not given the chance to be cursed nor receive a boon.

If she is no longer loyal to Shar she has disadvantage on the Religion check to offer a prayer to the mirror. Passing this difficult check ultimately still yields the above narration.

However, if Shadowheart becomes a Dark Justiciar, she can receive a permanent +2 bonus to any ability of her choosing without receiving a curse.[Needs Verification]

Becoming a Dark Justiciar gives her an advantage on the Religion check to offer a prayer to the mirror. Passing it does not seem to do anything, as is not required for her to get the bonus.

Footnotes

  1. ↑ The curse lasts until taking a long rest or using the Remove Curse spell.
  2. ↑ If a character have read the Necromancy of Thay and acquired the Forbidden Knowledge condition, they may surrender that instead of an ability. This will allow them to receive the +2 bonus even if they failed the prayer check.
  3. ↑ Characters have the option of attempting to trick the mirror with a false memory (Deception DC: 20). This will result in neither curse nor boon being applied.
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