Mirror of Loss: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:58, 4 May 2024

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 can be offered a memory by the user.

Overview

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 a permanent bonus to one ability of the player's choice, and also a +1 to Charisma, in exchange for a temporary penalty. Each character may use the mirror independently, offering a sizable stat increase to your entire party.

Using the mirror

To access the benefits of the mirror, one party member must first pass either an Arcana (DC 25) or Religion (DC 25) check to recognize the purpose of the mirror. If this check was already done for the Mirror in the Gauntlet of Shar, the player will not be prompted to do so again in the House of Grief.

Each party member may then surrender one or more memories 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 this Religion check. Each party member must pass the Religion check or it won't gain benefits from offering a memory to the mirror (i.e. Never getting the ability bonus response), only 1 party member needs to pass the Arcana check.

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

If the character made a successful prayer check beforehand, there is a chance that they will be rewarded with a memory that allows them to select an ability to receive a permanent +2 bonus – up to 24.

Details

When a character offers a memory to the mirror, there is a hidden roll to determine the outcome (possibly a d10). If that roll is...

6 or higher and the character passed the religion check: 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.
5 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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 grants Patriar's Memory (+1 Charisma).
4 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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.
3 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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?
2 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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.
1 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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, though the Deception option cannot result in any outcome but the default).

If you successfully achieve the best outcome, you will receive the message: *Where once the mirror showed nothing, there is now something. Memories, experiences, skills. All prised from the minds of others, and now offered to you, to choose from.*

Claim memories of strength from a long-dead general, who marched under the banner of a vanished kingdom. → gain +2 Strength
Help yourself to the memories of seasoned thief's most daring exploits. → gain +2 Dexterity
Seize the memories of a barbarian, whose mind and body were tempered against hardship. → gain +2 Constitution
Glean the secrets of a wizard who once stalked the library of Candlekeep. → gain +2 Intelligence
Turn to the wisdom of a drow. Once of Lolth, then of Shar. → gain +2 Wisdom
Warm to the guile of a bard who could charm even a dragon. → gain +2 Charisma

Shadowheart

Disloyal

If no longer loyal to Shar, Shadowheart is entirely denied the mirror's benefits, as she has already surrendered most of her memories to it. She is not given the opportunity to be cursed, nor receive a boon. In addition, she has disadvantage on the Religion check to offer a prayer to the mirror, though passing this difficult check still yields no benefit.

Chosen of Shar

If Shadowheart becomes a Dark Justiciar, overthrows the Mother Superior, and becomes Lady Shar's Chosen, she will automatically receive a permanent +2 bonus to the ability of her choosing without receiving a curse.

Becoming a Dark Justiciar gives her an advantage on the Religion check to offer a prayer to the mirror. Passing it does nothing, though, as it is not required for her to get the +2 bonus.

Claim the Strength found in a spirit who has had to fight for her place in the world.
Steal the deft-handed prowess of someone trained in stealth all her life.
Seize the fortitude that lies in a heart denied a thousand times.
Adopt the curiosity of a young child who hungered for knowledge forbidden to her.
Absorb the wisdom of a novice who weathered harsh lessons and harsher punishments.
Embrace the cunning of a youth who learned to succeed through charm and deceit.

Related literature

Footnotes

↑ If a character has read the Necromancy of Thay and acquired the Forbidden Knowledge condition, they may surrender that instead of an ability. This will guarantee the +2 bonus, regardless of the prayer check.
↑ 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.
↑ The curse lasts until taking a long rest or using the Remove Curse spell.

[1] If a character has read the Necromancy of Thay and acquired the Forbidden Knowledge condition, they may surrender that instead of an ability. This will guarantee the +2 bonus, regardless of the prayer check.

[2] 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.

[3] The curse lasts until taking a long rest or using the Remove Curse spell.

[note 1]

[note 2]

[note 3]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[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]]}}
+{{PageSeo
+| 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.
+}}
+{{guidenote}}
+{{SpoilerWarning}}
+[[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 can be offered a memory by the user.
+== Overview ==
+[[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.]]
+The Mirror of Loss found at the House of Grief can be used to gain a {{em|permanent}} bonus to one [[Abilities|ability]] of the player's choice, and also a +1 to Charisma, in exchange for a {{em|temporary}} penalty. Each character may use the mirror independently, offering a sizable stat increase to your entire party.
-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.
+== Using the mirror ==
+To access the benefits of the mirror, one party member must first pass either an [[Arcana]] (DC 25) or [[Religion]] (DC 25) check to recognize the purpose of the mirror. If this check was already done for the Mirror in the Gauntlet of Shar, the player will not be prompted to do so again in the House of Grief.
-==Interaction==
+Each party member may then surrender one or more memories 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 this Religion check.  Each party member must pass the Religion check or it won't gain benefits from offering a memory to the mirror (i.e. Never getting the ability bonus response), only 1 party member needs to pass the Arcana check.
-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.
-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 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 and not class-specific, with "incorrect" choices yielding only curse and no boon.
+Surrendering a memory to the mirror requires choosing one ability to sacrifice,{{note|If a character has read the [[Necromancy of Thay]] and acquired the [[Forbidden Knowledge]] condition, they may surrender that instead of an ability. This will guarantee the +2 bonus, regardless of 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.}} 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.}}
-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.
+If the character made a successful prayer check beforehand, there is a chance that they will be rewarded with a memory that allows them to select an ability to receive a permanent +2 bonus – up to 24.
-You may sometimes receive the following feedback from the Narrator which will provide an additional +1 (up to 24) to Charisma called Patriar's Memory:
+=== Details ===
-"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 memory will occur with a degree of randomness.
+{{hatnote|For more details on the permanent bonus, see [[Permanent bonuses#Mirror of Loss|permanent bonuses]].}}
+When a character offers a memory to the mirror, there is a hidden roll to determine the outcome (possibly a d10). If that roll is...
-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.
+* 6 or higher and the character passed the religion check: ''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.'''
+* 5 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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 grants [[Patriar's Memory]] (+1 [[Charisma]]).
+* 4 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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.
+* 3 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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?''
+* 2 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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.''
+* 1 or higher and the character hasn't already received 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.
-=== Shadowheart ===
+In total, each character will have 7 opportunities to roll (1 per ability plus 1 from passing the [[Deception]] check, though the Deception option cannot result in any outcome but the default).
-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 you successfully achieve the best outcome, you will receive the message: *Where once the mirror showed nothing, there is now something. Memories, experiences, skills. All prised from the minds of others, and now offered to you, to choose from.*
-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).
+* ''Claim memories of strength from a long-dead general, who marched under the banner of a vanished kingdom.'' → gain +2 [[Strength]]
+* Help yourself to the memories of seasoned thief's most daring exploits. → gain +2 [[Dexterity]]
+* Seize the memories of a barbarian, whose mind and body were tempered against hardship. → gain +2 [[Constitution]]
+* Glean the secrets of a wizard who once stalked the library of Candlekeep. → gain +2 [[Intelligence]]
+* Turn to the wisdom of a drow. Once of Lolth, then of Shar. → gain +2 [[Wisdom]]
+* Warm to the guile of a bard who could charm even a dragon. → gain +2 [[Charisma]]
-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.
+== Shadowheart ==
+=== Disloyal ===
-== Strategy ==
+If no longer loyal to [[Shar]], Shadowheart is entirely denied the mirror's benefits, as she has already surrendered most of her memories to it. She is not given the opportunity to be cursed, nor receive a boon. In addition, she has disadvantage on the {{Ability Check|Religion}} to offer a prayer to the mirror, though passing this difficult check still yields no benefit.
-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}}
+=== Chosen of Shar ===
-* {{RarityItem|Mage's Friend}}
+If Shadowheart becomes a Dark Justiciar, overthrows the [[Viconia DeVir|Mother Superior]], and becomes Lady Shar's Chosen, she will automatically receive a permanent +2 bonus to the ability of her choosing without receiving a curse.
-* {{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.
+Becoming a Dark Justiciar gives her an advantage on the  {{Ability Check|Religion}} to offer a prayer to the mirror. Passing it does nothing, though, as it is not required for her to get the +2 bonus.
-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.
+# ''Claim the Strength found in a spirit who has had to fight for her place in the world.''
+# ''Steal the deft-handed prowess of someone trained in stealth all her life.''
+# ''Seize the fortitude that lies in a heart denied a thousand times.''
+# ''Adopt the curiosity of a young child who hungered for knowledge forbidden to her.''
+# ''Absorb the wisdom of a novice who weathered harsh lessons and harsher punishments.''
+# ''Embrace the cunning of a youth who learned to succeed through charm and deceit.''
-==Notes==
+== Related literature ==
-[[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.]]
+* {{RarityItem|Teachings of Loss: Forgetting and Loss}}
-*You may choose to sacrifice an ability with at least base 8 (see picture).
+* {{RarityItem|Reflections Upon the Mirror of Loss}}
-*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.).
+== Footnotes ==
+{{notelist}}
 [[Category:Environmental objects]]

Mirror of Loss: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:58, 4 May 2024

Contents

Overview