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Ornate Mirror
Involvement
Act One
The Ornate Mirror guards the the hidden lab of a Thayian necromancer, Ilyn Toth, who hid among the people of the village many years ago.
Although the magic on the door has faded, it still unleashes devastating magic on anyone it deems an intruder. Every race can introduce themselves with a false name, though it does not affect the conversation. Warlocks and wizards can pass a DC 10 Arcana check to gain insight that the mirror reflects the habits and personality of its creator.
Bypassing
There are multiple ways to bypass the Ornate Mirror via skill checks:
- [INTIMIDATION] Open or I'll mash you to pieces - bad luck be damned. (DC 15)
- [BARD] [INTIMIDATION] I th-think I could get you shipped off to him as an antique if you don't open. (DC 15) - during the first question, if picking the second dialog choice to begin the quiz.
- [STRENGTH] Pick up a rock to smash the mirror. (DC 15)
If a party member read the Dark Journal, they can try to trick the mirror into believing they are Ilyn Toth through a DC 15 Persuasion check.
The mirror can also be destroyed; however, its medium toughness means that only a hit dealing at least 22 damage can damage it.
Mirror puzzle
Otherwise, the party must answer a series of questions in the following way to avoid a dangerous trap and to gain entry into the laboratory. Reading the books located in the shop above and throughout the cellar gives clues to get pass the mirror.
What th-ink you of the zulkir know as Szass Tam?
- Szass Tam is a foul, wretched creature.
- A foul lich. May he die a thousand more deaths. (correct)
- [INTIMIDATION] I think seven years' bad luck sounds like a fair trade for smashing you. (DC 15)
- [WIZARD] Actually, Szass Tam isn't a zulkir - he rules as High Regent now.
T-tell me, why might one use balsam ointment? (any of the wound-cleaning options are correct)
- I spoke to the quasit. It told me it's good for burns.
- I read a doctor's journal - he used balsam to clean a wound.
- [NEUTRAL CLERIC] [GOOD CLERIC] Balsam is a common disinfectant.
- To clean a wound?
- [GALE] Balsam disinfects wounds. Surely everyone knows that?
- [RANGER] I use it to clean wounds out in the wilds.
...if you could see an-ything in me, what w-ould it be?
- [DARK URGE] I'd look for whatever spell will rid me of this worm in my head.
- I'd look for whatever spell will rid me of this worm in my head.
- [BARD] Nothing good tends to come of ambition in stories like this. I would see you freed.
- [SORCERER] Nothing - you're a thing of magic. I can shatter this prison for you, if you wish.
- [ASTARION] I'd see how to safely keep the powers this mind flayer's worm has given me.
- [GALE] I'd see myself in my next incarnation: a living manifestation of Netherese magic. A mythal in my own right.
- [KARLACH] I'd see myself whole again. My heart beating away in my chest. And Zariel's head on a pike for good measure.
- [LAE'ZEL] I'd see myself as a kith'rak: ghaik head in one hand, silver sword in the other.
- [SHADOWHEART] I'd see myself as Shar's Chosen, with all her power at my disposal.
- [WYLL] I'd see Mizora, cowering before me and begging my mercy.
Successfully intimidating or answering its questions earns entry into the lab and grants Mirror Master for charlatans.
If failing the mirror's questions, it unleashes a flaming sphere that floats around the room, leaving a trail of fire as it unleashes a burst of flames, dealing 2d6Fire with a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw to halve the damage. It takes a route throughout the cavern and partly into the tunnel leading in before losing power and returning into the mirror. It is possible to repeat the quiz as many times as needed, with the sphere lacking the power to attack again.