Touch based spells and Mirror Image

[Zorinar]

Question:
How is mirror image supposed to work in regards to touch based spells like Harm and Vampiric touch. Are those spells normally supposed to cycle though the images before they actually hit the target? I have noticed that the spells actually hit the caster directly without dispelling an image if it already exists. Just wondering if it is working as intended or not.

Thanks.

Z

[Nysan]

Far as I know, mirror images should be targeted first, save for area effect spells. If you are being hit by single target effects and still have images active... it seems off to me. Little point to a defensive spell that doesn't defend you, after all. I haven't had my mage attacked with either spell you mentioned, but I know mirror images eat up magic missiles and chill touch of bandit wizards... or they did last I checked. Sounds buggy to me.

[Kallias]

You should roll randomly to see if you hit the real target. 4 images, you roll 1d4 and choose the number you wish to be a success...or just say you have to roll 4 to hit real number. A successful attack/spell on an image dissolves the illusion.

[Raona]

Something *is* wrong here. Normal combat attacks the mirrors first, without fail. Certain attacks always hit the caster, missing the mirror images. Report put into Bugzilla. Thanks for the help on this one, everyone.

[Kallias]

My mistake earlier, if there are 4 images you then do 20% chance to hit not 25%

I think the mirror images are being granted AC they shouldn't. AC for an image should be the same AC as touch AC - being size modifier and dex modifier. Things like mage armor or stoneskin should not affect the images AC. I'm not positive.

[Selveem]

I am not certain the way that mirror image is coded, however I noticed that even with legendary hitroll as a fighter I miss most of the time even when striking characters with mirror images.

I believe what is happening is that because it is an affect on the character, the images are getting the AC of the character each. Mirror images should only have an AC of 10 + Size Mod (whether positive or negative) + Dex Bonus (which should include enhancements via Slink).

Additionally, it appears that until all mirror images are destroyed, there is no chance to hit the caster. At worst, there should be an 11% chance to hit the caster with all 9 images up.

[Raona]

Confirmed: this spell operates well beyond canon, at present.

Added to bug 845, merged with that post.

[Raona]

All aspects of this bug should now be fixed - mirror images should be targeted at random, by any type of contact attack, and should have the AC specified in canon, not that of the caster.

If you are dubious that's the case, please speak up - there was a lot to test. I think it all works, though!