Reflection
Reflection is a curious ego that can be found on all types of shields, and as a type of amulet.
This ego will reflect all successfully blocked projectiles, both physical and magical, back in the direction they originated. An amulet of reflection grants +5 SH, though shields of reflection have no extra defense than their mundane counterparts.
Keep in mind that only some spells can be blocked. For example, you can reflect a devastating crystal spear or orb of destruction, but you can't deflect a Smiting or Fire Storm. For a list of what can and can't be blocked, see Shields. Also, you must block the attack in order for it to be reflected.
The unique fighter Donald often carries a kite shield of reflection. The Warlock's Mirror, an unrandart buckler of reflection, is capable of reflecting any form of attack (even those that are normally non-reflectable).
Tips & Tricks
- The reflected attack can miss and may strike unintended targets.
- This ego is nowhere near as powerful as it is in some other games, most notably NetHack. Your chance of blocking an attack is not increased by wearing a shield of reflection, and there are still many types of attacks that cannot be blocked at all. In general, a shield with any resistance you may be lacking is preferable to a reflection-branded shield, though one might prefer it over a protection-branded shield, especially if you know you'll be facing opponents with powerful, blockable ranged abilities soon (Roxanne, Dispater, etc.).
- If you've found a shield with a good ego (like resistance, for example), an amulet of reflection is perfect for giving yourself even more defense.
History
- Prior to 0.25, the brooch of Shielding carried the reflection ego.
- Until version ?? the game treated the reflected attack as an attack initiated by the player himself. If you followed a god who prohibited certain attacks, you would invoke penance for these unintentional reflected attacks.
- The amulet of reflection was added in 0.18.
