Warlock's mirror

Version 0.30: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

A handheld array of hexagonal mirrors, synthesized from a truly exotic substance and polished to a blinding sheen. A skilled user will find that it can reflect almost anything, even spells that pierce through lesser materials and hexes with no physical manifestation at all.

the +3 warlock's mirror

+3 buckler

Reflection ego
Can also reflect piercing attacks, enchantments, and never-missing attacks

Mechanics

For piercing attacks, such as javelins and bolt spells, the chance to block is determined by SH, like any attack you can block normally.

For enchantments and never-missing attacks, the chance to block is equal to 2*SH / (2*SH + 20). All sources of SH count. Unlike normal blocking, this reflection does not 'decay' after multiple blocks. This equates to 37.5% at 6 SH, reaches 50% at 10 SH, 66% at 20 SH, and gradually increases further from there.

It cannot block smite-targeted attacks, explosions like Fireball, or other sorts of AOE effects.

Desirability

The warlock's mirror is a fairly useful shield, especially in places with many piercing attacks (such as javelins in the Shoals) or enchantments. Even if the enemy is immune to their own attacks, the omnireflect is useful - it lets you block otherwise unblockable effects.

However, this shield is still a buckler. Heavier characters or those with lots of Shields skill might prefer a tower shield or a highly enchanted kite shield, which are more effective against attacks you can block normally. But for those who would use a buckler anyway, there are few better options.

The mirror can block Malmutate, so it can be a strong(er) choice in places where malmutation is common.

History

• Prior to 0.25, the warlock's mirror only had a 2*SH / (2*SH + 40) chance to reflect never-missing effects, and couldn't reflect piercing physical projectiles like javelins.
• The warlock's mirror was introduced in 0.18.