🎲⚠️🕳️ Random Trap: Mirror of Splintered Truths

 

By Charlie Stayton, Behind The Die

Type: Magical / Psychological
Level Range: Suitable for characters levels 5–9
Trigger: Proximity (10 ft)
Reset: Manual (by rotating or covering the mirror)

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Trap Description:

In a dim hallway or ruined chamber, a tall, ornate mirror stands untouched. Its surface shimmers faintly with an iridescent sheen. The mirror is enchanted to reflect not the characters’ appearances, but twisted, traumatic versions of themselves—failed dreams, corrupted virtues, or violent pasts.

When a creature comes within 10 feet of the mirror, it activates, attempting to shatter their mental resolve.

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Trap Mechanics (D&D 2024 Ruleset Style):

• Trigger: When a creature enters a 10-foot radius of the mirror.

• Effect: Each creature in range must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw.

  • On a failure, they take 4d6 psychic damage and are Frightened until the end of their next turn. While frightened, they see the illusory, twisted version of themselves as an enemy within the mirror.

  • On a success, the creature sees through the illusion and is immune to the mirror’s effects for 24 hours.

• Secondary Effect (Optional): If the frightened creature attacks or casts a spell, the illusion retaliates. The mirror emits a pulse of force magic: the creature must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 2d8 force damage and be pushed 10 feet away.

Disarming the Trap:

• Arcana or Religion Check (DC 17): Reveals the mirror is linked to a cursed scrying ritual and must be covered or physically rotated to break the line of magical reflection.

• Covering the Mirror: A mundane cloth or even a spell like Darkness or Fog Cloud will prevent the trap from triggering.

• Destroying the Mirror: AC 15, HP 25 (immune to psychic and necrotic). Destroying it ends the effect but releases a pulse of wild magic (DM’s choice of random effect from a magic surge table).

Design Notes:

• This trap is best used in locations tied to ancient arcane secrets or emotionally charged themes—e.g., a ruined temple of self-perfection, or a lich’s reliquary.

• Great for sessions that lean into narrative trauma or character backstory—allow the players to describe what their twisted reflection reveals.

 

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