Mirror (Small Steel)

A small steel mirror is a polished metal mirror made for travel. It is less fragile than a glass mirror and small enough to keep among ordinary adventuring equipment.

Practical Uses

• Looking around a corner or past a narrow opening without exposing the whole body.
• Checking behind, beneath or above an object where direct sight is difficult.
• Reflecting daylight or another bright light as a simple visual signal.
• Inspecting wounds, armour fittings or parts of the body that are difficult to see directly.
• Observing a reflected image when direct viewing may be unwise.

Using a Mirror Carefully

A mirror only shows what its angle and available light allow. Darkness, smoke, fog, grime and poor positioning can make it useless. A polished steel surface may also give a less perfect reflection than high-quality glass.

Using a mirror to peer around a corner can reduce how much of the character is exposed, but it does not make the observer invisible. Creatures may notice the mirror, reflected light, movement or the hand holding it.

Against Supernatural Threats

Adventurers sometimes use mirrors when facing creatures whose gaze or appearance is dangerous. Whether a reflected view provides protection depends entirely on the specific monster ability and the rules edition being used. The mirror does not automatically defeat gaze effects.

Improvised Uses

The mirror can become a signalling surface, a way to redirect a small patch of light, a prop in a disguise or ritual, or a tool for checking a confined space before reaching inside.

Source

This entry preserves the small steel mirror as classic adventuring gear. Use the exact cost, weight and any edition-specific rules from the equipment list in play.