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Mirror, Steel

Mirror, Steel

Category: Writing & Communication
Weight: 1/2 lb.
Cost: 5 GP
Special Properties: Reflection and signaling

Description​

A steel mirror is a polished metal surface that provides a clear reflection. Unlike glass mirrors, steel mirrors are more durable and less likely to shatter, making them ideal for adventurers who need reliable reflection capabilities in harsh conditions.

Primary Functions​

Personal Grooming:

  • Provides clear reflection for personal hygiene and appearance
  • Essential for maintaining professional appearance in social situations
  • Allows for self-examination of injuries or ailments
  • Enables application of makeup, face paint, or disguises

Signaling and Communication:

  • Reflects sunlight for long-distance visual signals
  • Can flash coded messages using reflected light
  • Effective signaling range of several miles in clear conditions
  • Silent communication method that doesn't reveal position through sound

Tactical Applications​

Reconnaissance:

  • See around corners without exposing yourself
  • Check for enemies or traps in blind spots
  • Observe activities from concealed positions
  • Examine areas that are difficult to view directly

Combat Utility:

  • Blind enemies temporarily with reflected light
  • Signal allies during coordinated attacks
  • Check behind you without turning around
  • Distract opponents during critical moments

Alternative Uses​

Survival Applications:

  • Start fires by focusing sunlight (in emergency situations)
  • Signal rescue parties when lost or stranded
  • Check water quality by examining reflection clarity
  • Examine wounds or injuries in hard-to-see locations

Practical Utility:

  • Reflect light into dark areas for better illumination
  • Check under doors or in tight spaces
  • Examine the underside of objects or surfaces
  • Create psychological effects or illusions

Advantages and Limitations​

Advantages:

  • Unbreakable compared to glass mirrors
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Multiple utility functions beyond reflection
  • No consumable components or maintenance required
  • Effective in various weather conditions

Limitations:

  • Requires light source to function effectively
  • Can reveal your position if used carelessly for signaling
  • Reflection quality may degrade over time without polishing
  • Limited effectiveness in low-light conditions
  • Can be spotted by enemies if not used discreetly

Care and Maintenance​

Regular Upkeep:

  • Polish regularly with soft cloth to maintain reflection quality
  • Keep surface clean and free from scratches
  • Store in protective wrapping to prevent damage
  • Avoid contact with corrosive substances

Restoration:

  • Minor scratches can be polished out with fine abrasives
  • Deep scratches may permanently affect reflection quality
  • Re-silvering may be possible by skilled craftsmen
  • Replacement recommended for severely damaged mirrors

Cultural and Social Uses​

Professional Applications:

  • Essential for performers and entertainers
  • Required for certain social events and formal occasions
  • Useful for merchants and diplomats maintaining appearance
  • Important for spies and infiltrators creating disguises

Ceremonial Purposes:

  • Used in various religious and cultural rituals
  • Symbol of vanity, self-reflection, or truth in some cultures
  • Component in divination practices for certain traditions
  • Decorative element in formal or sacred spaces

Combat Techniques​

Distraction Methods:

  • Flash reflected light in enemy's eyes during combat
  • Create false movement by reflecting shadows
  • Signal coordinated attacks to party members
  • Confuse enemies about your actual position

Defensive Applications:

  • Check for ambushes before entering areas
  • Monitor multiple directions simultaneously
  • Verify enemy positions without direct exposure
  • Maintain awareness of battlefield conditions

Specialized Variants​

Enhanced Options:

  • Silvered Steel: Higher quality reflection with silver coating
  • Concave Mirrors: Focus light more effectively for signaling
  • Folding Mirrors: Compact designs for easy transport
  • Magnifying Mirrors: Combination mirror and magnifying glass
  • Decorated Mirrors: Ornate versions for formal occasions