Mirage (cantrip)

Mirage is a cantrip that creates the illusory appearance of an object in the distance, appearing no larger than the span of an outstretched hand. This phantasm is fixed in place, meaning it cannot move, and must appear to be static upon the world's surface — as though it were a distant structure, rock formation or another feature of the environment.

Mirage

Range	line-of-sight; see text
Duration	special
Area of Effect	see text
Casting Time	2 action points
Saving Throw	none
Level	cantrip

Creatures moving toward the mirage will find it unattainable — as they advance, the illusion will appear to recede, always remaining just beyond their reach. No matter how far they travel, the image will never come closer, giving the impression of a distant object that is always further than it seems.

However, the spell has limitations. Once creatures have moved more than a hundred yards beyond the caster, the mirage vanishes, dissolving into the landscape as though it had never been there. Otherwise, the illusion remains visible so long as the caster continues to glance at it periodically. Unlike some spells, concentration is not required, but the illusion must be reaffirmed — if the caster fails to look at it for more than a minute, the mirage fades away, disappearing from view.

A mirage cannot depict an object floating in the sky, nor can it take the form of a moving creature. The illusion must be something that naturally belongs to the landscape — a static, fixed feature such as a lake, oasis, city, castle or tower. This restriction prevents the spell from creating phantasmal beasts or shifting apparitions, keeping its deception grounded in real-world mirages and optical illusions.

Due to the scale of the illusion, the depicted object can appear relatively close. A gatehouse conjured just a hundred yards away would be about the size of one's hand when viewed at a distance, making it seem like an actual structure within reach. This makes the mirage particularly effective for leading creatures astray, suggesting false paths or obscuring the true layout of a location.

However, the spell has its limits against the knowledgeable. Creatures familiar with the terrain are entitled to a wisdom check — a successful check allows them to recognize the deception, realizing with certainty that the image before them is nothing but an illusion. Those unfamiliar with the land or caught off guard, however, may be led astray by the convincing mirage, mistaking it for a true landmark in the distance.

Bringing the Cantrip into Play

Because of its limited scale, the mirage is best used for deception, misdirection or subtle trickery. A caster might conjure the illusion of a far-off tower, a distant rider on horseback or the faint glint of a hidden treasure chest — anything that might draw the eye and influence decisions, though only from a distance. Up close, the illusion loses its effectiveness, as the lack of depth and detail becomes apparent.

See also,
Illusionary Cantrips
Mirage (phenomenon)