Reflection, more commonly called Spell Reflection, is a defensive mechanic that allows mobs and players to avoid a spell, as well as reflecting it back to the caster. It is the most flexible avoidance mechanic, but also the rarest one.
Only targeted spells can be reflected; Area of Effect spells cannot. Spells which hit multiple targets but are targeted (such as Chain Lightning) can be reflected individually for each hit. Rogue poisons use the spell mechanic and as such can be reflected, too.
Reflect Effects[]
- Some mobs have a native chance to reflect spells, or abilities to do so.
- The mage talents Molten Shields and Frost Warding give a chance to reflect fire and frost spells, respectively.
- Warriors can use Spell Reflection in Battle and Defensive Stances.
- Some items and consumables grant spell reflection chance, most notably Destructive Skyfire Diamond.
Mechanic[]
Reflected spells behave as if the caster directly targeted themself. Apart from the reflect itself, there is no further connection between the spell and the reflector. This means:
- The spell uses the caster both as the source and the target for calculations. As a result, it is not possible for spells to be reflected more than once, as any further reflect would not change the target.
- The damage done is still considered to be caused by the caster.
- All spell enhancing effects (such as talents and procs) are solely taken from the caster. Talents and effects from the reflector do not have any impact on the spell. For example, Dampen Magic on the original target of the spell does not reduce a reflected spell's damage.
- Any secondary effects caused by the spell will be incurred by the caster. However, not all additional effects can affect them. For example, Ignite and Impact can hit the caster, whereas Improved Scorch's Fire Vulnerability fails, stating that it cannot affect friendly targets.
Spells with unusual behavior[]
- Spells which cannot affect the caster (e.g. Banish vs. humanoids) can be reflected but have no effect.
- Seed of Corruption does not deal damage to the caster's enemies but to the target's allies. This means that a reflected SoC will deal damage to its caster's pet and allies.
- Neither Shadowburn's debuff nor Drain Soul will take effect when reflected.
- Both of Drain Life's effects will function, causing an affliction spec'd warlock to gain more life than they draining.
- Holy Shock, when used offensively and reflected, will damage the paladin that casted it, despite the fact that it is normally a healing spell if casted directly on oneself.
See also[]
- Combat
- Combat rating system
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