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My players have decided to explore the Shimmering Veils of Pride first, which means we're coming up on the mirrors of opposition at the entrance. How should I make these function in the 4e conversion? Simply copying their entire character twice seems like overkill - that's a lot of extra abilities and powers that probably won't be used (and, if they were used, would probably represent a much greater challenge for the party than they can handle). I could also create new monster stat blocks for each PC, in anticipation of their activation of the mirrors, or I could turn each character into an NPC stat block (using the class templates presented in the DMGs). The last option is to simply make each PC-reflection monster the same: a generic mirror entity monster that simply wears the face of whichever PC brought it forth.
What do you think? Some options are clearly more work than others, but would be more flavorful. I'm currently leaning towards the NPC-stat-block solution, but this poses some difficulties for a published conversion: there's no way I can know what your own party is comprised of. If I decided to use customized stat blocks for each individual party member, you as the DM would have to create them yourself to match your own party once you reached this point in the adventure.
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I'd say go the customized NPC stat block method, but create a vague stat block for each class that is currently released.
The HP, defenses, etc. are static so you could put those down; but don't chose the powers. Simply put down how many powers they get and the attack bonus they'd be rolling with, but leave the selection of specific powers to each GM based on their party.
If I went that route, what I'd probably post for the conversion is a standard mirror monster and then suggest adding the appropriate NPC template to each conjured opposite. This would be straightforward and would make each of the creatures unique, but still allow them to retain the feel of being a copy of that original character.
I'd go with the NPC stat block idea myself, but I'd tailor the powers and the strategies to the PC's as much as possible. What I mean is that if a given PC uses a particular power or two as often as possible, the NPC counterpart should also have access to that power.
I'd definitely go with the NPC stat block. When I get this far, I'd certainly tailor those to the PCs in my campaign. Personally, I wouldn't bother with providing templates for all classes - that's a hell of a lot of work. And I kknow that when I get to running it I'll be ignoring any stat blocks provided and generating my own. So Instead, maybe just a section on how to turn a PC into an NPC stat block in general terms.
I think there's no way around customizing this to the party for it to feel authentic. As libraryguy said, these "monsters" should mirror the PCs favored tactics as well, and there's no way to predict that without having seen the party in action. (Bonus points to the DMs who can make the PCs realize how 'monstrous' they really are :p )
@Pete Hat: I wouldn't be providing my own templates anyway; I was referring to the class templates provided in the DMG and DMG2 for PC classes. If you tack a class template onto a base monster at this level, they'll have an at-will power, two encounter powers, a daily power, and two utility powers from that class. As long as you're making sure to pick powers that the mirrored PC actually possesses, it should feel very much like they're fighting a copy of themselves.
It looks like this is probably the route I'll go. Thanks for the input, guys, and I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out.
I'd go for a generic Mirror Monster and let them copy the power or attack made by their counterpart each and every turn using their own statistics. That way, the mirror monster would effectively copy the favored tactics of your playing group.
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