isonym_the_identity_altering_mirror

The object is a free-standing mirror designed with a small frame on its back. If nothing is placed in the frame, the mirror does not possess any anomalous properties. If an image depicting one real person is placed in the frame, deceased or alive, the mirror becomes anomalous.

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In order to operate, an image of one real human needs to be placed in the mirror's frame. The mirror will not operate if the image depicts a sentient non-human being, a non-sentient humanoid or a (computer-generated) non-existent human. The person's face is necessary and the minimum for the mirror to operate. More faces present in the image will render the mirror non-anomalous. The mirror will not operate if more than one image is introduced in the frame.

If the criteria are met, any person/sentient entity with a material body viewing the mirror will see themselves with the physical characteristics of the person in the image regardless of the gender, race, age or species differences. After maintaining visual contact for more than 13 minutes, the subject will strongly believe they are the person depicted in the image. The personality of the person depicted will be transferred to the subject. Images used in the process of identity-altering will turn black and the mirror will lose its anomalous property until another image is introduced in the frame.

From this point, the subject will ignore any information regarding their own identity and discard it within 13 hours. This can be prevented through the medium of an amnestic, but only if applied within the first 13 hours. After 13 hours, the subject will not recall any memories of their previous identity, but neither of their new one.

Depending on the personality of the person depicted in the image, the absence of previous memories, becoming aware they are not the same person, proving to them they are a different person or interacting with the original person can lead the subject to feeling depressed, angered, intrigued, etc.. If these interactions lead to a positive result, affected subjects will be compelled to study and learn about the mirror and the original person (if the subjects are aware of them), otherwise, they will become repulsed by the mirror and will hold a grudge against the original person (if the subjects are aware of them). Extreme cases include isolation, suicide or attempted homicide.