[OOC] Return to the Rusty Rat

[Toot]

I think you're overcomplicating it.  I don't believe the spell allows continuous movement in the sense that it can automatically dodge and weave and scoot out of the way.  But if the illusion that's created is meant to move it will react like any similar object.  If someone dropped a barrel on a mantis's head it would move around as if a real barrel was on it's head.  The mantis can attempt to touch it or attack it just like it was a real barrel and when it does it would get a save throw.  But many animals will relax and go quiet when their eyes are covered.  It would be up to the DM to decide if blinding a creature will calm it down.  If the caster created a barrel with wings then the targets should get a save.  If the caster can do or say something to make the targets think he's using telekinesis then they may not get a save until they try to interact with the barrel. 

RE Light: I agree that it should be able to create light but I'm sure I read somewhere that it just can't.  When I have time I will look for it.  Perhaps it was even in Sage Advice and I know that's a dirty word to some people.  I think the issue with light is that you can create a flaming torch but since the light from the torch is fake, it doesn't actually shed any radiance.  It's kind of like taking a picture of a bonfire.  Sure it looks like a fire but it's obviously not going to shed an light.

There is a spell from a 3rd party source that allows the caster to steal another caster's mirror images and causes all the faces to turn angry.  I believe the images begin attacking the original caster or distracts him.  I've always thought the spell was a cool idea and it could be expanded upon for another wizard to be able to steal another wizard's illusions.  A Phantasmal Killer suddenly turning on the its original caster would be pretty cool.