Campaign Design - Spells: Animate Shadow

Animate Shadow (from Relics & Rituals)
Transmutation [Darkness]

Level: Penumbral Lord 2, Shadow 3, Sorcerer/Wizard 3
Components: S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 feet + 10 feet per caster level)
Target, Effect, or Area: One shadow

Duration: One round per caster level (D)

Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

When cast upon a shadow, this spell transforms the shadow into a long, thick tentacle. The tentacle stays rooted where the transmuted shadow fell upon the wall or floor, but the shadow tendril can extend up to 5 feet per caster level away from that point to attack an opponent.

In most respects, this spell operates as the spell animate rope, but the shadowy rope is intangible. Attempts to physically sever or break it simply pass right through it, while the shadow instantly reforms itself or flows around interposing objects to regain its continuity.

When the spell is cast, the caster indicates a target and the shadow attacks it. A ouch attack means the shadow has entangled the victim - and the shadowy rope feels quite solid to the victim. Entangled victims suffer -2 to attack rolls and a -4 penalty to effective Dexterity. Entangled spellcasters must make Concentration checks (DC 15) to cast a spell. Since the animated shadow is anchored, it can hold a victim in one place if the caster desires. Otherwise, the victim can move at half speed up to the length of then animated shadow away from the shadow's anchor point.

The caster can indicate a new target as a standard action, whereupon the animated shadow will release its current victim and spring upon its new target.

A creature targeted by the animate shadow may attempt a Strength check (DC 23 + caster level) or an Escape Artist check (DC 20 + caster level) to escape entanglement.

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