Shadow Caller (Character Kit)

==Shadow Caller==
Shadow mages employ many spells that summon quasi-real creatures (such as Mordenkainens faithful hound or phantom steed) or illusionary monsters (like demi shadow monsters). The shadow caller also commands many spells that summon creatures from the Demiplane of Shadow. This expertise comes at a cost, as detailed later. Most shadow callers are adept at summoning undead shadows and slow shadows, and they have developed many unusual spells that summon other rare creatures, as well as spells that emulate the powers of such creatures. Most wizards who know of shadow callers see them as an example of the inevitable turn from the schools of effect to a recognized specialization, and some wizards consider shadow callers second-rate conjurers or necromancers.
Shadow mages believe their magic to be linked in some way to the Demiplane of Shadow, a place that is not inherently evil. Shadow callers share this philosophy, but their magic has led them (perhaps through ignorance or arrogance) to summoning more malevolent creatures, some of which are actually interlopers on the demiplane rather than natives of the place. These interlopers include such insalubrious creatures as shadow fiends. (For more information on the denizens of the demiplane, see "The Demiplane of Shadow" from Dj^gcW 5 Magazine #213 or A Guide to the Ethereal Plane.)
Shadow callers are often savage individuals from remote lands, and many of them have an unusual understanding of spellcasting. The shadow callers' practice of magic is frequently violent, ritualistic, and dramatic. They are the least subtle of the shadow mages. Many cultivate a mysterious manner to frighten or impress. Certain ancient and powerful shadow callers were reputed to have the ability to invest the dark essence of shadow monsters into magical items.
With their dark background and startling array of spells, shadow callers can be excellent NPC villains. PCs wadi this kit need not be evil, however. Playing a character who has an alien view of magical specialization or who comes from a distant, mysterious land can create many roleplaying opportunities.
Ability Score Requirements: Shadow callers must have a Constitution of 13 or Higher, in addition to the basic requirements for a mage. They may not be lawful good.
Secondary Skills: Any.
Weapon Proficiencies: As the wizard.
Non weapon Proficiencies:
* Bonus: None.
* Recommended: Omen Reading*, Astrology, Herbalism, Ancient History, Religion. If a shadow caller PC comes from an "uncivilized" area, use proficiencies suitable for that society.
Special Benefits:
# The shadow caller may consider the spell summon shadow to be in the school of Shadow, though it is normally the pro vince of necromancy.
# Shadow callers' affinity for shadow monsters means that no creature of this kind, with Intelligence 10 or less, may knowingly attack a shadow caller. This benefit works just as the Dustmen's "Dead Truce" ability (as described in tire Plan escape' setting): Shadow monsters will not attack shadow callers, provided that the shadow callers make no hostile action toward the monsters. Shadow monsters include summoned creatures, undead shadows, or slow shadows commanded by evil priests. This ability offers no protection from more intelligent monsters, such as shadow fiends,
# Shadow monsters summoned by a shadow caller always have +1 hit point per Hit Die.
Special Hindrances:
# Shadow callers can never learn light or similar spells.
# Shadow callers have a sinister reputation, giving them a +2 reaction adjustment penalty to nonwizards and a +3 penalty to wizards who know of the character's area of specialization,
# Any summoned creature not quasi-real, of a shadowy nature, or from the Demiplane of Shadow has a natural antipathy toward a shadow caller summoned The shadow caller must make a successful Constitution check immediately after summoning to maintain control of the summoned creature. A failed check indicates anything from mute disobedience to an instant attack on the shadow caller, at the DM's discretion* Most shadow callers thus choose not to use the standard monster summoning spells.
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