Shadow Seeker (Character Kit)

==Shadow Seeker==
The shadow seeker is most concerned with the Demiplane of Shadow itself and is obsessed with becoming a shade. Any mage can conceivably become a shade, but for the shadow seeker, this goal is ail absolute desire. The shadow seeker forever hopes to gain the knowledge and power to make the dangerous transition, thus becoming immortal.
Shadow seekers are prone to bouts of melancholy, perhaps an effect of manipulating shadowstuff so often. Then again, it might be that wizards of this disposition are naturally inclined to become shadow seekers. They are often outcasts from normal society and live in wild, desolate, and preferably shadowy areas. Their views on the rest of humanity can range from a superior scorn to an ingenuous incomprehension. They often find lengthy social interaction difficult. Hit spells most favored by shadow seekers are those that simulate the powers of a shade or that harness the arcane energies of the Demiplane of Shadow. Shadow seekers take every opportunity to visit the demiplane, especially if they can conduct spell research while there. Shadow seekers are invariably interested in such research, and they approach it in a scholarly manner.
A properly played shadow seeker raises some problems for the DM, since becoming a shade means instant NFC status for a character. (This is much the same as when a PC mage becomes a lich.) Becoming a shade should be a long-term goal of the character, and the DM should carefully control the PC's quest. The DM is encouraged to spin off adventures concerning the character's unsuccessful attempts to discover lore on this arcane subject. The final transition should be a major campaign event, occurring after a long career.
There are several possible ways to become a shade: the use of energy drain spells, casting the rare create shade spell, and other powerful rituals.
Ability Score Requirements: None, other than the basic requirements for a mage.
Secondary Skills: Any.
Weapon Proficiencies: As a wizard.
Nonweapon Proficiencies:
* Bonus: Sage Knowledge — the Demiplane of Shadow*. 
* Recommended: Alchemy*, Research*, Reading/Writing, Spellcraft, Modern Languages, Ancient Languages, Ancient History.
* Shadow seekers may not take the Etiquette proficiency.
Special Benefits:
# Shadow seekers may research Invocation/Evocation spells, although only those that draw on the strange energies of the Demiplane of Shadow. Examples include darkening bolt, whisper blade, shadow head, Zala's deception, shadow gauntlet, and energy drain.
# Shadow seekers can cast shadow walk as if it were only a 6th-levd spell. Shadow seekers must always add this spell to their spellbooks upon reaching 12th level. It is impossible for other wizards to copy this version of the spell.
# Shadow seekers have developed a scholarly understanding of the Demi plane of Shadow. As a result, they gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against any effect that harnesses energy from the Negative Material and Positive Material planes.
Special Hindrances:
# The DM must ensure that shadow seekers take every opportunity to make the transition to shade. They abandon any task and ignore any previous obligations if they hear even a rumor of an individual, item, or location that can help them become shades.
# Shadow seekers have a lugubrious nature; as a result, they always suffer a +2 reaction adjustment penalty,
# Shadow seekers face a greater danger than other wizards when casting the spell energy drain; they have a 10% chance of losing 1 point of Constitution per casting. The loss may be regained with a restoration spell.
Category:Character Kit
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