Guardian Shadow (Wizard Spell)

This spell binds an undead shadow to the caster's actual shadow. The monster briefly appears as if summoned, only to dissipate and merge with the caster's own shadow. The caster's shadow, although apparently normal, now remains intact and trails the caster regardless of lighting conditions. A sharp-eyed observer might notice this effect. A light or continual light spell directed at the shadow releases the creature immediately, whereupon it savagely attacks the nearest individual other than its shadow mage master. 
While the caster has a guardian shadow attached, melee attacks aimed at the caster's back prompt the undead shadow to defend the caster. It blocks the melee blow meant for its master (suffering damage if the attack would hit its own AC), but then it counterattacks, gaining an attack of opportunity. The guardian shadow fights the attacker to the death, disappearing after it has defeated the attacker, it is slain, the attacker moves out of range, or after 10 rounds have elapsed. If the duration of the spell elapses before a back attack occurs, the monster simply returns whence it came. 
The material component of this spell is a piece of smoky quartz with a knotted piece of string wrapped around it. The quartz is consumed in the casting. 
Shadow mages without the shadow caller kit may not consider this spell as part of the school of Shadow, 
Category:Wizard Spells
Category:Spells from Dragon Magazine
Category:Spells