Shadowsteal (Wizard Spell)

This spell can be triggered at its casting or long after the casting by uttering a command word or by the fulfillment of certain conditions set during the casting (as a magic mouth spell). It affects the caster or a willing recipient touched by the caster during casting. Once the spell is activated, it lasts for one hour per level of its caster or until the special conditions de­fined below occur.
When the shadowsteal is activated, the pro­tected being acquires a shapeshifting, shadowy appearance that conceals its identity and even its race. The continually altering shape emits ever-changing heat and cold that foils even infravision. All opponents relying on sight attack the protected being at a -3 penalty to their attack rolls.
The shadowy being can move, cast spells if a spellcaster, and fight normally. There is no real alteration of its body or any worn or carried items. The protected being sees and speaks nor­mally, and this spell empowers it to dimension door once (as the 4th-level wizard spell) any time while the spell continues, but using this ends the shadowsteal instantly.
A shadowsteal spell waiting to take effect is negated by the death of the being it is cast on or by a successful dispel magic spell. It is unaf­fected by other magic.
In ancient times, this spell was a favorite of wizards seeking to slay foes and escape without being recognized. The Seven have used it to fight Zhentarim and Red Wizards of Thay with­out revealing their identities.
The material component is a smoky topaz worth at least 600 gp that has been exposed to a full eclipse.
Notes: Restricted to the Seven Sisters, their apprentices, and select Harpers; rare.
Category:Wizard Spells
Category:Spells from Wizard's Spell Compendium
Category:Spells