Spellshadows (GAP)

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A unique feature of the Astral Plane, dark to all but the best-lanned bloods, is the presence of spellshadows.
These are magical resonances left over when a spell is cast on a plane which borders the Astral. Some would call them the magical equivalent of psychic winds, but actually, they differ considerably in form and effect. These leftover spell energies still carry with them much of the specific information regarding the spell. By knowing what to look for (and having the read spellshadow proficiency), a body can examine the emanations and not only learn what spell it was, but who cast it, the level of the caster, and even some idea of the circumstances in which it was cast. This additional information assumes that the basher looking at the spellshadow knows the spell (that is, has learned it and/or put it in his spell book if he's a wizard) and can cast it (if not restricted to him due to school or sphere).
Perhaps even more useful, however, is that if the examiner does not know the spell but could normally learn it, he can attempt to learn its workings and add it to his repertoire. This is accomplished by a githyanki-created spell called probe spellshadow (see page 60 for more information on this spell). Learning a spell from a spellshadow is a difficult and time-consuming process, but sometimes it may be the only method available to gain the spell.
The existence of spellshadows gives spellcasters with access to the Astral the ability to hunt down, identify, and even learn the spells of their foes or rivals. They can also be used as evidence when attempting to reconstruct a past event, since they carry with them some information regarding the circumstances surrounding their casting.
Tales are sometimes told of a wizard known as Gherthrom Shadowchaser, named because he worked as an investigator into crimes resulting from magic use. This tiefling learned the art of studying spellshadows (as well as the spell required) from his githyanki lover. When a crime involving (or possibly involving) spell use occurred on a plane bordering the Astral, those who knew of his services and skills would occasionally call Gherthrom to investigate. Once he investigated a duel to the death on Ysgard where the victor cheated by using a strength spell to defeat his enemy. Another time, Gherthrom discovered that an accused murder suspect had not cast the burning hands spell that slew her husband, but rather it was a rival of her husband's who had framed her. In every case, Gherthrom used his skills with spellshadows to discover vital information regarding the casting of a spell.
A spellshadow, when found, looks like a small dark shape that floats around. It's called a shadow because a body's hand passes through its darkness without feeling anything. Its appearance often gives a clue as to its originating spell. Wizards that find them often tell of strange sounds or smells that arise from the spellshadow, which also may (or may not) suggest the spell that created it. The best way to identify spellshadows, however, is to use the proper skills or spells.