College of Shadow

Bards of the College of Shadow step where light falters, letting their own silhouettes become instruments of intrigue and expression. These performers blur the line between self and shadow, shaping darkness into an extension of their will. Whether slipping unseen through enemy ranks or casting spells through flickering outlines, they master the art of presence by mastering absence. Every dim corner becomes a stage, every shadow a scene partner in their elegant, eerie performance.

Master of Shadows (3rd Level)

Your shadow becomes a magical, semi-autonomous entity.

Shadow Traits:

  • Acts immediately after your turn (shares your initiative).

  • Can move up to 15 ft from you (30 ft at 6th, 60 ft at 17th).

  • Bonus Action: Command it to interact with physical objects up to 10 lbs (e.g. open doors, manipulate small items).

  • It has a Stealth equal to your Charisma score.

Shadow Focus (3rd Level)

You may use your shadow as a spellcasting focus. While doing so, gain the following benefits:

  • You ignore somatic components if the spell has a material component.

  • Gain Advantage on Charisma (Performance) checks made in dim light or darkness.

Shadow Step (6th Level)

As a bonus action, you may change your position with your shadow.

Uses per long rest = your Charisma modifier (minimum 1).

Spiraling Shadow (10th Level)

As an action, your shadow erupts into necrotic tendrils in a 30 ft radius.

  • Spell attack against each target: 8d8 necrotic damage on hit.

  • Dex save or their speed is halved for 1 minute (save at end of each turn to end).

Usable once per long rest.

Living Eclipse (14th Level)

While in dim light or darkness:

  • You have resistance to all damage from ranged attacks.

  • Your shadow’s range doubles.

  • When you teleport using Shadow Step, the space you leave becomes heavily obscured until the start of your next turn.