Please note that new user registrations disabled at this time.

What is a "shadow variant"?

This forum is to be used for all discussions pertaining to BioWare's Neverwinter Nights, its Shadows of Undrentide and Hordes of the Underdark expansion packs, and any user-created or premium modules.
Post Reply
User avatar
mbz
Posts: 174
Joined: Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:55 am
Contact:

What is a "shadow variant"?

Post by mbz »

The Mage level 6 spell "Shade" says that it allows you to cast a shadow variant of the a number of spells(including defensive spells such as stone skin)

what does "shadow variant" explicitly mean?
"To die is nothing, but to live defeated is to die every day."
-Napoleon Bonaparte
User avatar
Faust
Posts: 1271
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 1:37 pm
Location: Elsewhere
Contact:

Post by Faust »

It's been a good while. If memory serves, ia shadow spell creates something that is basically or at least partially an illusion. However, if a creature takes damage from a shadow illusion, that damage is real. So, the spells work on the same principle illusion spells do. The advantage of this is that it allows you to pull from a wide variety of spells without taking up more than one spell slot.
User avatar
mbz
Posts: 174
Joined: Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:55 am
Contact:

Post by mbz »

so essentially it is uselss for a Sorceror right?
"To die is nothing, but to live defeated is to die every day."
-Napoleon Bonaparte
User avatar
Faust
Posts: 1271
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 1:37 pm
Location: Elsewhere
Contact:

Post by Faust »

I'd think it would be pretty useful, actually. *shrug* You can live without it, though.
User avatar
Magrus
Posts: 16963
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2004 7:10 am
Location: NY
Contact:

Post by Magrus »

It's pretty much useful only to sorcerer's IMO. A wizard can use any spell you find. A sorcerer has a limited number they can know. Taking one slot for that spell will end up giving you 4 or so lower level spells out of that slot.

I normally don't pick it as say, the 4th level spell Shadow conjuration gives you 5 spells of 1-2 level. I'd rather not have to use a 4th level spell slot for a magic missile or mage armor or invisibility when I could have it as a 1st or 2nd level slot instead.

Shades does seem somewhat useful though giving you some decent battle spells that are all rolled into one spell slot. That could free up some earlier slots for a sorcerer wanting more options.

I'd still rather use a metamagic feat if I'm going to blow a 6th level slot on a fireball or something like that personally. Efficiency over variety seems better to me.
"You can do whatever you want to me."
"Oh, so I can crate you and hide you in the warehouse at the end of Raiders?"
"So funny, kiss me funny boy!" / *Sprays mace* " I know, I know, bad for the ozone"
User avatar
mbz
Posts: 174
Joined: Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:55 am
Contact:

Post by mbz »

[QUOTE=Magrus]
I'd still rather use a metamagic feat if I'm going to blow a 6th level slot on a fireball or something like that personally. Efficiency over variety seems better to me.[/QUOTE]

Same over here. Thanks for the tips!
"To die is nothing, but to live defeated is to die every day."
-Napoleon Bonaparte
Post Reply