The Shadow Tamer[1] at level 1 is a Half-Fey Human Shadowcaster. It excels in stealth and intimidation due to the Darkstalker and Dreadful Wrath feats. With a focus on shadow magic, they begin their journey with fundamental shadowcasting abilities.
Stat Block Level 1:
Shadow Tamer[1]: male, Half-Fey Human Shadowcaster 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (fey); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 11, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +0; Grp -; Atk Dagger +1 melee (1d4/19-20) or Ranged; Full Atk Dagger +1 melee (1d4/19-20) or Ranged; SA Darkstalker, Dreadful Wrath; SQ Fundamentals of Shadow, Apprentice Mysteries; AL Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +0; Str 8, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 17, Wis 11, Cha 18.
As a Shadowcaster, the character begins with basic shadow magic capabilities and the ability to remain hidden and intimidating.
Possessions: Dagger.
At level 5, the Shadow Tamer[1] is a Half-Fey Human who excels in shadow magic, scouting, and intimidation. With access to the powerful Mysteries and the ability to survive on minimal sustenance, this build is versatile and strategic. The Shadow Tamer[1] is a formidable character to lead a party with its strong magical and leadership abilities.
Stat Block Level 5:
Shadow Tamer[1]: male, Half-Fey Human Shadowcaster 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (half-fey); HD 5d6+10; hp 27; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +2; Grp +0; Atk Dagger (+2 melee, 1d4–1/19–20) or Mysteries; Full Atk Dagger (+2 melee, 1d4–1/19–20) or Mysteries; SA Mysteries, Intimidance abilities; SQ Fundamentals of Shadow, Apprentice Mysteries, Umbral Sight (30 ft.), Sustaining Shadow (1 meal/week); AL Neutral; SV Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +4; Str 8, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 18.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) 5, Knowledge (The Planes) 8; Darkstalker, Dreadful Wrath.
Special attacks and Qualities:
The Shadow Tamer[1] can manipulate shadows to reveal significant insights, endure with minimal sustenance, and extend his sight into darkness up to 30 feet.
Possessions: Dagger, personal belongings, light armor.
At level 10, the Shadow Tamer[1] excels as a clever and capable character. With a unique blend of the Shadowcaster and Master of Shadows classes, it offers powerful support and scouting abilities. Conjuring a Shadow Elemental Familiar provides formidable assistance on par with a high-level animal companion. Their shadow magic prowess allows the casting of high-level mysteries, further enhancing their mystic capabilities.
Stat Block Level 10:
Shadow Tamer[1]: male, Half-Fey Human Shadowcaster 5/Master of Shadows 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d6+10 plus 5d8+10; hp 53; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +5; Grp +4; Atk Dagger +6 melee (1d4-1/19-20); Full Atk Dagger +6 melee (1d4-1/19-20); SA Shadow Familiar; SQ Fundamentals of Shadow, Apprentice Mysteries, Sustaining Shadow, Shadow Servant, Master’s Bidding (standard and move action), Resistance to Cold 10; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +9; Str 8, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 18.
Umbral Sight (30ft.), Shadow Servant with advanced action control.
Possessions: Dagger.
At level 15, the Shadowcaster build excels in many roles. It combines powerful shadow magic with compelling leadership skills. The character commands a shadow elemental familiar and a pixie companion, aiding in scouting and combat support. Cold immunity, rapid casting capabilities, and superior intimidation make this build formidable. The character also accesses high-level mysteries that broaden its tactical options.
Stat Block Level 15:
Peter Pan: male, Half-Fey Human Shadowcaster 10/Master of Shadows 10 (2LA Buyback); CR 15; Medium Humanoid (Fey); HD 15 (1d8+2 x Master of Shadow, 1d6+2 x Shadowcaster); hp 87; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12, touch 11, flat-footed 11; Base Atk +7; Grp +6; Atk Dagger (+8 melee, 1d4/19-20) or Shadow Elemental Attack; Full Atk Dagger (+8/+3 melee, 1d4/19-20) or Shadow Elemental Attack; SA Shadow Magic, Shadow Familiar; SQ Shadow Elemental Familiar, Immunity to Cold, Rapid Shadow Casting, Sustaining Shadow; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +10, Ref +12, Will +13; Str 8, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 18.
This Shadowcaster/Master of Shadows is a Half-Fey Human with powerful shadow magic. At level 20, the character has a high charisma and intelligence, providing potent spellcasting with 9th level mysteries. They excel at intimidation, scouting, and have a unique blend of companions and familiars like a Pixie and Shadow Elemental. They rely more on their spells and companions for combat prowess.
Stat Block Level 20:
Shadowcaster/Master of Shadows: female, Half-Fey Human Shadowcaster 10/Master of Shadows 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (fey); HD 20d6+40; hp 110; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +10; Grp +8; Atk Dagger +8 melee (1d4-1/19-20); Full Atk Dagger +8/+3 melee (1d4-1/19-20); SA Mysteries (9th level), Shadow Familiar, Shadow Servant; SQ Fundamentals of Shadow, Sustaining Shadow, Immunity to Cold, Umbral Sight 30 ft.; AL CN; SV Fort +9, Ref +12, Will +14; Str 8, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 21, Wis 11, Cha 18.
The character can cast potent shadow mysteries, has a shadow familiar and shadow servant, possesses immunity to cold, and can sustain themselves with minimal rest and food.
Possessions: Dagger.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: At these levels, the Shadowcaster hones basic shadow skills, gaining the “Darkstalker” feat and the ability to cast Apprentice Mysteries. This stage focuses on building a foundation in shadow magic, with “Umbral Sight” enhancing visibility in dim light and “Sustaining Shadow” reducing food dependency to one meal a week.
Levels 6-10: Transitioning into a Master of Shadow, the character gains enhanced control over shadows. The “Imperious Command” feat allows manipulation of opponents’ actions, while advantages like a Shadow Servant and resistance to cold start to manifest. The ability to use “Master’s Bidding” as a Move Action further augments tactical flexibility.
Levels 11-15: The character perfects their connection with shadows, becoming immune to cold and acquiring “Rapid Shadow” for accelerated shadow movement. The “Leadership” feat leads to acquiring a powerful companion, typifying this period of power consolidation and strategic dominance.
Levels 16-20: Completing the shadowcaster journey, further mastery of shadows is achieved with heightened intelligence and additional abilities like “Sustaining Shadow” allowing minimal sleep. The character’s skill set becomes comprehensive, integrating new fundamentals and fine-tuning shadow manipulation capabilities.
Core Abilities & Features of the Shadow Tamer
The Shadow Tamer[1] build offers a unique blend of shadow magic and fey influences, merging the enigmatic powers of a Shadowcaster with the cunning of a Master of Shadows. Central to this build is the synergy between darkness manipulation and leadership, capturing both the power of shadows and the ability to command companions.
Starting as a Shadowcaster, the build leverages crucial feats such as Darkstalker and Dreadful Wrath, enhancing the character’s stealth capabilities and intimidation factor. As a Shadowcaster, the character gains access to Fundamentals of Shadow and progressively stronger Mysteries, essential for both battlefield control and utility outside combat. The Shadow Familiar provides an edge in tactical situations, granting significant scouting abilities.
Transitioning into Master of Shadows enhances control over shadow elements and introduces the Shadow Servant, a formidable ally in many scenarios. With increasing Resistance to Cold, the build provides enhanced survivability against elemental threats. Master’s Bidding, evolving from a standard to a swift action, offers flexibility and empowers quick strategic repositioning.
Finally, at advanced levels, the inclusion of Leadership allows for a diverse arsenal of resources, including a Pixie Companion. This opportunity for unique camaraderie reinforces the whimsical yet effective nature of the build. Complemented by robust ability score assignments, particularly in Intelligence and Charisma, the Shadow Tamer[1] stands as a testament to the potential of shadow and fey magic collaboration.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Cloak of Shade
Enhances stealth abilities and grants a bonus to impressive shadow-themed skills, useful for early level survival.
L6-10
Dark Crystal Amulet
Boosts shadow mystery casting and enhances magical defenses, crucial for maintaining effectiveness as you develop.
L11-15
Shadow Silk Armor
Combines protection with agility, allowing consistent exploration of shadow paths with decreased risk.
L16-20
Shadowstaff
A powerful tool that maximizes the casting ability and provides essential boosts to high-level shadow manipulations.
Combat Scenarios as a Shadow Tamer
Dungeon Crawls:
In tight spaces, utilize Umbral Sight to strike first. The low light can be leveraged to silently scout ahead, gathering information.
Open Fields:
Use Improved Initiative to act swiftly. Send the Shadow Elemental Familiar to disrupt ranged attackers, allowing you to focus on buffing or controlling the field.
Ambushes:
Employ Imperious Command to freeze enemies in panic. Use Dreadful Wrath for an immediate intimidate effect, gaining the upper hand.
Defensive Stands:
Your Immunity to Cold and Shadow Servant become pivotal here. Create barriers and control the environment using Master’s Bidding, slowing enemy advances.
Urban Encounters:
Cities offer shadows in abundance. Use them for rapid repositioning via Rapid Shadow, giving you an advantage in quick strikes and escape routes.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Strength Score
Rely on spells and pixie companion for combat. Use spells like “Shadow Evocation” to mimic combat spells.
Poor Physical Combat Abilities
Utilize the “Intimidancer” role, using high Charisma to control battlefield morale.
Limited Weapon Proficiency
Focus on carrying a Dagger and enhance it with spells such as “Darkbolt” for shadow damage enhancements.
Vulnerable to Dispelling
Invest in items like “Ring of Enduring Arcana” (+4 to resist dispel checks) to protect your magic.
Fragile Health Base
Maximize “Constitution” item bonuses, and leverage “Sustaining Shadow” ability to reduce physical needs.
Limited Skill Set in Direct Confrontations
Use “Misdirection” and “Greater Shadow Evocation” for strategic retreats or indirect attacks.
Dependency on Mysteries and Shadow Magic
Balance with alternative magic items like “Cloak of Resistance” to bolster saving throws against antimagic areas.
Roleplaying a Shadow Tamer
The Shadow Tamer[1], embodying the essence of eternal youth, draws inspiration from legendary figures. Picture your character as a perpetual prankster, deceiving foes with illusions of light and dark. Embrace their whimsical nature, leaving breadcrumbs of chaos and wonder wherever they wander. Your half-fey blood fuels a playful spirit, while shadows dance like allies ready to perform your bidding.
Fueled by charisma, your role encompasses leading a merry band—like the mythical wild children. Forge alliances as unpredictable as fleeting shadows. Intrigue allies with tantalizing whispers and incite dread in enemies through cunning manipulation of light. Your goals align with those of someone who never quite grows up, yet carries an ancient wisdom. This duplicity provides endless opportunities for deep storytelling, tapping into childhood lore with a twist of arcane mastery.
FAQ
How does the Tamer blend Shadowcaster and Master of Shadows abilities?
The Tamer uniquely combines Shadowcaster powers with Master of Shadows techniques. Starting with the Shadowcaster’s core abilities, they gain Apprentice Mysteries and Umbral Sight. As they progress, the Tamer transitions to Master of Shadows, acquiring a Shadow Servant. This combination enhances tactical control and introduces potent defensive skills, particularly resistance to cold.
Crucial feats include Darkstalker and Dreadful Wrath to augment stealth and intimidation. Imperious Command is important for manipulating foes’ actions. As Master of Shadows, using Master’s Bidding as a Move Action allows quick repositioning.
How can the Tamer address low physical combat ability?
An effective strategy is using high Charisma for battlefield control. Utilize the Intimidancer role, focusing on demoralizing adversaries. Leverage spells like Shadow Evocation to mimic combat abilities while depending on your pixie companion for distractions in physical engagements.
What gear should a Tamer prioritize at higher levels?
By levels 16-20, seek a Shadowstaff to enhance casting abilities. Shadow Silk Armor combines protection and agility, crucial for shadow path exploration. The Dark Crystal Amulet is vital for boosting magical defenses, maintaining effectiveness.
What is a typical roleplaying approach for a Shadow Tamer[1]?
Embrace whimsical, eternal youth inspired by legendary tricksters. Your half-fey lineage fuels mischief and charm. Cultivate an aura of delightful chaos while wielding shadows as your allies. Forge unpredictable alliances, entertain with illusions, and command attention through theatrical cunning.
Join us at Stellar Dragons!
Consider exploring the role of a Tamer in your next game. Could this be the pinnacle build of D&D 3.5? Join discussions at our Stellar Dragons Discord server to share your thoughts: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
Around the campfire, the masters told the apprentices of the founder the details of a secret school. Of a man who had refused to grow up. With fey magic, he remained forever a child, capable of flying via fairy dust, and followed by a number of wild children. His own shadow was his best friend and his mastery of shadow magic was second to none.
It is said that he is still out there, playing his farces on lost wanderers in those dark woods…
Race
Half-Fey Human
Class
Shadowcaster 10/Master of Shadows 10 (2LA Buyback)
Ability Scores
Str 8/Dex 12/Con 14/Int 17/Wis 11/Cha 18
Skills
Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(The Planes) 8
Equipment
a Dagger
Goal
Yes. I have built Peter Pan. With Leadership you can have a Pixie Companion, and with Master of Shadow you have a Shadow Elemental Familiar, which is on par with high level animal companions like a T-Rex. And you can still cast 9th lvl Mysteries, so, you know, this build is extremely powerful. You are also a very effective Intimidancer, and a strong scout, making you a surprisingly versatile character.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Shadowcaster
8
Darkstalker, Dreadful Wrath
Fundamentals of Shadow, Apprentice Mysteries
2
Shadowcaster
1d6+2
–
Bonus Feats(Special)
3
Shadowcaster
1d6+2
Shadow Familiar
Umbral Sight(30ft.)
4
Shadowcaster
1d6+2
–
Bonus Fundamental, +1 Int
5
Shadowcaster
1d6+2
–
Sustaining Shadow(1 meal/week)
6
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
Imperious Command
Shadow Servant, Master’s Bidding(Standar d Action)
7
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
–
Resistance to Cold 5
8
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
–
+1 Int
9
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
Improved Initiative
Resistance to Cold 10
10
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
–
Master’s Bidding(Move Action)
11
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
–
Resistance to Cold 20
12
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
Skill Focus(Intimidat e)
+1 Int
13
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
–
–
14
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
–
–
15
Master of Shadow
1d8+2
Leadership
Immunity to Cold, Master’s Bidding(Swift Action), Rapid Shadow
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