Although the Shadow tradition does not fall under dark magic, it often attracts those who would exploit magic for diabolical ends. Whether they use spells to mask activities, to keep them concealed from the pure light of day, or to aid them in dealing with fell beings called forth from the Underworld or beyond, the people who practice Shadow magic often walk the narrow path between innocence and corruption, and many of those find themselves tempted to take up even darker expressions of magic.
One thing common to nearly all users of Shadow magic is a tendency to be altered by its nature, to become more comfortable in the twilit hours and darkness, while shunning the light. Silhouettes embody this tendency, for they are individuals who have sought to understand Shadow magic in order to abet their criminal activities. Though it is false to assume that all who become silhouettes are drawn to acts of thievery, assassination, or worse, the vast majority are, and the tendency is so widespread that most outsiders paint all followers of this path with the same black brush.
Becoming a silhouette requires knowledge of Shadow magic. It is not enough to learn the mystic words or gestures to walk this gloomy path, however; one must become as shadow, embracing the darkness and rejecting the light. Learning the appropriate magic and achieving the proper state of mind ushers the student into a dark world of flickering shadows that bend to her commands. The gathered shadows can then be used to cloak the character in darkness, to cause her to vanish, or even to coalesce shadows into blots of magical darkness to confound her enemies.
Level 3 Silhouette
Attributes. Increase two by 1
Characterstics. Health +3, Power +1
Languages and Profession. You can speak another language or add a profession to your list of professions.
Magic You discover the Shadow tradition, or you learn one Shadow spell.
Gather Shadows You can use an action to gather a number of shadows equal to 1 + your Power score. You retain these shadows until you expend them or you use this talent again.
Shadow Blend When you are in an area obscured by shadows or darkness, you can use a triggered action to become invisible for 1 minute. If you move or use an action, the effect ends immediately.
Shadow Guard When you are attacked by a creature that can see you, you can use a triggered action to expend a shadow and impose 1 bane on the triggering attack roll.
Shadowed Eyes When you are in an area obscured by shadows or darkness, you can use a triggered action to expend a shadow and gain the darksight trait for 1 minute.
Level 6 Silhouette
Characteristics. Health +3
Magic You learn one spell.
Shadow Dance When you move into a space obscured by shadows or darkness, you can use a triggered action to expend a shadow and teleport to another open space within short range that’s also obscured by shadows or darkness. You do not have to see the target space, and upon your use of this talent, you are made aware of all eligible spaces within this talent’s range.
Level 9 Master Silhouette
Characteristics. Health +3, Power +1
Magic You learn one spell.
Shadow Weapon When you use a weapon to attack a creature while you are obscured by shadows or darkness, you can use a triggered action to expend a shadow and attack the target’s Agility instead of its Defense. Your attack deals 1d6 extra damage.