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Aura strong conjuration; CL 20th; Slot none; Weight 5 lbs.



The Shadowstaff makes the wielder slightly shadowy and incorporeal, granting him a +4 bonus to AC and on Reflex saves (which stacks with any other bonuses). However, in bright light (such as that of the sun, but not a torch) or in absolute darkness, the wielder takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saves, and checks. The Shadowstaff also has the following powers.

  • Shadow Bolt: Three times per day, the staff can project a ray attack that deals 10d6 points of cold damage to a single target. The shadow bolt has a range of 100 feet.
  • Shadow Form: Three times per day, the wielder can become a living shadow, with all the movement powers granted by the gaseous form spell.
  • Summon Nightshade: Once per month, the staff can summon a nightcrawler nightshade that serves the wielder as if called by a summon monster IX spell cast at 20th level.
  • Summon Shadows: Three times per day, the staff may summon 2d4 shadows. Immune to turning, they serve the wielder as if called by a summon monster V spell cast at 20th level.


The Shadowstaff fades away to nothingness if it is exposed to the sunlight of Nirvana for a continuous 24-hour period.



  • Revised Relic: The Shadowstaff offers its user a host of sinister abilities, but does not intrinsically threaten good-aligned users. GMs should decide for themselves the moral implications of using an artifact that relies on such tortured souls for its powers.
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