Shadow Creatures

Shadow Creatures
Level	5
School1	Summoning
Source(s)	Book of Dreams Book of Summonings
Casting noise	4
Spell noise	0

This spell weaves a creature from shadows and threads of Abyssal matter. The creature thus brought into existence will recreate some type of creature found in the caster's immediate vicinity. The spell even creates appropriate equipment for the creature, which are given a lasting substance by their firm contact with reality.

Shadow Creatures is a Summonings spell with context-sensitive results. Regardless of spell power, casting it will generate one monster or one group of monsters appropriate for the current level. Whatever arrives will last for roughly 20 turns. The duration of the summoned creatures is dependent on their hit dice, so bigger creatures will last longer. Monsters normally generated with equipment are given summoned versions of their weapons and armour which disappears with them. Despite the flavor text, any equipment of summoned monsters will dissipate into smoke on their death (or sooner for thrown missiles).

Monster version

The monster version of this spell summons 1d(1 + hit dice/5) monsters or groups.

The following monsters can cast Shadow Creatures:

• Boggarts
• Giant orange brain
• Shadow demon
• Test spawner
• Blue Death

Sample results

• In the Dungeon, results can be extremely varied due to the very broad range of possible monsters you can encounter. For example, on D:12 it might produce a band of ogres including an ogre mage... or it might produce a single hobgoblin.
• In The Lair, this can produce anything from a single plant to a herd of death yaks.
• In the Orcish Mines, it usually produces a group of orcs, possibly including warriors, priests, and sorcerers. Trolls and ogres are possible though.
• In the Swamp, it can spawn a single friendly plant or a pack of slime creatures.
• In the Snake Pit, it often summons a pack of nagas, which can include mages and warriors, or a single snake, anaconda, viper, or black mamba.
• In the Vaults, it produces anything from Cyclopes and packs of Ogres to packs of ugly things (including very ugly things) and deep troll skeletons.
• In the Realm of Zot, it tends to summon dragons, electric golems, "friendly" moths of wrath, entire bands of draconians, and even occasional orbs of fire. It is absurdly powerful there, even if you can hardly cast it. Be aware that moths of wrath may berserk orb guardians, which can lead to a nasty death for the unwary.
• It is nearly useless in places that have weak "random encounters" but very strong special encounters, such as Hell, The Tomb, and the last level of The Vaults.

History

In 0.10, the duration of Shadow Creatures summons was reduced.