As two actions, you call forth a Shadow, Shadow Mastiff, or Specter to appear in an unoccupied space of dim light or darkness you can see within 20 meters. The creature has no mana or stamina dice, but you can infuse it with mana, ki, or stamina dice by expending mana up to your mana limit or ki up to double your mana limit. For each mana or 2 ki you expend, the creature gains 1 mana or 2 stamina dice. The creature is friendly to you and your companions and disappears when it drops to 0 health or when the spell ends.

When it attacks, make a melee spell attack in place of its attack, but retain the damage and other effects.

If you call forth a Shadow it does not reduce a target’s Strength.

Any creature you animated with this spell acts after your turn. You can mentally command the creature if it is within 20 meters of you (if you control multiple creatures, you can command any or all of them at the same time, issuing the same command to each one). The creature(s) will generally follow any specific verbal commands that you issue to them if the likely outcome is in accordance with its desires (no action required by you). For example you may command it to guard a particular chamber or corridor, explore the room ahead, or to attack a specific creature. If you don't issue any commands, they defend themselves from hostile creatures, but otherwise take no actions.

Augment

• You can expend one additional mana to call forth another Shadow or Shadow Mastiff.

• You can expend 1 additional mana to call a Shadow Mastiff Alpha or Wraith. If you call forth a Wraith it does not reduce a target’s maximum health. You can call one additional creature for every two additional mana expended.