Ninja's shadow clone

[Flatliner]

I was looking for an official ruling how how shadow clone work? I assume it work exactly the same as mirror image.

Shadow Clone (Su): The ninja can create 1d4 shadowy duplicates of herself that conceal her true location. This ability functions as mirror image, using the ninja's level as her caster level. Using this ability is a standard action that uses up 1 ki point.

Mirror Image
School illusion (figment); Level bard 2, sorcerer/wizard 2
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
Range personal
Target you
Duration 1 min./level

This spell creates a number of illusory doubles of you that inhabit your square. These doubles make it difficult for enemies to precisely locate and attack you.

When mirror image is cast, 1d4 images plus one image per three caster levels (maximum eight images total) are created. These images remain in your space and move with you, mimicking your movements, sounds, and actions exactly. Whenever you are attacked or are the target of a spell that requires an attack roll, there is a possibility that the attack targets one of your images instead. If the attack is a hit, roll randomly to see whether the selected target is real or a figment. If it is a figment, the figment is destroyed. If the attack misses by 5 or less, one of your figments is destroyed by the near miss. Area spells affect you normally and do not destroy any of your figments. Spells and effects that do not require an attack roll affect you normally and do not destroy any of your figments. Spells that require a touch attack are harmlessly discharged if used to destroy a figment.

Since the text shown for shadow image is vague, it says use the ninja's level as the caster level. That being said, wouldn't you use as it as the mirror image spell seeing that two parts of it require caster level? I've Run into instances where GMs let use it like MI and get my 1d4+X, where others only let me get 1d4 because of the vague text. The other part of this which is confusing is that SI say refer to MI, so why would I only take the part of the spell that states caster level for duration and not take the part that say add +1 clone for every three caster levels?

Is the reason they put the vague text for shadow image and the link for mirror image on it is so you just use the same spell?

Anyone, preferably a high ranking official, that could clear this up would be much appreciated!

[Drakkiel]

My GM (and I agree with him) puts it like this...

You only get the 1d4 clones...it specifically states the number you get BEFORE it mentions the way it works, it calls out your "ninja level" as "caster level" for the Duration of the spell, so a ninja 10 would have 10 minutes of shadow clone (unless they are destroyed before that)...it calls out the WAY the spell works so you know the mechanics

If it were meant to be used in ALL ways like Mirror Image then it would simply state that and not the part prior about ONLY getting 1d4 clones

Take another ninja trick for example...

Quote:

Vanishing Trick (Su): As a swift action, the ninja can disappear for 1 round per level. This ability functions as invisibility. Using this ability uses up 1 ki point.

This mentions Invisibility but only as to how it "functions", giving you the mechanics of what happens to your character when using the trick...but unlike the spell you activate as a swift and it only last one round per level instead of the 1min/lvl that the spell lasts

Hope this helps