Some help with some Shadow spells for a Shikamaru like character

[Sonicmixer]

So one of the players in the game I'm running is creating a Fetchling Shadow Caller loosely based the character Shikamaru from the anime Naruto. I'd like to help him by finding or creating some spells to suitably mimic Shikamaru's Shadow abilities.

For this characters signature ability "Shadow Possession" I felt that the Wizard ability Binding Darkness (Sp) fit pretty well though it doesn't allow the caster to move the person like the ability in the anime. Would this ability as written be strong enough as a first level spell? I kinda felt like it might be a bit weak due to its duration.

Beyond the above would anyone have any suggestions for spells that use shadows to cause one or more opponents to become trapped/stuck, choked, and even force a subject to copy the casters exact movements? If not I'm open to creating some custom spells and would just appreciate some help making them balanced.

[cavernshark]

Sonicmixer wrote:

So one of the players in the game I'm running is creating a Fetchling Shadow Caller loosely based the character Shikamaru from the anime Naruto. I'd like to help him by finding or creating some spells to suitably mimic Shikamaru's Shadow abilities.

For this characters signature ability "Shadow Possession" I felt that the Wizard ability Binding Darkness (Sp) fit pretty well though it doesn't allow the caster to move the person like the ability in the anime. Would this ability as written be strong enough as a first level spell? I kinda felt like it might be a bit weak due to its duration.

Beyond the above would anyone have any suggestions for spells that use shadows to cause one or more opponents to become trapped/stuck, choked, and even force a subject to copy the casters exact movements? If not I'm open to creating some custom spells and would just appreciate some help making them balanced.

Get the Blood of Shadows player companion. It's got everything you could want. I have a melee combat mesmerist based loosely on this concept.

Shadow Trap - Level 1 - good early shadow possession
Shadow Anchor - Level 2, Race Spell (Wayang) - good early shadow possession
Shadow Barbs - Level 4
Masochistic Shadow - Level 5 -- good shadow stragulation

You could also invest in feats to make Darkness spells entangle, via Shadow Grasp. It's feat intensive though.

You can also use Shadow Enchantment, Shadow Conjuration, and Shadow Evocation to mimic the right spells. ex. Shadow Enchantment could be used to create a Shadow Hold Person.

[Dastis]

3.5 import some spells from spell compendium

For 3p try Encyclopedia Arcana: Illusionism, Smoke and Mirrors. It has a whole chapter on shadow magic along with a large list of shadow spells

[Daw]

Ascension Games "Path of Shadows" may be useful to you. It is a well put together product.