Shadow Stalker

 

Deep within the annals of rogues' lore lies a secretive and enigmatic path known as the Shadow Stalker. These rogues are the embodiment of the whispers that lurk in the darkness, manipulating the very essence of shadows to their advantage. Born in the realms where fear takes root, Shadow Stalkers are adept at exploiting the primal instincts of their adversaries, using their mastery of shadows to inflict dread and chaos.

Shadow Stalkers are marked by their ability to commune with the unseen world, forging an unbreakable bond with their own shadow. This connection allows them to summon forth a spectral companion, an extension of their very being that dances on the fringe between the material and shadows realms. In combat, this shadow companion becomes an extension of their will, striking foes with chilling precision and an aura of lingering fear.

The path of the Shadow Stalker is not for the faint of heart, for it requires delving into the depths of darkness and embracing the primal fears that haunt the corners of mortal minds. But for those who dare to tread this path, the power to manipulate shadows and incite terror becomes a formidable weapon, making them a force to be reckoned with in the realm of shadows and secrets.

Animate Shadow

3rd-level Shadow Stalker feature

At 3rd level, you gain the ability to magically conjure a shadow duplicate of yourself using a Bonus Action. This shadow materializes in an empty space you can see within 15 feet of you and remains until it is dispelled by you as a Bonus Action, destroyed, or until you become unconcius. The shadow resembles you and is the same size as you. It has an Armor Class of 12 + your proficiency bonus, 1 hit point, and it's unaffected by any conditions. When the shadow needs to make a saving throw, use your saving throw bonus; for skill checks, apply your modifiers. The shadow doesn't impede movement and shares your speed. It must remain within 30 feet of you; if it moves farther by the end of its turn, it dissipates.

When you're in dim light or darkness, the shadow gains advantage on Stealth and Sleight of Hand checks. Additionally, the shadow is treated as an ally for the purpose of sneak attack.

While taking the Attack action on your turn, each attack you make can originate from either your position or the shadow's. You can decide separately for each attack. If a creature within 5 feet of the shadow moves away by at least 5 feet, you can use your reaction to perform an opportunity attack against that creature as though you were in the shadow's location.

You can also use a bonus action to command the shadow to use its reaction for one of the following tasks:

1. Perform a simple action like opening a door, pulling a lever, disarming a trap, picking a lock, or retrieving an item.
2. Take the Hide action.
3. If you're within 30 feet of your shadow, you can magically swap places with it, but this movement consumes 15 feet of your own movement. This effectively teleports you to the shadow's location.

Mark from the Obscure

3rd-level Shadow Stalker feature

Using a bonus action, you can command your shadow to launch an attack using your stats. This attack doesn't inflict damage but applies 1 Shadow Mark to the target; scoring a critical hit bestows 2 Shadow Marks. When a creature starts its turn with a Shadow Mark, it takes 1d4 psychic damage per mark, up to a maximum of 3 marks.

You can harness the accumulated marks within 30 feet in the following ways:

• As a reaction during your Sneak Attack, expend up to your proficiency bonus in marks to amplify damage. Each mark spent inflicts 1d12 psychic damage.
• As a Bonus Action you can spend marks as a bonus action to heal yourself, rolling a d4 for each mark expended.
• As a Bonus Action you can expend all marks on a creature to compel them to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 10 + proficiency bonus + Constitution modifier + consumed marks). On a failure, they take 1d12 psychic damage per mark and become frightened; a successful save halves the damage.

Dark Infusion

9th-level Shadow Stalker feature

Upon reaching 9th level, when you successfully execute a sneak attack, you now automatically leave a Shadow Mark on the target. The maximun number of Shadow Marks that a creature can have increases to 6. 

Shade Connection

9th-level Shadow Stalker feature

At 9th level, Through your connection to the shadows, you can temporarily transfer your consciousness to your shadow. By using an action, you can perceive the world through the eyes of your shadow and hear through its ears. However, while using this ability, you are both deafened and blinded. This heightened sensory state can be maintained for up to 10 minutes and can be terminated at any moment without requiring an additional action. Importantly, the echo can move as far as 1,000 feet from you during this period without being obliterated.

While in this ethereal state, the shadow takes on a flawless replica of your appearance. Observers can spend an action to scrutinize the shadow with an investigation check against a DC of 10 + your proficiency bonus + your dexterity bonus.

Veil of Darkness

13th-level Shadow Stalker feature

Upon reaching 13th level, you gain the "Veil of Darkness" feature. When you utilize your Uncanny Dodge reaction to reduce damage, you have the ability to swiftly meld into the shadows. As part of the same reaction, you can instantly exchange positions with your shadow, effectively using it as a conduit to retreat into obscurity.

Shade Legion

17th-level Shadow Stalker feature

At the pinnacle of your abilities, whenever you employ a bonus action to manifest a shadow, your mastery over the shadows allows you to conjure two shadows simultaneously. These shadows can coexist harmoniously, expanding your presence and capabilities. If you attempt to create a third shadow, the prior two shadows are dissolved.

Notably, any action you're capable of performing from one shadow's position can be executed with equal effectiveness from the other's location. You can command both shadows with a single Bonus Action. This duality grants you unparalleled flexibility and strategic advantage, showcasing your profound control over the shadowy forces at your disposal.