Shadow Form is a High-level class ability usable by Shadowdancer only.
High-level class abilities were added as a new feature to the BG game with the release of the Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal expansion and are also included in the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition as well. The Shadowdancer kit was first added to the game in the enhanced edition release.
Description[]
| “ | Shadow Form This ability temporarily transposes some of the user's tissue with shadow-material, making the subject partially incorporeal. For the next 5 rounds, all physical attacks directed against the Shadowdancer only deal 50% of their normal damage. During this time, the Shadowdancer is also under the effects of Improved Invisibility and cannot be directly targeted by spells. |
” |
Gameplay[]
This ability is accessed from the character's "Special Abilities" button, select the button icon with the cursor (or F12 on a keyboard) to open the menu - use the cursor again and click on the desired ability icon or use one of the designated F-keys if playing with a keyboard interface.
When the ability is used, a brief 3D graphic effect and color glow renders on the Shadowdancer, and an icon (No. 147) titled "Hardiness" is shown on their portrait - a sound effect is audibled when the ability is initiated, and another when the duration expires.
For five rounds, the Shadowdancer is bestowed with the following effects:
- A transparency fade and Improved Invisibility.
- A 50% physical damage resistance modifier versus crushing, slashing, piercing and missile damage.
This ability cannot be dispelled or removed, however, a divination attack such as Invisibility Purge, Oracle, or True Seeing that "cures" invisibility will still expose the thief.
The damage resistance is additive with other sources of Physical damage resistance - see the link for sources.
Trivia[]
The Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset doesn't provide any High-level class abilities as implemented by the BG video game - the HLA's seen in the game are a creation by the developers for the video game series only - however some inspiration was provided to the BG developers from the following sourcebook material:
In 1995 under the Advanced D&D 2.5 ruleset the Dungeon Master Option: High Level Campaigns sourcebook was released. In chapter 7, High-Level Characters and Skills for High-Level Characters is sectioned for Warriors, Wizards, Priests, and Rogues.
It is from these rules and optional suggestions that the developers crafted their own High-Level Skills - or "abilities" as they are called in the game.
In terms of Shadow Form - the sourcebook has no such skill mentioned.