The character steps into the Shadow Plane and may move for 7 seconds while others are frozen in time. The caster cannot attack or cast spells while in the Shadow Plane. This counts as a level 0 ability. Only Shadowdancers can use it as an innate ability, but other characters can utilize this via the Rod of Shadowstep.
Using this ability counts as a spell with a short casting time, thus it can be interrupted if taking damage while casting.
Creatures immune to the effects of Time Stop are also immune to this ability.
While in the Shadow Plane, the character can still:
- Loot items (including those inside containers)
- Open/close doors
- Activate/deactive devices (eg Lightning Bolt-shooting device at the start of BG2EE, in Irenicus' Dungeon)
- Detect Traps/Illusions
- Have contingencies triggered
Ordinary traps (the ones that can be detected and disarmed via Thief skills) will trigger during Shadowstep, but their effects will only take place after the duration ends. However, other traps, like Skull Trap, Delayed Blast Fireball, Symbol spells (eg Symbol, Stun (wizard)) and Glyph of Warding will completely ignore a character travelling through the Shadow Plane. Moreover, the shadow-stepping creature is able to move safely through harmful areas of effect (eg Cloudkill or Web).
Shadowstep BG:EE