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Shadowdancer (Thief Kit)

Shadowdancers can harness the power of magic to increase their stealth abilities. Enigmatic and dangerous, these uniquely skilled Thieves blend seamlessly into the shadows in ways that a normal Thief cannot, striking without warning — sometimes with supernatural speed.

Advantages

  • Hide in Plain Sight — may Hide in Shadows even while being observed.
  • May cast Shadowstep once per day every 5 levels:
    • Steps into the Shadow Plane and moves for 7 seconds while others are frozen in time.
    • Cannot attack or cast spells while in the Shadow Plane.
  • Slippery Mind: +1 bonus to saving throws.

High-Level Abilities

  • Shadow Form — for 5 rounds, physical attacks deal only 50% of normal damage; under Improved Invisibility; cannot be directly targeted by spells.
  • Shadow Maze — enemies within 10 feet save vs. Spell at –4 or be mazed.
  • Shadow Twin — creates a duplicate at 60% level and 60% HP with all the Shadowdancer's abilities, lasting 2 turns.

Disadvantages

  • Alignment restricted to any non-lawful.
  • –1 Backstab multiplier:
    • Level 1–4: ×1 (no multiplier)
    • Level 5–8: ×2
    • Level 9–12: ×3
    • Level 13+: ×4
  • May only distribute 15 skill points per level (30 at level 1) among thieving skills.
  • May not use Set Snare ability.
  • Prime Requisites for Dual-Classing: Strength, Dexterity, Charisma.

When to pick it

  • Hide in Plain Sight is unique in the game — the Shadowdancer can re-stealth mid-fight to reset stealth-only abilities.
  • Pair with Assassin or Stalker in the party to cover the missing Backstab capacity.

Source: bg2ee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_2_ee_mastering_melee_and_magic.pdf — "Shadowdancer (Thief Kit)".