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Shadowdancer (Thief Kit)

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

Advantages

  • +10% to Hide in Shadows and Move Silently.
  • Hide in Plain Sight: may hide in shadows even while being observed.
  • May use Shadowstep once per day, gained at level 5, +1 use every 5 levels.
    • Shadowstep: Lets the Shadowdancer step into the Shadow Plane and move for 7 seconds while others are frozen in time. Cannot attack or cast spells while on the Shadow Plane.
  • Slippery Mind: +1 bonus to Saving Throws.

Disadvantages

  • Alignment restricted to any non-lawful.

  • –1 to backstab multiplier compared to an unkitted Thief:

    Level Backstab multiplier
    1–4 ×1 (no multiplier)
    5–8 ×2
    9–12 ×3
    13+ ×4

  • If 3E Sneak Attack is enabled, sneak attacks progress at a slower rate:

    • Level 1–5: +1d6
    • Level 6–11: +2d6
    • Level 12–17: +3d6
    • Improves by +1d6 every 5 levels, up to +6d6 at level 30.
  • Crippling strikes (if 3E enabled) also slower:
    • Level 6–11: –1
    • Level 12–17: –2
    • Level 18–23: –3
    • Level 24–29: –4
    • Level 30: –5
  • 20 skill points per level (30 at level 1) in thieving skills.
  • May not use Set Snare.
  • Prime Requisites for Dual-Classing: Strength, Dexterity, Charisma.

When to pick it

  • Hide in Plain Sight is unique — backstab repeatedly mid-combat without retreating to break line of sight.
  • Shadowstep is effectively a time-stop mobility tool — reposition or escape during dangerous encounters.

Source: iwdee/original_manuals/IWDEE - Mastering Melee & Magic.pdf — "Shadowdancer (Thief Kit)".