Shadow Form

This condition marks those who have adapted gracefully to the Shadowfell. Shadow form is usually beneficial and even coveted, since the affected person can stay in the Shadowfell or the Material Plane without risk. It can be achieved naturally by wise individuals, or obtained by an expensive ritual.

Causes

The condition might be obtained by spending a long time in the Shadowfell. For humans, it usually takes 5 consecutive years, or up to 10 non-consecutive years; larger creatures take more time. Once this time is up, the creature makes a Wisdom saving throw (DC 20). On a success, they gain a shadow form. On a failure, nothing happens.
It can also be granted by the Shadow Form (Ritual) spell.

Shadow Form (Ritual)

7-level Necromancy (ritual)

Casting Time 1 Hour

Range Touch

Duration Instantaneous

Components V, S, M

Materials a black opal worth at least 1,000 gp, which the spell consumes

You touch a willing creature that is not a shadow creature. That creature gains a Shadow Form, which makes them immune to further Shadowfell Influence.
The target becomes temporarily shadowy, gaining a +4 bonus to Stealth checks. While outside of the Shadowfell, the target takes a -4 penalty to attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks besides. Every time the target finishes a long rest outside of the Shadowfell, the penalty is reduced by 1 until it disappears. The bonus to Stealth is also reduced in this way.

Class(es): Wizard

Symptoms

Creatures with shadow form look lightly different, like a living high-contrast photo, but only while in the Shadowfell or viewed through darkvision. They also have less of a primal fear of falsified creatures.

Treatment

Shadow form can be removed if it's specifically targeted by Greater Restoration, and only if the target is willing. It may be contracted again.

Prognosis

If a creature receives a shadow form through a ritual, they have trouble functioning outside the Shadowfell for a while. They feel weak and tired without a connection to ambient shadows, but this effect goes away with a few days' rest.
As long as a creature has a shadow form, they're completely protected from other forms of Shadowfell Influence.

Type

Magical

Parent

Shadowfell Influence