9th level spell Shades

[SolitonMan]

For whatever reason the search function keeps giving me a memory error, so although I'm sure this must have been discussed before I'm posting anyway to try to find an answer in a timely fashion.

I've read a number of threads that discuss the applicability of the magic of the spell Shades, which functions as Shadow Conjuration except that it allows the user to mimic Sorcerer and Wizard conjuration spells of 8th level or lower that are 80% effective on non-believers. My question is whether the fact that Shades doesn't specifically limit its conjuration to conjuration (summoning) and conjuration (creation) - as both Shadow Conjuration and Greater Shadow conjuration do - means that Shades can mimic ANY conjuration spell of the appropriate type.

I'd prefer to see something from an official source (WotC or the PHB authors) if anyone can point me to such. If there's no such ruling, I guess I'll hash it out with my DM. I personally think it makes no sense to use an illusion spell to teleport, but if I knew anything I wouldn't be asking the question here.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[Runestar]

Since it functions just like shadow conjuration, it should be subject to the same limitations, IMO.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

On the other hand, with the Arcane Disciple trick, Shadowcraft Mages can use illusions to cast friggin' Miracle, so if your DM would allow that...doesn't seem as outlandish then.

 

[Jack Simth]

Since it functions just like shadow conjuration, it should be subject to the same limitations, IMO.

Exactly as written, anything covered by the "except" overrides the base spell. If you compare Shades to Greater Shadow Conjouration, you'll note that GSC also inherits from Shadow Conjouration... with the notable bit of interesting bit that GSC repeats the subschool limitation, while Shades doesn't.

Technically, exactly as written, Shades lets you do Teleport as well as, say, Greater Planar Binding.

 

[SolitonMan]

For me the spell looks to be lazily worded. If it's intended to allow the caster to mimic any 8th level or lower sorcerer or wizard conjuration spell, then it would have been very easy to include the word "any" in the spell description between "mimics" and "sorcerer". On the other hand, the fact that greater shadow conjuration specifically includes the subschool limitations gives credence to the idea that it is in fact any spell that was intended.

Well, it's pretty much academic at this point, but thanks everyone for your input!