Shadow Conjuration

[Rae ArdGaoth]

Can anybody tell me why this spell is any good? I can spend a 4th level spell slot to cast (at MAX!) a 3rd level spell that might only work not half but a FIFTH as well as just casting the spell. Oh yeah, and it only applies to one school of spells, conjuration. The only possible use I see is casting conjuration spells spontaneously. Be a sorcerer, then! I must be missing something. Please prove me wrong.

 

[Anthraxus]

I think the spell -and Shadow Evocation, as well- are mainly for Illusionists whose prohibited school is Conjuration(or Evocation, in the other case).

 

[sukael]

Because you pick what you want to do when you cast it.

For a sorcerer, getting 20% of damage through all the time may well be better than getting 100% of the damage through most of the time, and then none at all when they come up against a creature immune to their favored element...

 

[Mistwell]

It gives you access to ANY of those spells. If you are a wizard, the spell you want to cast either isn't in your spell book, or you didn't memorize it, and you suddenly need it. If you are a sorceror, then that spell you want isn't in your known spells list.

It's a utility spell. It lets you cast a spell you cannot otherwise cast at that time. Flexibility is often the most powerful thing in this game.

And, since there are so many things that buff those kinds of spells (feats that increase the % reality, prestige classes like Shadowcraft Mage, etc...) it can be quite powerful.