Shadow Sentinels - Epic or Epic Fail?

[Shreav]

Recently, a friend decided to start a new campaign and asked us all to go off and make characters for it. For once, I was also allowed to give Illumians a go, too.

Jumping on this opportunity, I thought I'd go and pursue an Illumian Warblade/ShadowSentinel, because I read that they work well together due to the synergy of weapon aptitude and morphic blade, and because I really wanted to give Shadow Sentinels a try.

In regards to maneuvers, the most important one is Time Stands Still (Diamond Mind; I read that this is the best discipline because of damage output). This maneuver is 9th level and the only method of acquiring it is by limiting yourself to only 7 levels of Shadow Sentinel, thereby foregoing the enhancement bonuses of +4 and +5. I can understand +5 to an extent, but forgoing +4... I'm not sure. I guess it's nice that it's free and I don't have to buy such a weapon.

I can see some other issues as well. I guess my question for you guys is whether you think that such a multiclass combination is worthwhile or decent? Any suggestions for something else (preferably revolving around Illumians)?

 

[Dandu]

If you want to be a Shadow Sentinel, then great, but I looked it over and it doesn't seem to be that powerful. You might be better served with an ordinary weapon since you can add special abilities to it.

 

[Shreav]

If you want to be a Shadow Sentinel, then great, but I looked it over and it doesn't seem to be that powerful. You might be better served with an ordinary weapon since you can add special abilities to it.

This is exactly what I was thinking. Especially with Martial Discipline Weapon enhancements from ToB on page 148.

Suddenly Shadow Sentinels seem limiting.