As it currently stands, the shadow theme is rarely used, and there's nothing much compelling throughout the summoning tiers in variation. They all have the same abilities, appearance and stats with vague adjustments and a chunk of HP added throughout the levels. As a frequent user of this theme, I propose that the appearance size of the shadows are scaled by 20% per spell circle to distinguish their efficiency, and allow them some manner of spell-like ability as they reach high levels. Darkness, aura of menace, blindness & deafness etc. It's a blank class in need of flavour imo.
This was just plucked out of my mind, so constructive criticism, hm?
I agree that this theme could use some variety, although upon the higher tier summons they do make use of spells.
The higher level shadows do gain special abilities that lower level shadows don't. Very, very potent abilities at that which are hard to resist. I think they're pretty good considering their abilities, concealment and incorporeal nature. A darkness on the 5th circle one like on the 5th circle illusion would be cool though.
Regardless, the lower ones remain somewhat unefficient. Two 5th circle shadows won't be that much against a vast array of another theme. I think that they could be given minor illusional/necromantic spells to have a more interesting role in combat instead of a huge sloppy mob of useless ganking.
aren't all summons just mass ganking?
If you drop darkness on shadows, I'm pretty sure they react in the same way most summons do... falling over themselves in AI confusion.
I think it would be nice if summoned shadows came with ultravision.
What MrGrendel said. And after considering the mechanics as they were the last time I used this theme, that wouldn't really be overpowering.
As for the question of nuance, it's always nice, but as I understand it several other themes also suffer from this issue if you want to call it that. The fact that you are summoning shadows in itself allows great use of emotes to make things awesome.