The Strange Bestiary
Spirits of the ancient dead, drenched with aeons of immersion in the umbral sea beyond the sight of mortals, shadowcasters seep out of nightmares and into Gloaming. They do not take the side of Law or Chaos, however. Rather, they prey upon either, seeking to enslave and feed upon both werewolves and vampires.
Shadowcasters are shadowy humanoids of very little substance. References in ancient tomes suggest that they are the spirits of the sorcerers who originally created vampires and werewolves in antediluvian times.
Motive: Subjugate creatures of the night
Environment (Gloaming | Magic): Anywhere, usually with at least one subjugated werewolf or vampire
Health: 15
Damage Inflicted: Moderate wound (5 points)
Movement: Short
Modifications: Stealth as level 7 (level 9 in dim light); Intellect and Speed defense as level 6.
Combat: Shadowcasters can shape shadows and darkness to create vague illusions within immediate range, such as a shadowy figure of a man or beast. Their touch chills the body and soul of any that come too close. At the cost of 1 point of health, they can expand the effect so it deals damage to all within immediate range.
These beings can also tap into the darkness that a creature might harbor in its soul. While in theory this could work on a variety of beings, even a particularly awful human, it specifically works on vampires and werewolves in Gloaming. It's worth noting that this works on any vampire or werewolf due to their nature—it's not a matter of being "evil." A shadowcaster can use the darkness to mentally enslave such a being within immediate range, completely controlling its actions if it cannot resist the mental effect.
Once subjugated, in addition to doing anything the shadowcaster wishes, a vampire or werewolf within short distance reduces the difficulty of a shadowcaster's actions by one step. However, the vampire or werewolf suffers 3 points of damage whenever this advantage comes into play (and this damage cannot be restored except through magic), so the subjugated creatures quickly become drained-out husks. A shadowcaster can issue commands at long range and can subjugate one creature for every two levels it possesses (so a typical level 5 individual can subjugate two creatures).
Shadowcasters do not allow themselves to be put at serious risk and flee in the face of real danger. As an action, a shadowcaster can cast a spell to teleport from one area deep in darkness to another within 10 miles (16 km). At a cost of 1 point of health per creature, they can take willing creatures with them (such as beings they have subjugated).
Interaction: Shadowcasters are unwilling conversationalists, but they are intelligent and capable of whispery speech.
Use: Even vampires and werewolves have creatures they fear. Every time one believes she is an apex predator, something else comes along
GM Intrusion: The character attacking the shadowcaster misses and loses track of it in the shadows. The shadowcaster is still nearby, but the PC isn't certain where.