Shadows were an enemy class introduced and appearing only in Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain. Consisting of a dark spots on the ground that could expand into humanoid form to attack, the Shadows were often found in dark or underground locations where they were able to swarm unsuspecting victims. They were some of the weaker enemies encountered by Kain but their numbers and ambush tactics made them dangerous foes.
Shadows were an enemy classification appearing in Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain where these creatures were encountered by Kain on his quest to restore the Pillar of Nosgoth . They typically manifested as dark spots on the ground resembling ordinary shadows, but when approached they would rise up into humanoid forms to strike an attack. They could also be summoned by other enemies classes such as Necromancers to attack on their behalf - an association which implied that the shadows were a form of undead creature, however they bore Blue blood which was more closely linked to ghosts and spirits.[Blood Omen][Blood Omen strategy guide][1]
They often attacked in numbers which could easily overwhelm targets and obstruct progress, with their ambush tactics making them foes to be particularly wary of. Despite this, they were fairly weak enemies with only 8 health points and 10 attack points, but their tactics could prove a hazard, particularly around other obstacles and if respawned by summoners.[Blood Omen][Blood Omen strategy guide][1]
The Shadows are listed alternatively as "shadows" and "shadow spots" in the official strategy guide. Other internal classifications list them as"shado"[Blood Omen][Blood Omen strategy guide]. Fan guides are generally consistent with the shadow naming convention.[1][2][3]
The Shadows are not seen in further games, however they do seem to be closely linked to the Shades seen in Soul Reaver 2 and Legacy of Kain: Defiance which could be seen as the same class or a development of the concept. Shades and shadows bore a similar etymology - implying a darkened area absent of direct sunlight, both visibly appeared to represent a shadowy vaguely humanoid form, both appeared to be vaguely linked to the undead and spectral souls, and both were known to be summoned by other necromantic related characters.[Soul Reaver 2][Defiance]
Enemies - Evil Spirits at the Blood Omnicide site
