Shadowbinding, once called Spiritbinding, is the art of temporarily connecting one's awareness or will to that of another creature or person. It may allow the user to borrow senses, influence actions, or, in extreme cases, compel another.

Despite its name, Shadowbinding is not inherently a Shadow art. Intent and method determine its character.

Benevolent Shadowbinding

A magic-user with Elder Race blood may briefly bind with an animal to borrow its senses—for example, to see over a ridge through a bird's eyes. The working should be gentle, purposeful, brief, and followed by release.

Shadowbinding of Sentient Beings

Binding the senses or will of a sentient being is significantly more difficult and costly. It requires explicit player agreement, agreement on the extent and duration, and acceptance of the consequences by all involved. The deeper the binding, the greater the drain on the Binder.

Coercive Shadowbinding

Forcing a binding upon an unwilling sentient being is a violation of both the game rules and the Threefold Rule. Shadowbinding another player's character without permission is godmodding.

Shadowbinding and Dreamwalking

Dreamwalking influences the dream. Shadowbinding reaches the senses, will, or spirit. The two disciplines are not interchangeable.