Shadowdancer Shadow Companion Stats

[Alagos]

Hello,

First off, playing Pathfinder.

I'm about to enter a campaign tomorrow, and was not quite sure how to approach the Shadowdancer's summoned shadow in terms of stats.

The entry in the class states that: "this shadow's alignment matches that of the shadowdancer, and the creature cannot create spawn. The summoned shadow receives a +4 bonus on Will saves made to halve the damage from positive channeled energy and the shadow cannot be turned or commanded. This shadow serves as a companion to the shadowdancer and can communicate intelligibly with the shadowdancer. This shadow has a number of hit points equal to half the shadowdancer's total. The shadow uses the shadowdancer's base attack bonus and base save bonuses."

So, going by this, the only thing that changes compared to the bestiary's entry on a Shadow is the HP, BAB, saves and inability to create spawn. Do all other stats/special abilities remain the same, such as its AC, skill bonuses to Perception, Stealth, etc. and its 1d6 strength damage?

Are there any rules on adding templates/variant abilities to companions like this? Is it possible to add say the Distorted Shadow variant (+1 CR) at a cost? If so, what would this cost be?

The entry also states that the Shadowdancer can communicate with the Shadow. Can other players or any creatures for that matter communicate with it? Does it know any languages? Is the communication between dancer and shadow a telepathic link, or does it require speech or gestures? Any rules on this or is it just an RP flavor choice?

And finally, is there any way to improve the stats of this shadow besides simply leveling up and improving my own base stats? Can it wear gear, use magical items, or other weapons?

Cheers

[Chris in Duluth]

OK, why didn't anyone reply to this. I have these very same questions, plus a few more:

How bound and how subservient is this shadow? Is it like a druid's animal companion? Is it like a wizard's familiar? Does it obey commands?

[Psyren]

By RAW it is a standard Shadow (from the Bestiary), with specific modifications (HP, BAB, alignment, communication etc.)

"Serves as a companion" means that you can generally get it to do what you want it to. Ultimate Campaign contains a segment ("Controlling Companions, Familiars and Followers") that can give you a lot more detail on this. Specifically, Shadows have Int 6, meaning they fall under "Sentient Companions" which states:

"A sentient companion (a creature that can understand language and has an Intelligence score of at least 3) is considered your ally and obeys your suggestions and orders to the best of its ability. It won't necessarily blindly follow a suicidal order, but it has your interests at heart and does what it can to keep you alive."

Note also that what is considered "suicidal" to you, may differ greatly from what an incorporeal undead creature that can return to existence 30 days after being destroyed might see that way.