Questiom about Shadows

[Nappy]

Do shadows absorb attacks from mobs that deal damage to the whole prty? Was wondering if nin is good for anything but having a war sub and tanking?

[Avoklex]

Depens really, stuff like aga spells, it is crap for them. all -aga spells go through shadows ><

[Tirrock]

NIN was designed to be like a RNG with enfeebles. They can do some impressive damage with /BLM and elemental jujitsu too. Although I don't know how the san nukes compare to a NIN in damage dealing gear at 75. The throwing weapons NIN gets are pretty pricey, but they're pretty impressive damage. And the throwing "sweet spot" is within melee range, so you don't have to run forward to use your TP. But a NIN can't throw forever, since there's a lack of cheap high level throwing weapons for them.

To answer your question... It blocks some AoE attacks, but only for you. Some go through the shadows, do damage to you (and everybody), and then strip the shadows. (Giant's Grand Slam for example.) Some take away a certain amount of shadows and don't damage you if you have enough, but it still hits everybody else without utsusemi. (Doll's Typhoon.) Others do damage to you, but don't take away shadows. (Crab's Bubble Shower.)

Edit: At low levels, NIN can do some good damage just by gearing yourself up right. The last party I was in as NIN (last tuesday), I was doing the most damage in the group just because I have a ton of ATK gear from MNK that I could use on NIN.