You conjure a shadow mastiff (see Tome of Beasts) from the Shadow Realm. This creature obeys your verbal commands to aid you in battle or to seek out a specific creature.The mastiff is friendly to you and your companions. Roll initiative for the mastiff; it acts on its own turn. It obeys simple, verbal commands from you (giving a command takes no action on your part), within its ability to act.The mastiff disappears when it drops to 0 hit points or when the spell ends.