[3.5e] Build help requested

[NightWolf16a]

Dear GitPers,

I am fairly new to D&D, and I need help with a "thematic build," meaning I am not going for the most OP build, but a decently powerful (tier 2 to mid tier 3, I guess) character that sticks to a certain flavor or theme.

So here is the idea:
1) A non-evil character with control over shadow/darkness
2) Uses the darkness power for offensive as well as defensive purposes
3) When I say "uses darkness," I mean materializing darkness as object/weapons/spells/etc. and not simply "I can teleport between shadows to stab ppl with a steel knife"
4) Fairly short-ranged spells, but this one is not a must, at the end of the day

What I have so far:
1) Wu Jen 7/Shadowsmith 10/whatever else X
Intention: Wu Jen is to get Dancing Blade (can't remember for sure which level...), Shadowsmith to make a bunch of shadow weapons, use persisted dancing blade on all of them.
Problem: Shadowsmith... It kinda sucks. I think?
2) Wu Jen 9/Master of the Unseen Hand 4/Shadowsmith 7
Intention: Focusing on the telekinesis spell this time.
Problem: not sure how much better with Unseen Hand in it. Not having shadow-y powers (except dark-looking spells from Wu Jen, I guess) till level 14. Also, shadowsmith, now weaker b/c of level 7.
3) Shadowcaster X/Shadow prestige class X
Intention: Using shadow spells, I guess
Problem: i don't know what I am doiiiiiiiiiiiing! :D
3) Wu Jen or Wizard or Sorcerer X
Intention: Illusion spells, I guess
Problem: i don't know what I am doiiiiiiiiiiiing! :D

That is all, it would be great if you experts can help me out!

tl;dr I wanna use a non-evil character that controls shadows.

[Oko and Qailee]

What I have so far:
1) Wu Jen 7/Shadowsmith 10/whatever else X
Intention: Wu Jen is to get Dancing Blade (can't remember for sure which level...), Shadowsmith to make a bunch of shadow weapons, use persisted dancing blade on all of them.
Problem: Shadowsmith... It kinda sucks. I think?
.

To do this you need to boost your caster level. Since your attack bonus on your floating weapons will be low.

Also Wu Jen wont work. Because it uses Arcane Spells, you ave to increase the spell level of dancing blade from 5 to 11... so you can't do it. What You probably can do is Cleric11(replace some cleric levels with another PRC just for strenght?)/Shadowsmith9

Using Greater Anyspell you can get Dancing Blade, then use DMM persist to persist your Dancing Blade Spell.

Im still thinking more about this.

[Oko and Qailee]

YOu can also do a Gnome Illusionist sorcerer type guy, there's lots of spells that do shadowy things.

http://dndtools.eu/spells/champions-of-ruin--27/shadow-arrow--285/

http://dndtools.eu/spells/complete-arcane--55/shadow-binding--516/

http://dndtools.eu/spells/players-handbook-v35--6/shadow-conjuration--2699/

http://dndtools.eu/spells/players-handbook-v35--6/shadow-conjuration-greater--2700/

The Shadow Conjurations are very useful in that regard