Kageboshi

Kageboshi Imbued with haunting energies of a foreign rite, the layered blade of this shadowy tool is never finished with its victim.

Tier UT
MP Cost 100
On Equip +5 DEF, +5 SPD
Effect(s) Piercing Shots hit multiple targets
Boomerang Shots boomerang
Passes cover Shots pass through obstacles
Shots 4 (arc gap: 8°)
Damage 450–650 (average: 550)
Total Damage 1800–2600 (average: 2200)
Projectile Speed 15 tile(s)/second
Lifetime 0.8 second(s)
Range 6 tiles (true range: 2.35 tile(s))
XP Bonus 8%
Soulbound Soulbound
Feed Power 950
Forging Cost 45 Legendary Material / 120 Rare Material / 135 Common Material / 1560 Forgefire
Dismantling Value 15 Legendary Material / 40 Rare Material / 45 Common Material

Loot Bag Assigned to White Bag
Drops From Garnet Statue
The Keyper

Blueprint Kageboshi Blueprint
Drops From ???

Notes
This star sacrifices its Speedy ability and quite a bit of range for piercing and potentially massive damage that’s stronger the closer you are to targets. Additionally, the extra +5 defense can be beneficial.

Because of its range, it is not as practical as a tiered star would be in situations where you need distance. However, it can be useful when it is difficult to directly hit a specific target due to surrounding minions, like in the Wine Cellar, Cube God, Skull Shrine, Septavius, and clearing dungeon minions, similar to a quiver. It’s also useful for enemies you can afford to get close to, as a point-blank use of the Kageboshi will inflict massive damage to them.

In addition, it’s important to note that the Kageboshi does not have a “held” effect like the Speedy provided by other stars, making it a poor choice for rushing unless you’re confident in your ability to rush through SPD alone, upon which it becomes useful for the passive DEF bonus.

History
On release, the Kageboshi used to be dropped by Daichi the Fallen alongside the Wand of the Fallen. A later update moved the drop to the Jade and Garnet Statues, with Daichi dropping the Orb of Aether in its place.

Prior to Exalt Version 1.5.0.0 (May 2021), this item had a Feed Power of 800, gave +2 DEF and +5 VIT, had 8.4 range, cost 80 MP, dealt 414-506 damage but shot only one star, did not boomerang, and had a held effect which gave speedy. Additionally, it had the description “Imbued with energy from another place, the blade will pierce through any foe.” As well as the following sprite:
Kageboshi (old)

In Exalt Version 2.3.2.0 (June 2022), this item was changed from forge tier A to S (now costing and giving Legendary material to craft).

Before Exalt Version 3.0.0.0 (Aug 2022), this item also dropped from the Jade Statue; it was replaced with the Hama Yumi.

Before Exalt Version 3.3.5.0 (Mar 2023), this item dealt 400-600 damage.

Trivia
Its name roughly translates to “Shadow Star” in Japanese. (影星)

According to the artist of the original sprite, BLOODQWEN, it was originally made to be a projectile and not a Star.