The Shadow "knows"

[Kelmadics]

For all I know, however, the behavior of the Master can be influenced.

I have just recently started playing D2, but my favoite character is the assassin. One thing that i have noticed is with my shadow master is that if you keep the same shadow master for a couple of acts it starts to mimic you more and more. The shadow master starts off using a little bit of everything but as time progresses it seems to start refining the moves and starts to copy what you do if possible. I have had a shadow master last from act one to act four, in act four it was dropping a cloak of shadow, followed by death sentry and then leaps into the battle using a combination of cobra strike, and phoenix strike charge-ups ,and dragon claw as a finish move.

Although this may not mean much as i don't have the experience, but i think that you can "teach" the shadow master various strategies and build it's synergies, but it does take a long time to do so.