The triad in the Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 animated trailer
The Shadow Triad is a group of three ninja-like Team Plasma subordinates that are only loyal to Ghetsis. They don't appear to have any feelings, which is evident at N's Castle when one of them says a bit about N's Playroom, and says that he doesn't feel anything at all when he goes in there.
In the games
The triad first appears in Pokémon Black and White at Chargestone Cave where Ghetsis instructs them to protect N, they are then seen in Icirrus City and N's Castle. Brycen finds out they're there, confusing the player, Cheren and Bianca. (After getting the Freeze Badge). They always appear to lead players on to the next Team Plasma event, although they never battle the player and all three look identical.
They make one final appearance after the defeat of Team Plasma; when the player has access to the new areas of the Unova region, the trio will appear on the Marvelous Bridge near Nimbasa City and inform the player that Ghetsis has gone off to another region to rethink his plans. Before departing, they gift him/her with the Lustrous Orb, Adamant Orb and Griseous Orb - the three items that power up Palkia, Dialga and Giratina respectively. They explain they gave the player these items as it was their master's wish. They depart, wondering what to do as Ghetsis has relieved them of active duty under him after this task.
In the manga
In the manga
In the Pokémon Adventures manga, they are first shown speaking to Ghetsis.
Trivia
- The Shadow Triad is irrevocably loyal to Ghetsis, because he once saved all three of their lives.
- Their manga appearance is quite similar to the appearance of Mello from the anime/manga series Death Note.